Ramil Madriaga, former aide of Vice President Sara Duterte
THE House Committee on Justice has directed the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms to enforce heightened security measures for a detained witness tagged as “material and indispensable” in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.
In a March 31, 2026 communication, the panel formally tasked Sergeant-at-Arms Ret. Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Melchor C. Dela Cruz to ensure the protection of Ramil L. Madriaga, who is currently detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City.
The directive stemmed from a petition for protective custody filed by Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno before the committee under the House Rules of Procedure in impeachment proceedings.
“The petition seeks the adequate protection of the House of Representatives for Mr. Ramil L. Madriaga who is presently detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City,” the document read.
The committee underscored Madriaga’s role in the case, stating that he “has been determined to be a material and indispensable witness in the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Z. Duterte.”
The proceedings involve complaints entitled “Fr. Saballa, et al. v. Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte” and “Cabrera v. Vice President Sara Zimmerman Duterte.”
After evaluation, the panel found a basis to grant the request.
“After due evaluation, the Committee finds that the Petition is possessed with merit,” the order stated.
“In view of the credible threats to the life of Mr. Madriaga arising from his participation in these proceedings, the Committee hereby granted the Petition.”
The House then ordered the immediate implementation of specific security measures, placing the responsibility on the sergeant-at-arms and legislative security officials.
These include “the augmentation of Mr. Madriaga’s existing security detail by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI),” as well as “the provision of adequate and sufficient security during his transport to and from the hearings of the Committee on Justice.”
The panel further required “the implementation of appropriate safeguards to ensure his safety, security, and integrity while he is testifying before the Committee on Justice.”
“Strict compliance herewith is required,” the directive emphasized.
Copies of the order will be furnished to jail authorities, a Manila trial court, and the witness’ legal counsel, signaling coordinated security arrangements as the House panel presses forward with its evidence-gathering.
The move highlights the increasing significance of testimonial evidence in the proceedings, with Madriaga expected to play a key role as the committee works toward determining whether sufficient grounds exist to elevate the impeachment case to the Senate for trial.
