NBI evaluates cash delivery claims vs VP, ex-Speaker Velasco

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will subject allegations made by a dismissed police officer claiming he delivered suitcases of cash to Vice President Sara Duterte and her family to strict verification, NBI director Melvin Matibag said Monday.

The whistleblower, former police patrolman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., claimed in a sworn affidavit that he delivered money from former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife, Rowena, to Duterte and her brother, Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte.

Matibag urged caution regarding the allegations, stressing that photographs and documents attached to the affidavit must undergo formal forensic authentication before conclusions are drawn.

“When evidence reaches us, we tend not to believe it at once — that is why we are the National Bureau of Investigation,” Matibag disclosed. “If his claim is not true, he can be answerable for perjury. But if what he is saying is true, then we are looking at something deeper.”

Matibag clarified that while Gracioso underwent a polygraph exam, the results only covered his identity and verified his relationship with the individuals named, not the factual accuracy of his money delivery claims.

The NBI plans to extend formal invitations to the Dutertes and the Velascos to gather statements and provide copies of the affidavit should affected parties elect to file criminal charges.

Meantime, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed Monday that Gracioso was officially detailed to Velasco’s security team before being dismissed from active police service in 2022 following administrative and criminal proceedings in Calabarzon.

His dismissal, finalized early this month, included the forfeiture of benefits and permanent disqualification from government service.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed his office is auditing Gracioso’s service records and background to determine the credibility of his disclosures, adding that the Department of Justice will assess whether he qualifies for the Witness Protection Program.

Meanwhile, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said his office is monitoring developments but cautioned that much of the preliminary information remains unverified hearsay.

He advised that the former policeman must be subjected to rigorous cross-examination before investigators act on the claims.