National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said Friday that emotional expression does not justify statements that could result in criminal acts, as authorities review remarks directed at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Speaking on DZRH’s Dos Por Dos, Matibag said freedom of speech, including criticism of the government, is protected in a democratic system but is subject to legal limits.

“Okay lang po yung maging emosyonal na damdamin pero yung ating pong emosyon, huwag natin ilabas na ilegal o krimen ang magiging resulta.”

“Maaari naman tayong magsalita, maging kritiko sa gobyerno, that’s part of our democracy. Pero yung mag-i-encourage tayong gumawa ng krimen, sasabihin natin ‘emosyonal lang ako’, magkaiba po ‘yon eh,” Matibag said.

Matibag said the NBI is assessing statements that may be interpreted as threats against the president, including recent remarks from Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.

He said a task force has been formed to examine possible patterns in such statements, and that some individuals linked to similar remarks have already been issued subpoenas.

Matibag also noted a related case involving veteran journalist Jay Sonza, who was arrested for cyber libel over statements concerning the president. He said the case is being reviewed alongside other incidents under investigation.

He added that under criminal law, acting out of emotion may be considered a mitigating circumstance but does not remove liability.

“Kaya po sa criminal law, yung pang-passionate of prosecution na yan, those are just mitigating.”

“Criminal pa rin pero maaaring tumaas yung parusa o bumaba yung parusa. Kaya sana po maging responsable po tayo.”

The NBI chief urged the public and officials to remain mindful of legal boundaries while exercising their right to free expression.