MANILA, Philippines — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said on Friday that he would seek the guidance of the agency's legal team in responding to the libel and cyberlibel complaint filed against him by Davao City Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte.
Matibag nonetheless welcomed the filing of the complaint against him and others, saying this would allow the matter to be resolved through proper legal process.
But the NBI chief said that he has yet to receive a copy of the complaint-affidavit Duterte filed before Davao City Prosecutor's Office and that he would map out his next steps only after reviewing the document and consulting the NBI's lawyers.
Named as respondents in Duterte's complaint were Matibag and Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., a former security aide who claimed to have acted as a bagman and alleged that he delivered cash to members of the Duterte family.
Also included as respondents were GMA Network chairman Felipe Gozon, Gilberto Duavit, Mel Tiangco, Vicky Morales, Emil Sumangil, Darlene Cay, Marvin Parado, and Joel San Luis.
Gracioso had previously submitted an affidavit to the NBI alleging that he delivered money to members of the Duterte family on the orders of his former employer, former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
He claimed to have delivered more than P2 billion to Vice President Sara Duterte, P1 billion to former president Rodrigo Duterte, and P100 million to Paolo Duterte.
The Vice President has denied the allegations, saying she was not present at some of the locations on the dates Gracioso cited for the supposed deliveries.
The NBI is currently investigating Gracioso's claims. The agency said he underwent two lie detector tests, the results of which showed no indication of deception.
