Ramil Madriaga, former aide of Vice President Sara Duterte
HOUSE Committee on Public Accounts Chair Terry L. Ridon said Sunday he hopes Ramil Madriaga, former aide to Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, can shed light on the identities behind names like “Mary Grace Piattos” allegedly linked to millions in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).
Ridon stated Madriaga’s testimony could clarify the identities of “Mary Grace Piattos,” “Kokoy Villamin,” and other questionable names flagged as beneficiaries connected to P612 million in confidential funds. He emphasized the need for clarity, especially since Vice President Duterte has not addressed these issues.
Atty. Raymund Palad said Madriaga is prepared to face impeachment proceedings against Duterte and willing to appear before Congress, the Senate, or the Ombudsman if summoned. Palad noted Madriaga is aware of the legal implications of his affidavit and potential summons.
Ridon believes Madriaga, described as an insider familiar with confidential fund handling, could explain how these names appeared in official liquidation documents submitted by the OVP and DepEd to the Commission on Audit (COA). He added that Madriaga’s account could help close gaps in the issue.
The controversial “Mary Grace Piattos” issue was initially flagged by the late former police general and lawmaker Romeo Acop. House Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V also previously highlighted questionable names allegedly benefiting from confidential funds.
Ridon stressed that many flagged names do not match official records from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), raising doubts about the legitimacy of the beneficiaries. He asserted that public funds require public accountability and someone must answer for the creation, approval, and liquidation of these names if they are bogus.
Duterte faced two impeachment complaints last week, citing Madriaga’s claims of transporting large sums of money and allegations of receiving campaign funds from drug lords and POGOs. The complaints have been transmitted to the Office of the Speaker for action.
