Matibag says it is Pulong Duterte's prerogative to file libel complaint

Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag said Friday it is the prerogative of Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte if he wants to file a libel complaint.

“Hindi naman natin siya pwedeng pigilan o utusan kung ano gagawin niya. It’s also good that be brought it to the court of justice system,” Matibag said in an ambush interview.

(We cannot stop him or tell him what to do. It’s also good that he brought it to the justice system.)

This came after Duterte filed a libel and cyberlibel complaint over the allegations of dismissed policeman Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.

Gracioso claimed that he delivered cash to Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, and former President Rodrigo Duterte on former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco’s instructions.

Duterte, the vice president, and former speaker have separately filed their affidavits denying the allegations.

According to Matibag, he will wait for the copy of the complaint affidavit.

He also said that the NBI invited Duterte regarding the allegations.

“In fact sumagot nga ‘yung lawyer. Kung may allegation of due process, it was there. Yun lang,” he said.

(In fact, the lawyer did respond. If there were allegations of a lack of due process, due process was observed. That’s all.)

Matibag said the NBI’s investigation on Gracioso’s claims is ongoing. — RSJ, GMA News