DILG chief to Velasco couple: Return to PH, take lie detector test

MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla challenged former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife to return to the Philippines and take a polygraph test amid allegations linking them to alleged cash deliveries to the Duterte family.

“The lie detector test is not admissible in court. But I’m asking the Velasco couple to come home and take the same test. We’ll see who’s telling the truth,” said the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief at an ambush interview after an event at Pasay City on Thursday.

Remulla said they are in Niseko, Japan, adding that they have a residence there.

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“They have a house there, the most exclusive vacation spot in the entire Japan. It’s expensive there in Niseko, only rich people go there,” he added.

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READ: Gracioso takes lie detector test over his ‘cash delivery’ statements

National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag said the Bureau of Immigration had confirmed that Velasco departed for Nagoya, Japan, on Aug. 30. 

“Latest is Niseko,” Remulla told the Inquirer upon clarification of Velasco’s location.

On Wednesday, former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. took a lie detector test at the NBI in connection with his affidavit alleging that he delivered suitcases, called “maleta,” containing cash to some members of the Duterte family.

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Gracioso alleged that he delivered cash in several batches to Vice President Sara Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte beginning in 2018, allegedly on Velasco’s instructions.

Velasco, through his spokesperson, denied the allegation, describing Gracioso’s cash delivery claim as fabricated.

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The Philippine National Police earlier confirmed that Gracioso was dismissed effective Sept 11 due to an administrative case.

“Gracioso has a tainted past. That’s why he was dismissed. But even a broken clock is right twice a day,” said Remulla in mixed English and Filipino.

Remulla said the polygraph indicated that Gracioso was telling the truth when asked about delivering the bags.

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“But the polygraph is not admissible in court. Still, I dare the Velasco couple to come and take the same polygraph so we can see who is really telling the truth,” he added. /das