National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Atty. Melvin Matibag challenged former congressman Mike Defensor to file formal complaints against his wife, Congresswoman Ann Matibag, over allegations involving flood control projects if he possesses credible evidence to support his claims.
In a report by DZRH's Jecelle Ricafort, Matibag, during a press conference, also urged Defensor to pursue legal action against him and the NBI if he continues to allege that the bureau is harassing his family amid an ongoing investigation.
The NBI chief responded to remarks made by Defensor, who reportedly described him as “tanga” and “bobo,” saying such attacks are often used when there is no substantial argument to counter documented evidence.
“Pag yung iyong argumento, wala ka masasabi na pang-kontra o contradicting doon sa malinaw na ebidensya, ang gagawin mo, sabihin mo na lang ng bobo at tanga yung isang tao. Yun po yung pinakamadaling sabihin para mawalan ng bisa yung mga dokumento o ebidensyang inilalabas,” Matibag said.
He defended the bureau’s investigation into the alleged human trafficking activities involving members of the Defensor family, stressing that it is unfair to dismiss the NBI’s work despite what he described as strong documentary evidence gathered during the probe.
“Very unfair naman na ito laging nabobohan at katangahan ng NBI na maglabas ng mga dokumento na matitibay. Ang nakikita po akong kabobohan at katangahan sa pangyayari dito ay yung idadamay mo ang iyong pamilya sa isang ilegal na gawain at tapos you will cry na pinu-politika ka,” he added.
Matibag further criticized Defensor for linking his family to allegations of corruption in flood control projects in San Pedro, Laguna, saying the former lawmaker should bring the matter to court if he has proof.
“Kung meron po siyang malinaw na ebidensya, magkaso siya. Kung tingin din po nila na ginigipit si Mike Defensor, eh kasuhan po nila ang NBI, kasuhan po nila ako. Huwag na idamay yung ibang NBI. Napakarami pong matitino at propesyonal sa NBI,” Matibag said.
The exchange comes a day after the NBI announced plans to file qualified human trafficking charges against Mike and Julie Defensor in connection with a KTV bar in Pasig City that was raided on April 21. The complaint will also include two of their children and several officials of Cliffpoint Development.
Defensor has denied the allegations and maintained that the charges are politically motivated. He also accused Matibag of failing to investigate alleged billion-peso flood control corruption in San Pedro, Laguna, because his wife, Congresswoman Ann Matibag, is allegedly linked to the issue.
The NBI, however, insists that its actions are based on evidence gathered during its investigation and not on political considerations.
