NBI summons Davao Rep. Paolo Duterte to comment on Gracioso's cash allegations

The National Bureau of Investigation issued a media advisory stating that it has formally invited Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte to provide his perspective on allegations raised by dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso. Gracioso's affidavit accuses Paolo Duterte, his sister Vice President Sara Duterte, and their father former President Rodrigo Duterte of accepting bags of cash from former House speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag sent the invitation on October 5, attaching a copy of the sworn statement and scheduling a meeting for October 12 at the agency’s headquarters. The bureau indicated that the representative may be accompanied by legal counsel and may submit any relevant documents or statements. Sara Duterte has already refuted the allegations, claiming they are driven by financial gain and personal grudges, and intends to submit her own affidavit. Velasco’s camp has dismissed the accusations as fabricated and inconsistent, while the Bureau of Immigration confirmed that Velasco is currently abroad without any record that would bar his travel.