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Mark Ernest Villeza - The Philippine Star
February 20, 2026 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — An erstwhile Cabinet official of former president Rodrigo Duterte is set to assume the leadership of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Lawyer Melvin Matibag, who served as Duterte’s Cabinet secretary, will be named NBI director, Presidential Communications
Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing yesterday.
Matibag will replace Lito Magno, who became the NBI’s officer-in-charge in October last year following the resignation of former director Jaime Santiago.
“That’s just the information given to me, that there would be a new NBI director in the person of Atty. Melvin Matibag,” Castro said when asked why President Marcos appointed Matibag to the post.
“First, that’s the prerogative of the President. We can say that he appointed someone because the trust is there. He saw Atty. Melvin Matibag as someone he can trust, someone who can work for the government. But with regard to the reasons, the details were not provided to me,” she said.
Matibag also worked as Manila International Airport Authority general manager and National Transmission Corporation president and chief executive officer under Duterte.
He was also the secretary-general of PDP-Laban, the political party of Duterte, whose family is now at odds with the Marcos administration.
Matibag resigned as the party’s secretary-general in 2023.
Meanwhile, the NBI assured the public of the continuity of its services as Matibag assumes leadership of the bureau.
In a statement, the NBI expressed gratitude to Magno for his “steadfast and principled leadership,” citing his integrity, professionalism and dedication to public service during his tenure.
“Serving as director of the National Bureau of Investigation has been both an honor and a profound responsibility. I am deeply grateful to the dedicated agents and personnel who stood with me in upholding our mandate,” Magno said.
“I have full confidence that the bureau will continue to carry out its mission with integrity, courage and commitment under its new leadership,” he added.
The bureau said it stands united in ensuring a seamless and dignified transition while assuring Matibag of its full cooperation and support.
It reiterated its commitment to deliver justice “without fear or favor” and to continue serving the Filipino people regardless of changes in leadership.
At the same press briefing, Castro denied rumors that Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno would be removed from his post.
She said the fake documents about Nepomuceno’s status would be sent to the NBI to determine where they originated.
