VICE President Sara Duterte’s legal team formally submitted her sworn affidavit to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday, directly refuting the allegations made by dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. that he delivered suitcases containing millions of pesos in cash to her and members of her family.
Lawyer Clifford Chua, speaking on behalf of the Vice President, confirmed the submission in a brief interview. “We have already appeared here by way of special appearance, and we just gave them a copy of the sworn affidavit of what our Vice President said,” Chua stated, clarifying that Duterte herself was not present because she is not legally required to appear in person before the bureau.
The affidavit contains the comprehensive denial Duterte publicly read during a press briefing on Tuesday, where she systematically disputed every aspect of Gracioso’s account — including specific dates, locations, vehicles, and meetings he described.
Her counsel also submitted supporting materials, including the photographs and documented day‑by‑day itineraries she presented to demonstrate she could not have been present at the times and places Gracioso alleged. Duterte has maintained that Gracioso’s claims are entirely fabricated, asserting he is motivated by financial gain and personal resentment toward former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his family.
Gracioso has claimed he delivered more than ₱2 billion to the Vice President, ₱1 billion to former President Rodrigo Duterte, and ₱100 million to Davao City Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte in separate transactions dating back to 2018, all allegedly on Velasco’s instructions.
Velasco’s legal team has repeatedly dismissed these accusations as “baseless,” “inconsistent,” and “fabricated attacks,” describing the narrative as a contrived “one‑size‑fits‑all” story tailored to suit a political agenda rather than established facts.
With the affidavit now filed, the NBI proceeds with its validation of both Gracioso’s and Duterte’s statements. Investigators are expected to cross‑check the supporting documents submitted, verify travel and security records, and determine whether there is sufficient basis to pursue further action — including possible perjury charges against anyone found to have made false statements under oath. The bureau has also confirmed it is coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration to track the whereabouts of Velasco, who remains abroad and has not yet appeared in person to respond to the allegations.
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