ZAMBOANGA CITY — Vice President Sara Duterte has brushed off National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag, dismissing him as inconsequential when questioned regarding purported inconsistencies in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
During an ambush interview in Zamboanga City on October 15, the Vice President made it clear that she refuses to engage with the agency head’s remarks regarding her asset valuation.
“Hindi ako interesado sa kanya. Walang interested kay Attorney Matibag. He’s a nobody,” Duterte stated.
Her comments followed public inquiries about Matibag’s observations concerning mismatched fair market values found in her asset declarations. Rather than trading words publicly, Duterte asserted that she intends to answer the issues strictly through legal and institutional channels.
“Yung regarding sa statement of assets and liabilities ko, it is already a subject in the impeachment. At sinubmit na rin yun sa Ombudsman,” she explained.
“So ito yung mga proper forum kung saan mas makabubuti doon kami magbigay ng aming sagot at explenasyon. Kaysa sa makipagsagutan tayo kay Atty. Matibag na nakita naman natin na mali-mali yung mga sinasabi,” she added.
When asked whether she planned to file charges against the NBI chief over his statements, Duterte reiterated her complete lack of interest in dealing with him.
She emphasized that the ongoing impeachment process and the Office of the Ombudsman remain the only proper platforms for her defense.
“Yung SALN ko, it’s a subject matter already doon sa impeachment trial. At ang pagkakaalam ko, ayon sa kanilang mega press release, ay nag-submit na sila sa Ombudsman,” she noted.
“So ito yung dalawang forum kung saan mas maayos kami makapagsagot at makapagbigay ng explanation,” Duterte concluded.
The controversy stems from questions raised by the NBI regarding the reported valuation gaps in assets listed within the Vice President’s financial disclosures.
Duterte chose to bypass detailed explanations during the media session, insisting that the specifics—including exact property descriptions, valuation figures, and investigative findings—will be formally addressed through official documentation and proper legal proceedings.