Lawyer Atty. Paolo Panelo, legal counsel for Sara Duterte, rejected claims linking the Vice President to an alleged threat against Ramil Madriaga. Panelo said Sara Duterte has no involvement in any reported attempt on Madriaga’s life and that the Vice President supports calls to ensure the witness’ protection as disputes surrounding his testimony continue.
The issue emerged after a March 4, 2026 letter from the Palad Lauron Palad & Te Law Firm requested the National Bureau of Investigation to verify a reported threat against Madriaga while he was in detention. The letter, addressed to Melvin Matibag, stated that the alleged threat was reportedly made by a fellow inmate and had been thwarted, although the circumstances surrounding the incident remain under verification.
The issue also gained attention online after lawyer Jesus Falcis shared a social media post referencing the alleged threat. In the post, Falcis wrote:
“Mon Tulfo leaks a letter confirming an attempted threat to the life of Rammil Madriaga. Although thwarted, the gov’t should secure him asap because the people have a right to hear directly from him his accusations against Sara Duterte.”
Madriaga previously executed an affidavit claiming he had served as a “bagman” for Sara Duterte in connection with confidential funds. The affidavit has since been cited in political disputes and discussions related to impeachment complaints filed against the Vice President. Sara Duterte later filed a perjury complaint accusing Madriaga of making false statements in his sworn affidavit.
Responding to the allegations, Panelo denied that the Vice President had any role in the reported threat and reiterated that Sara Duterte supports calls for authorities to provide Madriaga additional protection. Panelo said Duterte’s camp wants Madriaga to remain alive and able to testify, adding that they expect him to clarify his allegations and provide further details about his claims.
“We want him alive and in the pink of health because he’s the only one who can admit that he made up his testimony against the Vice President, and point to his handlers,” Panelo said.
Panelo added that if Madriaga maintains his claims, Duterte’s legal team intends to challenge his statements in the proper legal forum and hold him accountable if the allegations are proven false.
