Threats vs president also threaten national security – NBI chief

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 822 days ago

On the seventh day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, Senator Francis Escudero, the presiding officer, stated that matters unrelated to the impeachment proceedings would be addressed once the Senate reconvenes as a legislative body. This clarification comes amid ongoing discussions about the scope and conduct of the trial, which is being closely followed by the public and media. The ruling aims to delineate the boundaries of the trial's focus, ensuring that non-impeachment-related topics are handled during regular legislative sessions. The decision reflects procedural clarity within the Senate's handling of high-profile legal processes.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a neutral report on a procedural ruling made by a senator during an impeachment trial. It does not exhibit biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The content focuses on clarifying the scope of the trial without taking a stance on the broader political issue

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports on NBI Director Melvin Matibag's response to Senator-judge Pia Cayetano's remark. It aligns with the primary source and other articles, providing context about the ongoing impeachment trial and the NBI's investigation.

Why objectivity (82): The article maintains a neutral tone, reporting on the exchange without injecting additional commentary or emotion.

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8020 hr. ago

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director, Melvin Matibag, testified during the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stating that threats against the president constitute a threat to national security. These threats stem from Duterte's November 2024 media statement where she allegedly claimed to have hired individuals to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Matibag emphasized that these statements are being treated as plans for assassination rather than mere threats. To address this, the NBI has created a special task force under Administrative Order No. 11 to investigate further, monitor threats, and report any urgent developments. This task force operates under close coordination with the NBI director and is monitoring factors such as public statements and rallies, including a speech by Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte.

Bias read (Center): The article presents testimony from the NBI director regarding ongoing investigations into threats against the president, which are considered a matter of national security. The content is primarily factual, quoting the director's statements without overtly favoring either side of the political fray

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports NBI Director Melvin Matibag's testimony regarding threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the national security implications. It aligns with the primary source document, though it adds context about the NBI's ongoing investigation and the specific details of

Why objectivity (80): The article presents the facts neutrally, focusing on the NBI director's testimony and the implications of the threats. However, it slightly leans toward emphasizing the seriousness of the threats, which could be seen as a minor editorial tilt.

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenternow

Senator Chiz Escudero, acting as presiding officer in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, recommended that the prosecution and defense teams appoint new spokespersons who are not part of their legal teams. He emphasized the need for impartiality and cautioned against potential conflicts arising from lawyers also serving as spokespersons. Escudero pointed out that current spokespersons, Benjamin 'Jay' Tolosa (prosecution) and Michael Poa (defense), have been cautious in their public statements. However, he warned that as the trial progresses, maintaining clear boundaries between legal representation and public communication could become challenging. The prosecution indicated they would consult with Tolosa on Escudero's suggestion, while Poa stated he would seek guidance from Vice President Duterte on whether to follow the recommendation.

Bias read (Center): The article presents Escudero's suggestion neutrally, quoting him directly and including responses from both the prosecution and defense. It does not favor one side over the other, nor does it use biased language or omit relevant perspectives. The content focuses on procedural considerations withina

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenternow

Vice President Sara Duterte requested that the Senate cover the catering costs for her defense team during her impeachment trial, according to a letter obtained by the media. House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Janette Garin criticized the request as 'improper' and 'funny,' noting that it is unusual for a court to bear the expenses of either the prosecution or defense. Garin emphasized that while the defense has the right to request catering, it is more appropriate for the defense to cover these costs rather than the court. She also warned that such a request could be seen as disrespectful to the Senate Impeachment Court. Duterte justified the request citing legitimate security concerns, stating that food and beverages should be provided in a secure area for her team and witnesses.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both Vice President Sara Duterte's request and Deputy Speaker Janette Garin's criticism without taking a clear stance. It includes direct quotes from both parties involved, allowing readers to form their own opinions based on the presented information. There is no evident bias,

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentProgressive2 hr. ago

During the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 22, 2026, Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo questioned NBI Director Melvin Matibag about whether former President Rodrigo Duterte would have ordered an arrest if former Vice President Leni Robredo had made statements similar to those attributed to individuals accused of threatening public officials. Tulfo emphasized that he believes Robredo 'would never do that,' citing her character. The article provides live updates from the ongoing impeachment proceedings.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the discussion around the character of Leni Robredo, a prominent opposition figure, and implies that her actions would differ from those of others accused of threatening public officials. This suggests a left-leaning perspective by highlighting Robredo's integrity while indirectly

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenter2 hr. ago

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has narrowed its search for Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged assassin to fewer than 20 persons of interest, according to NBI Director Melvin Matibag during the resumption of Duterte's impeachment trial. The investigation includes 'men in uniform' and individuals linked to the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG). Matibag stated that the NBI expects to identify the alleged hitman within three to six months, though he acknowledged the possibility of failing to do so. He emphasized that the narrowing of suspects and cooperation from family members provide optimism for a successful outcome. The case stems from a video released by Duterte in November 2024, where she claimed to have hired someone to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and others.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual updates on an ongoing legal and political investigation involving high-ranking officials. It quotes NBI Director Matibag directly and does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omissions that would indicate a clear ideological slant. The content is