(DC file photo)
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag is set to file a motion for inhibition against the Davao City prosecutor handling the libel and cyberlibel complaints filed by Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, citing a possible conflict of interest.
Matibag raised concerns after learning that the prosecutor is allegedly a first cousin of Honeylet Avanceña, the longtime partner of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The NBI chief said he would seek the prosecutor’s inhibition to ensure impartiality in the handling of the complaints and prevent any potential bias in the proceedings.
Aside from the motion for inhibition, Matibag also plans to request the transfer of the cases to the Department of Justice’s National Prosecution Service.
The proposed transfer aims to ensure an independent evaluation of the complaints and address concerns over the prosecutor’s alleged family connection to the Duterte family.
The reported relationship has yet to be independently established, and no finding of actual bias or misconduct has been presented.
The DOJ has yet to announce whether it will grant the planned requests for inhibition and transfer of the cases.
