Palace tells Velasco to face probe; houses raided

Manila – The Palace has publicly urged former House speaker Lord Allan Velasco to step forward and clarify his role in a scandal that has rattled the corridors of power. The call comes after the Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that Velasco left the Philippines on August 30 and failed to return on his scheduled date of September 14, raising fresh questions about his possible involvement in a cash‑delivery scheme alleged by a former security aide.

Background of the allegations

The controversy erupted when dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., who once served as Velasco’s security officer, filed an affidavit claiming he delivered more than two billion pesos in cash to Vice President Sara Duterte, her family members, and former President Rodrigo Duterte. According to Gracioso, the money was packed in suitcases and handed over at the behest of Velasco.

Gracioso’s allegations have now drawn the attention of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which has opened a probe into the alleged cash deliveries. The NBI’s involvement signals a shift from a purely political dispute to a formal criminal investigation, with the agency planning to summon all individuals named in the affidavit, including Velasco’s wife, Rowena Velasco, who reportedly left the country on September 24.

Velasco’s response and the Palace’s stance

Velasco’s camp has dismissed the claims as a “one‑size‑fits‑all narration” that appears “designed and fabricated to attack as many targets as it can while being inconsistent with verifiable events.” The statement underscores the former speaker’s insistence that the accusations lack factual basis.

Palace press officer Claire Castro, speaking at a media briefing, emphasized that whether Velasco is “afraid or just taking a vacation” remains unclear. Nonetheless, she urged him to “shed light” on the matter so he can clear his name and that of his wife, especially given the alleged involvement of millions of pesos in the suitcases.

Immigration records and travel timeline

The Bureau of Immigration confirmed that Velasco flew to Japan on August 30. He was expected to return to Manila on September 14, a date he missed without any official explanation. The BI’s statement did not specify the purpose of his trip, leaving room for speculation about whether the travel was personal, official, or related to the cash‑delivery allegations.

Meanwhile, Rowena Velasco’s departure on September 24 adds another layer to the timeline. The NBI has indicated its intent to interview her, suggesting that authorities view her movements as potentially relevant to the investigation.

NBI raid on alleged Velasco properties

On August 24, NBI agents, armed with a search warrant, raided houses in Valle Verde, Pasig that are allegedly owned by Velasco. Director Melvin Matibag disclosed that the operatives initially did not know the properties belonged to the former speaker because they were registered under the names of his employees and a certain company.

During the raid, agents seized firearms, bullets, magazines, and identification cards belonging to police and security personnel. The discovery of weapons and official IDs has heightened public concern, as it suggests a possible network of security assets linked to Velasco.

Political reactions and public sentiment

Former lawmaker Mikee Romero took to Facebook on September 25, claiming that Velasco’s home was being raided “now” by the NBI. It remains unclear whether Romero referred to a separate operation or the same August 24 raid confirmed by Matibag. Nonetheless, the post amplified the perception that the investigation is ongoing and perhaps expanding.

For ordinary Filipinos, the scandal touches on deeper anxieties about corruption and the misuse of public office. In barangays across the nation, residents discuss the case in sari‑sari stores, questioning whether political elites are above the law or subject to the same accountability mechanisms that ordinary citizens face.

Legal context and the reliability of polygraph tests

Gracioso underwent a lie‑detector test at the NBI, though results have not yet been released. The Supreme Court, in a 1978 decision, expressed skepticism toward polygraph results, stating that it “does not put much faith and credit on” such tests. This judicial stance underscores that any polygraph outcome will likely be considered only one piece of evidence among many.

The pending NBI investigation will therefore rely on documentary evidence, witness testimonies, and the outcomes of any forensic examinations of the seized items. The legal process will be guided by the Department of Justice and, if charges are filed, will move through the courts, potentially reaching the Supreme Court for final adjudication.

Implications for governance and the rule of law

If the investigation confirms that Velasco ordered the cash deliveries, it could trigger a cascade of political repercussions. The House of Representatives may face calls to revisit the conduct of its former speaker, while the Senate and the Office of the Ombudsman could be urged to pursue related corruption cases.

Beyond the immediate political fallout, the episode highlights the importance of transparent governance and the role of law‑enforcement agencies in upholding accountability. For the Filipino people, the hope is that due process will prevail, allowing the truth to emerge without fear or favour. As the nation watches, the outcome will shape public confidence in institutions—from the PNP to the NBI and the broader justice system—reinforcing—or challenging—the democratic ideals that underpin our republic.

This article was produced with AI-assisted research and editorial support. Reporting is based on the source material cited below. Sources: Philstar.com; Global1.News (01 October 2026).

By Bella Reyes, Staff Writer