Full Breakdown
Allegations of a Plot to Oust President Marcos by Duterte and Associates
4/15/2026, 9:00:42 AM
Testimony of Ramil Madriaga
Ramil Madriaga, a self-identified political organizer and intelligence operative, testified before the House Committee on Justice, alleging that former President Rodrigo Duterte conspired with military generals to unseat President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Madriaga, who is currently incarcerated for kidnapping, made these claims while appearing in handcuffs and a bulletproof vest. He stated that discussions regarding the potential ousting of Marcos began shortly after Duterte's daughter, Sara Duterte, assumed the vice presidency in 2022.
Allegations of Conspiracy
According to Madriaga, Duterte and former military generals discussed various scenarios for removing Marcos from power, including the possibility of Marcos voluntarily stepping down by 2025. Madriaga claimed that during a meeting in November 2021, Duterte mentioned that Marcos would run for president with Sara Duterte as his vice-presidential candidate. However, he alleged that they agreed on a plan to ensure Marcos would serve less than four years of his term, allowing Sara to be eligible for the presidency in 2028.
Madriaga detailed several extreme measures that were considered should Marcos fail to comply with their agreement. These included assassination, mass resignations of government officials, civil disobedience, and armed assaults on the presidential palace. He stated that one of his roles was to recruit various groups, including civil organizations and criminal syndicates, to support these plans.
Political Dynamics and Fallout
The political landscape has shifted since the initial alliance between the Dutertes and Marcos. In May 2023, Vice President Sara Duterte resigned from the Lakas-CMD party, which is associated with Marcos’ cousin, Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. Following this, tensions escalated, with Duterte publicly criticizing Marcos and accusing him of drug use. In response, Marcos suggested that Duterte's comments might be influenced by his own use of fentanyl for pain management.
Madriaga's testimony has been viewed as a crucial piece of evidence in ongoing impeachment complaints against Sara Duterte, which allege corruption and abuse of power. His claims suggest a deeper connection between the alleged misuse of confidential funds and the political maneuvers surrounding the Duterte and Marcos families.
Official Statements & Responses
Sara Duterte has denied any connection to Madriaga, asserting that she does not know him. Her legal team has attempted to prevent his testimony, filing motions that were ultimately unsuccessful. In response to Madriaga's allegations, Duterte has filed perjury complaints against him, labeling him as part of a criminal group planning to assassinate her.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the Duterte administration have pointed to Madriaga's testimony as confirmation of long-suspected corruption and political manipulation within the government. They argue that these revelations highlight the potential misuse of power by the Duterte family and their associates.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Madriaga's allegations provide a detailed account of purported plans to unseat Marcos, there are discrepancies regarding the motivations and authenticity of his claims. The Duterte camp has consistently denied all allegations, framing Madriaga as a criminal seeking to deflect attention from his own legal troubles.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sometime in November 2021, PRRD (former president Duterte) mentioned to me that Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. (‘BBM’) will run for President while Sara will serve as his running mate. PRRD added that a few months ago, BBM and Sen. Imee Marcos (‘Imee’) visited him to discuss a possible alliance in the 2022 National Elections,” — Ramil Madriaga, Political Organizer
- “actually converted and diverted the subject confidential funds for her own personal use, contrary to the actual purposes for which the same were earmarked for and/ or purportedly disbursed.” — Anonymous Critic
This unfolding narrative raises significant questions about the stability of the current administration and the potential ramifications of internal political strife within the Philippines.
