MANILA — Dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. has alleged that former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco required a 25-percent “SOP” for a proposed government project in Eastern Visayas, according to claims contained in his sworn affidavit now being examined by the National Bureau of Investigation.
Gracioso, who previously served on Velasco’s security detail, claimed that in 2021, Velasco instructed him to accompany a person he identified as “Gen. Pipino” to the Department of Public Works and Highways main office to seek approval for a project in Region 8.
According to Gracioso, they met then-DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo before proceeding to the Department of Budget and Management to seek approval for the projects.
Gracioso alleged that “Gen. Pipino” later asked him about the “SOP,” prompting him to seek instructions from Velasco. In his affidavit, Gracioso claimed Velasco told him that the required “all-in” percentage was 25 percent and that it would be paid in advance.
Gracioso further alleged that Velasco received percentages from government projects in different parts of the country. These allegations have not been established as fact and remain subject to investigation.
The NBI is investigating Gracioso’s allegations and has said that evidence he submitted must undergo authentication and verification. The bureau also plans to invite personalities named in his affidavit to obtain their side.
Velasco’s camp has denied Gracioso’s accusations, describing them as baseless and fabricated. His spokesperson, lawyer Rowell Ilagan, said the former Speaker’s record in government was “untainted with corruption” and questioned inconsistencies in Gracioso’s account.
