MANILA — Former lawmaker Mike Defensor did not appear before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday in connection with a subpoena issued against him.

In a media report, it said that instead, Atty. Ferdinand Topacio appeared on Defensor’s behalf and said they would no longer comply with another subpoena from the bureau, urging authorities to bring the matter directly to court.

“Is there an investigation for a possible criminal offense against my client, kung meron, eh alis na ako, mag-file na lang kayo. We’re not going to honor another subpoena from the NBI, lalo na kung harassment,” Topacio said in a video of GMA News’ John Consulta.

“Ngayon, kung tingin ninyo you go to court, sabihin ninyo i-contempt kami, we will prepare our defenses in court, pero kung para i-harass ninyo, obvious na obvious na,” he added.

Topacio said accusations involving alleged money in exchange for favors should be properly brought before a court, which he described as the appropriate venue.

He also said the subpoena served on Defensor was linked to the 18 former bodyguards of Zaldy Co, and not to allegations that Defensor supposedly promised them ₱5 million.

Last week, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said an informant told the bureau that Defensor allegedly offered bribes to the 18 individuals to make statements implicating several personalities in alleged cash deliveries linked to Co.

The NBI has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.

The 18 individuals, who allegedly acted as couriers in the supposed kickback scheme, earlier skipped a House Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the flood control controversy, instead going to the office of Senator Robin Padilla.

Senator Risa Hontiveros had warned that failure to attend the inquiry could lead to subpoenas and possible show-cause orders from the panel chaired by Senator Erwin Tulfo.