NBI invites VP over ex-cop’s cash delivery claim

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will invite Vice President Sara Duterte to answer allegations of dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. that he delivered suitcases of cash to members of the Duterte family.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said Thursday that the invitation is part of the bureau’s effort to give the Vice President and other people named in Gracioso’s sworn statement an opportunity to respond to the allegations.

“We will ask questions based on what is stated in the affidavit and what has been attributed to them,” Matibag told reporters.

The NBI will also invite Davao City 1st district Rep. Paolo Duterte, former speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife, Rowena.

Matibag said the bureau wants to hear their denials and other explanations, particularly after some of those named have said they did not know Gracioso.

The NBI chief said the invitation could also become relevant if Gracioso faces a possible perjury complaint.

“If they want to file a perjury case, they need a document to base it on. What document will that be? The affidavit,” Matibag said.

He said the NBI, which took Gracioso’s sworn statement, would be able to certify the original or a certified true copy of the document for use in any legal proceedings.

Gracioso, a dismissed former police officer who said he served as part of Velasco’s security detail, has alleged that he delivered cash-filled suitcases to the Vice President, her brother Paolo and former president Rodrigo Duterte on Velasco’s instructions. He claimed that the deliveries to the Vice President totaled more than P2 billion.

The Vice President has denied knowing Gracioso and receiving money from him, and said her lawyers were awaiting an official copy of his affidavit before pursuing legal action.

The NBI has said Gracioso’s allegations and supporting evidence, including photographs, are still subject to authentication and verification.