Vice President Duterte blames Marcos administration for cash-suitcase accusations

Sara Duterte told reporters that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and the Palace are responsible for the accusations that she accepted suitcases of money from former Speaker Lord Allan Velasco. The allegations stem from dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., who also asserted he handed cash to Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte and former President Rodrigo Duterte on Velasco’s instructions.

Duterte rejected the claims, saying she will submit an affidavit and noting that the Office of the President’s statements and her impeachment trial documents support her position. She argued that any corruption linked to the suitcase issue should be directed at Marcos, citing a witness named Zaldy Co. The administration’s press officer, Claire Castro, dismissed the accusations as Duterte’s own fabrication and accused officials of profiting from foreign money. The Senate impeachment court is in its 34th day, and Duterte has yet to appear personally.