Sara Duterte disowns property under NBI probe

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday disowned a property that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) was investigating for possible value misdeclaration. 

The NBI on Monday presented photos and videos of properties linked to Duterte and her family, saying some allegedly declared as agricultural land reportedly have mansions, swimming pools and helipads.

“Ang lote sa larawan na sinabi niyang nasa aking Statement of Assets, Liability, and Net Worth o SALN ay hindi sa akin,” Duterte said.  

Duterte said it was worrisome that the NBI was using its operations for matters which do not benefit the public.

“Ang ganitong panlilinlang sa publiko ay ang dahilan kung bakit inalis ang NBI sa listahan ng mga testigong ihaharap ng prosekusyon sa impeachment proceedings—dahil sa mga alegasyon na muli na naman silang naglahad ng mga ebidensiyang kuwestiyonable tulad noong Gracioso affidavit,” the Vice President said. 

Duterte appeared to be referring to dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., who claimed that he delivered cash to members of the Duterte family on the instructions of former speaker Lord Allan Velasco. The NBI previously said it was looking into Gracioso’s allegations, which Duterte rejected. 

“Kung pera ng taumbayan ang ginagamit sa pagpapatakbo ng isang ahensiya, nararapat lamang na tiyakin na ang bawat hakbang nito ay naaayon sa batas, nakabatay sa katotohanan, at nagsisilbi sa interes ng sambayanan,” Duterte said.