Metro Manila, Philippines – Vice President Sara Duterte said 29 statements about her in Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.’s sworn statement are false, raising the possibility of a perjury case against the former police officer.
Duterte said she has received a copy of Gracioso’s affidavit from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), along with identification documents but no other attachments.
“Based on our count, Gracioso made 29 statements concerning me that we believe are false,” Duterte said on Monday, Oct. 5.
The vice president said she has evidence to dispute parts of Gracioso’s account, including claims concerning her whereabouts in 2019.
“Among several other pieces of my evidence, Jefry Tupas and I were nowhere near Marinduque during Mahal na Araw in 2019, nor were we in Manila on September 21, 2019,” Duterte said.
Gracioso has accused Duterte and members of her family of receiving cash deliveries. Duterte has denied knowing Gracioso or receiving money from him.
Duterte said NBI Director Melvin Matibag noted that a perjury case may be possible if Gracioso’s allegations are proven false.
“We expect a case to be filed by the NBI against Gracioso once the agency completes its investigation and the evidence is fully evaluated,” Duterte said.
The vice president did not specify what case she expects the NBI to file.
