VP Sara Duterte's former information officer declines NBI subpoena

Vice President Sara Duterte’s former information officer, Jeffrey Tupas, declined to appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday (October 1, 2026), citing short notice and his location in Mindanao.

In a letter to NBI Director Melvin Matibag dated September 30, Tupas’ lawyer, Caesar Europa, explained that his client only received the subpoena ad testificandum at his parents’ residence in Kabacan, Cotabato, on the afternoon of Sept. 29.

The subpoena, dated September 28, required Tupas to appear at the NBI office at 10:00 a.m. on October 1 to "provide relevant information on the investigation being conducted by this Bureau."

Europa argued that the timeframe was unreasonable given that Tupas is based in Mindanao.

He also raised concerns over how the process was handled, noting that an NBI team led by Voltaire G. Rovina II—the bureau’s special assistant for Mindanao concerns—visited the residence earlier on the morning of September 29 without serving the subpoena.

According to Europa, Tupas originally believed the agents visited to offer protective custody following reports that he faced a threat of abduction.

"For this reason, what he was told, and what he expected, was that he was going to receive an invitation from the NBI to be placed under protective custody," Europa said.

The subpoena was instead served later that afternoon.

Despite the broad phrasing of the order, Europa noted that Tupas believes the inquiry stems from allegations made by Police Corporal Rodulfo Gracioso, whose interview and sworn statement have circulated in news reports and on social media.

Rather than appearing in person, Tupas is submitting a sworn statement (Sinumpaang Salaysay) executed on Sept. 30 before the City Prosecution Office of Davao City.

"The said Sinumpaang Salaysay addresses the allegations in Mr. Gracioso's sworn statement and includes relevant evidence in relation thereto," Europa wrote, requesting that all future communications and documents be routed directly through his law office.

The NBI has been investigating individuals and claims connected to Duterte.

-Paraluman News