Pulong files libel raps vs Matibag, 6 others

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte filed criminal libel and cyber libel complaints yesterday against National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag, a former police officer as well as officials and personalities of GMA Network Inc. in connection with a pre-recorded video aired by the television network last month.

Aside from Matibag, charged were GMA chairman Felipe Gozon and chief executive officer Gilberto Duavit Jr.; 24 Oras hosts Mel Tiangco, Emil Sumangil and Viki Morales as well as former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.

Duterte and his lawyer, Peter Paul Danao, filed the complaints before the Office of the City Prosecutor at the Davao City Hall of Justice.

The charges stemmed from the broadcast of an interview with Gracioso, who alleged that he delivered a suitcase containing P100 million in cash to the Duterte family.

Duterte said the statement was false and was intended to damage his reputation and that of his family.

“I am doing this for my children, my mother and my family,” Durete said.

Danao said the complaints include criminal charges and claims for moral and exemplary damages amounting to P10 million each.

Asked if the Duterte camp should have first reached out to the respondents before filing the complaints, Danao said his client was not required to do such since GMA Network allegedly did not obtain Duterte’s side before airing the video on Sept. 25.

Matibag downplays raps

Meanwhile, Matibag shrugged off the complaints filed against him by Duterte, saying that bringing grievances before the justice system is a “welcome move.”

Matibag said the NBI has been consistently operating within the bounds of the legal process and based on evidence.

“That is his prerogative. We cannot stop or dictate to him what he should do,” Matibag said. “It’s good that he brought it before the justice system so we can see where this may lead.”

On Duterte’s claims that the NBI issued premature statements without completing the probe, Matibag said the bureau merely provided routine updates about the investigation based on the pronouncement of Gracioso.

“We did not make any final pronouncement. We just gave an update. We haven’t closed the investigation on this yet,” Matibag said.

“That is his claim, and the prosecutor’s office and the court will determine that. On our end, we report based on evidence,” he added.

The NBI had invited Duterte to appear before the bureau, but only the lawyer responded.

“Their lawyer actually responded. So if there is any allegation of a lack of due process, it was extended to him,” Matibag said.

The NBI has yet to receive a copy of the complaints. Matibag said the bureau’s legal team would review the document as soon as it is served to determine their response.

Matibag said he would respect the decision of the court.

“I always act based on evidence, based on the process and under the guidance of the law to achieve truth and justice,” he said.  – Mark Ernest Villeza