Palace: Velasco should clear name over alleged Duterte cash links

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Wednesday said former Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, who has been out of the country since August, should clear his name following allegations linking him to cash deliveries to members of the Duterte family.

On Thursday, National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag told Inquirer that Velasco left for Nagoya, Japan, on Aug. 30 and was scheduled to return Sept. 14. Bureau of Immigration records showed that he did not return as scheduled.

READ: NBI: Velasco, wife left PH before former aide made ‘delivery’ claim

Article continues after this advertisement

His wife, Rowena, along with two others, traveled to Hong Kong on Sept. 24 but has yet to return from the trip, as scheduled, on Sept. 27.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

At a briefing, Palace press officer Claire Castro said there is no need for the couple to leave the country.

When asked whether the couple’s departure is a cause for concern, Castro said, “We cannot say for certain what he was feeling — whether he was afraid or simply going on vacation.”

She noted that “given his name is being linked to the millions of pesos allegedly transported in suitcases” to Vice President Sara Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte.

“It would be best for him to provide an explanation — especially if there is a need to clear his name and that of his wife,” Castro said.

Article continues after this advertisement

She added: “It would be better for them to simply face the investigation instead of going abroad and staying out of the country.”

Matibag confirmed the couple’s departure after Velasco’s former security aide, dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., appeared at the NBI on Monday for questioning regarding his allegations that he delivered more than P2 billion to Vice President Duterte, P1 billion to her father, former President Duterte, and P100 million to her brother, Rep. Duterte, in installments starting in 2018.

Article continues after this advertisement

Gracioso, who was dismissed from the police service on Sept. 11 over an administrative case, said the cash deliveries, packed in suitcases, were made upon the former speaker’s instructions.

Velasco has already issued a statement denying Gracioso’s allegations, calling them “fabricated.” /das