NBI Seeks COA, SEC Records for SEA Games Probe

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is intensifying its probe into alleged irregularities surrounding the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) and the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC). The bureau has formally requested documents and reports from the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In a letter dated July 21, NBI Director Melvin Matibag sought a copy of the final COA Audit Report covering the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) in relation to the 2019 SEA Games and PHISGOC. The NBI stated that this document is "essential to verify findings, establish facts, and trace fund flows in the course of our official investigation." The NBI is investigating alleged anomalies, financial irregularities, and possible violations of anti-graft and corruption laws involving funds, disbursements, and procurement activities linked to the SEA Games and PHISGOC, including transactions with the PSC. In a separate request, the NBI also asked the SEC for documents pertaining to the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee Foundation Inc. from 2017 to the present. This request was also made "for an investigation being conducted by this Bureau." The NBI has established "Task Force Cash Cow" to look into alleged anomalies in the country's hosting of the SEA Games. The investigation into PHISGOC began after the NBI received "new information and documents." This development comes amid growing concerns about the transparency of financial management in the country's hosting of the SEA Games. The use of public funds in hosting major international events has been a point of public interest in the past. A thorough investigation by the NBI is expected to lead to greater accountability in future events.