Politics · Philippines Bureau
Velasco and wife abroad as NBI probes former aide's allegations
The National Bureau of Investigation confirmed that former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife Rowena are currently outside the Philippines. The confirmation comes as the bureau questions a dismissed police officer who has made allegations against the former legislative leader.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and his wife, Rowena, are currently out of the country, National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag said Tuesday.
Matibag confirmed their absence abroad following Monday's appearance before the NBI of Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., a dismissed police officer who previously served as Velasco's security aide. Gracioso's visit to the bureau was related to allegations he has made against the former speaker.
The nature of Gracioso's specific allegations has not been detailed. The NBI's questioning of the dismissed officer marks an apparent escalation in scrutiny surrounding the former House leadership figure.
Velasco, who served as Speaker during the 18th Congress, has maintained a lower public profile in recent months. The timing of his overseas travel alongside the NBI's investigation into matters related to his former security detail remains unclear.