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House Summons NBI Chief Over VP Sara Duterte Threat Probe
Photo credit: Atty Melvin Matibag
The House of Representatives of the Philippines is tightening its investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte, this time calling in the head of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Lawmakers from the House Committee on Justice have issued a subpoena against NBI Director Melvin A. Matibag, ordering him to appear at a hearing on April 14, 2026, and bring with him key records tied to the bureau’s investigation into alleged death threats.
At the center of the probe are claims that Duterte made threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker of the House Martin Romualdez.
In a subpoena dated March 31, the panel formally directed Matibag to attend the hearing in Quezon City and submit documents related to the investigation.
“You are hereby directed to appear before the Committee on Justice on April 14, 2026, 10:00 A.M., at the 2nd Floor of the People Center, House of Representatives, and to submit the following documents,” the order read.
The committee is asking for certified copies of all NBI records tied to the alleged threats, including documents, photographs, and other evidence gathered during the investigation. Lawmakers said these materials are crucial to help them understand the findings of the probe and assess the strength of the case.
The subpoena is part of the broader impeachment proceedings now facing Duterte in the House. Several complaints endorsed by lawmakers accuse the Vice President of serious misconduct, with the alleged threats forming part of the issues under review.
Under the Constitution, impeachment cases begin in the House, where lawmakers determine whether there is probable cause. If approved, the case is then transmitted to the Senate for trial—making the ongoing hearings a critical stage in the process.
The order compelling the NBI chief’s appearance was issued under the authority of Justice Committee chair Gerville Luistro, along with Speaker Faustino Dy III, and attested by Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil.
Lawmakers also underscored that failure to comply with the subpoena could carry legal consequences, signaling the seriousness of the inquiry as the House moves closer to deciding whether the impeachment complaints will proceed to the next stage.
Lawmakers from the House Committee on Justice have issued a subpoena against NBI Director Melvin A. Matibag, ordering him to appear at a hearing on April 14, 2026, and bring with him key records tied to the bureau’s investigation into alleged death threats.
At the center of the probe are claims that Duterte made threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former Speaker of the House Martin Romualdez.
In a subpoena dated March 31, the panel formally directed Matibag to attend the hearing in Quezon City and submit documents related to the investigation.
“You are hereby directed to appear before the Committee on Justice on April 14, 2026, 10:00 A.M., at the 2nd Floor of the People Center, House of Representatives, and to submit the following documents,” the order read.
The committee is asking for certified copies of all NBI records tied to the alleged threats, including documents, photographs, and other evidence gathered during the investigation. Lawmakers said these materials are crucial to help them understand the findings of the probe and assess the strength of the case.
The subpoena is part of the broader impeachment proceedings now facing Duterte in the House. Several complaints endorsed by lawmakers accuse the Vice President of serious misconduct, with the alleged threats forming part of the issues under review.
Under the Constitution, impeachment cases begin in the House, where lawmakers determine whether there is probable cause. If approved, the case is then transmitted to the Senate for trial—making the ongoing hearings a critical stage in the process.
The order compelling the NBI chief’s appearance was issued under the authority of Justice Committee chair Gerville Luistro, along with Speaker Faustino Dy III, and attested by Secretary General Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil.
Lawmakers also underscored that failure to comply with the subpoena could carry legal consequences, signaling the seriousness of the inquiry as the House moves closer to deciding whether the impeachment complaints will proceed to the next stage.
Apr 9, 2026
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