NBI confirms two cash-house properties belong to former Speaker Velasco and wife
The NBI announced that two of the alleged cash houses are owned by Lord Allan Velasco and his spouse.
In a press briefing, NBI Director Melvin Matibag disclosed that two of the seven properties identified as cash houses are registered to former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife Rowena. The finding supports former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.'s assertion that he accessed the houses and observed their contents. Gracioso previously claimed he transported suitcase-loads of cash to Vice President Sara Duterte, Representative Paolo Duterte and former President Rodrigo Duterte on Velasco's instructions.
The investigation will now extend to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Government Service Insurance System, Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Anti-Money Laundering Council to trace acquisition sources and other owners. Earlier in August, NBI raids on Velasco-linked houses uncovered high-powered firearms, though the agency initially did not know the properties belonged to the couple. Rowena Velasco was present when the search warrant was served. Both Velasco and the Duterte family have rejected the allegations.
Why it matters
The probe links a senior politician to alleged illicit cash holdings, raising concerns about corruption and money-laundering in the Philippines.
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