Ombudsman: 2019 SEA Games facility probe to be evidence-based

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Saturday his office will rely on evidence as it reopens its investigation into alleged irregularities in the construction of sports facilities for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. "Titingan natin. We will look at the facts. Evidence pa rin 'yan, evidence-based," Remulla said in his radio program. Remulla said a case will only be considered truly dismissed if it reached the arraignment stage and the principle of double jeopardy becomes applicable. "Final lang 'yan kung talagang na-file sa korte. At nagkaroon ng arraignment at may double jeopardy na. Otherwise, wala tayong magagawa 'yan," he said. On Thursday, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the case filed against Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon in connection with the 2019 SEA Games sports facilities was already dismissed due to lack of evidence. Dizon was the president and chief executive officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) when it oversaw the construction of the New Clark City sports complex for the 2019 SEA Games. Clavano said the dismissal was contained in a joint resolution issued in December 2021. Malacañang likewise said Dizon has been cleared of charges over the controversy. Asked about Dizon's dismissal on Friday, however, Remulla said, "I asked my staff to get the whole file for 2021 to see and to look at the possible violations of law." GMA News Online has requested comment from Dizon on the matter, but he has yet to respond as of posting time. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday named members of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) who will be subpoenaed in relation to its probe on the sports facilities. NBI Director Melvin Matibag, who earlier announced that the bureau will be conducting a probe, has said he would ask the PHISGOC members to explain the role of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano in the organization. Cayetano, for his part, has said the NBI director was trying to intimidate him ahead of the latter's appearance next week at the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The senator was the head of the organizing committee of the 2019 SEA Games, wherein the Philippines emerged as the overall champion. — VDV, GMA News