Defensor hits Matibag anew, mulls filing raps

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July 1, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Former Quezon City congressman Mike Defensor yesterday renewed his attacks against National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag, accusing him of politicizing the NBI probe involving the 18 self-proclaimed “bagmen” and the attempted arrest of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa.

During the Iglesia ni Cristo rally along EDSA, Defensor said he is considering filing charges against Matibag “at the proper time.”

“You will not win against him now,” Defensor said when asked by reporters if he intended to file a complaint against the NBI chief.

Defensor claimed that the complaints previously filed by him and the 18 bagmen over anomalous flood control projects were never investigated by the NBI.

He also accused Matibag of damaging the credibility of the NBI, saying his criticism was directed at the bureau’s leadership.

“I am not referring to the NBI personnel, but to Matibag, for putting the agency in that position and embarrassing its employees,” Defensor said.

He also claimed that some NBI personnel have expressed dissatisfaction with Matibag’s leadership.

Defensor alleged that the NBI and the Office of the Ombudsman were being used for political purposes, referring to the planned filing of plunder charges against him and Sen. Rodante Marcoleta.

Defensor made the remarks after Matibag challenged him to file a complaint against his wife, Laguna Rep. Ann Matibag, whom the former lawmaker accused of corruption.

Last week, the NBI filed a complaint for qualified human trafficking against Defensor and his wife, Julie, in connection with their ownership of a raided bar and hotel in Pasig City.