House prosecution panel member and Bicol Saro Party-list Representative Terry Ridon asserted Tuesday that National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag firmly held his ground under cross-examination, securing the agency’s probe into Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged threats on the Senate impeachment trial’s official record.
Reflecting on day eight of the trial, Ridon rejected defense arguments dismissing parts of Matibag’s testimony as hearsay or rumors.
“Paano naman naging chismis iyong pagbabanta?”
Ridon questioned at a post-trial press briefing.
“Paano naging chismis iyong continuing threat of the Vice President and her family against the President and his family?”
Throughout the trial session, Matibag revealed that the NBI had formed a specialized task force relying on open-source intelligence and human sources.
While the bureau has yet to publicly name suspects or reveal who Duterte purportedly communicated with, Ridon stressed that the lack of specific identities does not invalidate the inquiry.
“Hindi chismis iyon. Actual na investigation po ito,” Ridon stated.
The defense pointed out that Matibag was not NBI chief when the probe started in 2024. Matibag countered that his understanding of the initial phase drew from official records and briefs with the original investigators.
Defense attorneys also probed Matibag regarding his wife, Laguna 1st District Representative Ann Matibag, who voted for the impeachment resolution. While Matibag confirmed her vote, he maintained his NBI duties remain separate from her legislative role, guided solely by legal mandates and evidence.
Ridon dismissed attempts to tie the congresswoman’s voting record to the NBI chief’s impartiality.
“Hindi kailangang magpaalam ni Congresswoman Matibag sa kanyang mga decision bilang elected na kinatawan ng isang distrito ng Laguna,” he noted.
“Mayroong sariling pag-iisip si Congresswoman Matibag, in the same manner na mayroong sariling pag-iisip at decision si Director Matibag sa kanila pong mga career sa buhay,” he added.
“We find that there is no relevancy in testing the credibility relating to that particular point.”
Cross-examination additionally touched upon Matibag’s pre-testimony meetings with prosecutors, his executive appointment by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., past opinion articles, and an audio clip featuring a private emotional outburst.
Matibag refuted claims of prosecution coaching and denied any presidential interference, affirming the agency’s autonomy.
The defense subsequently requested additional time to evaluate newly introduced matters from the direct examination. Prosecutors raised objections, but the presiding officer allowed a temporary continuance while cautioning against routine delays.
Ridon ended on a confident note regarding the witness’s composure under intense interrogation.
“Hindi ho natibag si Director Matibag ngayong araw na ito. I’m quite certain bukas, hindi po siya matitibag,” Ridon remarked.