MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Wednesday called on former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco to return to the country and cooperate with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regarding allegations linking him to cash deliveries to the Duterte family.
The appeal came from Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro following reports that Velasco departed the country shortly after a search warrant was served on his residence. The operation stemmed from claims made by former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, Castro emphasized that addressing the matter directly would be the best course of action for Velasco to protect his reputation.
“Mas magandang magbigay siya ng pagpapaliwanag para kung mayroon dapat linisin na integridad especially iyong kanyang pangalan at pangalan ng kanyang asawa ay mas magandang humarap na lang sila sa pag-iimbestiga at hindi kailangang lumayo at mangibang bansa at hindi magpakita,” Castro said.
The NBI is currently examining Gracioso’s sworn statement, in which the former detail officer claimed he delivered suitcases containing over ₱2 billion in cash to members of the Duterte family under Velasco’s directives. Bureau officials plan to summon Velasco, his wife, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte to address the claims, which investigators have yet to corroborate.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla noted that law enforcement agencies are verifying the allegations and assessing Gracioso’s background before drawing conclusions.
While the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed Gracioso served on Velasco’s security detail from November 2020 to March 2022, they noted he was dismissed from service on September 11 and is appealing the decision.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed Velasco’s departure, clarifying that no hold departure order or derogatory record prevented him from traveling.
Castro noted that Malacañang cannot speculate on whether Velasco traveled for personal reasons or to avoid the investigation, stating the former House leader must explain his departure himself.
Velasco’s camp has firmly rejected the claims, labeling them as fabricated attacks with no factual basis. Vice President Duterte also denied knowing Gracioso or receiving funds from him, adding that her legal team is waiting for an official copy of the affidavit to pursue legal action against the former police officer.
The NBI’s inquiry into the alleged cash deliveries remains ongoing as agents continue to evaluate the submitted testimonies and physical evidence.