MANILA – House Committee on Justice Chair Gerville Luistro rejected claims that Ramil Madriaga is a “polluted source” in the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte.

“How can we consider Ramil Madriaga already as a polluted source? His perjury case is pending. The kidnapping case against him is pending, and remember there’s a constitutional guarantee of presumption of innocence which Ramil Madriaga is supposed to enjoy,” Luistro said in a Super Radyo DZBB interview.

“Because Madriaga is not a convicted prisoner. He is a detention prisoner,” she added.

Luistro was responding to House Justice Committee Vice Chair and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, who said Madriaga should not be presented before the panel.

The committee previously issued a subpoena for Madriaga, his affidavit, and his counsel to appear before the panel for the determination of probable cause in the Vice President’s impeachment.

Madriaga has claimed to be a former aide of Duterte, but the Vice President has repeatedly denied having a personal relationship with him. He is currently detained at Camp Bagong Diwa on a kidnapping charge.

On the credibility of Madriaga’s testimony, Luistro said that Rodriguez and other panel members can freely question him during the proceedings.

“They are at full liberty, including Congressman Rodriguez whom I respect so much, to test the credibility of Madriaga once he is presented before the Justice Committee,” Luistro said.

The committee also approved a motion to provide protective custody for Madriaga when he testifies.

“We directed the Office of the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives and the Legislative Security to make the proper coordination with the BJMP (Bureau of Jail Management and Penology) and the SILG (Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government) as well as with the court where the case is pending to make sure that he will be transported safely during hearings and he will be in the best and safest detention facility when the Justice Committee is hearing these impeachment complaints,” Luistro said.