The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is seeking the filing of charges against Jefry Tupas, former information officer of Vice President Sara Duterte, over alleged obstruction of justice, cyber libel, and publication of false news.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the bureau has endorsed its investigation report and the possible charges to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for appropriate action.
“We will be filing, actually, not me. There is an investigation report already, and a case of obstruction of justice, cyber libel, and publication of false news under the Revised Penal Code will be filed against Jeffrey Tupas,” Matibag said.
“It's the one who emerged as a witness, so we are endorsing it to the Department of Justice for proper disposition,” he added.
Tupas was earlier summoned by the NBI in connection with allegations made by Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., but failed to appear and instead submitted an affidavit.
Tupas previously claimed that NBI agents approached him and offered protective custody due to an alleged “verifiable threat” that members of the Duterte family would have him abducted.
Matibag, however, disputed the account, saying Tupas himself had reported threats to his life and sought protection from the bureau. He also said Tupas had volunteered to travel to Manila but submitted an affidavit on the day he was scheduled to appear.
The NBI director likewise denied allegations that the bureau offered Tupas money and accommodation in Forbes Park in exchange for his testimony.
In his affidavit, Gracioso alleged that Vice President Duterte instructed him to deliver several suitcases of money to Tupas. Both Duterte and Tupas have denied the allegations.
Gracioso also claimed that he delivered more than ₱2 billion to the vice president on the alleged instructions of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.
