THE National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has summoned former speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife, Rowena, and invited Vice President Sara Duterte and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte to appear before the bureau on Oct. 5 to address allegations by former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. that he delivered suitcases stuffed with cash from 2018 to 2022.
The development came as Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed on Thursday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is evaluating Gracioso’s affidavit, which was received by the NBI late last week.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag, in a letter dated Sept. 30, said the bureau is conducting an investigation into the allegations contained in Gracioso’s sworn statement.
The invited personalities were asked to attend a conference at 10 a.m. on Oct. 5 at the NBI office at Filinvest Cyberzone Bay City along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard in Pasay City.
The NBI said the insights from those involved could help ensure a fair, thorough and impartial investigation. Additionally, the bureau provided Representative Duterte with a copy of Gracioso’s sworn statement for his review.
Matibag said the invitations were part of the bureau’s effort to hear from persons mentioned in the affidavit.
Invitees may be accompanied by legal counsel or authorized representatives and are encouraged to submit any relevant documentation or statements to assist in clarifying the issues. The NBI noted that scheduling adjustments are possible to accommodate any conflicts with official duties.
In his affidavit, Gracioso — who identified himself as a former security chief for Velasco — alleged that he delivered cash to members of the Duterte family under Velasco’s direction. He estimated that over P2 billion was transferred to the vice president, with individual amounts purportedly ranging from P20 million to P50 million.
The vice president has denied knowing Gracioso or receiving funds from him.
A spokesman for Velasco, who has left the country, also denied Gracioso’s allegations.
Vida emphasized that Gracioso’s affidavit remains subject to verification and credibility assessment, saying that investigators need to consider the factual circumstances, possible motivations and the totality of the evidence, with any testimony ultimately needing to withstand judicial scrutiny and cross-examination.
Vida said the question of jurisdiction will also depend on who may ultimately be identified as respondents as he pointed out that allegations involving government officials may fall within the jurisdiction of the Office of the Ombudsman, while matters involving private individuals may be handled by the DOJ, depending on the circumstances and applicable law.
The investigation therefore remains at the evaluation stage, with the substance of Gracioso’s allegations, the supporting evidence, and the identities and status of possible respondents yet to be established.
