Pulong Duterte files cyber libel raps vs NBI chief, network execs, journalists

MANILA (2nd UPDATE) — Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte on Friday filed cyber libel complaints against National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Melvin Matibag and several executives and journalists of a TV network.

Duterte filed the complaint before the Office of the City Prosecutor in Davao City.

Aside from Matibag, also named respondents are Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. GMA Network’s Felipe Gozon, Gilberto Duavit Jr., their journalists Mel Tiangco, Vicki Morales, Emil Sumangil, Darlene Cay, among others.

Gracioso, a dismissed policeman, had alleged that he delivered billions of pesos worth of cash to Vice President Sara Duterte.

In a statement, GMA Network said it “has yet to receive a copy of the complaint,” adding that it “will review the matter and comment accordingly upon receipt.”

Sought for comment, Matibag said he has yet to receive a copy of the complaint-affidavit and will consult the NBI’s legal team to determine the appropriate course of action once the documents are available.

The NBI chief previously said he saw “red flags” in 47 of 100 flood control projects in the Davao City First District, which Duterte represents in Congress.

“Well, narinig ko. So I have to wait for the copy of the complaint-affidavit,” Matibag told reporters on Friday.

The NBI chief said Duterte had the prerogative to seek legal action and welcomed his decision to bring the matter before the justice system.

“So it’s also good that he brings it to the fold of the justice system, eh malaman natin kung ano ’yung magiging direksyon,” Matibag said.

Matibag also disputed allegations that the NBI had denied Duterte due process, saying the congressman had been invited in connection with the investigation and that his lawyer had responded to the invitation.

“Yes, he was invited. In fact, sumagot nga ’yung lawyer nila, eh. So kung may allegation of walang due process, it was there,” Matibag said.

The NBI director also maintained that the investigation involving Gracioso remains ongoing, clarifying that the bureau had issued an update rather than a final conclusion.