Manila, Philippines – Amid the ongoing impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, a proposal by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag to investigate alleged irregularities in the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games—hosted by the country—is gaining significant attention.
Some senators have reacted negatively to Matibag’s proposal, viewing it as an attack on Duterte’s allies in the Senate.
However, Malacañang Palace has defended the NBI regarding the proposed investigation.
Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro insisted that this does not constitute harassment by the administration.
Matibag had previously maintained, as of Wednesday, that he would not directly target specific individuals for investigation.
He clarified that the probe would focus on the 2019 SEA Games Organizing Committee, which was chaired by then-House Speaker and current Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.
The potential investigation reportedly covers the ten billion pesos received by a private contractor for 2019 SEA Games preparations—funds allegedly secured through “congressional insertions.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) stated that it is within the NBI’s mandate and the law to investigate any substantiated irregularities regarding the biddings and projects associated with the 2019 SEA Games.
Separately, on Tuesday, the Senate impeachment court approved rescheduling Matibag’s testimony to July 20.
This decision followed assurances from the Senate—acting as the impeachment court—that the official could attend the hearing prior to a scheduled meeting in Thailand.
As Matibag attends the trial, the official is expected to discuss the results of the NBI investigation into the alleged death threat made by Vice President Duterte against President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.—Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News