Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Saturday cast doubt on the credibility of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to lead the probe into the recent Senate controversy, arguing that the bureau itself must face scrutiny over its actions.
During a live social media broadcast, Cayetano stressed that a truly impartial investigation is paramount to protecting the integrity of both the Senate and the Constitution. He warned that the inquiry would lose all public trust if the entities involved in the incident were permitted to spearhead the investigation.
“So pano mag-iimbestiga ang NBI kung sila mismo ang iniimbestigahan ‘di ba?” Cayetano said, pointing to the questionable conduct of NBI agents during the incident involving Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa.
The Senate leader claimed that the NBI repeatedly assured Senate officials that its personnel were not inside the Senate premises or the GSIS building. Furthermore, he noted that the agency failed to deliver a copy of the warrant they had previously promised to provide to the chamber.
Cayetano also expressed alarm over statements from the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirming they were aware of the NBI agents’ movements during the incidents that transpired on Monday and Wednesday.
“Baliktad ata. You should be part of those being investigated. Kasi iniimbestigahan nga yung ginawa ng NBI,” the senator added.
Pushing for a Joint, Transparent Inquiry
To maintain total transparency and eliminate any suspicion of institutional bias, Cayetano explained that he tapped the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to take part in the investigation.
“So, as far as I can recall, joint investigation ‘to. Kailangan full transparency. Hindi pwede natin sabihin jurisdiction natin ‘to, so tayo lang mag-iimbestiga,” Cayetano emphasized. “Klarong-klaro po ‘yon na sinabi natin na to be transparent at naibigay kaagad ‘to sa PNP at DILG.”
“If you wanna be the good guys or you wanna be the bida, hindi pwedeng ikaw ay kontrabida,” the senator remarked. “Hindi pwedeng sasabihin mo mag-iimbestiga para malaman ang katotohanan tapos ikaw pala yung dapat imbestigahan.”
Impeachment Timeline Unaffected
Addressing other political issues, the Senate President dismissed allegations that the recent shakeup in Senate leadership was a calculated move to stall the pending impeachment proceedings. He clarified that the Senate has already received the articles of impeachment and confirmed that the impeachment court is scheduled to formally convene this coming Monday.
Closing his address, Cayetano urged citizens to look past political spin and public relations campaigns, calling instead for “prayer and reflection” as the nation navigates a critical juncture for truth, accountability, and democratic institutions.