SENATE Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday expressed support for the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) probe into alleged irregularities in the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, even as he challenged the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to conduct a parallel investigation into questionable flood control projects.
Speaking during a livestream on July 16, Cayetano said he welcomed the NBI’s investigation into the 2019 SEA Games, where he served as chairman of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee.
“Investigate the Southeast Asian Games of 2019, where we became overall champions and were looked up to by the entire Southeast Asia. Investigate thoroughly, give it your all,” Cayetano said.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag earlier announced that the agency will look into alleged irregularities in staging the Games.
Cayetano said he and his allies would fully cooperate with the NBI.
“We will totally support the investigation,” he said. “When I say ‘we,’ I urge all my countrymen to support that investigation.”
However, he challenged the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to give equal attention to alleged anomalies involving flood control projects.
“But I have this dare: Then I, along with ten of our comrades who are now in the minority, will investigate flood control. What’s the deal?” he said.
Cayetano also accused the NBI, the Department of Justice and Malacañang of appearing to coordinate efforts to link him to the alleged SEA Games irregularities.
The senator questioned why Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon, who served as president and chief executive officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority during the construction of New Clark City for the SEA Games, had reportedly been cleared while he remained under scrutiny.
On Friday, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian assured the public that the Senate will proceed with its planned investigation into flood works even as it conducts the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, saying the chamber is capable of handling both its legislative and oversight responsibilities simultaneously.
Gatchalian said the flood control inquiry remains part of the Senate’s priorities for the 20th Congress.
“We have many important responsibilities before the Senate, and these must all move forward at the same time,” Gatchalian said, emphasizing that the impeachment proceedings will not prevent the chamber from carrying out its oversight functions.
JAVIER JOE ISMAEL
