Photo Courtesy: Col. Raymund Dante Lachica
A senior officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has formally disputed allegations made against him in an affidavit, asserting that the claims lack factual and institutional basis.
In a counter-affidavit, Colonel Raymund Dante P. Lachica issued a detailed rebuttal to Ramil L. Madriaga’s statements, challenging key assertions regarding security operations and internal procedures.
Central to Lachica’s response is his categorical denial of Madriaga’s purported links to the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG).
He stated that Madriaga was neither an operative nor an asset, and had no affiliation with any intelligence or security unit under his command.
Lachica said the absence of any operational connection undermines the broader claims outlined in the affidavit, including allegations involving coordinated activities, financial transactions, and access to restricted security functions.
He also refuted claims that his appointment as head of the VPSPG was influenced by external parties, maintaining that his designation followed established military protocols and was based on professional qualifications and service record.
Addressing allegations involving confidential funds, Lachica clarified that such resources are managed through formalized systems and handled by authorized personnel in accordance with institutional procedures.
He rejected descriptions in the affidavit suggesting that funds were handled informally or undocumented.
The conflicting statements have escalated into legal proceedings.
Madriaga’s affidavit is currently being examined in connection with a perjury complaint, which seeks to determine the veracity of the statements made under oath.
Separately, the public circulation of the allegations is also under review in a cyberlibel case, potentially extending legal accountability to individuals who disseminate the claims.
Legal observers noted that the direct contradiction between the affidavit and Lachica’s sworn rebuttal shifts the burden toward substantiating the allegations with evidence.
The case is expected to proceed in appropriate legal forums, where both parties’ claims will be evaluated based on documentation and testimony.
