In a statement dated October 16, Panelo criticized NBI Director Melvin Matibag for publicly discussing the bureau’s findings before formally informing Duterte of the allegations and giving her an opportunity to respond.
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He also questioned the decision to refer the NBI report to the Office of the Ombudsman instead of allowing the Vice President to address the findings directly.
Panelo described the NBI’s actions as a “shameless smear campaign” against Duterte, claiming that the investigation was politically motivated and that Matibag had a conflict of interest involving the Vice President.
He further questioned why the NBI’s findings were not included by the prosecution in the impeachment proceedings, where allegations involving Duterte’s declared properties are also being raised.
“If the NBI’s findings were truly credible or reliable, then why were they excluded by the prosecution in the impeachment trial,” Panelo said.
Despite the allegations, Panelo maintained that Duterte had properly and honestly declared all her assets and liabilities in her SALN.
He said the Vice President was confident that the allegations would be disproved during the impeachment proceedings and, if necessary, before the Ombudsman once she receives formal notice.
The statement comes amid the NBI’s investigation into alleged discrepancies in Duterte’s declared properties, with the report now referred to the Office of the Ombudsman.