Lawyer Peter Paul Danao (left) is seen in this file photo with lawyer Manases Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte.
A lawyer for Davao City First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte has questioned the National Bureau of Investigation’s authority to investigate allegations made by dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.
Lawyer Peter Paul Danao appeared before the NBI on Duterte’s behalf, submitting an affidavit denying the claims while maintaining a legal objection to the probe.
Danao raised a jurisdictional challenge to the bureau’s authority to conduct the investigation in submitting an affidavit ad cautelam, a precautionary sworn statement intended to place Duterte’s denial on record without waiving the jurisdictional objection.
The lawyer said the affidavit rejected what he described as Gracioso’s “fairy tale concoctions.”
He stressed that the filing did not mean the defense had withdrawn its objection or conceded the NBI’s authority to proceed.
Danao urged investigators to independently assess both the jurisdictional challenge and the allegations based on applicable laws and evidence.
“We trust that the women and men of the NBI involved in this investigation shall uphold the bureau’s ideals of nobility, bravery and integrity in their independent evaluation and assessment of the issues we raised,” he said.
He also called on investigators to remain faithful to the bureau’s mandate, resist possible pressure or influence, and ensure a fair and impartial investigation.
“They must be true to their noble calling as the premier investigating body of our country, be brave enough to withstand possible pressure and influence, and maintain the integrity of a just and impartial investigation,” Danao said.