By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Davao City prosecution office has stepped aside from handling the libel and cyberlibel complaints filed by Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte against National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag, sending the cases to the regional level following questions over possible conflicts of interest.
The transfer came after Matibag challenged the participation of City Prosecutor Jhopee Avanceña, citing her family connection to Honeylet Avanceña, partner of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
The city prosecutor granted Matibag’s request for inhibition and forwarded the case records to the Davao Regional Prosecutor’s Office.
Matibag said the move was necessary to prevent doubts about the fairness of the proceedings and preserve public confidence in the justice system.
He maintained that his request was not simply about protecting himself but also about safeguarding the credibility of the office handling the complaints.
Duterte filed the cases on October 23. Also named as respondents are dismissed police officer Rodulfo Gracioso Jr. and several GMA Network executives.
The complaints arose from a GMA-7 interview in which Gracioso alleged that he had delivered suitcases filled with money to members of the Duterte family.
ia/xf
