The House prosecution panel clarified that National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Atty. Melvin Matibag was not “briefed” on his testimony, as presumed because he had met with the prosecution before the trial on Tuesday.
Private prosecutor Benjamin “Jay” Tolosa Jr. made it clear that there was nothing out of the ordinary in Matibag’s meeting with a prosecutor. Before a witness takes the stand, lawyers must learn what they may contribute to their arguments.
“To be accurate, wala pong statement that he was briefed. What he said is he had an opportunity to meet with a public prosecutor. There’s nothing unusual or irregular about that. Napaka-normal po ‘yan,” he said.
He explained that even in ordinary trials, this was common practice.
“Sa normal na paglilitis, kahit sa normal na kaso, normal po ‘yan. Bago ka mag-upo ng testigo, normal na kausapin mo, interview mo ‘yung witness, para malaman mo, ano bang masasabi niya, dito sa paglilitis na ito. Para malaman mo, mayroon bang mga dokumento na kailangang markahan bilang parte ng kanyang testimonya,” he told reporters during a press conference.
The lawyer cited Matibag’s own statement expressing impartiality—that he would have met with the defense lawyers before he sits as their witness if they had called on him to do so.
“Tulad nga din ng sinabi niya, kung siya naman ay tatawagin din bilang testigo ng kabilang panig, ganoon din ang kanyang gagawin,” Tolosa said.
Prosecution Spokesperson and Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong argued that Matibag did not even need to be briefed, as he was at the helm of the bureau conducting an investigation into the allegations of threat.
“There’s nothing to brief, because he already knew what would be the purpose by which he is invited to appear before the court. Because his testimony would be indispensable in trying to prove Article IV,” he said, stressing that Matibag knew what he was to testify about.
Moreover, the lawmaker pointed out that grave threats against the President is a matter of national security, as a public official’s position cannot be separated from their identities.
Earlier, Matibag testified that the NBI has found persons of interest who may have been ordered by Vice President Sara Duterte to assassinate President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., his wife, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and his cousin, former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
