Matibag: National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag testified Wednesday that Vice President Sara Duterte's own public admissions had already consummated the betrayal of public trust cited in her impeachment case, regardless of whether the bureau eventually identifies the person she allegedly asked to kill President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. 'The betrayal of public trust, as the issue in the Impeachment Court, we don't need to investigate even if we pinpointed the person contracted,' Matibag said during cross-examination before the Senate impeachment court.
According to Philippines News Agency, Matibag's remarks came after defense counsel Mark Vinluan asked whether the NBI's continuing investigation could eventually result in another impeachment complaint against Duterte. The prosecution objected, arguing that the question was speculative, but Senator Francis 'Chiz' Escudero, presiding over the impeachment court, allowed Matibag to answer. Matibag stated that Duterte's own statements were sufficient to establish the constitutional ground for impeachment.
Matibag elaborated on Duterte's public admission, highlighting her statement about having spoken to an assassin who agreed to kill the President. He emphasized that such conduct contradicts the constitutional oath of a public official, which mandates executing the law and delivering justice. The defense moved to strike Matibag's testimony from the record, arguing it contained legal and factual conclusions. Lead prosecutor Gerville 'Jinky Bitrics' Luistro opposed the motion, explaining that Matibag merely answered the defense's question on whether the acts amounted to betrayal of public trust.
Senator Escudero denied the defense's motion, allowing Matibag's testimony to remain on the record. He noted the witness's legal experience, recognizing him not only as NBI director but also as a lawyer with decades of experience, including his tenure as a former law dean.
House prosecutor Terry Ridon of the Bicol Saro Party-list noted that the defense's cross-examination strengthened Matibag's testimony about the alleged threats against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and his family. Ridon expressed gratitude for Vinluan's questioning, which allowed Matibag to restate the NBI's findings and explain their seriousness. Ridon highlighted that the cross-examination brought focus to the prosecution's constitutional argument under Article IV, reinforcing the view that the Vice President's actions constituted a betrayal of public trust.
Ridon concluded that the completed cross-examination benefited the prosecution by enabling Matibag to clarify the NBI's investigation while addressing questions from Duterte's counsel. He expressed gratitude for what he perceived as an unexpected ally from the defense, reinforcing the prosecution's stance.
