The camp of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco admitted that he knows dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., but declined to confirm or deny whether the latter served as his staff member or security aide.
Velasco’s legal counsel, Atty. Rowell Ilagan, said the nature of the relationship between his client and Gracioso would be addressed in the proper forum.
“Kilala po pero hindi natin masasabi kung anong pagkakakilala,” Ilagan said.
The lawyer said Velasco was surprised by the allegations raised by Gracioso but expressed confidence that they would be able to answer the accusations against the former House Speaker.
Ilagan also maintained that Velasco and his wife, Rowena, are private individuals and are free to travel abroad. He did not, however, disclose when the couple left the country or whether they intend to return.
The Velasco camp likewise denied allegations that the former House Speaker ordered the delivery of large amounts of money to any individual, saying they could prove their claim.
Ilagan also questioned Gracioso’s credibility, noting that he is a dismissed police officer, and said his testimony should be assessed based on his credibility.
The Velascos did not personally appear at the National Bureau of Investigation’s fact-finding investigation but sent three lawyers to represent them.
Their legal team also requested a copy of Gracioso’s sworn statement containing allegations that Vice President Sara Duterte received more than P2 billion—P1 billion allegedly from former President Rodrigo Duterte and P100 million
