MANILA – Lawyers representing Davao City First District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte have called on the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to stop investigating allegations against the congressman, questioning the agency’s jurisdiction over the complaint.
In a letter dated October 12, 2026, the law firm Madrid Danao & Associates formally challenged the NBI’s authority to conduct an investigation based on allegations raised by former police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr.
The letter, addressed to NBI Director Melvin Matibag, questioned the legal basis for the investigation and demanded documentation establishing the agency’s authority to pursue the matter.
Duterte’s legal team argued that the NBI must establish that the investigation falls within its jurisdiction before proceeding with further investigative activities.
The lawyers also questioned the handling of Gracioso’s allegations, maintaining that the investigation should comply with applicable laws and procedures.
The move comes amid public scrutiny of allegations involving members of the Duterte family.
The allegations against the congressman have not been established as fact, and the filing of a jurisdictional challenge does not, by itself, resolve their merits.
The NBI’s response to the lawyers’ request was not indicated in the information released as of October 13.
Courtesy: PBBM – Bagong Governance
