MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday confirmed receiving a copy of former OVP official Rodulfo “Rody” Gracioso Jr.’s affidavit from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), saying it contains 29 statements about her that she believes are false.
“Based on our count, Gracioso made 29 statements concerning me that we believe are false,” Duterte said in a statement.
Among her evidence, Duterte said she and Jefry Tupas were nowhere near Marinduque during Holy Week in 2019 and were not in Manila on Sept. 21, 2019, disputing allegations made by Gracioso.
Duterte also cited NBI Director Melvin Matibag’s statement that a perjury case may be possible if the allegations are proven false.
“We expect a case to be filed by the NBI against Gracioso once the agency completes its investigation and the evidence is fully evaluated,” she said.
Gracioso, a dismissed police officer who had served as a security aide to former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, alleged in his affidavit that he delivered suitcases containing millions of pesos to Duterte and members of her family on Velasco’s instructions.
