Business · Philippines Bureau
NBI chief to seek prosecutor's removal from Duterte libel case
National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag plans to file a motion for inhibition against the Davao City prosecutor assigned to handle libel and cyberlibel complaints filed by Congressman Paolo Duterte, citing undisclosed concerns about the prosecutor's impartiality.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — NBI Director Melvin Matibag announced Monday that he would file a motion for inhibition seeking the removal of a Davao City prosecutor from the libel and cyberlibel case involving First District Representative Paolo Duterte.
Matibag disclosed the development during an interview, stating that his office had identified grounds questioning the prosecutor's ability to handle the complaints fairly. The NBI chief did not immediately elaborate on the specific concerns prompting the inhibition motion.
The case centers on libel and cyberlibel complaints filed by Congressman Duterte, a son of former President Rodrigo Duterte. The motion for inhibition represents a formal challenge to the prosecutor's continued involvement in the matter.
The move comes as the Duterte family remains under scrutiny in various legal matters. An inhibition motion, if granted, would require the prosecutor to recuse themselves from the case, potentially delaying proceedings or resulting in reassignment to another prosecutor.
No further details were disclosed regarding the timeline for filing the motion or the specific nature of the concerns raised by the NBI director.