A House leader on Friday called on security agencies to ensure the safety of Ramil Madriaga, a key witness whose affidavit is cited in impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte, as proceedings move forward in the House Committee on Justice.
Lanao 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, chair of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, said authorities must guarantee Madriaga’s protection to ensure he can testify if called during the hearings.
“We have to appeal to our security agencies, especially those handling Madriaga, to make sure he is safe and that nothing happens to him,” Adiong told reporters.
He said Madriaga’s sworn statement is cited in portions of the third and fourth impeachment complaints, making his testimony potentially crucial when the panel reaches the stage of presenting witnesses.
“The allegations are very serious, so we have to make sure Madriaga will be available once the committee needs his presence to corroborate his affidavit,” Adiong said.
The lawmaker added that reports of individuals allegedly approaching Madriaga highlight the gravity of the claims raised in his statement.
Adiong also noted that Duterte retains full access to legal remedies as she prepares her defense.
The Justice panel earlier ruled that two impeachment complaints against the Vice President were sufficient in form and substance, allowing the proceedings to advance to the next stage of the constitutional process.
