APRIL 16, 2026 — Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp is now in full defensive mode after explosive testimony claimed her office burned through ₱125 million in confidential funds in just 24 hours. The allegation, made by supposed former aide Ramil Madriaga, has electrified the impeachment hearings and stirred public outrage, but Duterte’s lawyers insist the story is pure fabrication.

Madriaga’s testimony before the House justice committee was nothing short of sensational. He claimed that on December 20, 2022, he coordinated with Duterte’s security officers to deliver bags of cash — each containing ₱30 to ₱35 million — to three locations: San Pablo, Laguna; a Quezon City restaurant; and even the parking lot of the Office of the Ombudsman. 

According to him, the entire ₱125 million was gone in a single day.

This directly contradicted earlier reports from the Commission on Audit, which had already raised eyebrows by confirming the Office of the Vice President spent the funds in just 11 days. Madriaga’s version compressed that timeline even further, sparking disbelief and anger among lawmakers and citizens alike.

Duterte’s legal counsel, Atty. Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr., dismissed Madriaga’s claims as “kasinungalingan lahat ’yan” (all lies). He argued that Madriaga was never part of Duterte’s staff and had no involvement in confidential funds. Panelo pointed out that Madriaga’s supposed proof — campaign photos, Zoom meetings, and a birthday greeting video — did not establish any real relationship with the Vice President.

Panelo also accused Madriaga of ulterior motives, citing a Messenger exchange where Madriaga allegedly plotted to become a state witness to avoid jail time. 

“Sinasabi niya doon sa text message na ‘Colonel Nolasco, bumaliktad ka … kasi ako, hindi naman ako makukulong kasi mag-state witness ako,’” Panelo said.

(He said in the text message, ‘Colonel Nolasco, turn against them … because I won’t go to jail since I’ll be a state witness.’)

The impeachment hearings have now become a stage for political theater. On one side, Madriaga’s testimony paints a picture of brazen misuse of public funds. On the other, Duterte’s camp insists it’s a smear campaign orchestrated by political rivals. 

Panelo even suggested that “may taong nasa likod niya … siyempre yung mga kalaban ni VP Sara sa politika” (there are people behind him … of course, the political rivals of VP Sara).

Meanwhile, other details have added to the circus. 

A painting Madriaga claimed to have gifted Duterte was publicly disowned by its actual artist, Tanya Gaisano Lee, who clarified, “I gifted this painting to VP Sara when she was Mayor of Davao City in 2021. Anything stated otherwise is FALSE.”

Why this matters

Confidential funds are taxpayer money, meant for sensitive operations, not for mysterious cash deliveries. Whether Madriaga’s story is true or not, the controversy underscores a bigger problem: the lack of transparency and accountability in how public officials handle confidential funds.

In our country where many families struggle to make ends meet, hearing that ₱125 million could vanish in a single day — without clear documentation — feels like a slap in the face. It raises uncomfortable questions about privilege, power, and the culture of impunity that has long plagued Philippine politics.

This scandal isn’t just about Sara Duterte but about how we, as a nation, demand accountability from our leaders. The impeachment hearings have opened a window into the murky world of confidential funds, and whether or not Madriaga’s testimony holds water, we deserve clarity.

The Duterte camp may call it lies, but the fact remains: the people are watching, and we want answers.

If ₱125 million in taxpayer money can disappear in a day, what else is happening behind closed doors? Makes you wonder, right?

(Image: Inday Sara Duterte | Facebook)