The National Bureau of Investigation summoned former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife, Rowena, while inviting Vice President Sara Duterte and Rep. Paolo Duterte to appear on October 5, 2026, following sworn statements from a dismissed police officer alleging multi-billion-peso cash deliveries directed by Velasco.
NBI Summons Velasco Couple and Duterte Siblings
The bureau summoned former speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife, Rowena, while inviting Vice President Sara Duterte and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte to appear at the bureau’s Pasay City office on October 5, 2026. The National Bureau of Investigation issued formal summonses and invitations following explosive allegations made by a dismissed police officer.
Matibag stated that the bureau is conducting an official investigation into the sworn statement provided by former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. NBI Director Melvin Matibag signed the letters on September 30, directing the conference to take place at the NBI office located at Filinvest Cyberzone Bay City along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard.
Justice Secretary Frederick Vida confirmed that the Department of Justice is evaluating the affidavit, which was received by investigators late last week. Vida noted that jurisdiction may ultimately depend on the individuals identified as respondents, explaining that allegations involving government officials could fall under the Office of the Ombudsman, while matters concerning private individuals may be handled directly by the Department of Justice. Matibag added that the invitations served as part of the bureau’s effort to hear from personalities mentioned in the affidavit, emphasizing that the action was an invitation rather than a subpoena.
Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. Details Multi-Billion-Peso Cash Handovers
Gracioso claimed under oath that Velasco ordered him to deliver suitcases filled with cash across more than 20 separate transactions. The inquiry centers on a detailed sworn affidavit submitted by Gracioso, who identified himself as a former security chief and aide to Velasco from 2018 to 2022.
Gracioso recalled his alleged first delivery in 2018 when he brought a suitcase containing ₱20 million to a hotel while Duterte was still serving as mayor of Davao City. According to his sworn statement, the total cash delivered to Vice President Sara Duterte exceeded ₱2 billion, with individual handovers purportedly ranging from ₱20 million to ₱50 million.
The former security officer further alleged that subsequent handovers grew significantly larger, including a ₱500-million delivery transported in suitcases loaded into three vans. His affidavit also claims that nearly ten newly purchased vans were given to Duterte to facilitate cash transport, alongside luxury bags, watches, and chocolates. Gracioso also alleged that he delivered more than ₱1 billion to former President Rodrigo Duterte at Malacañang between 2018 and 2022, alongside a ₱100-million suitcase handed to Rep. Paolo Duterte. Gracioso also mentioned in his testimony the sources from whom former Speaker Lord Allan Velasco allegedly obtained the cash delivered to various personalities, pointing to individuals including former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co, Marikina Representative Miro Quimbo, and contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya.
Polygraph Tests Show No Deception in Gracioso Statements
NBI examiners reported no deception indicated regarding the statements contained in his September 14, 2026 affidavit during a three-hour examination. As investigators evaluate the claims, Gracioso has undergone polygraph testing at the bureau’s headquarters in Pasay City.
The recent session followed an earlier polygraph test administered in June. Matibag noted that the first examination focused primarily on Gracioso’s identity and relationships with named individuals, clarifying that the initial test did not independently verify the truth of the specific cash delivery accusations.
Targeted Denials and Defenses from the Named Figures
She asserted that her legal counsel is awaiting an official copy of the affidavit from the National Bureau of Investigation to prepare legal actions against Gracioso. Vice President Sara Duterte forcefully rejected all accusations, dismissing the sworn statement as part of a coordinated political offensive.
Once we are done dismantling the lies contained in his testimony, it will end up in the trash bin—just like the one from Ramil Madriaga.
Sara Duterte, Vice President of the Philippines
Duterte maintained that the allegations represent a desperate attempt by the administration to weaken her political standing, promote Charter Change, and derail the upcoming 2028 elections. Meanwhile, Velasco’s camp also dismissed the claims entirely. Velasco spokesperson Atty. Rowell Ilagan released a statement defending the former speaker’s record and criticizing the consistency of the whistleblower’s account.
The ‘one-size-fits-all’ narration by this individual seems to be designed and fabricated to attack as many targets as it can while being inconsistent with verifiable events, that is, the COVID-19 pandemic, Atty. Velasco’s period of service as speaker, other details, and even basic common sense.
Atty. Rowell Ilagan, Spokesperson for former Speaker Lord Allan Velasco
Subpoena Response and Dismissal Background of the Whistleblower
Legal representation for former Velasco aide Jeff Tupas responded to a separate NBI subpoena issued to his client.
Nartatez stated that Gracioso faced administrative and criminal cases originating from his time assigned to the Police Regional Office-Calabarzon, culminating in a dismissal order that took effect in early September 2026 with accessory penalties including the cancellation of civil service eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and disqualification from government re-employment. Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that Gracioso was dismissed from active police service following internal administrative investigations.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla added that his office is reviewing Gracioso’s complete background and service record. Remulla noted that if the Department of Justice determines the whistleblower is credible, the agency will evaluate whether he qualifies for inclusion in the government’s Witness Protection Program.