Marcos Picks Ex-Duterte Official Melvin Matibag as New NBI Director — And Tells Him to 'Make the Bureau Stronger'

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has a new crime-fighting chief — and the pick comes with an interesting backstory. Newly appointed NBI Director Melvin Matibag was sworn in on Friday after Executive Secretary Ralph Recto conveyed the President's marching orders: make the National Bureau of Investigation a stronger instrument against crime.

Recto praised Matibag's track record, saying: 'I say this with confidence because he brings with him experience in equally challenging government jobs he performed in the past, with distinction and dedication.' He also thanked outgoing NBI Director Lito Magno for serving with integrity.

Here's where it gets interesting. Matibag previously served as acting Cabinet secretary in March 2022 during the final months of Rodrigo Duterte's presidency. He was also the secretary-general of PDP-Laban, Duterte's political party — the same party whose family is now openly at war with the Marcos administration. Matibag resigned from PDP-Laban in 2023, distancing himself from the Duterte camp.

Beyond politics, Matibag's resume includes stints as MIAA general manager, National Transmission Corporation president, and legal instructor at several Philippine universities. He is also the husband of Laguna Representative Ma. Rene Ann Lourdes Matibag, adding another layer of political connection to the appointment.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the choice of NBI chief is the President's prerogative, and Marcos saw in Matibag someone he could trust to get the job done. Whether Matibag's Duterte-era connections become a political issue remains to be seen — but for now, the new NBI boss has his orders. Time to deliver.

Source: The Manila Times