Philippine Ombudsman to Review 2019 SEA Games Infrastructure Case Amid Fresh Investigation
Manila, The Gulf Observer: Philippine Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has announced that the Office of the Ombudsman will review its 2021 ruling dismissing charges related to infrastructure projects undertaken for the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, following the emergence of new information.
Speaking on Friday, Remulla said the reopening of the case does not violate the principle of double jeopardy because the charges were never filed before the courts.
“We first need to study how our office came out with the resolution in 2021,” he said, adding that it is premature to determine whether Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano, who chaired the 2019 Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc), will be summoned as part of the review.
In December 2021, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed criminal and administrative complaints against former Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and current Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon, along with several other officials, citing insufficient evidence.
Separately, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag confirmed that the agency has launched its own inquiry and will issue subpoenas to key Phisgoc officials.
Those expected to receive subpoenas include Phisgoc Chairman Ramon “Tats” Suzara, Chief Financial Officer Dexter Estacio, and Corporate Secretary John Lester Buenconsejo. The subpoenas are scheduled to be issued on Monday, requiring the officials to appear before NBI investigators on July 24.
Matibag said the NBI initiated its investigation after receiving new information and documents related to the multibillion-peso allocations for projects carried out by Phisgoc during preparations for the 2019 SEA Games.
The renewed scrutiny marks a significant development in the long-running examination of government spending linked to the regional sporting event, with authorities seeking to determine whether further legal action is warranted.
