Mike Defensor no-show at NBI amid subpoena

Former lawmaker Mike Defensor on Wednesday did not show up at the National Bureau of Investigation amid a subpoena issued against him.

Atty. Ferdinand Topacio attended on behalf of Defensor and said that they will not honor another subpoena from the NBI, as he urged the bureau to file a case instead.

“Is there an investigation for a possible criminal offense against my client, kung meron, eh alis na ako, mag-file na lang kayo. We’re not going to honor another subpoena from the NBI, lalo na kung harassment,” Topacio said in a video of GMA News’ John Consulta.

(If there’s a criminal investigation against my client, I’ll go ahead and just file the case. We will not comply with another NBI subpoena, particularly if it's just harassment.)

“Ngayon, kung tingin ninyo you go to court, sabihin ninyo i-contempt kami, we will prepare our defenses in court, pero kung para i-harass ninyo, obvious na obvious na,” he added.

(Now, if you think you’re going to court, go ahead and cite us for contempt. We will prepare our defenses. But if this is just to harass us, it’s so obvious.)

Topacio further said that anyone can accuse someone of receiving money in exchange for a favor, but it should be filed in court, which is the proper forum.

According to a report by Mao dela Cruz of Super Radyo dzBB, Topacio claimed that the subpoena issued was in connection with the 18 former bodyguards of Zaldy Co and not related to allegations that Defensor promised them ₱5 million.

Last week, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said an informant told the bureau that Defensor allegedly bribed the 18 individuals to make claims that several personalities received cash from Co.

Abogado ni dating Cong. Mike Defensor na si Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, nagtungo sa National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) kaugnay ng subpoena na inilabas laban sa kanyang kliyente. | via Mao dela Cruz pic.twitter.com/hExDkrTgxp

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) June 10, 2026

The NBI has yet to release a statement on the matter.

To recall, the 18 individuals, who allegedly delivered kickbacks to government officials, did not attend Monday’s BRC's flood control scandal probe, as they went to Senator Robin Padilla’s office.

Senator Risa Hontivero warned the 18 individuals that skipping the BRC’s probe, chaired by Senator Erwin Tulfo, may result in the issuance of subpoenas and show-cause orders against them.— Mariel Celine Serquiña/AOL, GMA News