MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio will not appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) this October 5 to answer allegations that billions of pesos in cash were delivered to her and members of her family, with her lawyers demanding that investigators first provide the sworn statement and evidence behind the accusations.
Duterte-Carpio’s lawyer, Paul Lawrence Lim, confirmed receiving the NBI invitation but said the legal team could not provide a substantive response because the sworn statement of dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. and its supporting documents were not included.
Gracioso, who previously served as a security aide to then-House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, has alleged that he delivered billions of pesos in cash to Duterte-Carpio and members of her family. The Vice President has denied the accusations.
The NBI has also invited Velasco as part of its inquiry into Gracioso’s claims.
Lim said Duterte-Carpio’s camp has asked the bureau for a complete copy of Gracioso’s sworn statement and any evidence submitted in support of his allegations.
“We have requested the NBI for a faithful copy thereof and all its supporting documents, if any,” Lim said in a statement sent to the media. “Once received, the Vice President will take appropriate action thereon in due course.”
In a separate letter informing the NBI that Duterte-Carpio would not attend the October 5 conference, Lim said the missing documents prevented her from properly responding to the allegations.
“Our client cannot provide any meaningful reply to your request at this time. In this regard, we respectfully request your good office for a clear and faithful copy of Mr. Gracioso’s Sinumpaang Salaysay, all attachments thereto, and supporting evidence submitted by him, if any,” Lim said.
“This will enable our client to intelligently prepare a reply thereto and/or take other appropriate action thereon,” he added.
Lim asked the bureau to give Duterte-Carpio sufficient time to review the allegations and supporting materials before requiring her to appear before investigators./PN
