Matibag: Cayetano may be subpoenaed in 2019 SEA Games probe

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano (left) and NBI Director Melvin Matibag (right) MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano may be subpoenaed in the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) probe into the alleged irregularities in the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Director Melvin Matibag said Monday. Matibag explained the move would depend on whether former Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) officials implicate Cayetano. Last Friday, Matibag announced that the NBI would issue subpoenas to the following former Phisgoc officials: Article continues after this advertisement Ramon “Tats” Suzara — Phisgoc chair Dexter Estacio — Phisgoc chief financial officer John Lester Buenconsejo — Phisgoc corporate secretary He noted that Cayetano was not included because he was not on the list of the board of directors in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) records. READ: Matibag: NBI to subpoena Phisgoc 2019 officials over SEA Games probe “So if his name comes up to help clarify the investigation, then he needs to be summoned,” Matibag said in Filipino in an ambush interview. He also said the NBI will verify why Cayetano’s name was not listed on the board of directors even though he recently declared that he served as Phisgoc chairperson. “That is a problem because it is very clear. No matter which lawyer we ask, before you can become chairman, you must be a member of the board. If you are not a member of the board, how did you become chairman?” the NBI director said in Filipino. Article continues after this advertisement Matibag also said that, based on a document the bureau received, Cayetano was appointed interim chair by the Philippine Olympic Committee, with instructions “to immediately incorporate the Phisgoc.” “So it was incorporated and created, but he’s not part of the board of directors. So, he can no longer serve on the board. What should happen is that the newly formed Phisgoc will elect its own set of officers. So those are the questions that need to be explained,” he added. Article continues after this advertisement READ: NBI probes ‘ghost’ flood control projects in Cayetano bailiwick Taguig The NBI director also said that if Cayetano’s name was not in the records, his alleged act of serving as Phisgoc chair could be considered “ultra vires.” Matibag said the NBI would ask Suzara why he allegedly did not serve as chair, even though records showed he held the position. He said the NBI is about to issue subpoenas to Suzara and other Phisgoc officials, which will be sent to their office in Taguig City. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. As of Monday, “many have also expressed their willingness to testify,” Matibag added. /mcm