MANILA: Vice President Sara Duterte (pic) was a no-show at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday (Oct 8) and instead sent her legal counsel to comply with the invitation letter sent to her amid the investigation into the cash delivery claims of dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.
Duterte was first expected to appear last Monday, but her camp wrote to the NBI to request the resetting of the date of the investigative conference toThursday.
The vice president’s lawyer, Atty. Clifford Chua arrived at the NBI headquarters in Pasay City around 10.15am.
When asked by reporters upon his arrival, Chua confirmed that he will submit to the NBI Duterte’s affidavit, which listed what the vice president earlier described as 29 “false” statements made by Gracioso.
Chua also affirmed that he is bringing the photographs that the vice president presented during a press conference on Tuesday.
The photographs Duterte earlier showed included her supposed Holy Week activities in April 2019, which aimed to debunk Gracioso’s allegation that he delivered suitcases of cash to her in Marinduque during those times.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag on Wednesday said that just like in Gracioso’s documents, the pieces of evidence that Duterte’s camp would present to the NBI will also be subjected to validation.
Gracioso recently appeared at the NBI and likewise submitted supposed “evidence,” including photos of himself with the vice president during the alleged “cash delivery” transactions.
The former police officer is claiming to have delivered over P2 billion cash in suitcases to the vice president, as well as P1 billion to former President Rodrigo Duterte, and P100 million to Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, in tranches starting in 2018 upon the instruction of his then-boss, House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, and his wife, Rowena.
Three lawyers of the Velasco couple—who were reported to be out of the country—likewise appeared at the NBI last Monday, refuting Gracioso’s allegations. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
