Atty. Melvin Matibag took an oath as the new NBI director on Feb. 20, 2026. Photo courtesy of Office of the Executive Secretary.
Melvin Matibag, the newly appointed director of the National Bureau of Investigation, assured the public that the agency will pursue all cases without favoritism or exception.
He made the remarks during a turnover ceremony on Monday, where Atty. Angelito Magno formally handed over leadership of the NBI to him.
In an interview after the ceremony, Matibag addressed concerns about his ties to former President Rodrigo Duterte and his current role under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying the bureau’s work will be guided by evidence and its mandate, not personal connections.
“I hope we don’t have that kind of line. Because we hold office based on the agency’s mandate and not because of the personalities who put you there,” Matibag said, emphasizing that investigations will follow where evidence leads, regardless of political affiliation or past alliances.
He added that friendships and party ties will not interfere with NBI operations, noting that his primary responsibility is to uphold the law and investigate irregularities, including the ongoing probes into the flood control anomalies.
Asked whether there would be “sacred cows” in the bureau’s investigations, Matibag responded, “Nothing. The only sacred here is the Lord,” reinforcing his commitment to impartiality.
Matibag reiterated that the directive of President Marcos Jr. is clear: those responsible for wrongdoing must be held accountable, and the NBI will act accordingly.
He took his oath on Friday, Feb. 20, at Malacañang, with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto administering the ceremony, following the official announcement of his appointment by Palace press officer Claire Castro.