Dutertes Challenge NBI “Evidence” as Bureau Prepares Flood Control Cases Over 4 Davao City Projects
DAVAO CITY, October 14, 2026 – Vice President Sara Duterte and her brother, Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, pushed back on October 13 against the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). They say the bureau’s public presentation of property images does not prove ownership of the properties.
What the NBI presented
At a press conference on October 12, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said investigators were comparing the properties declared in the family’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) against their actual condition and assessed values. The presentation included aerial footage of resort-like properties with swimming pools and other amenities. One property was reportedly declared as agricultural land despite substantial improvements. The footage also included a large property in Samal, Davao del Norte.
The probe stems from the affidavit of Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., a dismissed police officer. He claims he delivered cash to members of the Duterte family on the instructions of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco. Matibag said the NBI is tracing whether that money went into land, resorts or other real estate. The Dutertes deny the allegations, and the vice president filed a sworn denial with the NBI on October 8, according to SunStar.
VP Sara: “Not mine”
In a statement on October 13, the vice president denied owning the lot the NBI linked to her SALN, saying it “is not mine.” She also accused the bureau of misleading the public and questioned the use of public funds for the operation. She said agencies funded by taxpayers must act lawfully and based on truth.
Rep. Pulong: Show proof, not photos
Rep. Duterte said photographs alone cannot establish ownership. He challenged Matibag to present verifiable evidence that he owns a resort in Samal. He said the NBI should not be a platform for “trial by publicity.” He also urged the NBI chief to apply the same scrutiny to flood control projects in the Laguna district represented by Matibag’s wife, Rep. Ma. Rene Ann Lourdes Matibag. She has said her office will cooperate with any lawful investigation and invited Duterte to submit documents or videos to the proper authorities, SunStar reported.
NBI to file flood control complaints
Separately, Matibag said on October 12 that the NBI will file complaints over four alleged anomalous flood control projects in Davao City. The bureau earlier red-flagged 51 projects there, including six tagged as strong candidates for being ghost projects. The complaints will go to the Department of Justice or the Office of the Ombudsman. Matibag said the four cases were chosen from 47 opened, and he cited projects that submitted identical photos with different dates to collect payment. One photo was dated February 29, 2023, a date that does not exist because 2023 was not a leap year.
What happens next
The NBI says it is still examining corporate records and property transactions to establish ownership and the source of funds, and to decide whether to pursue legal action. No charges have been filed against the Dutertes over the properties. All claims remain allegations that have not been tested in court.
Source: SunStar Davao and SunStar Philippines, October 12–13, 2026.