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 handling a 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. DZRH's Jecelle Ricafort reported that Matibag said an urgent motion for inhibition and a motion to suspend proceedings would be filed on Monday, October 26, before the Davao City Prosecutor's Office and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

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

According to Matibag, 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. He acknowledged that no legal relationship by affinity exists because the former president and Honeylet Avanceña are not married, but said the family tie still raises concerns about possible bias.

Matibag said the connection gives his side an "alarming reason" to seek a transfer of the case. He added that whether a special prosecutor will be appointed, if needed, is up to Secretary Vida.

Duterte filed the complaint on Friday before the Davao City Prosecutor's Office against Matibag, Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., and several media personalities. 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. The allegation has not been proven, and DZRH's report did not include a response from Duterte or the prosecutor to the inhibition request.