The affidavit of Vice President Sara Duterte responding to allegations made by Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. has been submitted to the National Bureau of Investigation.
Duterte did not personally appear at the NBI office. Instead, her lawyer, Atty. Clifford Chua, arrived shortly after 10 a.m. to submit the vice president’s sworn statement.
The affidavit responds to Gracioso’s allegations that he delivered suitcases containing money to Duterte.
Duterte had earlier addressed the allegations and presented statements and evidence during a press conference on Tuesday.
According to Chua, Duterte was not required to personally appear before the NBI, prompting her to send her lawyer to submit the affidavit on her behalf.
The NBI said it would review the affidavit and the evidence submitted by Duterte’s camp.
The submission followed the Duterte camp’s earlier request to reschedule the vice president’s appearance before the bureau. Her original appearance was scheduled for Oct. 5, but her camp requested that it be moved to Oct. 8.
The NBI had invited Duterte as part of its investigation into Gracioso’s allegations.
Gracioso, a dismissed police officer, has alleged that he delivered cash to Duterte and other members of her family.
Duterte has denied the allegations.
Her camp previously sought a copy of Gracioso’s affidavit and supporting documents from the NBI before responding to the allegations.
The vice president’s affidavit was submitted as the NBI continues its examination of the claims and the evidence presented by those involved.
The bureau is expected to assess the documents submitted by Duterte’s camp as part of its investigation.
The submission marks Duterte’s formal response to the NBI invitation concerning Gracioso’s allegations, while her lawyer handled the filing instead of the vice president personally.
