VP no-show at NBI

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte did not appear at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headquarters yesterday to personally answer the allegations hurled against her by dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.

Instead, Duterte’s lawyers submitted her sworn affidavit denying Gracioso’s claims that he delivered over P2 billion in cash stashed in suitcases to the Vice President and members of her family.

Duterte counsel Clifford Chua said aside from the sworn affidavit, they submitted photographs and other evidence disputing Gracioso’s claims.

“She did not need to appear. It was not required, so we decided that we would appear instead,” Chua told reporters.

Chua said the affidavit contained Duterte’s rebuttal to the false statements by Gracioso that he delivered cash to her, former president Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte.

Chua said they may release copies of the photographs to the media subject to Duterte’s approval.

The NBI probe remained at the fact-finding stage and that Duterte’s camp would await any additional requests or instructions from the bureau.

The NBI had invited Duterte, former House speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife Rowena, and Congressman Duterte to respond to Gracioso’s allegations. The Velascos and the Vice President’s brother skipped their scheduled meetings at the NBI this week and were also represented by their lawyers.

Gracioso alleged that he delivered the cash to the Dutertes upon the orders of Velasco. The allegations have all been denied.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the bureau will evaluate the affidavit and supporting evidence submitted by Duterte’s lawyers and subject them to validation and authentication.

Chua said their camp is considering possible perjury or libel complaints against Gracioso, but stressed that the decision would depend on Duterte.

He said he was not informed about Duterte’s whereabouts or whether she had recently communicated with the Velascos.

Matibag dares Tupas

Matibag challenged Duterte’s former information officer Jeffrey Tupas to put his allegations against NBI agents in a sworn affidavit and allow investigators to determine whether there is evidence to support his claims.

Tupas claimed that NBI agents offered him and his family money and accommodations, including a house in Forbes Park, in exchange for cooperation.