THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed Wednesday it is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to determine the exact whereabouts of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, who is currently outside the country amid the investigation into allegations of multi‑billion‑peso cash deliveries.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag disclosed during an interview on GMA News’ Unang Balita that immigration records show Velasco traveled to Japan, but authorities have not confirmed whether he remains there or has since traveled onward. “Since he is no longer a government official, our verification will rely primarily on Immigration records. We will check if there were connecting flights, if he has left, or if he is still in Japan,” Matibag stated.
The BI previously confirmed on September 29 that Velasco was abroad, noting that no hold‑departure order or derogatory alert existed to prevent him from leaving the country. His wife Rowena also traveled overseas, departing for Hong Kong on September 24 and due to return on September 27, but has not been recorded re‑entering the Philippines. Neither Velasco nor his wife appeared personally at the NBI on October 5 as invited; instead, their legal counsel, led by Atty. Rowell Ilagan, represented them and formally requested a copy of the sworn affidavit from dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., who made the allegations.
Gracioso claims he delivered suitcases containing over ₱2 billion to Vice President Sara Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Davao City Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte on Velasco’s instructions. Velasco’s camp has dismissed the claims as “baseless,” “fabricated,” and “inconsistent,” asserting that his public service record is untainted and his wife is widely known for her charitable work. Ilagan said the couple will respond fully once they have reviewed Gracioso’s affidavit. Vice President Duterte has also strongly denied the allegations, stating she does not know Gracioso and that the claims are politically motivated, while calling for Gracioso to face perjury charges.
The unfolding investigation has drawn cross‑fire between the Vice President’s camp and the Marcos administration. Duterte alleged that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his officials are behind the accusations to undermine her, while Malacañang countered that if she had addressed the claims clearly, there might be no need for the ongoing impeachment proceedings. NBI Director Matibag noted that Duterte’s denials should be submitted under oath as part of the official record. Former presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo has described the entire cash‑delivery narrative as a “fabricated story” designed to disqualify Duterte from the 2028 presidential election.
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