politics
YouTube Videos Claim De Lima Gave Script to Witness in Duterte Impeachment Probe, Fact-Checked as False
Misleading YouTube videos claimed Philippine lawmaker Leila de Lima gave a script to Ramil Madriaga, a witness in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment hearings. De Lima denied any involvement in drafting or altering Madriaga's affidavit, which he prepared before their meeting. The House justice committee advanced impeachment proceedings against Duterte on charges including misuse of funds.
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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.
