Sara Duterte: Gracioso is motivated by money

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Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday belied claims by dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. that he delivered cash to her, saying the latter is motivated by money and resentment towards former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his family.

“Ang motibo niya ay sama ng loob sa mga Velasco at pera (His motive is resentment toward the Velascos and money),” she said in a press briefing.

To recall, Gracioso previously alleged that he delivered cash to the Vice President, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, and forrmer President Rodrigo Duterte on Velasco’s instructions.

Duterte presented a screenshot of her conversation with Velasco, where she sent him a screenshot of Gracioso’s affidavit and asked him who he was.

Velasco replied that Gracioso was his former security aide.

Duterte said the former House speaker told her that Gracioso was given cash to campaign for a party-list in Samar. Velasco also told Duterte that Gracioso asked for cash for hospital bills and medicine.

The Vice President said Velasco told her that his wife, Rowena, told Gracioso that they will handle everything. However, Gracioso refused and said he wanted them to send cash.

Duterte said she did not ask Velasco’s permission that she will screenshot the message and reveal it to the public.

“May mga pahayag sa affidavit ni Gracioso at sa mensaheng pinadala sa akin ni Lord na na nagpapakitang nagkaroon sila ng hindi pagkakaunawaan kaugnay sa pera,” she said.

(There are statements in Gracioso’s affidavit and in the message sent to me by Lord that show they had a disagreement regarding money.)

“Ano man ang naging problema o hindi pagkakaunawan ni Lord at Gracioso, hindi ako dapat idadamay sa kanilang personal na alitan sa pera. Hindi dapat gamitin ang aking pangalan sa paghihiganti sa mga kasinungalingan at pagpapalakas ng walang ebidensya na impeachment complaint at sa paninira sa pulitika,” she added.

(Whatever problem or misunderstanding Lord and Gracioso had, I should not be dragged into their personal dispute over money. My name should not be used for retaliation through lies and for strengthening an impeachment complaint without evidence and for political attacks.)

Duterte also said she believes that Gracioso has nothing against her.

Velasco’s camp previously said the allegations against him had “no basis.” —AOL, GMA News