NBI invites Pulong Duterte to 'shed light' on Gracioso claims

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The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Saturday said it invited Davao City Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte to provide his insights on the claims of dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso.

"The Bureau expressed its compliments to the lawmaker and requested his presence to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the inquiry. The NBI emphasized that Rep. Duterte's insights would significantly support the agency in ensuring a fair, thorough, and impartial process," the bureau said in a media advisory.

Gracioso had earlier accused the Davao congressman, 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.

The NBI said Paolo Duterte was sent an invitation from NBI Director Melvin Matibag in a letter dated October 5. Duterte was also sent a copy of Gracioso's sworn affidavit.

The NBI set the meeting with the lawmaker on October 12, at its own headquarters.

"The Bureau noted that Rep. Duterte may be accompanied by legal counsel or designated representatives. He is also invited to present relevant documents, records, or statements that may assist in clarifying the issues under review," the NBI said.

GMA News Online has reached out to Paolo Duterte office regarding the matter, but he has yet to respond as of posting time.

The vice president has already denied Gracioso's claims, saying he was only making the claims for money and because of resentment towards Velasco and his family.

Her office is set to submit her own affidavit to contradict Gracioso's claim.

Velasco's camp earlier called out "fabricated attacks" against him, saying these have "no basis." It also called out accusations against Velasco as "inconsistent," tailored as a "one-size fits all" narration.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed Tuesday that Velasco is out the country, saying he does not have a derogatory record that would prevent his departure. — VDV, GMA News