MANILA, Philippines — Former House speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife Rowena did not appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday, sending their lawyers instead to respond to allegations made by dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.
The lawyers arrived at NBI headquarters in Pasay at around 9:30 a.m. as part of the bureau’s effort to hear the Velascos’ side in its investigation into Gracioso’s sworn statement.
“We vehemently deny all the allegations of delivering or facilitating the delivery of money to any individuals,” counsel for the couple Rowell Ilagan told reporters.
Ilagan said Velasco knows Gracioso but declined to describe the nature of their relationship.He also declined to disclose the couple’s whereabouts, citing their rights as private citizens.
As to whether the Velascos would return to the country, Ilagan said the matter would be addressed “in the proper forum and at the proper time.”
He gave assurance that Velasco would cooperate with any NBI investigation, but said Gracioso’s allegations must first be assessed.
“We have to assess the credibility of the witness. As reported, Gracioso was dismissed from the service and has also been involved in a number of misconduct issues in his personal and professional life,” Ilagan said.