MANILA – House Committee on Public Accounts chairperson Terry Ridon called on Ramil Madriaga, a former aide of Vice President Sara Duterte, to disclose the real identities behind controversial aliases used in confidential funds in Duterte’s offices, including the infamous “Mary Grace Piattos.”

“Kung may alam si Mr. Madriaga tungkol sa mga bogus na pangalan, panahon na para mailahad ito at magkaroon ng linaw, para magkaliwanagan na, lalo’t hindi ito sinasagot ni Vice President Duterte,” Ridon said.
(If Mr. Madriaga knows something about these bogus names, it’s time for him to come forward and clarify things so we can settle this once and for all, especially since Vice President Duterte isn’t addressing the issue.)

“Mary Grace Piattos” and other aliases allegedly received hundreds of millions of pesos in confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd).

Duterte denied any links to Madriaga, claiming he is working to undermine her possible presidential plans.

Ridon said Madriaga could clarify the controversial names listed in liquidation documents submitted by the OVP and DepEd to the Commission on Audit.

“If Mr. Madriaga knows the process, the handlers, and the real persons behind these entries, then his account can help close the gaps that continue to trouble this issue,” the lawmaker said.

Atty. Raymund Palad, Madriaga’s counsel, said his client is willing to participate in investigations should he be called by the House, Senate, or Ombudsman following his affidavit.

The vice president’s defense earlier said they are ready to explain the use of aliases for confidential funds, including “Mary Grace Piattos,” which became part of the basis for impeachment complaints filed against her.