NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
NBI To Subpoena PHISGOC Officials In 2019 SEA Games Probe
PHOTO CREDIT: PCO
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) will begin issuing subpoenas on Monday, July 20, to several officers of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) and members of its Board of Trustees as part of its ongoing fact-finding investigation into alleged irregularities in the country's hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said those identified will be required to appear before investigators and explain their participation in transactions being examined by the bureau.
The investigation seeks to determine whether there were irregularities in the use of public funds allocated for the Philippines' hosting of the 2019 SEA Games. Investigators are currently reviewing financial records, contracts, procurement documents, and other related transactions before deciding whether criminal charges are warranted.
Matibag also clarified that Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, who served as chairman of PHISGOC during the 2019 SEA Games, is not included in the initial list of individuals who will receive subpoenas.
He emphasized that the bureau is following the evidence gathered so far and that the list may still change as the investigation progresses. Additional individuals could also be invited to explain their roles if new documents or information emerge.
The renewed probe has once again placed the spotlight on the Philippines' hosting of the 2019 SEA Games, which saw the country top the overall medal standings for the first time in 14 years with a record 149 gold medals. Despite the historic achievement, the event was also marked by controversies involving procurement, logistics, accommodation, and spending on several infrastructure and organizational projects, leading to calls for further scrutiny of government funds.
The NBI stressed that the investigation remains at the fact-finding stage and that the issuance of subpoenas does not automatically imply liability. The bureau said the objective is to gather explanations from concerned officials before determining whether sufficient evidence exists to recommend the filing of charges.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said those identified will be required to appear before investigators and explain their participation in transactions being examined by the bureau.
The investigation seeks to determine whether there were irregularities in the use of public funds allocated for the Philippines' hosting of the 2019 SEA Games. Investigators are currently reviewing financial records, contracts, procurement documents, and other related transactions before deciding whether criminal charges are warranted.
Matibag also clarified that Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, who served as chairman of PHISGOC during the 2019 SEA Games, is not included in the initial list of individuals who will receive subpoenas.
He emphasized that the bureau is following the evidence gathered so far and that the list may still change as the investigation progresses. Additional individuals could also be invited to explain their roles if new documents or information emerge.
The renewed probe has once again placed the spotlight on the Philippines' hosting of the 2019 SEA Games, which saw the country top the overall medal standings for the first time in 14 years with a record 149 gold medals. Despite the historic achievement, the event was also marked by controversies involving procurement, logistics, accommodation, and spending on several infrastructure and organizational projects, leading to calls for further scrutiny of government funds.
The NBI stressed that the investigation remains at the fact-finding stage and that the issuance of subpoenas does not automatically imply liability. The bureau said the objective is to gather explanations from concerned officials before determining whether sufficient evidence exists to recommend the filing of charges.
Jul 17, 2026
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