Former congressman Mike Defensor hit back at National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag on Thursday, escalating their public dispute after the NBI chief challenged him to file a formal complaint over his allegations involving flood control projects.
In a Facebook post that drew more than 176,000 reactions, and 6,400 shares, Defensor rejected claims that he had called the entire NBI “tanga” or “bobo,” saying his criticism was directed only at Matibag. “Una sa lahat, hindi ko sinabing tanga at bobo ang NBI. Isang tao lang ang sumisira sa imahe nito at iyon ay si Atty. Melvin Matibag,” he wrote.
He also questioned the evidence presented by the NBI in its investigation involving his family. “Pangalawa, walang kuwenta ang ebidensya mo! Building Plan? Ano kayo, City Engineering Office? Nakakatawa pati ang presentasyon ninyo,” he said.
Defensor also renewed his flood control allegations, claiming that individuals speaking about alleged corruption were being pressured instead of helped gather evidence. “Paano ko kakasuhan si Cong. Ann Matibag eh ‘yung 18 Marines na nagsasalita tungkol sa korupsyon at flood control scandal ay ginigipit mo! Sila pa ang sinisiraan mo imbes na tulungan sa paghahanap ng ebidensya ng korupsyon,” he wrote.
His response came after Matibag challenged him to file a formal complaint against Laguna Rep. Ann Matibag if he has evidence to support his allegations. The NBI chief also urged Defensor to sue him personally if he believes he is being harassed.
The post also featured an edited image portraying Matibag as a dog, with Defensor writing, “Ako, bibigyan na lang kita ng BREED. At paumanhin sa mga may-ari ng mga cute na PUG… Ikaw si Melvin MATI-PUG!”
The exchange came after the NBI announced it would file qualified human trafficking complaints against Defensor, his wife Julie, two of their children, and several Cliffpoint Development officials over the April 21 raid on the Chicago KTV Bar and Bleu Hotel in Pasig City. Defensor has denied the allegations, calling the case politically motivated.
