Malacañang stated on Monday that it is standard for an accused individual to deny wrongdoing, emphasizing that the burden of proof lies with the accuser to substantiate claims with solid evidence.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro made the statement addressing allegations raised by dismissed police officer and former security detail Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., who claimed he delivered suitcases containing over P2 billion in cash to Vice President Sara Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte.
“Depende po iyan kung mapapatunayan naman po ni Mr. Gracioso iyong kaniyang mga isinawalat at kung may mga ebidensiya naman po siyang maipapakita dapat lang pong seryosohin ang pag-iimbestiga dito,” Castro said during a press briefing.
Castro noted that while the administration takes claims involving public funds seriously, it firmly opposes political smear campaigns or unsubstantiated accusations.
“Ayaw po kasi ng Pangulo na gawa-gawang kuwento na para lamang mayroong pabagsakin na isang tao ay gagawa nang tahi-tahing kuwento – hindi po iyan ang nais ng Pangulo at ng administrasyon. Pero kung siya ay mayroon namang mga kumpleto ang kaniyang mga ebidensiya nararapat lang po na maimbestigahan ito, bakit? Dahil pinag-uusapan po natin dito ay pondo ng bayan,” she explained.
Responding to Vice President Duterte’s dismissal of Gracioso’s claims and her assertion that the administration is acting out of desperation due to a weak impeachment case, Castro remarked that such responses are typical for anyone facing accusations.
“Kahit sino man, in general tayo, hindi aaminin ng naakusakahan na siya ay may sala, may mga pagkakataon nga na bibitayin na lang, sasabihin pa rin niya na wala siyang pagkakasala, normal iyan sa mga ganyang klaseng pagkakataon,” Castro added.