The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is verifying the allegations of dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., including photographs and videos he submitted as evidence, and plans to invite Vice President Sara Duterte, former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife to shed light on the claims.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said Gracioso and his counsel appeared before the bureau early Monday after being invited to answer questions about his affidavit detailing alleged cash deliveries involving Duterte, Velasco and other personalities.
He said Gracioso had previously undergone a lie detector test and reportedly obtained a 99% result.
However, the earlier test covered only questions about his identity, relationships with the people he mentioned and the circumstances surrounding the materials he presented.
With his new affidavit containing more detailed allegations, the NBI plans to subject Gracioso to another polygraph examination based on the claims contained in the document.
“He’s very much willing and we will schedule it anytime this week na ma-submit siya sa polygraph or lie detector test,” Matibag said.
He stressed that it would not immediately accept Gracioso’s claims as true and would subject his evidence to authentication and verification.
“Hindi naman agad-agad paniwalaan natin yan. Kaya nga, National Bureau of Investigation, we have to investigate,” the official said.
The bureau will examine the photographs and videos submitted by Gracioso and coordinate with other agencies and platforms, including Meta, to determine whether the materials are authentic or possibly AI-generated.
The NBI also plans to invite the personalities named in Gracioso’s affidavit to give them an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
“It should not be a subpoena but it should be an invitation, especially to the Vice President,” Matibag said.
The bureau intends to show Duterte the photographs presented by Gracioso and allow her to explain the circumstances surrounding them.
The NBI likewise plans to invite Velasco and his wife to clarify Gracioso’s claim that he had worked for the former speaker and to verify the events described in his affidavit.
“Pinangalanan niya si dating Speaker Lord Allan Velasco at yung asawa niya. So kailangan nating imbitahan sila para magbigay ng kaliwanagan sa story nito,” he said.
Matibag said the investigation would also involve verifying locations and other details cited by Gracioso, including his claims about movements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He stressed Gracioso’s previous dismissal from the police service would not automatically disqualify him as a witness.
Matibag said his credibility would be assessed alongside the evidence he presented and other information gathered during the investigation.
If Gracioso’s allegations are proven false, he could potentially face liability for perjury, Matibag said.
If his claims are substantiated, however, the NBI would pursue a deeper investigation into the alleged transactions and individuals involved.
The bureau said it would continue gathering documents and coordinating with other government agencies as it verifies Gracioso’s allegations.#