NBI invites Pulong to shed light on Gracioso’s claims

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has invited Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte to appear at the NBI headquarters to answer allegations by dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. that he received cash deliveries from former House speaker Lord Allan Velasco.

In a letter dated Oct. 5, NBI Director Melvin Matibag asked Duterte to attend a conference at 10 a.m. today at the NBI headquarters in Pasay City.

The lawmaker may bring his legal counsel and submit documents relevant to the investigation, Matibag said.

The invitation includes a copy of the sworn statement of Gracioso, a former security aide of Velasco, who claimed that he delivered suitcases of cash to members of the Duterte family on orders of the former House speaker.

Gracioso alleged that he delivered more than P2 billion to Vice President Sara Duterte, P1 billion to former president Rodrigo Duterte and P100 million to Pulong.

The allegations have been denied by the Vice President and Velasco’s camp. 

The NBI has said it is verifying Gracioso’s claims and authenticating the photographs and other evidence he submitted.

Matibag earlier said the NBI would invite people named in the affidavit to give them an opportunity to respond.