Ex-Aide Alleges Pharmally and Michael Yang Funded VP Sara Duterte's 2022 Campaign
In a dramatic turn during the impeachment hearings against Vice President Sara Duterte, Ramil Madriaga, who claims to have been her former close aide and bagman, submitted a supplemental affidavit to the House Committee on Justice on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Madriaga asserted that the controversial Pharmally Pharmaceuticals and former presidential economic adviser Michael Yang were among the key financiers of Duterte's 2022 vice presidential campaign.
Details of the Alleged Financial Support
According to Madriaga, he personally received P175 million from Lin Wei Xiong, identified as Pharmally's financial officer, to support Duterte's campaign. He described the transaction as occurring at the basement parking of Seda Hotel in Quezon City, with the money placed inside several large backpacks and bags. Madriaga stated that he safeguarded the funds at his home before utilizing them to finance campaign activities across the country.
Madriaga further revealed that he helped establish and register a non-profit organization named Initiative for Social Justice, Innovation and Progress, or Isip Pilipinas Inc., on the orders of former President Rodrigo Duterte. This organization was purportedly created to promote Sara Duterte's candidacy. The funds were used to set up and maintain chapters in various regions, including Quezon, Binangonan, Bicol, Antipolo, Quezon City, Zambales, and Leyte, to bolster her presidential bid in the 2022 National Elections.
Background on Pharmally and Michael Yang
Pharmally Pharmaceuticals gained notoriety in 2021 when the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigated allegations of overpriced medical supplies during the Covid-19 pandemic. The firm's operations were closely linked to Michael Yang, who had served as a presidential adviser for economic affairs. Yang previously faced the Senate blue ribbon committee virtually on September 10, 2021, following an arrest order issued three days earlier.
The involvement of Pharmally and Yang in this new allegation adds to the ongoing political and corruption controversies surrounding them. Madriaga's claims come amid resumed impeachment proceedings, highlighting the persistent scrutiny over campaign financing and ethical practices in Philippine politics.
