The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is considering sending its findings on the 2019 Southeast Asian Games straight to the Office of the Ombudsman, NBI Director Atty. Melvin Matibag announced on Friday, September 18.
Matibag noted that the agency could alternatively forward the case to the Department of Justice for an initial review.
He shared that the bureau’s investigation continues to uncover red flags in how the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) managed the event, adding that evidence for several planned charges already meets the threshold required for court proceedings.
“Ang basehan natin prima facie evidence, pasok na eh. Yung ibang kaso sa reasonable certainty of conviction pasok na rin,” said Matibag.
To move the probe forward, the NBI will issue fresh subpoenas to members of the PHISGOC board of trustees after a lawyer previously designated as a contact failed to respond. However, Matibag clarified that Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano—who faces potential legal action—will not be among the individuals subpoenaed.
The bureau’s investigation also revealed that the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) turned over funds to PHISGOC, a non-profit organization that remains active in hosting functions and sponsoring international tournaments.
Earlier, Matibag pointed out that official Securities and Exchange Commission records list Ramon Suzara as the PHISGOC chairman during the 2019 games, not Cayetano.
He characterized Cayetano’s public portrayal as chairman as an “ultra vires” act, given that the senator was not a formal member of the board.