Sara Duterte denies ex-Velasco aide’s claim he delivered over P2 billion to her

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Sara Duterte denied knowing Police Corporal Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. and receiving money from him, after the former security aide of ex-House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco alleged that he delivered more than P2 billion in cash to her.

"I do not know Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., nor have I ever received any money from him," Duterte said in a statement posted on Facebook on September 26.

Gracioso, who claimed to have served as Velasco's head of security from 2018 until the latter's speakership from 2020 to 2022, alleged that he delivered suitcases containing cash to Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte and Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte on Velasco's instructions.