Malacañang on Wednesday urged former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco to return to the Philippines and face the investigation into allegations made by his former security aide, Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., linking him to cash deliveries to members of the Duterte family.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said Velasco should come forward and provide explanations regarding the allegations involving him and his wife in the ongoing National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) probe.
Castro made the call after reports that Velasco had left the country following a search conducted at his residence as part of the investigation. The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has confirmed that Velasco is currently out of the country.
“Ang mas maganda rito kung ang pangalan niya ay nababanggit na sa mga milyon-milyong pera na laman ng mga maleta na dinadala umano sa vice president, kay dating pangulong Duterte at kay Congressman Pulong Duterte, mas magandang magbigay siya ng pagpapaliwanag,” Castro said during a press briefing on Sept. 30.
She added that Velasco and his wife should face the investigation rather than leave the country, particularly if they want to address the allegations involving their names.
“Ang mas maganda rito kung ang pangalan niya ay nababanggit na sa mga milyon-milyong ah pera na laman ng male-metang dinadala ‘di umano sa vice presidente kay [dating] pangulong Duterte at kay Congressman Pulong Duterte. Mas magandang magbigay siya ng pagpapaliwanag para kung meron dapat linisin na integridad especially ‘yung kanyang pangalan at pangalan ng kanyang asawa ay mas magandang humarap na lang sila sa pag-iimbestiga at hindi kailangang lumayo at mga ibang bansa at hindi magpakita.”
WATCH: Hinimok ng Malacañang si dating Speaker Lord Allan Velasco na harapin ang pagkakadawit ng pangalan sa isyu ng umano’y male-maletang pera na ipinadala kay VP Sara Duterte | RH 14 @leth_narciso, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/5Ec9u3CmFQ
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) September 30, 2026
The allegations surfaced after Gracioso, a dismissed police officer who served as part of Velasco’s security detail, claimed that he delivered suitcases containing cash to Vice President Sara Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte on Velasco’s instructions.
Gracioso alleged that he delivered more than ₱2 billion to Sara Duterte in more than 20 separate instances, with individual deliveries allegedly ranging from ₱20 million to ₱50 million.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is evaluating Gracioso’s allegations and has said it will verify the evidence he submitted, including photographs and details contained in his sworn affidavit. NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the personalities named in the affidavit, including Velasco and Vice President Duterte, may be invited as part of the investigation.
The Philippine National Police (NBI) has also confirmed that Gracioso had been assigned as a security detail for Velasco, with his security duties covered by official orders.
Velasco’s camp has denied Gracioso’s allegations, with his spokesperson describing the claims as "fabricated attacks."
Sara Duterte has likewise denied knowing Gracioso or receiving money from him.
