NBI Launches Probe into 2019 SEA Games Corruption
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has initiated a probe into alleged irregularities surrounding the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), focusing on billions in government funds. NBI Director Melvin Matibag confirmed the investigation on July 15, citing newly uncovered documents that prompted the agency to act. Whenever any issue involving corruption is brought to us, even ordinary cases, we will investigate,
Matibag stated. The probe aims to determine accountability for alleged financial mismanagement, with a task force comprising a financial investigation unit and a special action unit coordinating with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), and Commission on Audit (COA). The investigation follows years of scrutiny over the games’ organization, including unfinished infrastructure and logistical challenges.
Phisgoc and Cayetano’s Role in the Controversy
The Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc), a private foundation overseeing the 2019 games, is central to the investigation. Alan Peter Cayetano, now Senate Minority Leader, chaired Phisgoc during the event. However, documents obtained by the NBI from the SEC list Ramon “Tats” Suzara, not Cayetano, as Phisgoc’s chairman and president. Cayetano, who held government roles as Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) secretary and House Speaker during the games, has faced criticism for his dual positions. A Rappler report detailed a P6 billion funding trail, with P1.5 billion transferred to Phisgoc as financial assistance
without public bidding. Cayetano defended the P50-million cauldron, designed by National Artist Francisco Mañosa, calling it a “work of art,” but the expense drew public scrutiny.
Key Financial Allegations and Legal Challenges
The NBI’s investigation centers on the P10 billion allegedly paid to Malaysian firm MTD Capital Berhad through insertions in the General Appropriations Act. The BCDA’s P11-billion joint venture with MTD Capital for New Clark City facilities, including an athletics stadium and athletes’ village, is under review. While the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel later deemed the deal compliant with laws, the NBI highlights unliquidated funds and lack of public bidding. Matibag also cited allegations of overpricing and failure to liquidate P2.2 billion received by Phisgoc. Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman has reopened its inquiry into the games, with Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla stating, We’re opening it up again
to examine past complaints, including those against former BCDA chief Vince Dizon, whose case was dismissed in 2021.
Political Tensions and Accusations of Intimidation
Cayetano has criticized the NBI’s timing, arguing the investigation coincides with Matibag’s upcoming testimony in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The chilling effect is there,
Cayetano said, adding he would “fight this” despite the pressure. He denied anomalies in the games’ staging and accused the NBI of targeting minority senators. The NBI denied political motives, stating the probe began after document reviews. Cayetano also challenged the Senate to investigate the government’s flood control program alongside the SEA Games inquiry, calling for no fear or favoritism.
Ombudsman Reopens Inquiry, Unfinished Issues Remain
The Ombudsman’s renewed scrutiny follows the NBI’s probe, with Remulla emphasizing a review of past actions. While the Office of the Ombudsman previously dismissed complaints against Dizon, the current investigation may revisit those findings. The NBI has also targeted former Phisgoc members for questioning, including Suzara, Dexter Estacio, and John Lester Buenconsejo, who held roles as chairman, CFO, and corporate secretary, respectively. Despite the probes, questions persist about the games’ management, including unfinished sites and athlete logistics. Matibag stressed the NBI’s commitment to settle the matter once and for all,
but the political and legal complexities underscore the challenges of resolving long-standing controversies.
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