Matibag dismisses ‘reward’ claims, vows no sacred cows as new NBI chief

Publicly known as an ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, newly appointed National Bureau of Investigation chief Atty. Melvin Matibag is already facing political fire.

He has a blunt response: This post is no prize.

“Napakahirap ng trabaho sa NBI para… hindi naman gantimpala.(The job at the NBI is so difficult… that it can hardly be considered a reward),” Matibag told reporters, brushing off claims that his selection by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was a political “reward” for filing a disbarment case against former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

Roque reportedly sought asylum in the Netherlands as he faces qualified human trafficking charges tied to the controversial Lucky South 99 POGO firm. 

He has suggested Matibag’s promotion was payback for the complaint lodged against him before the Supreme Court in September 2024.

But Matibag pushed back hard.

“But anyway, anyone is entitled to their opinion, and I respect that,” he said, before making clear he has no intention of turning the bureau into a battleground for personal grudges.

“Don’t get me wrong, hindi naman ako mag-ze-zero sa kanya dahil doon sa ganoon (I won’t be zeroing in on him because of that)… I don’t want to be distracted. Everybody will be treated the same. The bureau is not for one person or one group only,” Mating stressed. 

Matibag took his oath before Executive Secretary Ralph Recto at Malacañang last Friday. 

On Monday, he formally assumed leadership from outgoing director Atty. Lito Magno, stepping into one of the country’s most politically sensitive posts.

Almost immediately, he confronted what he called “the big elephant in the room” — his perceived closeness to former President Rodrigo Duterte while now serving under Marcos Jr.

“I hope we don’t have that kind of line,” he said. “We hold office based on the agency’s mandate and not because of the personalities who put you there.”

Matibag vowed there would be no “sacred cows” in ongoing and future investigations, from the alleged flood control anomalies to high-profile criminal cases. 

The new NBI chief urged the public to withhold judgment, insisting his record, including his leadership at the Manila International Airport Authority, should speak louder than political speculation.

“Hindi naman siguro ako dapat husgahan doon sa mga ganyan kundi kung ano ‘yong magiging performance ko bilang director ng NBI ((I probably shouldn’t be judged based on things like but based on my performance as director of the NBI),” he said. 

As his disbarment complaint against Roque awaits resolution at the Supreme Court, Matibag said he considers the former spokesperson a friend — but insists the case will run its legal course, independent of his new role.

“Kaibigan ko si former Secretary Harry Roque, magkasama kami dati sa gabinete, ‘yong aking ifinile na kaso nasa Supreme Court ‘yan, so, let it be resolved with the Supreme Court (Former Secretary Harry Roque is my friend; we served together in the Cabinet before. The case I filed is with the Supreme Court, so let it be resolved by the Supreme Court),” Matibag said,” Matibag pointed out. 

In September 2024, Matibag filed a disbarment complaint against Roque over a video that allegedly linked the former spokesperson to a controversial “polvoron” post associated with Marcos.

In seating a new NBI chief, stressed that his priority is the bureau’s investigations and not personal relationships.

“Wherever I am brought with evidence, that is where we will take it,” Matibag said when pressed on how he would act if Duterte allies were implicated in crimes or irregularities.

“If friends, party mates, or allies are involved, they must be held accountable,” he reiterated.

He acknowledged that public service can test even the closest ties. 

“They know that. Many friendships end when the call to serve in the country is there. They know me. They know that,” he said.

Asked whether there would be any “sacred cow” in NBI probes, Matibag replied firmly: “Nothing. The only sacred here is the Lord.”