NBI refers probe results of Sara Duterte's SALN to Ombudsman

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Tuesday referred its fact-finding investigation report on Vice President Sara Duterte’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) to the Ombudsman for evaluation and appropriate action.

According to GMA News’ Mav Gonzales, the investigation compared the Vice President’s SALN in 2024-2025 to the certified true copies of land titles obtained from the Land Registration Authority (LRA).

“The Bureau refers the matter to your Office, as the constitutional body with primary jurisdiction over public corruption under Article XI of the 1987 Constitution and Section 15 (1) of Republic Act No. 6770. The NBI stands ready to provide further records and to present its agents as witnesses should your Office require them,” the letter to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla read.

Along with the results of the investigation, the NBI also submitted the following documents to the Office of the Ombudsman:

• Vice President Sara Duterte’s SALN for 2024-2025
• 14 LRA verified map location
• 22 land titles for 14 properties declared in the SALN
• Surveillance photos and videos

The NBI is also investigating properties being linked to Duterte and her family amid allegations of cash deliveries by a dismissed police officer.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said ex-cop Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.’s affidavit pointed to a pattern of “land banking” among properties linked to the family of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, which the bureau is now examining in connection with some members of the Duterte family.

However, Davao lawmaker Paolo Duterte, the Vice President’s brother, challenged Matibag to establish the facts and present evidence to support his allegations.

Sara Duterte has denied ownership of the said properties.

In the impeachment trial of the Vice President, the impeachment court discussed the alleged unexplained wealth of Duterte, which includes the properties that she and her husband, Manases Carpio, own. —RF, GMA News