Former congressman Mike Defensor is still undecided on whether he will appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in response to a subpoena, as he dismissed allegations linking him to an alleged ₱5-million bribe scheme involving so-called “18 maleta boys.”

Defensor questioned the basis of the complaint, calling the information “double hearsay” and expressing disbelief over the allegations that prompted the NBI’s summons.

“Wala... ano yun eh. Nakita ko double hearsay naman yun… ikinuwento dun sa ikinuwento tapos yan ay nagkwento. Ano ba yun?” Defensor said, stressing that the claims were unverified and based on repeated narration rather than direct evidence.

He also criticized the use of government resources for the investigation, saying authorities should instead focus on larger corruption concerns.

“Sayang ang gasolina, mahal-mahal… Ba’t nila ginagamit yung mga resources ng NBI?” he added, referring to the subpoena process.

Despite his criticism, Defensor said he has no objection to appearing before the NBI but described the allegations as “laughable” and not grounded in solid evidence.

Meanwhile, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio confirmed that his son, Atty. Jose Arturo Topacio III, will appear before the NBI on behalf of Defensor. The legal team questioned the continued issuance of subpoenas, linking the case to the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigation and suggesting possible legal remedies against what they described as harassment.

The NBI has yet to issue a detailed response regarding the latest remarks from Defensor’s camp as proceedings continue.