Senator-Judge Raffy Tulfo questioned the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) handling of alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the eighth day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, comparing the case with the previous arrest of teacher Ronnel Mas over remarks against former President Rodrigo Duterte.
During his cross-examination of NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag, Tulfo asked why Mas was arrested without a warrant following his alleged threat, while no immediate arrest was made in connection with statements attributed to Vice President Sara Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.
“Isang guro nagbanta sa dating Pangulo, agad-agad inaresto nang walang warrant. Now, itong si Vice President Sara Duterte na nagbanta rin kay Pangulong Duterte at kay Pangulong Marcos, anong difference yung dalawa?” Tulfo asked.
Matibag explained that one consideration was the position of the individuals involved.
“Ang pagkakaiba po nila, itong si Ronnel Mas ay isang guro, si Vice President naman po ay isang vice president. At siguro po ito ang naging konsiderasyon kung bakit hindi siya inaresto agad,” Matibag said.
Tulfo then questioned whether the difference in treatment meant that the NBI was applying “special treatment.”
“So ibig sabihin, ang NBI pala ay tumitingin sa tinatawag na special treatment? So ibig sabihin, hindi pala patas ang NBI?” Tulfo said.
Matibag responded that he could not speak for the NBI during the previous administration, saying he was not yet part of the agency at the time.
“I cannot speak for the NBI at that time, Your Honor,” Matibag said.
He added that warrantless arrests require careful consideration, citing the case of Mas, whose case was later dismissed.
“Kung kami ay gagawa ng warrantless arrest, ay maaaring pong ma-dismiss ang kaso,” Matibag explained.
Tulfo also asked Matibag about Mayor Baste Duterte’s reported statement during a Rage Coalition gathering calling for “one head,” allegedly referring to President Marcos.
Matibag said the NBI considered the statement a threat against the President and included it in its continuing threat assessment.
“Ituring po namin ito na isang threat, isang banta sa ating Pangulo na transcends all situation at threat to our national security,” Matibag said.
The NBI chief maintained that the agency is conducting further assessment before pursuing possible legal action to ensure that any case filed would have sufficient basis.
