MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Sunday said that it will start looking into the role of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano in the use of funds released in connection with the country’s hosting of the Southeast Asian Games in 2019.
Cayetano served as chairman of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) in 2019.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said at least seven individuals had been issued subpoenas as part of its investigation.
"Some of them will appear on Monday, the others will appear on Tuesday," he said.
The NBI chief said Cayetano could be asked to appear before investigators if witness testimony or documentary evidence will establish the need for his participation.
He explained that the subpoenas were issued to give the individuals enough time to comply with the NBI's orders to appear.
Matibag said that the bureau will look into the alleged transfer of at least P6.7 billion in government funds from the Department of Budget and Management, Philippine Sports Commission, and Philippine Olympic Committee to Phisgoc.
The NBI created the Task Force Cash Cow, a special investigative team composed of personnel from its Public Corruption Division, Special Action Unit, Office of the Director and selected field operatives to handle the probe.
Stressing that the investigation would be based on evidence and due process, Matibag said the task force would conduct a comprehensive examination of the movement and use of funds received by Phisgoc.
The NBI is also coordinating with the Commission on Audit, Securities and Exchange Commission, and Bureau of Internal Revenue to verify Phisgoc's financial transactions, corporate records and tax documents.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon expressed his willingness to cooperate in the NBI probe.
Dizon said he was extra confident that there was nothing anomalous in the construction of sports facilities as the previous complaint filed against him and other concerned officials were dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2021 for insufficient evidence.
Dizon was the president and chief executive officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority which oversaw the construction of the sports facilities for the biennial sporting event at the New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac.
"Yes, I am ready and I will cooperate because my conscience is clear," said Dizon.
“Those facilities were built to a high standard. It gave us pride in the 2019 Sea Games because even foreigners like Singapore praised it,” he said.
