By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY — Vice President Sara Z. Duterte denied on Monday, December 22, allegations linking her to a detained individual, saying she has no personal relationship or communication with him and dismissing the claims as baseless.
The vice president issued the statement following public remarks by Ramil Madriaga’s lawyer, Raymund Palad, who alleged that she made two visits to Madriaga’s detention cell at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.
According to the lawyer, the alleged visits were meant to dissuade Madriaga from releasing what was described as an expose involving Duterte’s supposed dealings.
Department of Interior and Local Government Sec. Jonvic Remulla had likewise denied the allegation of the lawyer stressing that it was Arnie Teves that the Vice President not Madriaga.
Duterte categorically denied the claim, saying she has never visited Madriaga in jail, given him instructions, or spoken to him at any time.
She said photographs submitted by Madriaga do not prove any personal connection and were taken during public events where she was present.
Duterte added that the images merely show Madriaga among members of an election campaign group.
The Vice President said Madriaga has failed to present documentary or corroborating evidence to support his accusations. She characterized the allegations as unfounded and repeatedly asserted that they lack a factual basis.
She further stated that Madriaga is facing serious criminal charges and has a prior criminal record. She claimed he is acting out of desperation in an effort to obtain his release from detention.
Duterte also alleged that the accusations are being circulated before government authorities as part of a coordinated attempt to undermine and obstruct her possible presidential bid.
