MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has denied the request of Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte asking the agency and Director Atty. Melvin Matibag to inhibit themselves from the ongoing investigation into allegations made by Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.
In a statement, Matibag asserted that the lawmaker’s motion lacks legal grounds, confirming that the bureau will proceed with its inquiry.
“Inhibition, and the ‘cold neutrality’ counsel invokes, are standards for those who judge. The NBl does not judge. It establishes facts. Whether there is probable cause is for the prosecutor or the Ombudsman to decide, and should the matter reach that stage, Rep. Duterte will have every opportunity to answer there,” Matibag emphasized.
“The law gives the Bureau the authority to investigate, and no law requires it to set that authority aside,” he added.
Matibag clarified that the final determination of probable cause regarding the claims of Gracioso—who claims to be a former security aide to former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco—lies with prosecutors or the Office of the Ombudsman.
The NBI director also noted that polygraph results are inadmissible as court evidence, explaining that the bureau’s findings will rely entirely on official records, documents, and witness testimonies.
Furthermore, Matibag denied claims that Duterte was barred from responding, stating that the congressman was provided a copy of Gracioso’s affidavit on October 5 and that an open invitation remains for him to address the accusations personally.
Despite the appeal for withdrawal, the bureau emphasized that it will continue the investigation strictly based on the collected evidence and applicable laws.