MANILA, Philippines — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has challenged former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco to return to the Philippines and answer allegations involving multi-billion-peso cash deliveries allegedly carried out by his former security aide.
Velasco and his wife reportedly departed the country shortly after agents from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) raided properties linked to him in Valle Verde, Pasig City on August 24.
Although scheduled to return on September 14, NBI records indicate no official entry back into the country following their departure.
“They are in Niseko, Japan. That’s the information that we have,” Remulla said regarding the couple’s whereabouts. “They have a house there, the most exclusive vacation spot in the entire Japan. It’s expensive there in Niseko, only rich people go there.”
Remulla urged the former House leader to return following polygraph results involving dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso, who alleged he delivered funds to various personalities on Velasco’s behalf.
“Gracioso has a tainted past, that’s why he was dismissed. But even a broken clock is correct twice a day,” Remulla noted.
According to the Interior Chief, Gracioso registered high truthfulness indicators during an NBI polygraph examination.
“The other day he took a polygraph test at the NBI, 98 percent he was telling the truth. When asked if he delivered bags, the polygraph said he was telling the truth. When asked about his relationship, the polygraph said he was telling the truth,” Remulla said.
“But the polygraph is not admissible in court. Still, I dare the Velasco couple to come and take the same polygraph so we can see who is really telling the truth,” he added.