By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Former Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife, Rowena, stayed away from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday despite invitations concerning allegations made by dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.
Three lawyers appeared for the couple at the NBI headquarters in Pasay City, where they also sought access to Gracioso’s affidavit detailing his accusations.
Attorney Rowell Ilagan maintained his clients’ denial, warning that information spreading through social media could be fabricated.
Asked whether Velasco knew Gracioso, Ilagan acknowledged the connection but stopped short of identifying its nature.
“Kilala po. Pero hindi po natin masabi kung ano po yung pagkakilala niya,” he said.
Ilagan also rejected speculation that the couple had left the Philippines to evade the investigation, saying private citizens have the constitutional right to travel.
The lawyer said the Velascos would address other accusations before the proper forum and at the appropriate time. The NBI has yet to announce another date for their appearance.
Immigration records previously cited by authorities showed Velasco traveled to Nagoya, Japan, on Aug. 30 and had not returned. His wife reportedly flew to Hong Kong on Sept. 24, with no recorded return as of the latest information.
Gracioso alleges that billions of pesos were delivered to Vice President Sara Duterte, former President Rodrigo Duterte and Rep. Paolo Duterte in installments beginning in 2018, allegedly upon Velasco’s instructions.
The vice president has denied knowing Gracioso.
The NBI earlier said Gracioso’s latest lie detector examination indicated “no deception.”
ia/xf
