National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag announced he is leaving his fate at the bureau entirely up to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., following growing calls for his resignation after a chaotic shooting incident inside the Senate building on May 13.
The altercation, which reportedly arose from an alleged attempt to arrest Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, prompted Senator Imee Marcos to formally request the Chief Executive to temporarily relieve Matibag from his post.
The lawmaker’s request also covers NBI-NCR Chief Atty. Emeterio Dongalio Jr. and NBI–Organized and Transnational Crime Division Chief Atty. Jerome Bomediano while independent investigations are underway.
Addressing the controversy, Matibag emphasized that his tenure remains subject to the sole discretion of the President as the appointing authority.
He maintained that he is simply fulfilling the bureau’s mandate and clarified that President Marcos never issued any directive to enter the Senate premises or effect an arrest against Dela Rosa.
While acknowledging that Senator Marcos’ call for his suspension was within her prerogative as a legislator, Matibag underscored that he ultimately serves “at the pleasure of the President.”
The high-profile incident has placed the NBI under intense scrutiny, raising critical questions regarding accountability, operational protocols, and the proper chain of command within the country’s premier investigative agency.