Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that government investigations into alleged billion-peso cash deliveries to the Duterte family must proceed to establish the facts, dismissing claims by Vice President Sara Duterte that the inquiries are politically motivated.
Castro made the statement during a press briefing in Singapore in response to Vice President Duterte’s assertions that the allegations constitute targeted political harassment by the administration.
“Kahit sabihin pa nila na ito ay pamumulitika at ‘yun naman ang kanilang tanging depensa, hindi dapat na matigil ang sinuman sa pag-iimbestiga patungkol sa issue na ito,” Castro said.
Castro emphasized that an exhaustive fact-finding process is necessary because the allegations involve public interest and the management of government funds.
The controversy follows statements from former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., who alleged that he personally delivered billions of pesos in cash to Vice President Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte.
Addressing questions regarding Gracioso’s credibility, Castro noted that investigative bodies will assess the claims based strictly on supporting documentary and physical evidence.
While Vice President Duterte has publicly denied knowing Gracioso or receiving illicit funds from him, Castro pointed to existing video recordings and social media posts indicating past interactions between the Vice President, Gracioso, and former police officer Ramil Madriaga, who previously leveled separate corruption allegations against her.