Ex-House speaker Lord Allan Velasco
THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed on Tuesday that former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco is currently outside the Philippines, noting that no Hold Departure Order (HDO) or derogatory alert was in place to restrict his travel at the time he left the country.
BI spokesperson Anisha Hasaan clarified that an individual cannot be placed under immigration monitoring or prevented from leaving without a formal request or order from competent law enforcement authorities. The bureau also declined to release further details regarding his travel records, citing the Data Privacy Act.
The confirmation comes as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) conducts a preliminary evaluation of serious allegations made by former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., who claims he delivered suitcases filled with cash to Vice President Sara Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte on Velasco’s instructions.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag emphasized that Gracioso’s claims remain unvalidated at this stage, stating that evidence including photographs will undergo authentication and verification. Matibag also noted that Gracioso could face perjury charges if his statements are proven false.
The NBI has stated it will issue invitations — not subpoenas — to Velasco and his wife Rowena, as well as to Vice President Duterte and Representative Paolo Duterte, to give them the opportunity to respond to the allegations.
Vice President Duterte has already strongly denied knowing Gracioso or receiving any money from him, dismissing the claims as fabricated and politically motivated. The Ombudsman, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Philippine National Police are also conducting their own reviews of the matter.
metrosundaily
