The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) rejected the request of Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte for the bureau and its Director, Atty. Melvin Matibag, to inhibit themselves from the ongoing investigation into the allegations made by Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.

In a statement, Matibag maintained that the lawmaker’s request has no legal basis, stressing that the bureau will continue its investigation, RH Jecelle Ricafort reported.

“Inhibition, and the "cold neutrality" counsel invokes, are standards for those who judge. The NBl does not judge. It establishes facts. Whether there is probable cause is for the prosecutor or the Ombudsman to decide, and should the matter reach that stage, Rep. Duterte will have every opportunity to answer there,” Matibag emphasized.

“The law gives the Bureau the authority to investigate, and no law requires it to set that authority aside,” he added.

Matibag also clarified that the prosecution or the Office of the Ombudsman will ultimately determine whether the allegations made by Gracioso—who identifies himself as a former security aide to former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco—establish probable cause.

He furthered that Gracioso’s polygraph result cannot be used as evidence in court, adding that the NBI’s investigation will be based on documents, official records, and testimonies. Matibag likewise denied claims that Duterte was denied the opportunity to respond to the allegations.

Based on the statement, the congressman was furnished with Gracioso’s affidavit on October 5, and the bureau’s invitation for him to personally address the accusations remains open.

Despite the request for inhibition, the NBI reiterated that it would proceed with the investigation in accordance with the law and the evidence gathered.

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