NBI tells ex-Davao City information officer Jefry Tupas to answer proposed charges
The bureau has endorsed obstruction of justice, cyber libel and false news charges against the former official, who calls the move harassment.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday called on Jefry Tupas, the former chief information officer of Davao City, to formally respond to the criminal charges it has recommended against him, according to a Philippine News Agency report carried by Balita.
The NBI recently endorsed to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the filing of charges against Tupas for alleged obstruction of justice, cyber libel and publication of false news. "Just answer the lawsuit," the bureau said in a statement.
The case is linked to claims by whistleblower Rodulfo Gracioso Jr., who said he had handed bags of money to Tupas for Vice President Sara Duterte. According to the report, Tupas declined to appear at NBI hearings on Gracioso's claims despite being subpoenaed in September.
Tupas rejected the NBI's recommendation, calling it "harassment, plain and simple." The DOJ has yet to act on the endorsement, based on the report. No charges have been filed in court.
Why it matters for Davao
The case involves a former senior Davao City official and allegations touching on Vice President Sara Duterte, a figure closely tied to the city's politics.
This article was written by the DavaoNews desk with AI assistance, using reporting by balita. Facts come from the original report, which we credit and link below. Our editorial policy
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