Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp is warning that calling alleged bagman Ramil Madriaga to the witness stand could become a risky move for the House prosecution in the ongoing impeachment trial.
Atty. Paolo Panelo, one of Duterte’s lawyers, said he does not expect prosecutors to present Madriaga as a witness, pointing to questions surrounding his credibility. According to Panelo, the defense is prepared to challenge Madriaga’s claims if he is placed under cross-examination.
Madriaga has been linked to allegations involving Duterte’s campaign and confidential funds, but he is also facing two perjury complaints filed by the Vice President over his statements. For the defense, that legal baggage matters: a witness already accused of lying under oath could give Duterte’s lawyers an opening to weaken the prosecution’s case instead of strengthening it.
Panelo’s message cuts straight into the trial strategy. The prosecution may have the burden of proving its allegations, but Duterte’s camp appears ready to turn contested witnesses into liabilities. If Madriaga takes the stand, the defense will not only answer his claims — it will put his credibility on trial too.
At this stage, the issue is no longer just whether Madriaga has something to say. The question is whether the prosecution can afford the damage if his testimony collapses under scrutiny.
Image from Inday Sara Duterte FB