FORMER Davao City Chief Information Officer Jefry Tupas has formally denied allegations by dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. that he served as the go‑between who received suitcases full of cash on behalf of Vice President Sara Duterte.
In an affidavit submitted to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday, Tupas stated that Gracioso was unmistakably referring to him as “Jepoy” or “Jepoi” — the nickname by which he was known among the Vice President’s close aides — despite misspelling his surname as “Tupaz.”
“From the very beginning, I want to make it clear that these statements and allegations by Gracioso are all lies, and it can easily be shown that he is a liar,” Tupas declared, dismissing the claims as entirely fabricated and politically motivated.
Tupas systematically refuted specific dates and locations cited by Gracioso with documented travel records. He denied ever being in Marinduque in April 2019 to receive funds, confirming instead that he was in South Korea from April 18–21 of that year. He also contradicted the September 21, 2019 delivery of ₱50 million in two suitcases, noting he had flown to Japan on September 19 and only returned to the Philippines the evening of September 21 — too late to be present at the alleged handover.
A third claim involving three suitcases delivered during the height of the COVID‑19 pandemic was likewise dismissed, as strict lockdown measures in Davao City would have made such a transfer practically impossible.
“At no time did it happen that I received a suitcase of money, a gift, or a vehicle for Sara Z. Duterte,” Tupas affirmed. He added that Gracioso’s accounts would be laughable if not for the seriousness of the accusations, which he said are clearly intended to tarnish the Vice President’s reputation.
Tupas also stated he has never visited former Speaker Lord Allan Velasco’s residence in Valle Verde and did not know who Gracioso was. His counsel, lawyer Caesar Europa, noted that while they could not comply with the subpoena due to short notice, the affidavit stands as his formal response. They also expressed surprise that protective custody was not offered despite reported threats against Tupas.
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