Photo credit: Congress TV

A self-confessed former bagman of Vice President Sara Duterte has come forward with claims about the alleged sources of funding behind her 2022 campaign, identifying several controversial figures in a sworn affidavit submitted to lawmakers.

Ramil Madriaga, a key resource person in the ongoing impeachment proceedings, said he played a role in organizing and financing early campaign efforts through a group called “Inday Sara is My President” (ISIP). According to him, the group was formed to support Duterte’s initial presidential bid before she eventually ran for vice president.

In his affidavit, Madriaga alleged that funding for ISIP came from individuals connected to former President Rodrigo Duterte, including Lin Wei Xiong, whom he described as a financial officer of Pharmally Pharmaceuticals.

Madriaga claimed he personally received ₱175 million in cash from Lin in 2021 during a meeting at a hotel in Quezon City.

“The money was placed inside several large backpacks and bags which were handed to me at the basement parking of Seda Hotel, Quezon City,” Madriaga said. “Lin Wei Xiong was present when I received the said amount together with two (2) other individuals. He then asked me where the money will be used. I informed him that this will be used to fund the election of Sara, to which he replied, ‘good, good.’”

He said the funds were used to finance ISIP’s nationwide activities, including organizing local chapters, handling campaign logistics, and providing allowances for volunteers.

Madriaga also alleged receiving an additional ₱100 million from a foreign businessman he identified as Maestrado Lim, whom he said he met in Davao City.

Another figure named in the affidavit was businessman Michael Yang, a former economic adviser to former president Rodrigo Duterte. Madriaga claimed Yang also provided financial support for ISIP. Yang has previously been mentioned in congressional inquiries, including those tackling alleged illegal drug links.