MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) can investigate the leak of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s hospital records even without an order from the Department of Justice, NBI Director Nestor Mantaring said.

“We did not bypass (Justice) Secretary Agnes Devanadera. We have not violated any rules,” Mantaring said.

The DoJ only issues an order for the NBI to investigate if a case filed there requires further investigation, he said.

“We have various divisions where people can go and request for assistance including conduct of an investigation,” he said.

The NBI is investigating the leak of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s records from the Asian Hospital in Muntinlupa Cit, where she was confined for two days last week.

Arroyo had lumps on her chest and groin tested for cancer and the results were negative. However, news reports revealed that Arroyo had silicone implants on her breasts.