Sara Duterte denies receiving money from Velasco’s ex-aide

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday denied knowing the alleged former security officer of former Speaker Lord Allan Velasco who supposedly delivered money to her and other members of her family.

Duterte made the pronouncement after the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently revealed that it is investigating claims by dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., that he delivered suitcases of cash to the vice president, former President Rodrigo Duterte, as well as Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte on Velasco’s instructions.

“I do not know Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., nor have I ever received any money from him,” said Duterte in a statement.

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READ: Witness: Duterte did not declare cash on hand, in bank 2019-2025

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“My lawyers are awaiting an official copy of the Gracioso affidavit from the NBI so they can begin working on the cases to be filed against him. Once we are done dismantling the lies contained in his testimony, it will end up in the trash bin—just like the one from Ramil Madriaga,” she added.

The vice president then went on to describe the matter as a mere “media stunt,” which is meant to “breathe life into a faltering impeachment case.”

“The desperation of the administration to bring me down, push for Charter Change, prevent the 2028 elections, and cling to power is becoming increasingly diabolical,” she further said.

Duterte then insisted that what the public really wants is for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to take a public drug test and to face the flood control scandal.

According to the NBI in an interview with GMA, Gracioso claimed to have delivered more than P2 billion to Duterte. /mr