Sara Duterte: Ex-Velasco aide out to destroy her

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday accused now-dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. of weaponizing his anger against former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco to tear down her political reputation.

In a press conference here, Duterte read from a prepared statement to refute the allegations contained in a Sept. 14 affidavit of Gracioso, a former security aide of Velasco, who claimed to have delivered cash payoffs to her at least 10 times from 2018 to 2020.

Duterte showed screenshots of her conversation with Velasco, who is still out of the country with his wife, Rowena, about what could have motivated Gracioso to spin the serious accusations.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Gracioso sought priest’s help over alleged Duterte cash deliveries

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

Clearly, Velasco and Gracioso “had a misunderstanding over money,” Duterte said. She cited the account of Velasco about Gracioso asking for money from them to defray supposed hospitalization expenses.

The request for assistance did not happen, as the Velasco couple supposedly preferred to pay for the bills themselves, but Gracioso preferred to receive cash.

“Ano man ang problema o hindi pagkakaunawaan nila Lord at Gracioso, hindi dapat ako idadamay sa kanilang personal na alitan sa pera. Hindi dapat gamitin ang aking pangalan sa paghihiganti, sa mga kasinungalingan at pagpapalakas ng walang ebidensyang impeachment complaint, at sa paninira sa pulitika,” Duterte appealed.

She accused Gracioso of being aided by “script writers” who are able to spin tales from every information that they get to hold, if only to bolster their smear campaign against her.

Article continues after this advertisement

She said they have information about efforts to pay off people willing to testify to the supposed truthfulness of Gracioso’s claims.

“Kumpirmado ko na may mga negosasyon sa pera para sa mga posibleng tumestigo sa mga imbentong kwento sa mga maleta ng pera na umano’y ibinigay sa akin,” Duterte said.

Article continues after this advertisement

She said among those offered was her former aide, Jefry Tupas, who was allegedly enticed with money and a chance for her family to live in Forbes Park.

Duterte lamented that Tupas appeared vulnerable because she is not currently employed and is ill. Tupas reportedly left the Office of the Vice President, where she heads the media and public relations section, in October last year.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

Duterte is set to submit an affidavit to the NBI by Thursday. /cb