DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/14 April)– A key witness in the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte claimed he was instructed by then President Rodrigo R. Duterte to obtain money from Chinese businessmen linked to the controversial Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation to fund his daughter’s supposed presidential run in the 2022 elections. During the resumption of the hearing proper of the Committee on Justice of the House of Representatives on April 14, Ramil Madriaga said he was asked to establish a group to support Sara’s candidacy, which his father initially thought was for the Presidency. Madriaga said he formed a group, later registered as the non-profit corporation “Initiative for Social Justice, Innovation and Progress” or ISIP Pilipinas, Inc. The group, later known as “Inday Sara is My President” to her supporters, was funded through contributions from the former President’s friends and supporters. He stated that Lin Wei Xiong, a friend of the former president and a key figure in the multi-billion Pharmally scandal involving government contracts for Covid-19 medical supplies, gave him P175 million. Madriaga recounted meeting a man at the basement parking of Seda Hotel in Quezon City to pick up the money, which was placed inside several large bags and backpacks, with Lin Wei Xiong present during the handover. When the initial funds ran out, Madriaga said he was instructed by PRRD to obtain an additional P100 million from Maestrado Lim, who he met at the Hyatt in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Maestrado Lim is a Chinese businessman and the elder brother of Michael Yang, the former economic adviser to President Rodrigo Duterte. Madriaga also mentioned that Michael Yang provided funds for ISIP, though he did not elaborate further. He added that his engagement with the former President dated back to Duterte’s presidential campaign, with Paranaque 2nd District Representative Roilo Golez introducing his services to Duterte in late 2015 or early 2016. Under Duterte’s presidency, Madriaga served as a counter-intelligence agent for the National Security Council but clarified he was not employed by any government agency and received his salary directly from PRRD. After Sara decided not to run for President, Madriaga continued supporting her through ISIP, later referred to by supporters as “Inday Para sa Ikalawang Pangulo.” (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)
