The House prosecution panel is not currently considering integrating the affidavit of former policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. into the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, maintaining that his claims must first undergo comprehensive vetting.
House prosecutor and Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry L. Ridon stated that prosecutors have not initiated formal discussions regarding the inclusion of Gracioso’s testimony in the ongoing proceedings before the Senate Impeachment Court.
Gracioso, a former security aide to former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, alleged in a sworn statement that he personally delivered suitcases of cash to Vice President Duterte and members of her family under Velasco’s instructions between 2018 and 2020. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is currently conducting an independent inquiry into the claims.
Vice President Duterte firmly denied knowing Gracioso or receiving money from him, calling the assertions fabricated. Legal representatives for Velasco also rejected the allegations, describing them as baseless.
Ridon emphasized that a polygraph test administered to Gracioso is insufficient on its own to warrant introducing his allegations into the impeachment proceedings.
“I understand nagkaroon na siya ng polygraph test, pero hindi lang naman polygraph test ’yung batayan para magkaroon po ng determination ng full vetting ng testimonya ho niya,” Ridon noted. “So at the moment, wala pong pag-uusap kung maisasama pa siya, or maisasama siya doon sa impeachment proceedings na hinaharap sa Senate.”
Gracioso underwent a second polygraph examination at the NBI on September 30, which focused on specific assertions in his affidavit. Bureau officials previously clarified that his initial polygraph test, which yielded a high truthfulness rating, only verified his identity and personal acquaintance with individuals named in his statement, rather than the cash delivery claims.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag reiterated that Gracioso’s assertions are not being accepted at face value. Matibag confirmed that forensic teams are authenticating photographic evidence and documents submitted alongside the affidavit, adding that Gracioso could face perjury charges if his claims prove false.
As part of its fact-finding process, the NBI invited Vice President Duterte, Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, and former Speaker Velasco to present their positions regarding the affidavit.
The House prosecution panel is currently focusing its presentation of evidence on Article II of the impeachment complaint. Article II alleges that Vice President Duterte amassed unexplained wealth, failed to fully disclose her and her spouse’s assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALNs), and maintained unauthorized corporate interests while holding public office.