MANILA — A lawmaker believes that Ramil Madriaga’s decision to waive his rights under bank secrecy laws could significantly strengthen his role as a witness if the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte advances to the Senate.
Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V of La Union said Madriaga’s move to open his bank records signals a willingness to subject himself to scrutiny, boosting his credibility as a witness.
According to Ortega, a witness who is transparent about financial records carries more weight, as it allows authorities to verify claims through documented transactions. He emphasized that the waiver enables investigators to trace the flow of funds and validate statements made under oath.
Madriaga earlier testified before the House Committee on Justice, alleging that he was used as a “dummy” in handling large sums of money during the Duterte administration. He claimed that bank accounts were opened in his name without his personal appearance and were used for transactions supposedly linked to intelligence operations.
He also alleged that he was instructed on multiple occasions to collect PHP100 million from a bank in Lubao, Pampanga for delivery to Malacañang, and that manager’s checks were later issued in his name for transfer to a safehouse in Quezon City.
Ortega noted that with the waiver in place, authorities can now examine bank records and financial trails to determine the truth behind Madriaga’s claims.
‘Missing link’ in confidential funds
Meanwhile, Manila 3rd District Representative Joel Chua said Madriaga’s testimony could help clarify unresolved questions about the handling of confidential funds linked to the Office of the Vice President.
Chua explained that previous inquiries stalled after Special Disbursing Officers testified that funds had already been turned over to military officers assigned to the Vice President.
He pointed out that Madriaga’s statements provide a possible continuation of the money trail, potentially identifying where the funds went after leaving government custody.
The lawmaker also raised concerns about the involvement of military personnel, stressing that their role is limited to security and does not include disbursing confidential funds.
Chua reiterated that accountability for such funds lies with agency heads and authorized officers, adding that questions surrounding their use persist even without Madriaga’s testimony.
The House Committee on Justice is currently assessing whether sufficient grounds exist to elevate the impeachment complaints for trial before the Senate.
ia/xf
