Matibag: NBI to subpoena Phisgoc 2019 officials over SEA Games probe

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will subpoena former officials of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) in connection with the bureau’s probe into the alleged funding irregularities of a sports complex built in New Clark City, Tarlac, which was used in the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, according to Director Melvin Matibag on Friday.

In a video sent to reporters in Viber, Matibag said among those who will be subpoenaed are:

Phisgoc chair Ramon “Tats” Suzara

Phisgoc Chief Financial Officer Dexter Estacio

Phisgoc Corporate Secretary John Lester Buenconsejo

READ: NBI may summon Dizon but only to shed light on SEA Games probe – Matibag

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“It’s strange that when we mentioned that we would investigate this, why did Senator [Alan Peter] Cayetano react when his name wasn’t even there,” Matibag said in Filipino.

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Matibag said the subpoenas will be issued on Monday for them to appear before the bureau on Friday, July 24.

He mentioned that the subpoenas will be duces tecum and ad testificandum, requiring the former Phisgoc officials to provide oral testimonies and bring documents necessary for the investigation.

Meanwhile, the NBI director reiterated that he was surprised when Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano reacted after he mentioned the investigation into the alleged SEA Games irregularities, noting that the senator’s name does not appear on the records they received from the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The NBI director then said the bureau will also ask the former officials about the role of Cayetano in Phisgoc.

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“It’s strange that when we mentioned that we would investigate this, why did Senator [Alan Peter] Cayetano react when his name wasn’t even there,” Matibag said in Filipino.

“If there is ever an issue of corruption or any anomaly that comes up here, maybe he shouldn’t worry because he’s not here. But there is a big question as to why he’s floating around in public as if he’s its chairman. So this is probably what needs to be answered,” he pointed out.

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It was on Tuesday when Matibag first brought up its intention to investigate the SEA Games sports complex, saying that the bureau received information that around P10 billion was involved in the sports complex without undergoing liquidation.

Matibag also said that “there was no bidding that took place, and the P10 billion was quickly paid through congressional insertion in the General Appropriations Act.”

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Meanwhile, Cayetano, who chaired Phisgoc, pointed out on Wednesday questioned the “timing” of the investigation, asserting that it is meant to “intimidate” him amid the current impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. /jpv /mr