National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said he is ready to face the cyber libel complaint filed against him by Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte, stressing that no one is above the law.

According to a report by RH Jecelle Ricafort, Matibag said he would respect whatever decision the Davao City Office of the City Prosecutor makes on the complaint, adding that the justice system should be allowed to determine whether he bears any liability.

“Kung sa lente ng piskalya at mga prosekusyon at korte na titingin na kami ay may pananagutan, so be it,” Matibag said.

“We should respect the process, trust the evidence and at the end of the day shall be truth and justice,” he added.

Matibag said Duterte had every right to file a complaint and that he could neither prevent nor dictate the congressman’s actions.

He also defended the NBI’s handling of its investigation into allegations made by Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., saying Duterte had been invited several times to the bureau to provide his side, in keeping with due process.

The NBI chief said the investigation into the allegations against Duterte remains ongoing and is based on evidence. He added that he was still waiting for a copy of the complaint affidavit filed against him.

Duterte earlier filed libel and cyber libel complaints against Matibag and several media personalities.

The complaints stem from the NBI’s investigation into Gracioso’s allegations that he delivered suitcases containing ₱2 billion in cash to Vice President Sara Duterte, ₱1 billion to former President Rodrigo Duterte and ₱100 million to Rep. Duterte, allegedly on the orders of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.