National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag on Tuesday denied holding a personal grudge against Senator Alan Peter Cayetano amid the bureau’s ongoing probe into alleged anomalies surrounding the controversial cauldron project of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC).
During an interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos, Matibag said the NBI is merely carrying out its mandate and pursuing leads based on evidence gathered during the investigation, dismissing allegations that Cayetano is being singled out due to personal differences.
“Wala naman po akong personal grudge sa kanya, wala naman po akong nakikita na dapat maging personal grudge,” Matibag said.
He added that any previous exchanges between him and Cayetano were part of their respective duties and that their differences may simply stem from their differing perspectives.
“Kung ano man po ang aming mga naging talastasan, ‘yung pagkakaharap po namin noong nakaraang linggo, buwan, o araw, lahat naman po nun ay alam kong ginagawa ko ang aking trabaho at siya rin po ginagampanan niya yung kanyang trabaho, siguro nagkakaiba lang po ng perspective ng pagpapaliwanag,” he said.
“Kung ano po ang mandato ng NBI at mayroon kaming ebidensya ay ginagawa po namin ang aming trabaho more than anything else, more than the political or the personal reason,” he added.
The NBI is investigating alleged irregularities surrounding the construction of the cauldron used during the 2019 Southeast Asian Games hosted by the Philippines, including questions over its cost, procurement process, contracts, payments, and construction.
Matibag earlier said Cayetano could be among those who may face charges in connection with the alleged anomalies. Cayetano served as chairman of PHISGOC, the organizing committee for the 2019 SEA Games.
According to Matibag, the investigation has expanded as the NBI reviews documents, witness statements, and other evidence concerning the cauldron project and other activities of PHISGOC.
“Malinaw naman na po yung mga participation ng mga individual. Sa witness, meron po kaming mga na-establish na medyo mga solidong ebidensya para magturo po sa mga individual na lumahok sa anomalya,” he said.
Asked whether the investigation includes the allegedly overpriced cauldron, Matibag said the NBI is examining the project’s design, how it was developed and constructed, and its connection to other PHISGOC activities.
“Gusto po namin siguraduhin at pag-isinampa natin yung kaso, matibay ‘yung kaso at at the same time tama po yung mga taong inakusahan natin,” he said.
Matibag said at least five PHISGOC board members are currently being considered in the investigation, with the possibility that one or two could eventually be turned into state witnesses.
He explained that individuals who may cooperate with investigators could be considered for state-witness status, but the final recommendation would come from the Department of Justice or the Office of the Ombudsman and would be subject to court approval.
On Cayetano’s status in PHISGOC, Matibag acknowledged that official documents from the Securities and Exchange Commission do not list the senator as an official PHISGOC board member.
However, he said the NBI is looking into Cayetano’s role because of documents and testimonies indicating that he acted and was introduced publicly as PHISGOC chairman.
He added that the NBI’s investigation found meetings and instances in which Cayetano was presented as chairman, prompting investigators to further clarify his actual role in the organization.
Matibag stressed that the NBI’s priority is to establish the facts and ensure that any charges filed are supported by strong evidence and directed against the individuals who were actually involved in the alleged anomalies.
