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Matibag Launches NBI Probe Into Alleged P10-B SEA Games Anomaly
PHOTO CREDIT: SENATE PH
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched a formal investigation into alleged funding irregularities involving the New Clark City Sports Complex, one of the major facilities built for the Philippines' hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the bureau has created a special task force to look into documents pointing to possible anomalies in the project's funding. The information came to light during the agency's recent visit to New Clark City in Tarlac, where the NBI is constructing its planned 70-hectare academy.
According to the NBI, investigators received information indicating that around P10 billion allocated for the sports complex may not have undergone proper liquidation. The agency is also looking into allegations that the project proceeded without a public bidding process and that the funds were released through congressional insertions in the General Appropriations Act.
Matibag said the investigation is being conducted based on available evidence and existing legal procedures, stressing that it is not aimed at any particular individual. He explained that the bureau will continue to follow the evidence wherever it leads, regardless of the personalities involved.
The New Clark City Sports Complex, developed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), served as one of the flagship venues for the 30th Southeast Asian Games held in 2019. The complex includes an athletics stadium, an aquatic center, and other world-class sports facilities that hosted several events during the regional competition.
The Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC), chaired by then Speaker of the House and now Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, oversaw the country's hosting of the biennial sporting event. However, the NBI clarified that the ongoing investigation is focused on the alleged funding irregularities surrounding the project and is not directed at any specific individual.
The bureau said its task force is now reviewing financial records and other documents to determine whether criminal or administrative liabilities may have been committed. As of Wednesday, no charges have been filed, and the investigation remains in its fact-finding stage.
The probe gained public attention after it was raised during Wednesday's Senate impeachment proceedings, where Sen. Pia Cayetano questioned the timing of the investigation ahead of Matibag's scheduled appearance before the impeachment court. The NBI, however, maintained that the investigation is independent of the impeachment trial and is being pursued solely on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the bureau has created a special task force to look into documents pointing to possible anomalies in the project's funding. The information came to light during the agency's recent visit to New Clark City in Tarlac, where the NBI is constructing its planned 70-hectare academy.
According to the NBI, investigators received information indicating that around P10 billion allocated for the sports complex may not have undergone proper liquidation. The agency is also looking into allegations that the project proceeded without a public bidding process and that the funds were released through congressional insertions in the General Appropriations Act.
Matibag said the investigation is being conducted based on available evidence and existing legal procedures, stressing that it is not aimed at any particular individual. He explained that the bureau will continue to follow the evidence wherever it leads, regardless of the personalities involved.
The New Clark City Sports Complex, developed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), served as one of the flagship venues for the 30th Southeast Asian Games held in 2019. The complex includes an athletics stadium, an aquatic center, and other world-class sports facilities that hosted several events during the regional competition.
The Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC), chaired by then Speaker of the House and now Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, oversaw the country's hosting of the biennial sporting event. However, the NBI clarified that the ongoing investigation is focused on the alleged funding irregularities surrounding the project and is not directed at any specific individual.
The bureau said its task force is now reviewing financial records and other documents to determine whether criminal or administrative liabilities may have been committed. As of Wednesday, no charges have been filed, and the investigation remains in its fact-finding stage.
The probe gained public attention after it was raised during Wednesday's Senate impeachment proceedings, where Sen. Pia Cayetano questioned the timing of the investigation ahead of Matibag's scheduled appearance before the impeachment court. The NBI, however, maintained that the investigation is independent of the impeachment trial and is being pursued solely on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law.
Jul 15, 2026
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