MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, October 5, confirmed that she had received a copy of former security aide Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.’s affidavit, in which he alleged that he delivered billions of pesos in cash to her on several occasions.
Duterte said the document was provided to her by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), along with identification documents but without other attachments.
“I confirm that we received a copy of the Gracioso affidavit from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), together with identification documents, but no other attachments,” Duterte said.
The Vice President rejected Gracioso’s allegations, saying her review of his statements identified multiple claims that she considered false.
“Based on our count, Gracioso made 29 statements concerning me that we believe are false,” Duterte said.
She cited her whereabouts during several dates mentioned in the affidavit as part of the evidence she intends to use to dispute the allegations.
“Among several other pieces of my evidence, Jefry Tupas and I were nowhere near Marinduque during Mahal na Araw in 2019, nor were we in Manila on September 21, 2019,” she added.
Duterte also said she expects the NBI to pursue a case against Gracioso if its investigation determines that his allegations were fabricated.
“NBI Director Melvin Matibag noted that a perjury case may be possible if the allegations are proven false,” the Vice President said.
“We expect a case to be filed by the NBI against Gracioso once the agency completes its investigation and the evidence is fully evaluated,” she added.
Gracioso, who has identified himself as a former security chief of then-House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, alleged that he personally delivered more than ₱2 billion in cash to Duterte on more than 20 occasions.
He further claimed that the alleged deliveries involved suitcases containing between ₱20 million and ₱50 million each.
The allegations have emerged as Duterte faces an impeachment trial before the Senate, where questions surrounding her wealth, financial transactions and alleged misuse of public funds are among the issues being examined by the impeachment court.
Gracioso’s accusations remain allegations and have yet to be established by a court. The NBI is expected to evaluate the affidavit and supporting evidence as part of its investigation.