Sen. Imee Marcos questioned the decision of the Ombudsman not to suspend Melvin Matibag following the shooting incident that occurred at the Senate on Wednesday.
Marcos criticized the difference in treatment between Matibag and Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca, who was placed under a six-month preventive suspension without pay.
According to the senator, she could not understand why Matibag was not suspended despite what she described as inconsistent statements regarding the incident.
The controversy stemmed from the shooting incident inside the Senate compound, which Marcos earlier described as a clear insult to the institution of the Senate. She also called it a sign of disrespect toward senators and alleged abuse of authority by individuals involved in the operation.
Marcos formally filed a resolution seeking an investigation into what she described as an attack carried out by personnel from the National Bureau of Investigation, other law enforcement agencies and private individuals inside the Senate premises.
The senator said the probe aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and the actions taken by those involved.
The Office of the Ombudsman has yet to publicly respond to Marcos’ remarks regarding the decision not to suspend Matibag.
The incident has sparked discussions over accountability and the conduct of law enforcement agencies during operations conducted within government institutions.
Marcos maintained that the matter should be thoroughly investigated to address questions raised by lawmakers and the public regarding the Senate incident.
