NBI Director Admits Wife Endorsed Impeachment Raps vs. VP Duterte

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Tuesday admitted that his wife, Laguna 1st District Rep. Ann Matibag, was one of the endorsers of a House resolution which set forth the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte. In his cross-examination in the impeachment trial of Duterte, however, Matibag clarified that his wife's job as a legislator had nothing to do with his role as the NBI chief. "Yes, my wife is one of the endorsers of the impeachment," Matibag said on the eighth day of the trial, upon the inquiry of private defense counsel Mark Vinluan. "However, the job of my wife as a legislator is totally detached from me, being the director of the National Bureau of Investigation," he added. Matibag said he decided to stand as a witness in the impeachment trial upon the invitation of the House prosecution panel. "From my understanding, in the pre-trial order, I was also listed by the defense. I will be gladly witness for the defense as well, if I will be called upon," he said. On May 11 this year, 257 members of the House of Representatives voted for the adoption of House Resolution 989, together with the findings, conclusions, and recommendations under Committee Report 261, elevating the impeachment case to the Senate for trial. — VDV, GMA News