MANILA — Malacañang said the criminal complaints filed against Vice President Sara Duterte must be thoroughly investigated following accusations of plunder, graft, bribery, and malversation involving ₱612.5 million in confidential funds.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said it is up to the complainants to establish the basis of their allegations before the Office of the Ombudsman.

“Muli, kung ito naman po ay mayroon silang basehan para masampahan ng kaso ang Bise Presidente, depende na po iyan sa mga complainants,” Castro said in a press briefing.

“Kung ano po ang isinasaad sa kanilang complaint, kung nakapag-attach sila ng kanilang mga ebidensiya, mas maganda pong maimbestigahan ito nang mabuti,” she added.

Castro also commented on reports that Duterte made late-night visits to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility at Camp Bagong Diwa. She said the Department of the Interior and Local Government could clarify the matter.

On claims that BJMP detainee Ramil Madriaga was allegedly told not to speak against the Dutertes over supposed links to drug lords and Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), Castro deferred to the Vice President.

“Nabasa nga po ito at nadinig na po at nakita kung ano iyong naging statement nitong si Ramil Madriaga na diumano ay bagman ng Bise Presidente, at nagsasabi pa na ang mga POGO operators at drug lords ang siyang nag-finance sa pangangampaniya ng Bise Presidente,” she said.

“Kung ano ang masasabi ng Palasyo rito, mas maganda po siguro na si Bise Presidente muna ang inyong tanungin at kung ito ay kaniyang mapapasinungalingan.”