The sworn affidavit of Ramil Madriaga linking Vice President Sara Duterte to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) and drug dealers are serious accusations, but needed validation, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon recommended the transfer of Madriaga to a difference detention to ensure his safety.
In a message to Manila Standard on Sunday, Justice spokesman Polo Martinez explained that all evidence must first be filed before the DOJ for verification.
“These are serious accusations. However, all evidence must be filed with the DOJ to first be verified along with a proper complaint for us to initiate investigation into the appropriate criminal charges,” he said.
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) described Madriaga’s testimony as “fishing expedition” to create semblance of legitimacy for an investigation.
Gadon said he recalled the Vice President’s tendency to order assassination citing her earlier remarks against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Madriaga, who is currently being detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City, alleged in his affidavit that Duterte’s campaign funds were sourced from POGO and drug dealers.
Yesterday, Sara Duterte described the matter as “another fishing expedition” to create a semblance of procedural legitimacy for an investigation.
However, Gadon defended Madriaga’s statements noting that it is “full of authenticity and truth”.
He added that there were also enough evidence including the issue of confidential and intelligence funds, as well as the OVP’s grossly overpriced procurement of equipment.
“Sara can no longer issue statements of sweeping denial written for her by her employee , mere facetious and hypocritical denial will no longer work. She should quit referring to the people which she psychotically believe are still supporting her,” he said.
While Gadon acknowledges that the DOJ) must first verify all evidence, he stressed that he was calling for the Vice President’s resignation to avoid possible alteration or suppression of evidence.
