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Chua Raises Possible Election Law Issues In Duterte Campaign Donation Claims
Photo credit: Congress PH
Manila Rep. Joel Chua, chair of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, said allegations involving Vice President Sara Duterte and purported campaign donations from Chinese nationals linked to Pharmally may constitute an election offense and, if proven, could be considered grounds for impeachment.
Chua said the claims raise legal concerns under the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits foreign nationals from directly or indirectly contributing to campaign funds. He also cited provisions stating that candidates and political parties are not allowed to solicit or accept such contributions.
He added that if the allegations are proven true, this could amount to a culpable violation of the Constitution, as public officials are required to uphold and follow the law, including regulations enforced by the Commission on Elections.
Chua also raised questions on whether such contributions were properly reflected in the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), noting that accurate disclosure is required under election rules.
The allegations stem from a supplemental affidavit by Ramil L. Madriaga, who claimed involvement in campaign-related fundraising activities. He alleged receiving funds from individuals identified as Lin Weixiong and businessmen Tony Yang (also known as Maestrado Lim) and Michael Yang, which were reportedly used for campaign operations through the Initiative for Social Justice, Innovation, and Progress Pilipinas (ISIP).
According to Madriaga, ISIP was used to support campaign activities such as events, logistics, travel, office expenses, and allowances for volunteers and organizers.
Chua noted that some individuals named in the affidavit have previously been linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte and issues involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
He emphasized, however, that all allegations remain subject to verification and must be proven through proper proceedings, including whether the individuals involved are indeed foreign nationals and whether any contributions were properly declared.
On the ongoing impeachment process, Chua said the House Committee on Justice remains open to receiving evidence from all parties.
He said the Duterte camp may submit affidavits or documents in their defense while the hearings are ongoing, and these will be considered by the committee.
The vice president has not attended the committee hearings so far and has instead filed petitions challenging the proceedings, while issuing public statements criticizing the committee’s actions.
Chua said the claims raise legal concerns under the Omnibus Election Code, which prohibits foreign nationals from directly or indirectly contributing to campaign funds. He also cited provisions stating that candidates and political parties are not allowed to solicit or accept such contributions.
He added that if the allegations are proven true, this could amount to a culpable violation of the Constitution, as public officials are required to uphold and follow the law, including regulations enforced by the Commission on Elections.
Chua also raised questions on whether such contributions were properly reflected in the Statement of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE), noting that accurate disclosure is required under election rules.
The allegations stem from a supplemental affidavit by Ramil L. Madriaga, who claimed involvement in campaign-related fundraising activities. He alleged receiving funds from individuals identified as Lin Weixiong and businessmen Tony Yang (also known as Maestrado Lim) and Michael Yang, which were reportedly used for campaign operations through the Initiative for Social Justice, Innovation, and Progress Pilipinas (ISIP).
According to Madriaga, ISIP was used to support campaign activities such as events, logistics, travel, office expenses, and allowances for volunteers and organizers.
Chua noted that some individuals named in the affidavit have previously been linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte and issues involving Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
He emphasized, however, that all allegations remain subject to verification and must be proven through proper proceedings, including whether the individuals involved are indeed foreign nationals and whether any contributions were properly declared.
On the ongoing impeachment process, Chua said the House Committee on Justice remains open to receiving evidence from all parties.
He said the Duterte camp may submit affidavits or documents in their defense while the hearings are ongoing, and these will be considered by the committee.
The vice president has not attended the committee hearings so far and has instead filed petitions challenging the proceedings, while issuing public statements criticizing the committee’s actions.
Apr 16, 2026
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