VP camp calls out new ‘tanim witness’

MANILA, Philippines — The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte yesterday dismissed the claim of an alleged former driver of former House speaker Lord Allan Velasco, that he delivered suitcases of cash to her.

Duterte’s spokesperson Paolo Panelo reacted after the former driver of Velasco, identified with the alias “Chris,” arrived at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday to submit his affidavit against Duterte.

“Another day, another tanim (planted) witness. They can keep manufacturing allegations, but they cannot fabricate the truth,” Panelo said in a statement. “As before, VP Sara will happily dismantle each allegation with evidence at the proper time.”

The spokesperson also asked the media not merely to report, but to independently test and verify these claims.

“That way, they can see for themselves how the Fourth Estate is being weaponized for the relentless, but ultimately ineffective, black propaganda against the Vice President,” Panelo added.

In his affidavit, Chris said he allegedly delivered suitcases of money twice to Duterte in Davao from 2021 to 2022 upon Velasco’s instruction.

Prior to this, dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. said he delivered more than P2 billion in cash to Duterte and members of her family on the instructions of Velasco. The Vice President and other people named in the claims have denied the allegations.

Melvin Matibag, NBI director, said yesterday they will summon Chris to verify his account and supporting evidence.

He said Chris submitted an affidavit and photographs linking him to trips to Davao City in 2021 and 2022. His account could corroborate Gracioso’s allegations.

“He is one of the drivers mentioned as having accompanied Gracioso,” Matibag said in an interview over True FM.

The NBI chief said investigators would examine the witness’s photographs, social media posts and other possible evidence before making recommendations. He added the bureau would summon Chris for further questioning and ask whether he would agree to undergo a polygraph examination.

Matibag said the witness reportedly received at least P150,000 per delivery, but clarified that he had yet to personally review the affidavit.

Chris, who appeared before the NBI on Thursday, told reporters that he joined two trips to Davao, transporting an estimated 15 suitcases each time. He said their head driver told him the luggage contained a “small gift” for Duterte.

However, Chris admitted that he did not know what the suitcases contained and never saw the Vice President. He said he and the other drivers were left outside the destination.

Matibag said the new witness’s account appeared consistent with some details disclosed by Gracioso, but stressed the NBI would carefully validate the information before reaching conclusions.

The bureau also plans to invite Velasco and other people mentioned in the allegations to clarify their involvement. Matibag said immigration records indicated that Velasco was last reported to be in Japan, with investigators checking information that he may be in the Niseko area. — Mark Ernest Villeza

abtestabtest Maharlika CEO Consing on way out By Aubrey Rose Inosante | October 5, 2026 - 12:00am   Maharlika Investment Corp. president and CEO Rafael Consing Jr. is expected to step down as his three-year term ends,... Headlines P30 million cloud-seeding brings hope to Visayas sugar farms By Gilbert Bayoran | 8 minutes ago  As the Visayas sugar industry braces for the looming threat of a projected super El Niño, a much-needed dose... Headlines NBI confirms Velasco couple owns 2 alleged ‘cash houses’ in Pasig By Renalyn Ramirez | October 6, 2026 - 4:23pm The NBI said Velasco spouses own 2 alleged “cash houses” in Pasig and are linked to 2 Marinduque resorts... Headlines Palace: Probe possible lapses in Atong Ang’s escape By Alexis Romero | 9 days ago Malacañang has called for an investigation to determine whether there were lapses that allowed businessman Charlie... Headlines Wage hikes, livelihood support, health care access pushed 2 days ago  As rising prices, inadequate wages, unemployment and concerns over government accountability continue to weigh heavily on Filipinos, Sen. Bong Go pushed for legislative measures and programs aimed at improving... Headlines Latest More in Headlines Surrender deadline lapses; still no Bato Super typhoon outside PAR being monitored Lacson slams critics, defends track record More Pinoys own bikes, motorcycles than cars abtest Ex-MILF military head elected chief minister of BARMM By John Unson | 8 minutes ago Abdulraof Macacua, who fought against President Marcos’ father in the 1970s, was elected chief minister of the Bangsamoro... Headlines Stricter transport safety, security checks sought By Helen Flores | 8 minutes ago Senate committee on public services chairman Sen. Raffy Tulfo has urged agencies to ensure the safety of millions of people... Headlines DepEd gains international recognition for improved PISA results By Bella Cariaso | 8 minutes ago The Department of Education (DepEd) gained international recognition for its recent performance improvements in the Programme... Headlines Gas prices seen higher next week; rollback for diesel By Adrian Kenneth Halili | 8 minutes ago Motorists should brace for higher gasoline prices next week as the escalating conflict in the Middle East continues to threaten... Headlines BAN Toxics warns of chemicals in Halloween toys By Ramon Efren Lazaro | 8 minutes ago A watchdog group has warned consumers about hazardous chemicals found in Halloween toys and costumes, urging manufacturers... Headlines Recommended Marcos attends Michelin Guide 2027 ceremony 1 day ago Marcos is the first sitting head of state in history to attend a Michelin Guide restaurant unveiling. HeadlinesBONGBONG MARCOSMICHELIN SC seeks Senate, House comments before acting on impeachment vote threshold plea 1 day ago The High Court instead has ordered the Senate and the House of Representatives to answer their petition first, according to... HeadlinesSARA DUTERTE'S IMPEACHMENTSENATESUPREME COURT New NLEX C5 Northlink section toll-free until year-end 1 day ago Marcos announces free passage on the newly opened NLEX C5 Northlink section through 2026. HeadlinesBONGBONG MARCOSC5INFRASTRUCTURE Prosecution to defense: Don’t delay impeach trial 2 days ago Lawyers of Vice President Sara Duterte should not engage in delaying tactics in presenting her defense before the Senate impeachment... HeadlinesSARASARA DUTERTE Aplasca files reply to direct assault rap 2 days ago Former Senate sergeant-at-arms Mao Aplasca has filed his counter-affidavit on the direct assault complaint filed against him... HeadlinesAPLASCAMAO next Recommended Marcos attends Michelin Guide 2027 ceremony Marcos is the first sitting head of state in history to attend a Michelin Guide restaurant unveiling. 1 day ago BONGBONG MARCOS MICHELIN SC seeks Senate, House comments before acting on impeachment vote threshold plea The High Court instead has ordered the Senate and the House of Representatives to answer their petition first, according to an en banc resolution dated October 14. 1 day ago SARA DUTERTE'S IMPEACHMENT SENATE SUPREME COURT New NLEX C5 Northlink section toll-free until year-end Marcos announces free passage on the newly opened NLEX C5 Northlink section through 2026. 1 day ago BONGBONG MARCOS C5 INFRASTRUCTURE Prosecution to defense: Don’t delay impeach trial Lawyers of Vice President Sara Duterte should not engage in delaying tactics in presenting her defense before the Senate impeachment court, nor should they employ any filibuster methods to drag the case even further. 2 days ago SARA SARA DUTERTE Aplasca files reply to direct assault rap Former Senate sergeant-at-arms Mao Aplasca has filed his counter-affidavit on the direct assault complaint filed against him over the May 13 Senate shooting. 2 days ago APLASCA MAO OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!