MANILA — Dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. underwent a second lie detector test at the National Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday, Sept. 30, as authorities continued to examine his allegations involving Vice President Sara Duterte and other personalities.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said Gracioso voluntarily underwent the polygraph examination, which lasted about three hours, from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Unlike his first polygraph examination, which focused mainly on his identity and relationship with people mentioned in his statements, the second test covered details contained in his sworn affidavit, according to the NBI
Gracioso, a former security aide of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, alleged that he delivered suitcases containing large amounts of cash to Duterte and other members of her family upon Velasco’s instructions. The NBI is investigating the allegations and verifying photographs, videos and other materials submitted by Gracioso.
The Philippine National Police has confirmed that Gracioso had been detailed as a security officer or staff member of Velasco.
Duterte has denied knowing Gracioso or receiving money from him, while Velasco’s camp has rejected the allegations and described them as fabricated.
Matibag earlier said the first polygraph examination indicated a 99-percent level of truthfulness in Gracioso’s responses, but clarified that the questions were limited to his identity and relationships with the personalities he named.
The Supreme Court has previously held that polygraph results are not conclusive and are not admissible to establish the guilt or innocence of an accused in a criminal case, although they may be considered alongside other corroborating evidence.
The NBI investigation remains ongoing.
