THE former head of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group on Thursday cited inconsistencies in the testimony of the alleged bagman of Vice President Sara Duterte before the House Justice Committee.
“This is no longer about allegations — this is about consistency. And the inconsistencies are glaring,” Army Col. Raymund Dante Lachica said in a statement to The Manila Times.
Lachica was referring to the testimony of Ramil Madriaga, the self-confessed former campaign aide of Duterte who later became her alleged bagman.
Lachica said Madriaga presented at least three versions of his claims — from his original affidavit, supplemental affidavit and most recent testimony — covering key issues such as timelines, roles and identities, and handling of funds.
“On material matters, there is no room for contradiction,” Lachica said. He said the discrepancies are not minor, but direct contradictions that undermine the reliability of the testimony.
Lachica warned against equating repeated claims with factual accuracy.
“Repetition does not resolve inconsistencies — it amplifies them,” he said.
He said Madriaga’s testimony alone is not proof, and that the allegations must be supported by verifiable evidence, documentary records and independent corroboration.
Lachica said he filed a cyber libel complaint against Madriaga in relation to the public dissemination of unverified allegations as fact.
He warned that, if proven false, such acts may constitute “reckless disregard for truth.” He said he welcomes the opportunity to address the matter in the proper legal forum, emphasizing that evidence must be examined, records must be verified and credibility must be tested.
“Allegations are not evidence. Testimony is not proof. Truth must be demonstrated,” Lachica said.
