Dizon retains Marcos' trust amid 2019 SEA Games probe

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon continues to enjoy the trust of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. even as the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) probes alleged funding irregularities related to the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. At a briefing on Monday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that there is no evidence so far linking Dizon to the alleged irregularities. "As of now, the President has confidence in all members of his Cabinet," she said at the briefing. "As long as no evidence has been presented that could implicate Cabinet members in corruption, the President remains confident," Castro added. On July 16, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said that a graft complaint filed against Dizon had been dismissed due to "insufficient evidence." Later that day, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said he is open to summoning Dizon to shed light on the agency’s probe into the supposed funding irregularities of a sports complex built in New Clark City, Tarlac, which was used during the event. Dizon was chair of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority during the 2019 SEA Games, when the agency oversaw much of the infrastructure development in New Clark City. The NBI is examining alleged anomalies in the country’s hosting of the SEA Games, including about P10 billion in unliquidated funds, the lack of competitive bidding for some projects, and the controversial P50-million cauldron.