MANILA, Philippines — Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has the authority to investigate the Philippines' hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games but he questioned the timing of the announcement of the probe.
Cayetano said he has no objection to any investigation but argued that the NBI can conduct its inquiry without first making a public announcement.
"Go ahead and investigate. First of all, that's been investigated many, many times," Cayetano said.
Cayetano made the remarks after fellow senator-judge Robinhood Padilla raised concerns over the NBI's announcement during the impeachment proceedings.
According to Cayetano, his concern is not the investigation but the possible effect of its announcement on the credibility and impartiality of the impeachment court.
"We have to make sure that the integrity of the court is intact. I hope this issue of the integrity of the court becomes an issue for all of us," he said.
"Investigate whatever you want to investigate. You want to investigate why I grew a beard, investigate, no problem with me. But don't announce it because it will affect the integrity of the [impeachment] court," he added.
Cayetano served as chairman of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee seven years ago.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag earlier said they would look into the alleged bidding and funding anomalies surrounding the country’s hosting of the SEAG, alleging that a private firm received P10 billion through “insertions” funneled through Congress.
