'Binabawasan kami, iniisa-isa': Cayetano slams NBI amid impeachment trial

Senator-Judge Alan Peter Cayetano asserted that the ongoing investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director, Melvin Matibag into alleged anomalies during the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games is set to "intimidate" him in the middle of the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

"Investigate whatever you want to investigate. You want to investigate bakit ako nagpatubo ng balbas? Investigate mo, (why I grew a beard? Investigate it) no problem with me. Pero huwag mo nang i-announce (But do not announce it)," Cayetano stated, explaining that this attacks the integrity of the Senate.

The senator believes the objective of the investigation is clear—to gradually deplete the Senate. This comes after two minority senators were detained: Senator Jinggoy Estrada for plunder charges in connection with an anomalous flood control project, and Senator Rodante Marcoleta, also for plunder charges due to an undeclared election fund.

“Binabawasan talaga kami, iniisa-isa (We are really being reduced, singled out one by one)," the Senator-Judge added.

His sister, Senator-Judge Pia Cayetano, also could not help but speak with intense emotion to condemn the NBI's actions.

“I am bothered, there is no jurisdiction in the world that allows a judge to be pressured and intimidated... Don't we want a better country for our children?" she said.

“Why would you allow a director who is just called to be a witness next week, brag that he's going to investigate... I am upset to hear this. And I will stand up for each and everyone of you, I don't care what side you are on, I will stand up for you if somebody tries to intimidate you,” she added.