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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Na-in love ulit!': Congresswoman Matibag swoons over hubby Melvin's stint on witness stand

'Na-in love ulit!': Congresswoman Matibag swoons over hubby Melvin's stint on witness stand

Published Jul 22, 2026 12:42 pm

At A Glance

  • Rep. Ann Matibag praises her husband NBI Director Melvin Matibag in a Facebook post, saying she is proud and "falling in love all over again" after his testimony in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial.
  • Director Matibag defends his independence on the witness stand, clarifying that his wife's legislative role is separate from his duties as NBI chief and that he appeared solely under subpoena.
  • Cross-examination highlights his wife's endorsement of the impeachment, while Matibag stresses his professional autonomy; he is also noted as a former PDP–Laban secretary general.
Laguna 1st district Rep. Ann Matibag (left), NBI Director Melvin Matibag (Facebook)
Laguna 1st district Rep. Ann Matibag (left), NBI Director Melvin Matibag (Facebook)


National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag just made his wife Laguna 1st district Rep. Ann Matibag "fall in love all over again".
Rep. Matibag made a syrupy Facebook post about her husband on Wednesday, July 22, or a day after the latter was quizzed and grilled on the witness stand of Vice President Sara Duterte's Senate impeachment trial.
"I have never been prouder to be your wife," wrote the congresswoman.
"And I find myself falling in love with you all over again not only because of the man you are, but because of the strength of your character, the brilliance of your mind and the quiet courage with which you carry every responsibility. ♥️" Rep. Matibag added.
Director Matibag served as the prosecution panel's final witness for article IV of the articles of impeachment against the Vice President.
The particular article covers the grave threats and inciting to sedition charges against Duterte, which stemmed from her Nov. 23, 2024 death threats to President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
At one point in Tuesday's hearing, the NBI chief defended his wife's honor when defense lawyer Mark Vinluan brought up her name during cross-examination in an attempt to point out possible bias or conflict of interest.
"In order to save time in the question of the defense counsel, I think he's going to the position if my wife endorses the articles of impeachment, so that we save time and it's on record in matter of public notice: She is my wife, she's one of the endorsers of the impeachment," the witness said.
"The job of my wife as a legislator, is totally from me being the director of the [NBI]," added Director Matibag.
He said his decision to appear in court as a witness against Duterte was solely based on a subpoena and the invite of the prosecution.
Rep. Matibag accompanied her spouse to the Senate on Tuesday.
Director Matibag is the former secretary general of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), a political party associated with the Dutertes.

Related Tags

Ann Matibag Melvin Matibag NBI witness Impeachment Sara Duterte
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