VP Sara Duterte Seeks Copy of Accuser’s Affidavit Before Responding to NBI Invitation
MANILA, Philippines, Oct. 4 — Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has received an invitation from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to attend a conference concerning allegations made by Rodulfo M. Gracioso Jr., but has requested copies of his affidavit and supporting documents before deciding on her next course of action, her lawyer said.
In a statement dated October 3, lawyer Paul Lawrence S. Lim of Chua Lim & Associates, counsel for the vice president, confirmed that Duterte had received the NBI’s invitation but said it was not accompanied by an official copy of Gracioso’s sworn statement.
“The Vice President received the NBI’s invitation for her to attend a conference on Mr. Rodulfo M. Gracioso, Jr.’s allegations,” Lim said.
He said Duterte’s legal team had formally requested that the investigating agency provide a complete and accurate copy of the affidavit, together with any documents supporting the allegations.
“Since no official copy of Mr. Gracioso’s affidavit was included with the invitation, we have requested the NBI for a faithful copy thereof and all its supporting documents, if any,” Lim said.
The statement did not disclose the specific allegations raised by Gracioso, the scheduled date of the NBI conference or whether Duterte intended to attend.
Lim said the vice president would determine her next steps after receiving the requested documents.
“Once received, the Vice President will take appropriate action thereon in due course,” he said.
The statement did not indicate whether Duterte’s legal team had sought to postpone the conference pending receipt of the documents.
The development leaves Duterte’s response to the NBI invitation unresolved as her lawyers await the official affidavit and any accompanying evidence.
It also remains unclear from the statement whether the NBI has responded to the legal team’s request.
The October 3 statement did not address the substance of Gracioso’s allegations or provide a timeline for the vice president’s formal response.
