Sara Duterte’s lawyers ask NBI to reset conference on Gracioso’s stories

MANILA, Philippines — The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte has requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to move to another date its investigative conference on the “cash delivery” allegations of former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.

It said the agency allegedly failed to provide them with a copy of Gracioso’s affidavit.

Duterte’s lawyers wrote the letter, dated Oct. 1, in response to the NBI after it invited the vice president to appear before the agency on Oct. 5 to shed light on Gracioso’s accusations against her.

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READ: NBI invites VP Duterte, Velasco over ex-cop’s cash delivery claim

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In their letter, Duterte’s lawyers pointed out that while the NBI’s invitation said Gracioso’s sworn statement was attached, no such documents were actually included.

The counsels said this situation leaves Duterte and them unable to provide “any meaningful reply” to the request.

It is because of this reason why Duterte’s group requested for a clear and faithful copy of the sworn statement, as well supporting evidence submitted by Gracioso.

“With the foregoing, neither our client nor counsel can appear on your appointed date of 05 October 2026, at 10:00 AM,” the letter read.

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“Instead, we respectfully request that sufficient time be given to our client and counsel to examine the Sinumpaang Salaysay and all accompanying documents to be provided her,” it noted.

“Assuming our timely receipt of the requested documents, we request that your sought conference be moved instead to 08 October 2026, at 10:00 AM,” it added.

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Gracioso was a former aide of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

The former policeman alleged that he had personally delivered suitcases filled to Duterte, her brother Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, as well as former President Rodrugo Duterte between 2018 and 2020. /apl