Pulong Duterte questions NBI's move to 'seek his insights' on Gracioso's claims

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Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte questioned why the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) needed his insights if it was confident in the lie detector test results administered to former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.

Earlier on Saturday, the NBI said it invited Duterte to shed light on Gracioso’s controversial claims, including that he delivered bags of cash to the lawmaker and other family members.

In a Facebook post, Duterte questioned the NBI’s decision to seek his side despite its assessment of Gracioso’s credibility.

“99.9% legit si Gracioso base sa lie detector test ng NBI di ba?” Duterte said.

(Gracioso is 99.9% credible based on the NBI’s lie detector test, right?)

“Aba, kung ganoon pala kayo ka-kumpiyansa sa kanya, bakit kailangan pa ang insights ko? Para saan—may kulang pa ba sa ebidensiya, o kulang lang sa kumpiyansa ang NBI sa sarili nilang assessment?” he added.

(If you are so confident in him, why do you still need my insights? What for—is there something lacking in the evidence, or does the NBI lack confidence in its own assessment?)

NBI Director Melvin Matibag had previously said Gracioso’s claims were 99% truthful based on the polygraph test conducted by the agency. Gracioso has taken at least two lie detector tests, according to the NBI.

If Gracioso’s affidavit was 99.9% credible, the case should stand on its own, Duterte said.

“Hindi naman ako ang nagsabi ng 99.9%. Kayo ang nagsabi niyan. So, put your money where your mouth is. Kung hindi, huwag ninyo akong gawing pampalakas ng loob,” Duterte said.

(I am not the one who said 99.9%. You were the ones who said that. So, put your money where your mouth is. Otherwise, do not use me to boost your confidence.)

Gracioso came forward claiming to have served as a bagman for former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco. He alleged that he delivered money to various political personalities, including several contractors implicated in the flood control corruption scandal.

His claims, however, were disputed by Curlee Discaya, one of the private contractors being linked to the flood control fund mess.—MCG, GMA News

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