Metro Manila, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman documents related to the probe on alleged discrepancies in the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth of Vice President Sara Duterte.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag mentioned an agricultural land in Catigan, Davao City as among what he called misdeclared properties, or from a declared value of ₱890,000 to an estimated ₱50 million to ₱60 million based on on-site inspection.
Duterte has denied ownership of the property in an official statement.
“I’m not surprised. Syempre itatanggi mo yan, ‘di ba? ” Matibag said in a press briefing. “Pero ang ebidensya malinaw….”
[Translation: I’m not surprised. Of course you will deny it, right? But the evidence is clear…]
The probe was in relation to allegations by dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., who said he delivered gifts and cash-filled suitcases to Duterte from 2018 to 2020 as a security aide of then Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
Gracioso also named Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, prompting the NBI to look into properties linked to him as well, including what it called a resort in Samal Island. The lawmaker has denied ownership of the property.
The NBI also turned over to the Department of Justice another set of related documents and recommended preliminary investigation on 12 officials and contractors of Genesis88 in connection with alleged anomalous flood control projects in Duterte’s first congressional district.
With reports from PTV
