Matibag dares Defensor: Go ahead, sue my wife

MANILA, Philippines — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag yesterday challenged Mike Defensor to file a case against his wife, Laguna 1st District Rep. Ann Matibag, if the former Quezon City congressman has evidence linking her to alleged corruption.

Matibag issued the challenge after Defensor accused the congresswoman of involvement in anomalies involving billions of pesos worth of flood control projects in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

The allegations were raised against the congresswoman after the NBI announced that it would file qualified human trafficking charges against Defensor, his wife Julie and two of their children.

“If he has solid evidence, then he should file a case,” Matibag said at a press conference at the NBI headquarters in Pasay.

He also urged Defensor to pursue legal action if he believes that the NBI is harassing him through its investigation.

“He should file a case against me. Do not involve other members of the NBI,” Matibag said.

Defensor reportedly described Matibag as “bobo” (stupid) and “tanga” (foolish).

“It is unfair to call the NBI’s investigation stupidity and foolishness,” Matibag said.

He said the agency was merely carrying out its mandate to investigate Defensor for alleged human trafficking activities.

“The only foolishness I see is dragging your own family into an illegal activity,” Matibag said.

Defensor claimed that the NBI chief could not investigate alleged flood control anomalies in Laguna because of his wife’s position.

Matibag maintained that allegations of corruption should be supported by evidence and brought before the proper authorities.

Strong case vs Defensor

The NBI had announced it would file qualified human trafficking complaints against Defensor and other officials of Cliffpoint Development Corp. in connection with alleged activities at the Chicago KTV Bar and Bleu Hotel in Pasig.

The cases are scheduled to be filed today before the Pasig prosecutor’s office.

“Mike Defensor and his family remain innocent until proven guilty. However, the evidence is strong. We would not file the case if it did not meet the Department of Justice standard of reasonable certainty of conviction,” Matibag told reporters.

On April 21, the NBI raided the KTV bar and rescued 54 women who were allegedly sexually exploited while working as customer care assistants.

According to investigators, the women were allegedly made available to clients for sexual services in exchange for P15,000.

Matibag said the NBI has gathered sufficient evidence to support the filing of charges against Defensor.

The NBI also presented photographs and videos showing what it described as unhealthy and unsanitary working conditions inside the KTV bar and hotel.

Defensor and his family have denied the allegations, describing the case as politically motivated.