PASAY CITY, Philippines — Legal counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte formally submitted her sworn affidavit along with photographic evidence to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday, October 8, directly countering allegations raised by dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.
Atty. Clifford Chua, representing Duterte, made a special appearance at the NBI headquarters in Pasay City to deliver the sworn statement and supporting materials.
“So, nag-appear lang po kami dito by way of special appearance. Tapos binigyan lang po namin sila ng kopya nung sinumpang salaysay na may ibayong pag-iingat. Yung sinabi po ng ating bise presidente nung isang araw,” Chua said in an interview.
Chua confirmed that the affidavit serves to directly deny and disprove Gracioso’s claims, incorporating statements Duterte delivered during her previous press briefing.
“Actually, pinapabulaanan yung mga sinabi at kasinungalingan ni dating pulis na si Gracioso,” he added.
Addressing the contents of the submission, Chua noted that photographs and complementary proof were attached to back the Vice President’s position.
“Nandun na po. Sinama lang po namin siya. So binigyan na rin namin sila ng kopya,” he said.
When asked whether the affidavit specifically systematically countered 29 false statements attributed to Gracioso, Chua refrained from confirming exact counts while emphasizing the submission’s intent.
“Hindi ko sure kung 29 false statements. Pero yung mga sinabi po ni VP, nandun po. And yung mga pictures at evidences, nakalakit din to, nakasama niya,” he added.
Chua clarified that Duterte’s physical presence at the bureau was unnecessary because her defense counsel appeared on her behalf.
“Hindi naman kasi niya kailangan mag-appear. Hindi naman required. So, kami na lang mag-appear dito. Wala siya actually. Actually, by way of special appearance lang kami,” he added.
“So, ang ano pa rin namin dyan, of course, is pabulaanan yung mga sinasabing ni Gracios,” Chua said.
The legal team expects the NBI to evaluate the submitted defense materials as part of an ongoing fact-finding assessment, remaining open to further requests from investigators.
“Sa ngayon, of course, under investigation pa yata siya or fact-finding pa. So, aantayin pa rin namin kung meron silang bagong ibibigay sa amin para masagot ng mabuti,” he said.
On whether Duterte plans to initiate legal retaliation against Gracioso, Chua mentioned potential charges of perjury or libel, though the final determination lies with the Vice President.
“Of course. Pero depende pa rin sa desisyon po ng ating Vice Presidente. Pero ang alam ko po, pinag-aaralan po yan. I’m sorry, hindi pa kami na-inform,” he added.
“So, sa nakikita ko ngayon, meron kasing pwedeng fila ng perjury o libel si Gracioso, sir. Pwede. Pero depende pa rin po yan sa ating bise,” he said.
Regarding claims involving Jeffrey Tupas, an alleged financial offer, and Forbes, Chua stated that the matter had been formally detailed within the affidavit.
“I think may statement pero doon na lang sa affidavit. Nandun naman siya,” he explained.
When questioned about Duterte’s ongoing communication with former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, Chua recalled Duterte mentioning it previously but could not confirm their current contact status.
“Parang nakita ko yan doon sa press conference niya na merong communication. Pero kung hanggang ngayon, hindi ko po alam. We were not informed,” he said.
Chua also cast doubt on the evidentiary reliability of polygraph tests reportedly taken by Gracioso.
“Yes, alam naman natin na hindi siya yung lie detector. Hindi talaga yun,” he said.
He suggested that conducting lie detector examinations in front of witnesses or media coverage would foster greater transparency.
“Mas mabuti kung ganun. Or merong presence ng media or merong witness. Para makonfirm natin kung totoo nga. Para ano, it’s fair to everyone,” he explained.
The NBI is expected to review all documents provided by Duterte’s defense as part of its preliminary inquiry.
“Of course, they will first evaluate what we have submitted. Ganun lang naman. I think fact-finding pa lang ito,” he said.