Malacañang on Thursday defended the planned National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) investigation into alleged irregularities involving infrastructure projects for the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, saying the probe is part of the agency’s mandate and should not be viewed as an attempt to pressure senator-judges in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the NBI is obligated to act on reports of possible corruption and anomalies regardless of the timing or the personalities involved.
“Mandato naman po ng pamunuan ng NBI na mag-imbestiga kung mayroon po silang naririnig, nalalaman na anomalya. Hindi po kailangang utusan ng Pangulo,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.
Castro made the statement after Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano claimed that the NBI’s planned investigation could intimidate members of the Senate sitting as an impeachment court, particularly as the probe comes while Duterte’s impeachment trial is ongoing.
The NBI earlier announced that it would investigate alleged anomalies involving the 2019 SEA Games Sports Complex, including reported P10 billion in congressional insertions, the absence of competitive bidding for some projects, and the construction of the controversial P50 million cauldron built for the country’s hosting of the regional sporting event.
Cayetano, who chaired the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC), has maintained that he had no involvement in the infrastructure projects.
Castro said NBI Director Melvin Matibag was acting within the bureau’s authority after receiving information about alleged irregularities linked to the construction of facilities for the 2019 SEA Games.
“Bilang isang namumuno sa NBI, kapag may narinig na ganoon, ano ba ang dapat gawin? Isawalang-bahala? Tulugan? Ignore o imbestigahan?” she said.
She also rejected claims that the mere conduct of an investigation already amounts to intimidation, saying government agencies have a responsibility to look into complaints involving possible wrongdoing.
“Ang tao na wala namang dapat katakutan ay hindi nai-intimidate. Ang pag-iimbestiga na gagawin ay dahil mayroon namang talagang isyu noong 2019. Hindi ito panggigipit sa mga taong wala namang ginawang mali,” Castro said.
The Palace official added that the investigation is not directed at any individual but is intended to determine whether irregularities occurred and whether accountability is necessary.
The 2019 SEA Games, hosted by the Philippines, involved the construction and development of various sports facilities, including the New Clark City sports complex.
The NBI’s planned inquiry will examine allegations surrounding the planning, procurement, and implementation of projects connected to the country’s hosting of the regional games.
Photo courtesy of ESPN
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