Sara Duterte's lawyers to submit affidavit to NBI on Gracioso claims

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Vice President Sara Duterte's lawyers will submit her affidavit to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) regarding the claims of dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., her counsel said Thursday.

"It will just be our lawyers," Atty. Paul Lim, Duterte's counsel, said in a message to GMA News Online when asked if Duterte will appear before the bureau.

The NBI invited Duterte following Gracioso's claims that he delivered cash to her and others on the instructions of former speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

Duterte read out her affidavit in a press briefing on Tuesday, denying Gracioso's claims. She also said Gracioso was motivated by money and resentment towards Velasco and his family.

Meanwhile, Duterte said the NBI may also file a perjury case against Gracioso after the agency completes its investigation and determines that allegations against her were false.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag, meanwhile, previously said two of the seven so-called cash houses identified by Gracioso are owned by Velasco and his wife.

Velasco's camp on Saturday 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