SCREENGRAB FROM CONGRESS PH

The House prosecution panel expects National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag to deliver key testimony next week as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte wraps up the presentation of evidence for Article IV, which centers on her alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and then Speaker of the House Martin Romualdez.

Deputy Speaker Paolo Ortega V said Matibag's appearance before the Senate impeachment court could answer questions left unresolved by previous witnesses and provide a more complete picture of the NBI's investigation.

“I’m sure nag-e-expect kayo ng fireworks this week. There will be fireworks,” Ortega said during a press conference at the House of Representatives.

According to Ortega, Matibag is in a unique position to explain the bureau's findings because, as NBI director, he has access to the agency's complete investigative records, including documents and information gathered by various divisions after the Cybercrime Division completed its initial investigation.

“Being the head of the bureau, he has the access to all of the records, sa lahat ng pagkakataon, kumbaga he has keys to the castle,” Ortega explained.

Matibag is expected to testify on the NBI's investigation into Duterte's Nov. 23, 2024 remarks involving President Marcos, the First Lady, and Romualdez. His testimony is also expected to cover the bureau's findings and the criminal complaints filed in connection with the case.

However, Ortega said some details of the investigation, particularly those involving the alleged assassin mentioned during the probe, may remain confidential if they are still classified or under active investigation.

“Parang iyong lead sa so-called assassin, siyempre classified iyong iba diyan. At hindi rin nila puwedeng bitawan o basta-basta sabihin kung hindi rin po solid iyong lead nila at hindi nila nahahanap or under investigation pa,” he said.

The deputy speaker acknowledged that Matibag may face extensive questioning from senator-judges, especially following recent tensions that have surfaced during the impeachment proceedings. Despite this, he said the prosecution's preparation remains unchanged and expressed confidence that the impeachment court would focus on the evidence presented.

“Wala namang magbabago sa preparasyon ng prosecutors. Pero ako, sinabi ko naman kung ano iyong nakita ko noong nandoon ako noong hearing, makikita natin may kaunting friction talaga dahil nga po sa past month na mga nangyaring events,” Ortega noted.

He added that the prosecution considers Matibag's testimony one of the most significant parts of its presentation under Article IV.

“Pero sana mapag-usapan nila iyan at makita ng Impeachment Court iyong halaga kasi sa prosecution side, sobrang importante po iyong pag-upo bilang witness ni Director Matibag,” he maintained.

Ortega also defended the NBI chief against criticism linked to his previous political affiliation, saying Matibag has shown professionalism and credibility in carrying out his duties.

“Siguro iyong kaunting oras na nakilala ko siya, nakasalamuha ko siya, very upfront naman siya. Hindi siya iyong tipong parang walang drama,” Ortega said.

He added that Matibag's testimony should be viewed as an opportunity for the impeachment court to receive information directly from the head of the country's premier investigative agency.

“Kung mayroon mang pinaka-credible at saka siguro naghahanap ang mga kaibigan natin sa media at mga taong bayan ng pasabog, or mabigat na statement coming from here, siguro magandang gamitin natin is informative kasi mas privy sila sa mga impormasyon na hindi natin kayang sagutin o hindi natin alam,” he added.

With Matibag expected to become the prosecution's final witness for Article IV, the impeachment trial is set to move to the next article of impeachment, where prosecutors are expected to begin presenting evidence on the alleged misuse of Vice President Duterte's confidential funds.