Politics · Philippines Bureau
Former Cop Sought Priest's Aid Over Alleged Duterte Cash Deliveries
A retired police officer approached a Catholic priest seeking assistance to expose alleged cash deliveries to the Duterte family, according to the priest. The former cop claimed he was acting on orders from ex-House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
LSN Philippines ·
Father Flavie Villanueva disclosed Monday that former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. came to his residence requesting help to reveal what he characterized as a scheme involving the delivery of suitcases filled with substantial amounts of cash to members of the Duterte family. Villanueva told reporters that Gracioso claimed these deliveries were conducted under the direction of ex-House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, his former superior. The priest's account adds another dimension to ongoing allegations surrounding financial transactions allegedly connected to the prominent political family. The former officer's decision to seek ecclesiastical assistance suggests concerns about the nature and implications of the activities he described. Details regarding the timing, amounts, and specific recipients of the alleged cash deliveries remain unclear. The disclosure comes amid heightened scrutiny of financial dealings and activities during the previous administration.