House Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Mamamayang Liberal Party-list Representative Leila de Lima on Thursday called on authorities to ensure the safety of Ramil Madriaga after Vice President Sara Duterte filed a perjury complaint against him.
De Lima said the development reminded her of earlier cases involving former police officers Arturo Lascañas and Edgar Matobato, who testified about alleged killings ordered by former President Rodrigo Duterte. Their testimonies were later cited in proceedings before the International Criminal Court.
“Kung susuriin ang salaysay ni Madriaga, pareho nga siya kina Lascañas at Matobato na maituturing na ‘insider’– na nakakaalam sa inaakusang mga paglabag ni VP Sara sa paggamit ng confidential funds,” she said.
The lawmaker argued that the filing of a criminal complaint could indicate concern within Duterte’s camp.
“Mula sa ayaw sagutin na alegasyon, ngayon, sinampahan na nila ng kaso. Kaya mukhang kinakabahan na ang kampo ni VP Sara na malalantad na ni Madriaga ang katotohanan sa paglustay ng milyon-milyong confidential funds, tulad ng pagsiwalat nina Lascañas at Matobato,” De Lima added.
De Lima noted that Madriaga’s affidavit has already been included as part of the evidence backing impeachment complaints filed against the Vice President, which the House justice committee recently declared sufficient in substance.
She also expressed alarm over reports regarding Madriaga’s safety while in detention.
“Bukod sa kasong perjury, ayon sa abogado ni Madriaga, may nagtangka sa buhay nya kahapon kung saan sya nakakulong. Sino ang nagtatangka at gustong magpatahimik kay Madriaga?” she asked.
The former senator also urged the public to remain vigilant against misinformation as the impeachment process moves forward.
“At dahil umusad na ang mga impeachment complaints sa pagdeklara sa mga ito ngayong araw na sufficient in substance, maging mapanuri at mulat tayo sa mga magkakalat na naman ng mga kasinungalingan para pagtakpan at ilihis tayo sa tunay na issue,” she said.