By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Wednesday dismissed rumors that Senator Rodante Marcoleta is facing imminent arrest, clarifying that the agency has not received any warrant against the lawmaker.
Speaking to reporters, Matibag said the NBI cannot act on speculation circulating online and can only enforce lawful orders issued by the courts.
“The job of the NBI, law enforcement, when an arrest warrant comes, we will enforce it no matter what,” Matibag said.
The NBI chief pushed back against social media posts alleging that he was unwilling to arrest Marcoleta, stressing that no warrant currently exists that would authorize such action.
“I hear people saying that Matibag is afraid to arrest Marcoleta. But there is no arrest warrant,” he said.
Matibag challenged critics to present a legitimate court order if they expect law enforcement agencies to take action.
“If there is a legal and valid warrant of arrest for anybody, we will enforce it,” he said.
He also urged the public to refrain from spreading misinformation on social media and instead allow legal institutions to do their work.
“Let’s not talk nonsense on Facebook. If there is evidence, bring it to the NBI. We want law and order, and we will enforce the law no matter what,” the NBI director added.
Questions about Marcoleta’s possible arrest surfaced after the senator publicly disclosed that a warrant could eventually be issued against him amid legal complaints linked to alleged undeclared campaign contributions amounting to P75 million.
The Office of the Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon’s Field Investigation Bureau earlier recommended the filing of plunder and indirect bribery charges against Marcoleta in connection with the allegations.
The senator has consistently denied the accusations, describing the complaints as an attempt to suppress dissent and target political opponents.
As of Wednesday, authorities maintained that no arrest order has been transmitted to either the NBI or the Philippine National Police, leaving any reports of Marcoleta’s impending arrest without legal basis.
ia/xf
