Manila:The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced that it will continue its investigation into allegations made by Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. regarding the delivery of money to the Duterte family, based on instructions purportedly from former House Speaker Allan Velasco.
According to Philippines News Agency, Rep. Paolo Duterte, the son of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, requested that NBI Director Melvin Matibag recuse himself from the investigation. However, the NBI stated that this demand has no legal basis and affirmed that the investigation will proceed as planned.
The NBI emphasized that the request for inhibition is irrelevant to their role, as the NBI's function is to establish facts rather than make judgments. The determination of probable cause falls to the prosecutor or the Ombudsman, should the matter escalate to that stage. Rep. Duterte will have the opportunity to respond if necessary, as per legal provisions.
In addressing the allegations, the NBI noted that polygraph results are merely indicative of whether a witness appears to be deceptive and are not considered proof or a determination of guilt. The investigation is thorough, with allegations being assessed against documents, records, and testimonies.
Rep. Duterte has filed a libel lawsuit against Gracioso, NBI officials, and news reporters over articles alleging that Gracioso delivered over PHP3 billion to the Duterte family between 2018 and 2021 under Velasco's directive. The NBI affirmed that Rep. Duterte has been afforded all legal rights available at this stage of the investigation.
