NBI chief Matibag seeks inhibition of Davao City prosecutor in Pulong Duterte libel case

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag is asking that the Davao City prosecutor assigned to the libel and cyber libel complaint against him step aside, citing a possible conflict of interest, according to DZRH.

The complaint was filed by Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, who also wants Matibag, Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. and several media personalities to face libel and cyber libel charges.

In a report by DZRH's Jecelle Ricafort, Matibag said his camp would file an urgent motion for inhibition and a motion to suspend proceedings on Monday. The motions are to be filed before the Davao City Prosecutor's Office and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Matibag is also asking Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida to transfer the case to the DOJ's National Prosecution Service.

His camp found that Davao City prosecutor Jhopee Salvador Avanceña is a first cousin of Honeylet Avanceña, the common-law partner of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Matibag said. He acknowledged that no legal relationship by affinity exists because the former president and Honeylet Avanceña are not married. He argued, however, that the family tie still raises concerns about possible bias.

"But still, it develops a sense of alarming reason for us to transfer," Matibag said. He added that the close relationship was the reason to move the case and remove any bias.

Matibag said it would be up to Secretary Vida to decide whether a special prosecutor should be appointed.

Duterte filed the complaint on Friday before the Davao City Prosecutor's Office. It stems from Gracioso's allegation that the congressman received suitcases containing ₱100 million in cash, supposedly on the instructions of former House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco.