No singling out Davao, says Matibag

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) assured that Davao City is not being singled out in the investigation concerning anomalous flood control projects.

“We are not singling out anyone,” NBI director Melvin Matibag said in a radio interview.

Matibag made the assurance in response to claims by Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte that the NBI has been selective in its investigation since it started probing projects under his jurisdiction.

“We are opening and looking into all places,” Matibag said.  The director reminded reporters that the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB), after an NBI investigation, already filed charges against allies of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and government officials in other places like Bulacan, Mindoro, Cebu and Quezon.

Right now, he said the NBI is investigating flood control projects in places like Iloilo and Pampanga.

“None of them are from Davao. These are different places,” the NBI chief said.

10 boxes of documents

VP Duterte said Matibag should also investigate his wife, Laguna 1st district Rep. Ann Matibag, over her alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects in her district.

In response, Matibag said Duterte should file cases against anyone involved in wrongdoing.

The director assured that his wife will answer the charges if it is found that anomalies link her.

A DPWH regional director appeared before the NBI, bringing 10 boxes of documents to shed light on the alleged anomalous flood control projects in Davao City.

Matibag told reporters that DPWH Region XI Regional Director Cordon arrived at the bureau’s main office after receiving a subpoena to appear this Thursday.

“We are taking her statement,” the NBI chief said.