The Manila Times
MANILA, Philippines — The legal counsel of Vice President Sara Duterte in her perjury case against her alleged bagman said that his handwritten testimony was "pure fiction" and "not even remotely believable," adding that his testimony is "better" for Duterte's defense. Ramil Madriaga claimed in a handwritten letter dated April 11, 2026 but was released to the media last Monday that he was told by former president Rodrigo Duterte that Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would run for the presidency alongside her daughter, but would only be used as a "tool." He also said that he aimed to oust Marcos through extralegal means, including a possiible assassination, and that there was a "term sharing" deal for Vice President Sara Duterte. "His allegations of a secret term-sharing agreement, planned ouster, and assassination plots against PBBM are pure fiction, and not even remotely believable." Salvador Paolo Panelo Jr. said in a statement to The Manila Times. Panelo added that they will be happy to refute "each delusional claim point by point with evidence — something that has eluded all his allegations, past and present," if the need arises. "I have repeatedly said that making Madriaga testify would just reveal his lack of credibility and expose his lies. He has now succeeded in doing exactly that even before uttering a single word under oath in the House Justice Committee," Panelo said. Madriaga is expected to attend the House Justice Committee's impeachment hearing on Tuesday.
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