National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag is seeking the transfer of the libel and cyberlibel complaints filed by Davao City Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte to the Department of Justice’s National Prosecution Service.
Matibag plans to ask for the inhibition of Davao City Prosecutor Jhopee Avanceña, citing her family relationship with Honeylet Avanceña, the common-law partner of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
He argued that transferring the cases outside Davao City would help address concerns about possible bias and ensure impartial proceedings.
Duterte filed the complaints on October 23 against Matibag, a former police officer, and several television network executives and journalists over reports concerning alleged cash deliveries to members of the Duterte family.
The transfer request is intended to protect the fairness of the proceedings, although the alleged conflict of interest has not been established as a legal disqualification.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 27, 2026
