NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) chief Melvin Matibag on Monday vowed to uphold transparency, strengthen accountability, and maintain the bureau’s integrity in his first public remarks following his oathtaking. Matibag, who previously served in various government roles under former presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Rodrigo Duterte, said he would uphold existing investigative systems while strengthening the bureau’s integrity and capacity to fight crime. “We will enhance and protect the systems already in place,” Matibag said. “Whatever investigations are ongoing, we will continue them. The instruction from the president is clear: maintain or uplift the integrity of the bureau while bringing the NBI closer to the people.” Pressed on complaints involving flood control cases, Matibag said the NBI’s role is strictly investigative. “At the end of the day, the Office of the Ombudsman has the final say on prosecution. We investigate thoroughly and will not leave any stone unturned,” he said. He also addressed potential conflicts of interest, noting that complaints related to his former political affiliations would receive the same rigorous handling as any other case. “Transparency is key. We will be very, very transparent so the public will have no reason to think we are biased,” he said. Matibag described his appointment as a “return to public service rather than a reward.” The new NBI chief said that while the bureau supports prosecution efforts, it is not responsible for determining the reasonable certainty of conviction — a standard set by the Ombudsman for cases filed in court. “We focus on building solid, evidence-based cases and ensuring accountability and transparency in our investigations,” he said.