NBI probes Duterte-linked properties for possible money laundering, misdeclarations

MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said Monday it was investigating possible money laundering and alleged misdeclarations involving properties linked to Vice President Sara Duterte. 

NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said investigators were tracing financial transactions for a possible pattern in which money was converted into land, resorts and hotels to conceal its source or ownership. 

“Ang tinitingnan natin dito, yung follow the money. Tapos nung kinukonek-konek natin, may lumabas na mga ganyan, may mga pumasok na impormasyon, nagtutugma doon sa ginawa na pattern,” Matibag said.

“Na pera, i-convert yung pera sa land banking, sa resort, sa hotel. So it’s a part of laundering, paglalaba. Nilalaban n’yo yung pera, tinatago n’yo yung pera,” he said.

Matibag also raised questions about the declared values and actual use of certain properties, saying some allegedly declared as agricultural land reportedly have mansions, swimming pools and helipads.

“Yung iba, nakadeklara nga sa SALN pero pag tinignan mo yung value niya, malayo. At saka doon na lang may misrepresentation na agad—agricultural, yung pala may nakatayo nang mansyon, may mga swimming pool na, may helipad na,” the NBI chief said.

He added that investigators were examining where the money used to acquire the properties came from and whether the declared information accurately reflects the assets concerned.

Matibag said the NBI would leave the determination of appropriate charges to the relevant authorities.

“I think it’s the Ombudsman who will determine kung ano yung cases. We’re just doing our investigation,” he said.

The NBI chief said the bureau intended to endorse its initial findings to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice for appropriate action, potentially within the week.

“We will endorse it to the Ombudsman for proper disposition,” Matibag said.

Duterte on Tuesday said allegations that she concealed her wealth were tied to the 2028 elections.

“Napansin ko lang ha, lahat na lang ng illegal ay ipinapahid nila sa akin… Saan ba nagsimula? Confidential funds, corruption. Actually mayroon pa ‘yan silang tried to link us with drugs. So korapsyon, droga, ngayon mayroon silang China funds. Ngayon may ill-gotten wealth. Nag-impeachment na sila, walang ebidensyang lumabas,” Duterte said of the NBI probe. 

“Gusto na nila tapusin yung impeachment prosecution nila dahil bumabagsak na yung kaso kaya nag-iiba na yung kuwento… Lahat na ay ginawa ko kuno. At lahat din ay gagawin din nila para, sinabi ko nga, pabagsakin ako because this is about the 2028 elections,” she said.

Meanwhile, Davao City First District Rep. Paolo Duterte said the NBI “is an investigative institution, not a platform for trial by publicity” and its leader should “distinguish verified facts from speculation.” 

“If you claim that I own a resort in Samal, then I suggest you do what an investigator is expected to do—establish the facts and present evidence. Kung padalhan ka ba ng litrato ng bahay mo ang isang operatiba mo, tapos sabihin niyang pag-aari ko iyon, maniniwala ka rin ba agad?” the lawmaker said in a Facebook post. 

Reacting to allegations that the investigation was politically motivated, Matibag said the bureau was relying on documentary evidence.

“The documents will never lie. The documents will never be politically motivated,” he said.

“I trust that you understand the difference between a photograph and proof of ownership. After all, that distinction should be elementary for someone in your position,” he added. 

Matibag also clarified that the NBI’s recent meeting with Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Executive Director Ronald Benavente was part of inter-agency coordination on efforts to prevent the Philippines from returning to the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list. He said the meeting was not connected to the Duterte-related investigation.