DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Vice President Sara Duterte accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration of targeting her amid her impeachment proceedings by using former police Corporal Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.’s bribery allegations.
Gracioso alleged that he delivered millions in cash to members of the Duterte family, including the vice president, while serving as a security aide to former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco. He claimed the deliveries to Duterte eventually reached P2 billion.
In an online news conference on Tuesday, Oct. 6, Vice President Duterte shifted the focus to the current administration, particularly the president
“Who is behind these attacks? The administration, the Malacañang, BBM,” Duterte said in Filipino.
Duterte said the administration was redirecting corruption allegations that should be answered by Marcos Jr. toward her.
“If you look at what the administration’s communications are doing, all the taint of corruption that BBM should answer for is being smeared onto me,” she said.
Duterte cited allegations involving a suitcase of money allegedly received by Marcos Jr., which she attributed to testimony from former lawmaker Zaldy Co.
She believed the administration’s statements and actions were political, ranging from her impeachment proceedings to the creation of similar issue over suitcases filled with cash through Gracioso’s allegations.
The vice president is facing impeachment proceedings over allegations including unexplained wealth and questions surrounding her use of confidential funds.
Gracioso account challenged
Duterte also sought to disprove Gracioso’s allegations by presenting records of her movements and activities.
“We have complete archives, schedules, photographs, diaries and videos,” Duterte said.
These records dispute several details in Gracioso’s account, including his allegations that the vice president was in Marinduque during Holy Week in 2019.
She said her documented schedule placed her in various parts of Mindanao during the period.
Duterte also questioned Gracioso’s alleged access to her, saying her security was handled by the Presidential Security Group while her father, Rodrigo Duterte, was president from 2016 to 2022.
She said the PSG handled her security throughout her vice presidency
The vice president would not disclose all her evidence because doing so could allow Gracioso to adjust his account based on the information she provides.
Duterte also denied allegations involving a motorcycle, vehicle and luxury gifts, saying some of the claims could be contradicted by records in her possession.
The National Bureau of Investigation is continuing its investigation into Gracioso’s allegations. (davaotoday.com)
