Original Source
Philippine House Approves Protective Custody for Witness in Duterte Impeachment
Protective Custody Requested for Witness Ramil Madriaga
On March 25, 2026, the Philippine House Justice Committee approved a motion for the protective custody of Ramil Madriaga, a crucial witness in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno presented an affidavit from Madriaga detailing alleged death threats from former Negros Oriental Congressman Arnie Teves. Diokno emphasized that Madriaga's safety is in jeopardy due to his participation in the impeachment process.
Escalating Threats and Proposed Protections
Diokno highlighted Madriaga's extreme fear for his life and family, including concerns about being poisoned. He cited an incident on March 3, 2026, where a detainee with a pending homicide case attempted to forcibly drag Madriaga into a confined bodega area within the jail. Madriaga also claimed to have heard rumors that Teves wanted him killed. Diokno requested three specific protections: augmented security by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) at Madriaga's current detention facility, secure transport when required to testify, and a safe confinement area during his testimony. This follows confirmation by DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla that Vice President Sara Duterte visited former Congressman Teves in jail on October 19, 2025.
Committee Deliberation and Vote
During the committee's deliberation, Representative Rufus Rodriguez opposed the motion, labeling Madriaga a 'polluted source' facing kidnapping with murder charges. Rodriguez argued that Madriaga is already in a solitary cell, and granting additional protection would be unwarranted. However, Representative Leila de Lima countered that issues of credibility should be addressed during Madriaga's testimony, not at this preliminary stage. The committee ultimately voted 35-1 with zero abstentions to grant the motion for protective custody. The secretariat was instructed to coordinate with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and the Regional Trial Court that ordered Madriaga's detention to ensure the implementation of the protective measures.
*Source: YouTube: ABS-CBN News (2026-03-28)*
