National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Atty. Melvin Matibag has denied Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte’s claim that the bureau’s investigation amounts to “trial by publicity,” insisting that the bureau's actions are driven by public interest and evidence.
Matibag said the NBI follows due process in conducting investigations, adding that the public has been seeking updates and supporting documents regarding the cases being investigated.
“Hindi trial by publicity, this is viewed by public interest. Kaya nga natin binabalanse sa proseso. But it's being asked by the public. Hinihingi sa atin. May mga dokumento tayong nilalabas,” Matibag said.
The NBI chief argued that attention on social media has instead focused on his personality rather than the evidence being presented.
“Ang tina-trial, si Director Matibag, yung personality niya. Pag nakita niya yung Facebook ngayon, which I'm not affected, natutuwa nga ako kung ano na yung AI na lumabas sa akin,” he added.
Matibag maintained that the investigations are evidence-driven, stressing that the bureau’s findings and disclosures are guided by documents and established procedures.
“Hindi. So, ebidensya tayo rito. Driven by evidence,” he said.
