Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday claimed that dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. was “motivated by money” in making allegations against her, citing an alleged offer of financial assistance to former Davao City information officer Jefry Tupas.

Duterte made the claim while answering questions about the possible motive behind Gracioso’s allegations that she received cash deliveries from former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife through Gracioso.

“Sa tingin ko, walang galit si Gracioso sa akin. Motivated by money siya,” Duterte said.

Duterte alleged that there had been negotiations involving money for possible witnesses in connection with Gracioso’s claims about suitcases of cash supposedly delivered to her.

She specifically cited Tupas, whom Gracioso allegedly identified as the person who received one of the supposed cash deliveries on Duterte’s behalf.

According to Duterte, Tupas told her that NBI personnel had gone to North Cotabato on Sept. 29 and told his family that he faced a threat from the Duterte family.

Duterte claimed Tupas was subsequently offered security arrangements and financial assistance, including an alleged offer involving accommodation in Forbes Park.

She said Tupas has evidence concerning the alleged interaction.

Tupas denies receiving cash

Tupas has separately denied Gracioso’s allegation that he received suitcases of cash on behalf of Duterte.

In an affidavit submitted to the NBI, Tupas said Gracioso’s allegations were false and said he believed Gracioso was referring to him because he was known by the nickname “Jepoy” or “Jepoi” among Duterte’s aides at the time.

The NBI summoned Tupas as part of its investigation into alleged violations of the Anti-Plunder Act, Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and Anti-Money Laundering Act.

Gracioso's polygraph test

Duterte’s statement came days after NBI Director Melvin Matibag said Gracioso had undergone a second polygraph examination at the bureau.

According to Matibag, the three-hour test was conducted on Sept. 30.

Earlier, Matibag said the results of a polygraph test indicated “99% truthfulness” in Gracioso’s statements. However, the NBI has also stressed that his allegations remain subject to investigation and validation.

During Tuesday’s briefing, Duterte challenged the NBI to release the video of Gracioso’s alleged polygraph examination before she considers taking a similar test.

“Wala akong problema sa lie detector test. Pero ipakita muna nila yung public na lie detector test ni Gracioso,” she said.

Duterte questioned the manner in which Gracioso’s purported polygraph result had been presented publicly, saying the examination and interpretation of results should involve experts.

NBI asked to file case if allegations are proven false

Duterte also called on the NBI to file a case against Gracioso if the bureau’s investigation establishes that portions of his affidavit are false.

She said she wanted the NBI to act particularly on allegations against her that she claims can be disproven through documentary evidence.

The DOJ has said it would consider both the credibility and motivation of Gracioso as it evaluates his allegations. The department is also looking into the totality of the circumstances surrounding his affidavit.

Gracioso, a dismissed police officer who previously served as security personnel for Velasco, has alleged that he delivered more than P2 billion in cash to members of the Duterte family.

Velasco’s camp has rejected the allegations, describing them as fabricated and inconsistent with verifiable events, including the timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic and Velasco’s period as House speaker.

Duterte said her response to Gracioso’s affidavit would be formally submitted to the NBI on Thursday.