MANILA — A key resource person in ongoing impeachment proceedings has alleged that discussions involving Rodrigo Duterte, Sara Duterte, and their allies included a supposed plan for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to step down by 2025.
In a supplemental affidavit presented before the House Committee on Justice, Ramil Madriaga claimed that the alleged arrangement was relayed to him by Duterte ahead of the 2022 elections.
According to Madriaga, a meeting between Marcos, Senator Imee Marcos, and Duterte led to an agreement that Sara Duterte would run as vice president alongside Marcos, with an understanding that she would assume the presidency midway through the term.
He further alleged that discussions extended to contingency measures should the supposed agreement fail, including efforts to destabilize the administration.
Madriaga said some of the scenarios involved exposing alleged corruption within the government as a precursor to impeachment proceedings. He also claimed that more drastic options were discussed, such as mass resignations, civil unrest, and even violent actions targeting key institutions.
The affidavit also stated that he was allegedly tasked to mobilize various groups, including civic organizations and other sectors, in support of the plan.
Madriaga maintained that his testimony contradicts Vice President Duterte’s earlier denial of any association with him, asserting that her statements were untrue.
The claims form part of the evidence currently being evaluated by the House panel in connection with impeachment complaints against the Vice President, including issues surrounding the use of confidential and intelligence funds.
ia/xf
