Vice President Sara Duterte issued a firm denial on Saturday, stating she has no knowledge of and has never received money from Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., the former policeman and ex‑security aide to former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco who has come forward with allegations of delivering funds to her.
“My fellow citizens, I do not know Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., nor have I ever received any money from him,” Duterte declared in an official statement. She characterized the claim as “nothing more than another media stunt” designed to prop up an impeachment case she described as faltering.
Duterte asserted that the administration is acting out of desperation — seeking to undermine her, push for Charter Change, and interfere in the 2028 elections to maintain power.
“The desperation of the administration to bring me down, push for Charter Change, prevent the 2028 elections, and cling to power is becoming increasingly diabolical,” she said. Her legal team is currently requesting an official copy of Gracioso’s sworn affidavit from the National Bureau of Investigation so they can thoroughly review and refute every claim made against her.
The Vice President drew a parallel to previous accusations that have since collapsed, vowing that Gracioso’s testimony will meet the same fate as that of Ramil Madriaga, whose allegations were dismissed by authorities. “Once we are done dismantling the lies contained in his testimony, it will end up in the trash bin — just like the one from Ramil Madriaga,” Duterte stated. The NBI is currently investigating Gracioso’s claims, which reportedly involve the alleged delivery of ₱2 billion to the Vice President.
metrosundaily
