Gracioso affidavit details P100-M ‘deliveries’

Cash deliveries to the Valle Verde 2 residence of then-House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco allegedly increased after he assumed the speakership in October 2020, with two suitcases containing at least P100 million, according to former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.

In his affidavit, Gracioso claimed he helped receive and transport cash from politicians, lawyers and Department of Public Works and Highways contractors to Velasco’s residence.

He said Velasco ordered two suitcases brought from 142 Sampaguita Street in Valle Verde 2, allegedly containing money from several personalities, including then-lawmaker Miro Quimbo and lawyer Honey Sipin.

“The total contents of the suitcase were at least P100 million,” Gracioso said.

Gracioso also alleged that he picked up money from Quimbo at a Starbucks near Petron Katipunan in Quezon City on Velasco’s instructions. He said then-DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral was with Quimbo during the pickup.

“On one occasion, I also saw Usec. Maria Catalina Cabral at the Starbucks at Petron Katipunan when Boss Allan ordered me to pick up money from Sir Miro, which I then brought to 142 Sampaguita Street, Valle Verde 2,” he said.

Gracioso also named former lawmaker Zaldy Co, Sipin and DPWH contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya among those allegedly linked to cash deliveries.

The allegations form part of an NBI investigation. NBI director Melvin Matibag said those named would be invited for questioning and that supporting evidence would undergo authentication.

The NBI said Gracioso underwent a polygraph examination but clarified that it did not establish the truth of his specific allegations.

The PNP confirmed that Gracioso had served as Velasco’s security or staff and was dismissed from the police service in 2022 following a criminal complaint.

Velasco’s camp denied the allegations and called them baseless.