VP Duterte rebuts dismissed cop’s claims on 'suitcases of cash,' cites 2019 travel records

Vice President Sara Duterte has formally denied allegations made against her by dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., calling his claims false and presenting evidence to refute his account.

In a statement released on Sunday, October 5, Duterte confirmed that her legal team received a copy of Gracioso’s affidavit from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), along with basic identification documents, but noted that no supporting evidence was attached.

“Based on our count, Gracioso made 29 statements concerning me that we believe are false,” Duterte said.

Duterte highlighted travel records that directly challenge key timelines in Gracioso’s account, particularly claims regarding her whereabouts in 2019.

“Among several other pieces of evidence, Jefry Tupas and I were nowhere near Marinduque during Holy Week in 2019, nor were we in Manila on September 21, 2019,” she stated.

Gracioso—who previously served on the security detail of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco—alleged in his NBI affidavit that he delivered suitcases of cash to Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte on Velasco’s instructions. He estimated that the total amount delivered to the Vice President exceeded ₱2 billion.

Duterte noted that NBI Director Melvin Matibag previously signaled that a perjury charge could be pursued if the affidavit's claims prove untruthful. She expressed confidence that the NBI will take action once its review concludes.

“We expect a case to be filed by the NBI against Gracioso once the agency completes its investigation and the evidence is fully evaluated,” she said.

-Paraluman News