The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) plans to invite Vice President Sara Duterte and Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte to respond to allegations made by a dismissed police officer, according to NBI Director Melvin Matibag (GMA News).
NBI to Invite Key Figures Over Whistleblower Allegations
Matibag stated that the agency will also invite former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and Velasco’s wife as part of the ongoing inquiry into the claims (GMA News). The investigation follows statements from dismissed police patrolman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., who alleged that he transported suitcases filled with cash from Velasco to the Duterte family.
Details of the Cash Delivery Allegations
Gracioso submitted a sworn affidavit and provided photos and videos to the NBI detailing the purported deliveries (philstar.com, GMA News). According to reports covering the affidavit, Gracioso claimed he served as Velasco’s head of security from 2018 until 2022 and delivered sums ranging from P20 million to P50 million per trip. He estimated that he delivered more than P2 billion in total to the vice president across more than 20 separate deliveries intended for Vice President Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Paolo Duterte.
Matibag noted that the NBI subjected Gracioso to a lie detector test, which he passed regarding questions limited to his identity and his relationships with the named individuals, and the agency is planning further polygraph testing regarding the contents of the affidavit (GMA News). Matibag added that the NBI cannot discount the testimony entirely due to the whistleblower’s dismissal, noting the legal implications of perjury (GMA News).
Denials and Responses From Implicated Camps
Vice President Duterte publicly denied any acquaintance with Gracioso and rejected the accusations (GMA News). Mga kababayan, I do not know Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., nor have I ever received any money from him,
the vice president stated, adding that her lawyers are preparing cases against the whistleblower once they receive an official copy of the affidavit (GMA News). She also characterized the allegations as a media stunt tied to her impeachment case.
Meanwhile, Velasco’s camp strongly rejected the assertions through spokesperson Rowell Ilagan, who called the account designed and fabricated
and argued it misaligns with verifiable events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Velasco’s representatives maintained that the former speaker’s government record is untainted by corruption and noted they are considering legal action against Gracioso and the publisher.
Background of the Whistleblower
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that Gracioso was previously detailed as a security officer and staff member for Velasco under official orders. However, Gracioso was dismissed from active police service on September 11, 2026, following a dismissal order dated September 15, after facing administrative suspensions and a criminal complaint originating from his time with the Police Regional Office-Calabarzon. His dismissal includes the forfeiture of retirement benefits, cancellation of civil service eligibility, and disqualification from government re-employment.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that his office is reviewing Gracioso’s background to determine the veracity of his statements. Remulla noted that if the Department of Justice determines the whistleblower is credible after initial investigations, the agency will evaluate whether he qualifies for the government’s Witness Protection Program.
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