Manila: House prosecutor and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon on Tuesday stated that National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag maintained his account during a rigorous defense cross-examination, ensuring the bureau's ongoing investigation into Vice President Sara Z. Duterte's alleged threats against the President and his family was recorded in the trial proceedings.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ridon contested the defense's attempt to label portions of Matibag's testimony as hearsay or 'chismis' during the eighth day of the Senate impeachment trial. Ridon challenged this characterization, questioning how a threat could be considered hearsay and emphasizing the seriousness of the continuing threat allegations involving the Vice President and her family.
Matibag's testimony revealed that the NBI had assembled a special task force to investigate persons of interest using both open-source and human intelligence methods. However, the bureau has yet to disclose individuals' identities or conclusively identify the person allegedly contacted by Duterte.
Ridon argued that the investigation's lack of a final identification did not reduce it to mere rumor, asserting the legitimacy of the ongoing investigative efforts. During the cross-examination, it was highlighted by the defense that Matibag was not the NBI director when the initial investigation began in 2024, and his understanding of that phase was based on official records and consultations with the investigating officers.
The defense also scrutinized Matibag's connections, particularly concerning his wife, Laguna 1st District Rep. Ann Matibag, who endorsed the House resolution containing the Articles of Impeachment. Matibag confirmed the endorsement but clarified that his duties as NBI director were distinct from his wife's legislative role.
Ridon defended Matibag's integrity, questioning the relevance of examining the congresswoman's endorsement to challenge the NBI director's credibility. He emphasized that both Congresswoman and Director Matibag have independent thought processes and decision-making capabilities in their respective careers.
Additional topics during the cross-examination included Matibag's pre-testimony meetings with the prosecution, his appointment by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., his previous opinion columns, and a private conversation video where he admitted to an emotional outburst. Matibag denied any coaching during prosecution meetings and asserted the NBI's independence from presidential involvement in investigative matters.
The defense requested more time to review new topics and materials introduced during direct examination, a request opposed by the prosecution. However, the presiding officer granted the defense its first continuance, advising both parties against habitual postponement requests.
Ridon concluded that Matibag's assertion of the NBI's active investigation status remained steadfast as the hearing adjourned, expressing confidence in Matibag's continued resilience in the trial.
