Business · Philippines Bureau
Duterte denies NBI chief's allegations over Samal Island property ownership
Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte has disputed claims by National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag regarding his ownership of a resort property on Samal Island, urging investigators to exercise proper due diligence before making public assertions.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Davao City Representative Paolo Duterte rejected allegations Monday that he owns property on Samal Island, challenging the basis of National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag's claims in the matter.
Duterte criticized the NBI chief for publicizing unverified assertions without conducting adequate investigation, calling on Matibag to observe proper investigative standards before making such pronouncements. The congressman emphasized the importance of thorough fact-checking in official inquiries to avoid spreading misinformation.
The dispute centers on alleged real estate holdings on Samal Island, a resort municipality in Davao del Norte province. Details regarding the specific property and the circumstances prompting the NBI's investigation remain unclear from available reports.
The exchange underscores ongoing scrutiny of business interests and property holdings among high-profile political figures in the Philippines, with officials increasingly subject to public disclosure requirements and investigative scrutiny.