Expect bombshell from NBI chief in impeach trial – Ridon

Rep. Terry Ridon mapped out the House prosecution’s next steps for the upcoming impeachment trial. (Photo by Robert Gines)

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag is expected to provide significant information on the bureau’s wider investigation into continuing threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his family.

House prosecutor Terry Ridon declined to reveal the anticipated information before Matibag takes the witness stand, saying advance disclosure would defeat the purpose of the expected revelation.

“If I said that now, it wouldn’t be a bombshell anymore. So, let us just wait for Director Matibag’s testimony,” Ridon said.

Matibag will appear as the prosecution’s final witness under Article IV, which covers Vice President Sara Duterte’s recorded statements concerning the President, first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Ridon said the NBI chief would go beyond the technical findings already presented by the Cybercrime Division and explain the work performed by the bureau’s other investigative units.

“But of course, our main focus is to let him speak his truth, particularly regarding the comprehensive investigation conducted by the NBI,” he said.

The first two NBI witnesses addressed the authentication of the electronic evidence, its chain of custody, the contents of the recordings and the Cybercrime Division’s findings.

“What Director Matibag can contribute here is information regarding the other offices—specifically, the additional investigations they conducted concerning the threats against the Vice President,” he said.

Ridon said the testimony is intended to complete the NBI’s account as an institution rather than repeat the evidence already provided by its technical personnel.

After Matibag’s testimony, the House prosecution is expected to conclude its presentation of evidence on the impeachment article involving Duterte’s alleged threats before proceeding to the article accusing her of misusing confidential funds. — Maricel Cruz