NBI issues second subpoena to VP, Pulong over Gracioso payoff claims

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) issued a second invitation Tuesday to Vice President Sara Duterte and Davao First District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, requesting their testimony regarding allegations that they received illicit funds from former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

NBI director Melvin Matibag announced the renewed summons during a news conference at the agency’s headquarters in Pasay, after the Duterte siblings, along with Velasco and his wife Rowena, failed to appear for a scheduled fact-finding hearing Monday.

Velasco’s legal counsel, Rowell Ilagan, appeared on behalf of the couple, explaining that the former speaker and his wife remain out of the country on official travel.

“I am appealing to the people who have been invited to participate, especially the personalities claiming there are perjurious statements,” Matibag said. “We provided them with copies of the affidavits. The ball is now in their court.”

The agency’s probe stems from sworn affidavits submitted by dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., who alleged that Velasco funneled substantial cash payments to the Duterte siblings.

Matibag said a formal invitation was served to Paolo Duterte to appear at NBI headquarters 12 October, while a second subpoena is being prepared for the Vice President.

While Gracioso passed two polygraph examinations, Matibag stressed that investigators are relying on physical evidence and financial records rather than lie detector results to substantiate the claims.

Investigators have begun corroborating aspects of Gracioso’s testimony, particularly regarding “cash houses” and real estate acquisitions.

Gracioso alleged that the Velasco family maintained secondary properties to store physical currency used to fund investments, including two sprawling beachfront developments — Sara Resort and Amara Resort — in Torrijos, Marinduque.

Matibag cited that a 28 August NBI search on two residential properties in Valle Verde 2, Pasig City — initially conducted over alleged illegal firearms — confirmed that the residences belonged to the Velascos.

Corporate and land records showed one house was registered to an aide of the former speaker, while the second was titled under Eagle Assets and Realty, a firm presided over by Rowena Velasco. Corporate filings also confirmed the couple holds majority stakes in the two Marinduque resort developments.

“Gracioso’s claims regarding the houses and properties owned by the Velascos are starting to align with our findings,” Matibag said.