MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte pointed to the National Bureau of Investigation’s handling of a dismissed police officer as her proof that the Marcos administration is orchestrating allegations against her.
Speaking during a press briefing on Monday, October 12, part of the Office of the Vice President’s 91st-anniversary celebration, Duterte was asked for proof supporting her claims that the administration is behind the emergence of former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.
Rather than presenting documents or witnesses, she directed attention to how state investigators are managing the case.
“Oo, di ba ang handler ni Gracioso ay yung National Bureau of Investigation?” Duterte said.
Duterte scrutinized the agency’s conduct, arguing that their support for Gracioso points directly to higher-level involvement.
“The way that the NBI defends Gracioso and lahat ng mga sinasabi ni Gracioso, the way that the NBI protects and handles Gracioso,” she stated.
She maintained that the agency’s defensive posture toward the self-styled witness speaks for itself, adding, “So lalayo pa ba tayo? Kitang-kita naman sa mga actions ng National Bureau of Investigation kung paano nila hina-handle si Gracioso.”
“Sila pa nga yung nagde-defend mismo doon sa supposed witness kuno nila,” she further noted.
Duterte had previously addressed these accusations during an October 6 press conference in Davao City. While President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has dismissed her accusations as false, the ongoing political friction coincides with separate impeachment proceedings concerning public funds.