PHISGOC Members to Be Subpoenaed by NBI in 2019 SEA Games Probe

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday named members of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) who will be subpoenaed for its investigation into alleged anomalies in the bidding and funding of projects for the 2019 SEA Games. NBI Director Melvin Matibag stated that subpoenas will be issued to Ramon Suzara, Dexter Estacio, and John Lester Buencosejo on Monday, compelling them to appear before the bureau on Friday. Matibag previously said that the bureau is launching a probe into the alleged anomalies after receiving "new information and documents" involving PHISGOC. He also mentioned that the NBI would ask PHISGOC members to explain the role of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano in the organization. However, Matibag noted that Senator Cayetano's name does not officially appear in the records held by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Senator Cayetano and his sister, Senator Pia Cayetano, had previously criticized the investigation as a tactic to intimidate him as a senator-judge in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Matibag expressed puzzlement as to why Senator Cayetano reacted to the investigation when his name was not directly mentioned. This development highlights ongoing concerns about the transparency and accountability of public funds used for major sporting events in the Philippines. The NBI's action signals an effort to ensure proper utilization of public resources, especially in the wake of past instances where similar events have faced scrutiny over financial management. Information Source: GMA News Philippines