Vice President Sara Duterte speaks to her legal counsel, as she refuses to enter the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, citing safety concerns, before posting bail for her grave threats case on Saturday, September 5, 2026. Maria Tan, ABS-CBN News
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday said she does not know a certain Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. and has not received any money from him.
According to a media report, Gracioso claimed that he was a dismissed policeman who served as a security officer of former Congressman Lord Allan Velasco.
Velasco supposedly ordered Gracioso to deliver suitcases of cash to the vice president, former President Rodrigo Duterte, and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte.
The vice president said her lawyers are waiting for an official copy of Gracioso's affidavit from the National Bureau of Investigation.
"Once we are done dismantling the lies contained in his testimony, it will end up in the trash bin," Duterte said in a social media post.
"This is nothing more than another media stunt, an attempt to breathe life into a faltering impeachment case," she added.
Duterte also said the administration's "desperation" to bring her down, push for Charter Change, and "cling to power is becoming increasingly diabolical."
"No amount of political maneuvering, propaganda, or manufactured distractions can ultimately silence the Filipino people," the vice president said.
Earlier, a certain Ramil Madriaga claimed he was Duterte's bagman. Madriaga has testified that he "personally disposed" of the Office of the Vice President's ₱125-million confidential fund in less than a day.
READ: VP Sara camp slams dismissal of perjury complaint vs Madriaga, hits 'political decision'
READ: Prosecution won’t present Lachica, Nolasco, Madriaga as witnesses in Duterte impeachment trial
ALLEGATION SHOULD BE TAKEN 'SERIOUSLY'
Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Adiong said the allegation against the Dutertes have to be taken seriously.
The congressman stressed that the accusation should not be taken at face value as there should be evidence on the claim.
Adiong, impeachment prosecution spokesperson, said the accusation will not directly impact the proceeding against the vice president.
"It's not entirely connected with the articles of impeachment But it also has something to do with the allegation under the articles of impeachment, which is Article 2, unexplained wealth," noted Adiong in an ambush interview.
"This is something that erodes the reputation of those who have been mentioned, individuals who have been receiving these suitcases of [money]," he said.
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