Atty. Raymund Palad on Sunday issued a direct challenge to Vice President Sara Duterte, urging her to appear at the April 14 proceedings where his client, Ramil Madriaga, is set to testify under oath.
“We strongly reject Atty. Salvador Panelo Jr.’s attempt to label my client as the ‘weakest link’ even before he has testified. This is a clear attempt to discredit a witness in advance and shape public perception ahead of the facts,” Palad said in a statement.
Palad stressed that Madriaga is prepared to testify and “welcomes the opportunity to present his account in the proper forum, where credibility is determined by evidence—not press briefings.”
He clarified that their camp has “never accused Vice President Sara Duterte of being behind any alleged threats,” adding that such narratives should not be used to deflect from the real issues.
Palad also pointed to what he described as a “pattern” of legal actions timed to coincide with Madriaga’s testimony.
“Months of silence followed by a sudden wave of legal actions—perjury and libel—filed just as Mr. Madriaga is about to testify. The timing raises serious questions as to whether these are genuine legal remedies or attempts to intimidate and discredit a key witness,” he said.
Highlighting past practices under the Duterte administration, Palad noted: “The public will recall that during the administration of Rodrigo Duterte, of which his father, Atty. Salvador Panelo, was a key member, individuals with far more serious credibility issues—including convicted persons—were presented in support of cases against political opponents. Mr. Madriaga, by contrast, is not convicted of any crime and is entitled to the full presumption of innocence under the law.”
Palad concluded with a challenge: “If Atty. Panelo insists on calling my client the ‘weakest link,’ then the proper response is not rhetoric—but appearance. We challenge those making these claims, including Vice President Sara Duterte, to face Mr. Madriaga in the April 14 proceedings and answer under oath. We are ready.” # (ZIA LUNA)
