Incoming National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Atty. Melvin Matibag is set to take his oath of office this afternoon at 4 p.m., with the ceremony to be administered by the Executive Secretary at Malacañang.
In an interview on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Matibag confirmed that he applied for the position and emphasized his motivation to return to public service.
“Ako po ay nag-apply at napagsabihan din na kung maaaring makatulong po sa ating administrasyon ngayon. So ako naman po yung nanggaling na sa public service kaya ako po ay nag-apply na rin upang muling bumalik po sa public service po,” he said.
Matibag highlighted his experience in law enforcement during his tenure as General Manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), where he worked closely with airport police and the NBI to combat smuggling, illegal drugs, and human trafficking.
“Noong ako po ay general manager [ng MIAA] at magkatulong po kami na makahuli ng napakaraming mga iligal na droga, tapos yung mga smuggling at mga human trafficking, mga nahuli po namin yan,” he said.
Addressing public speculation about his political ties and a word play on full name, “Atty. Melvin Duterte Matibag,” Matibag clarified that his service has spanned multiple administrations.
He previously held positions under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, including work with the Laguna Lake Development Authority and MIAA. He also served as Secretary General of the PDP-Laban political party during the Duterte administration but has since left politics.
“Wala po akong political party ngayon at hindi po tayo involved sa politika, personally,” he said.
“Noong natapos po yung termino ni Pangulong Duterte noong 2016, bumalik po ako sa private practice na ako po ay may law office dyan sa Taguig, sa BGC. Ayon po ang aking inasikaso noong nakaraang taon po.”
Matibag’s appointment comes amid public curiosity over leadership changes at the NBI, with many questioning why he was selected for the position. The incoming director reassured that his focus will remain on public service and upholding the mandate of the bureau.
