MANILA – Vice President Sara Z. Duterte on Saturday denied knowing Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. or receiving money from him, as she questioned the motive behind an affidavit reportedly submitted to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

In a statement, Duterte said her lawyers were waiting for an official copy of Gracioso’s affidavit from the NBI before preparing cases against him.

“I do not know Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., nor have I ever received any money from him.

My lawyers are awaiting an official copy of the Gracioso affidavit from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) so they can begin working on the cases to be filed against him.

Once we are done dismantling the lies contained in his testimony, it will end up in the trash bin—just like the one from Ramil Madriaga.”

Duterte described the affidavit as another attempt to bolster the impeachment proceedings against her.

“This is nothing more than another media stunt, an attempt to breathe life into a faltering impeachment case.”

She also accused the administration of seeking to weaken her political position and advance Charter Change and other political objectives.

“The desperation of the administration to bring me down, push for Charter Change, prevent the 2028 elections, and cling to power is becoming increasingly diabolical.”

Duterte said the public instead wants President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to undergo a drug test and answer questions over the flood-control scandal.

“The people want Marcos to take a public drug test. The people want Marcos to answer for the flood control scandal. The people want change.

No amount of political maneuvering, propaganda, or manufactured distractions can ultimately silence the Filipino people.”

The Vice President is facing impeachment proceedings in the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court. Her statement did not provide details of the cases her lawyers intend to file against Gracioso or identify the specific allegations in his affidavit.