NBI's Matibag admits wife endorsed Articles of Impeachment vs. Sara Duterte

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Tuesday admitted that his wife, Laguna 1st District Rep. Ann Matibag, was one of the endorsers of a House resolution which set forth the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte.

During cross-examination in Duterte's impeachment trial, however, Matibag clarified that his wife's job as a legislator had no bearing on his duties as NBI chief.

"Yes, my wife is one of the endorsers of the impeachment," Matibag said on the eighth day of the trial, upon the inquiry of private defense counsel Mark Vinluan.

"However, the job of my wife as a legislator is totally detached from me, being the director of the National Bureau of Investigation," he added.

Matibag said he decided to stand as a witness in the impeachment trial upon the invitation of the House prosecution panel.

"From my understanding, in the pre-trial order, I was also listed by the defense. I will be gladly witness for the defense as well, if I will be called upon," he said.

On May 11 this year, 257 members of the House of Representatives voted for the adoption of House Resolution 989, together with the findings, conclusions, and recommendations under Committee Report 261, elevating the impeachment case to the Senate for trial.

Meanwhile, House prosecutor and Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon said the congresswoman was not obligated to keep Matibag informed of decisions related to her official duties.

“Ang totoo hindi ho kailangan magpaalam ni Congreswoman Matibag sa kanyang mga desisyon bilang elected na kinatawan ng isang distrito ng Laguna,” he said at a press briefing.

(The truth is, Congresswoman Matibag does not need to seek anyone’s permission for the decisions she makes as the elected representative of a district in Laguna.)

“Kasi meron namang sariling pag-iisip si Congresswoman Matibag, in the same manner na merong pag-iisip, desisyon, si Director Matibag sa kanila pong mga karera sa buhay,” he added.

(Because Congresswoman Matibag has a mind of her own, just as Director Matibag has his own judgment and makes his own decisions regarding their respective careers.)

Ridon said assessing Matibag's credibility on that particular point was not relevant. — VDV/VBL, GMA News