National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Atty. Melvin Matibag said Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon may be invited to clarify matters related to the bureau’s investigation into alleged anomalies in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games if his testimony becomes necessary.
Speaking to reporters, Matibag said Dizon, as the former president and chief executive officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), could help explain issues involving the construction of the New Clark City Sports Complex, one of the main venues for the 2019 SEA Games.
“Kung kailangan ipatawag si Sec. Vince Dizon... dahil magbibigay-linaw siya sa ating iniimbestigahan, kahit hindi si Sec. Vince Dizon ang makapagbigay ng liwanag ay ating tatawagin,” Matibag said.
However, the NBI chief did not directly say whether Dizon is already cleared in the bureau’s fact-finding investigation. He confirmed that the NBI has received a copy of the Ombudsman’s joint resolution dismissing the graft and malversation complaints previously filed against the former BCDA chief.
Matibag clarified that the NBI’s inquiry is focused on the alleged unliquidated funds of the 2019 SEA Games through the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC), which was chaired by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.
Among the issues under review are the controversial kikiam served to athletes, the ₱50 million cauldron, alleged unpaid travel agencies, and the distribution of athletes’ uniforms and allowances.
“Kasi may mga sinasabi rin ito, may mga travel agency na hindi pa nabayaran... O kaldero hindi ko alam, tatanungin natin kung kaya ba talaga 'yan kasama sa BCDA o sa PHISGOC ba 'yan,” Matibag said.
The investigation comes as the NBI continues its fact-finding probe into the reported irregularities surrounding the staging of the 2019 SEA Games.
