Matibag seeks transfer of Pulong’s libel cases

MANILA, Philippines — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag is seeking the inhibition of a Davao City prosecutor handling the libel and cyberlibel complaints filed by Rep. Paolo Duterte, citing the prosecutor’s family ties to the Duterte family.

Matibag said yesterday that he would file an urgent motion to disqualify City Prosecutor Jhopee Avanceña and suspend the proceedings, while asking the Department of Justice to transfer the case to its National Prosecution Service.

The NBI has learned that Avanceña is a first cousin of Honeylet Avanceña, common-law partner of former president Rodrigo Duterte, Matibag said.

“We know they may argue that there is no legal relationship by affinity because they are not married. But this still raises an alarming concern for us and warrants a transfer to eliminate any possible bias,” Matibag added.

He said that while the relationship may not constitute a legal conflict of interest, transferring the case outside Davao City would help ensure fairness.

Duterte filed the libel and cyberlibel complaints on Oct. 23 against Matibag, dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. and several TV network executives and journalists over reports of cash deliveries to members of the Duterte family.

Matibag said the request to transfer the complaints was intended to remove concerns about bias.