NBI's Matibag: I'll wait for subpoena from 'proper' Senate Blue Ribbon committee

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Thursday said he will wait for the issuance of a subpoena from the “proper” Blue Ribbon Committee after Senator Alan Peter Cayetano invited him to appear before the body.

“Hintayin ko ‘yung official na subpoena galing sa proper Blue Ribbon Committee, emphasis on the proper Blue Ribbon Committee,” Matibag said in an ambush interview.

(I will wait for the official subpoena from the proper Blue Ribbon Committee, emphasis on the "proper Blue Ribbon Committee".)

Matibag earlier said that an informant told the bureau that former AnaKalusugan Representative Mike Defensor bribed alleged former members of the Philippine Marine Corps and the Philippine Army to make claims that several personalities received cash from former Ako Bicol Party-List Representative Zaldy Co.

Following this, Cayetano read Matibag's announcement during a Senate hearing led by his bloc, where the supposed 18 ex-marines were in attendance.

The senator invited the NBI head to appear before the Senate.

“Sino ‘yung Blue Ribbon Committee? Kasi hindi natin alam so mag hintay tayo ng subpoena,” Matibag said.

(What Blue Ribbon Committee? Since we don't exactly know we will wait for a subpoena.)

On Wednesday, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was elected as Senate President Pro Tempore, and later declared as acting Senate President, with the support of 11 Senate allies and Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero.

The Senate also named new chairpersons for the committees following Gatchalian's election, with the Blue Ribbon Committee going to Senator Erwin Tulfo.

Meanwhile, Matibag hoped that before he is called to the Senate, other individuals named by the 18 ex-marines in their affidavits will also be called.

“Sana bago nga ako tawagin, ang daming binanggit sa affidavit nung 18 marines na hindi pinatawag. Kasamahan nila ‘yun. Senator Loren Legarda… Si Mark Villar dineliveran daw,” he said.

(Actually, before I was called, there were many people mentioned in the affidavit of the 18 marines who were not summoned. Those were their associates. Senator Loren Legarda… Mark Villar was also allegedly the recipient of a delivery.)

“They have to ask the right questions. Kami rito we ask the right questions. Kapag pinatawag kami we have the complete question and answer nung 18. We will present them,” he added.

(They have to ask the right questions. Here, we ask the right questions. If we are summoned, we have the complete questions and answers of the 18 former marines. We will present them.) —RF, GMA News