Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday accused the Marcos administration of being behind what she described as a campaign to discredit her, linking the allegations of dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. to her ongoing impeachment trial.
Asked who she believed was behind the allegations against her, Duterte gave a direct answer:
“Administrasyon. Sino ang nasa likod ng paninira sa akin? Administrasyon. Ang Palasyo, si BBM.”
Duterte said she believes the allegations should be viewed alongside what she described as other attacks against her administration and family.
She cited the impeachment case pending before the Senate, allegations of payments involving lawmakers who signed the impeachment complaint, and accusations involving alleged cash deliveries.
She also accused the administration’s communications officials of attempting to shift allegations of corruption involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. onto her.
Duterte says Gracioso allegations are part of political attacks
Duterte argued that the timing of Gracioso’s allegations was significant because the impeachment trial is already examining her wealth and financial records.
She described the allegations as another attempt to connect her to cash and wealth-related accusations.
The Vice President had previously rejected Gracioso’s claims, saying she did not know him and had never received money from him. She also said her lawyers would prepare cases against him after reviewing his affidavit.
The NBI, however, has maintained that it is investigating the allegations and validating the evidence presented by Gracioso. It has also invited several personalities named in his affidavit to give their side.
Duterte points to Marcos' alleged cash suitcase controversy
During Tuesday’s briefing, Duterte also brought up a separate allegation involving President Marcos, claiming that he had been linked by a witness to a suitcase of cash.
She said the administration was attempting to redirect attention from issues involving Marcos by associating her with similar allegations.
Duterte did not provide new evidence during the briefing establishing her claim that the administration orchestrated Gracioso’s allegations.
Meanwhile, the House prosecution has continued its presentation of evidence under Article II, with the trial focused on documentary and financial records rather than Gracioso’s affidavit alone.
Velasco also rejects Gracioso's allegations
The allegations have also been rejected by Velasco’s camp.
Velasco’s spokesperson said the former House speaker’s record was untainted by corruption and described Gracioso’s account as fabricated and inconsistent with verifiable events.
The NBI has yet to make a final determination on the truthfulness of the allegations.
Duterte said she expects the bureau to file a case against Gracioso if its investigation establishes that he made false statements.
