The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will invite Vice President Sara Duterte and Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte to get their side regarding accusations that former Police Patrolman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. delivered suitcases of cash to them, according to NBI Director Melvin Matibag.
He added that former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife will also be invited.
“Part of the investigation is also to invite the personalities mentioned in the affidavit. It should not be a subpoena but it should be an invitation, especially to the Vice President,” Matibag said.
“Sinasabi niya hindi niya kilala ‘yung tao at gusto niya mag kaso. Magbigay kami ng kopya ng affidavits. Just to tell you, ang affidavit po hindi pagaari ng NBI ‘yan… we’ll ask the consent that we will release it. So ‘yung mga pictures ipapakita rin natin, ibibigay natin kay Vice President para siya na mismo magsabi,” he added.
Gracioso previously revealed that he delivered suitcases of cash to VP Sara, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Rep. Paolo Duterte, allegedly upon the orders of Velasco.
Gracioso submitted photographs and videos to the NBI.
He also reportedly underwent a lie detector test before giving his sworn statement.
“Doon sa naging question noon is limited to his identity, relationship sa binabanggit niyang mga tao. So ‘yun ang sinasabi natin na pinasa niya ng 99% ‘yung kanyang test na ‘yun,” Matibag said.
“But now since meron siyang affidavit, we want to ask him ‘yung questions based on the affidavit. Lahat na ‘yun. Mahabang proseso ng pag lie detector test ‘yan. So pumayag naman siya. He’s very much willing and we will schedule it anytime this week,” he added.
He noted that the NBI cannot dismiss Gracioso’s entire testimony simply because he was dismissed from the service.
“Sapagkat kung hindi totoo ‘yung sinasabi niya, he can be answereable for perjury. So may krimen pa rin nangyari. Kung totoo naman ‘yung sinasabi niya, meron tayong mas malalim na tinitignan,” Matibag said. # (RRN)
