MANILA— The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday confirmed that former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco is currently outside the Philippines, saying its records showed no restriction that would have prevented his departure.

“Based on the Bureau’s records, there was no existing Hold Departure Order (HDO) or derogatory alert that would have prevented his departure from the Philippines,” the BI said in a statement.

The bureau declined to provide additional information about Velasco’s movements, citing data privacy concerns.

“The bureau says it cannot “disclose further details concerning an individual’s immigration records due to data privacy concerns.”

The BI confirmation came after National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag earlier said Velasco left for Nagoya, Japan, on Aug. 30.

Matibag said Velasco was supposed to return on Sept. 14 but, based on immigration records, had not yet returned to the country.

He also said Velasco’s wife and two other individuals traveled to Hong Kong on Sept. 24 and were expected to return on Sept. 27. Matibag said there was still no record of their return.

The developments came as Velasco’s former security aide, dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., appeared before the NBI on Monday for questioning over allegations involving billions of pesos allegedly delivered to several political figures.

Gracioso has alleged that he delivered more than PHP 2 billion to Vice President Sara Z. Duterte, PHP 1 billion to former President Rodrigo Duterte and PHP 100 million to Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte in tranches beginning in 2018, supposedly upon Velasco’s instructions.

Sara Duterte has denied knowing Gracioso or receiving money from him.

In a statement Saturday, the Vice President said her lawyers were waiting for an official copy of Gracioso’s affidavit from the NBI before pursuing 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 characterized Gracioso’s affidavit as an effort to support the impeachment case 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 trying to undermine her political position while pursuing 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 was instead demanding that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. undergo a drug test and address the flood-control controversy.

“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.”

Duterte is currently facing impeachment proceedings before the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court.