VP Duterte asks NBI to move October 5 conference on Gracioso allegations

Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team has asked the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to move the October 5 conference concerning allegations made by dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., saying they need to first review his affidavit and supporting documents.

In a letter dated October 1 and addressed to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, Duterte’s lawyers explained,“In your letter, you mention an ongoing investigation into ‘allegations’ made by a certain Mr. Rodulfo M. Gracioso, Jr., and request for our client's statements, documents, and record that may help clarify the ‘issues at hand’.

"However, while your letter mentions an attached copy of Mr. Gracioso's Sinumpaang Salaysay, none was attached thereto. Consequently, our client cannot provide any meaningful reply to your request at this time,” the letter read.

The lawyers asked the NBI to provide a copy of Gracioso’s sworn statement, including its attachments and any evidence he submitted, so Duterte could review the allegations before responding.

They also proposed moving the conference to October 8, three days after the original schedule.

The letter was signed by Duterte’s lawyers Clifford Chua, Paul Lawrence Lim, and Kimberly Resurreccion of Chua Lim and Associates. Duterte likewise signed the document to signify her conformity.

Gracioso, who previously served on the security detail of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, has alleged that he delivered suitcases containing cash to Vice President Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte on Velasco’s instructions.

He estimated that the cash he delivered to Sara Duterte totaled more than P2 billion.