YouTube Videos Claim De Lima Gave Script to Witness in Duterte Impeachment Probe, Fact-Checked as False

A YouTube video posted by the channel 'PINAS NEWS INSIDER' falsely claimed that Philippine lawmaker Leila de Lima provided a script to Ramil Madriaga for his statements during impeachment hearings against Vice President Sara Duterte. The video, which garnered 88,000 views, 3,500 likes, and 1,016 comments as of May 6, 2026, showed photos of De Lima, Madriaga, and House justice committee chair Gerville Luistro with text suggesting De Lima confessed to speaking with Madriaga in prison.

2 million subscribers and positions itself as a news outlet.

A similar video appeared on the account 'Pinas News Insight,' with a title implying a script involving De Lima and Madriaga was caught on CCTV, embarrassing Luistro and the House. Rappler noted that online commenters expressed suspicions about De Lima's visit to a restricted area and hinted at misconduct.

However, De Lima categorically denied drafting, dictating, or modifying any part of Madriaga's affidavit, stating, 'Wala akong dinagdag sa affidavit na ito.

Wala akong dinikta kay Mr.

Madriaga, described as Duterte’s alleged former bagman, confirmed he furnished De Lima with his affidavit. De Lima stated she did not add, revise, or influence any part of it. Madriaga initiated contact with De Lima through a handwritten letter dated November 17, 2025, sent via his lawyer, seeking help for his supposed unjust detention.

He executed his sworn affidavit on November 29, 2025. Their meeting occurred on December 8, 2025, at a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility, in the presence of Madriaga’s counsel. De Lima explained that the purpose of the visit was to clarify the affidavit’s contents and assess Madriaga’s credibility by asking probing and critical questions.

Rappler reported that Madriaga completed the affidavit before any in-person meeting with De Lima. The misleading videos omitted these details, instead alleging De Lima provided a script linked to claims of Duterte’s misuse of confidential funds. On April 29, 2026, the House justice committee found probable cause to impeach Duterte after four non-consecutive days of hearings.

Fifty-three lawmakers unanimously approved the motion on two separate complaints. The allegations include misuse of confidential funds, bribery of Department of Education officials, and unexplained wealth, supported by witness testimony and an Anti-Money Laundering Council report flagging billions in transactions inconsistent with her declared assets.

Duterte and her legal team did not attend any of the hearings, instead issuing general denials through public statements and press briefings outside Congress.

On May 4, 2026, the committee approved its report containing the resolution that sets forth the articles of impeachment, with 55 lawmakers voting in favor and none opposing. With the report approved, the committee is set to transmit it to the House plenary for deliberation.

Lawmakers are expected to be given time to review the draft articles of impeachment, with a plenary vote possibly scheduled as early as May 11, 2026.

A one-third vote of all House members is required to formally impeach Duterte and elevate the case to the Senate for trial. The fact-check was reported by Marjuice Destinado, a senior political science student at Cebu Normal University and an alumna of the Aries Rufo Journalism Fellowship of Rappler for 2025.