Cayetano could also be subpoenaed in 2019 SEA Games probe – Matibag

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano could also be subpoenaed within the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) probe into the alleged irregularities within the nation’s internet hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, Director Melvin Matibag stated Monday.

Matibag defined the transfer would rely on whether or not former Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) officers implicate Cayetano.

Last Friday, Matibag introduced that the NBI would difficulty subpoenas to the next former Phisgoc officers:

• Ramon “Tats” Suzara — Phisgoc chair
• Dexter Estacio — Phisgoc chief monetary officer
• John Lester Buenconsejo — Phisgoc company secretary

He famous that Cayetano was not included as a result of he was not on the checklist of the board of administrators within the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) information.

READ: Matibag: NBI to subpoena Phisgoc 2019 officers over SEA Games probe

“So if his name comes up to help clarify the investigation, then he needs to be summoned,” Matibag stated in Filipino in an ambush interview.

He additionally stated the NBI will confirm why Cayetano’s title was not listed on the board of administrators regardless that he just lately declared that he served as Phisgoc chairperson.

“That is a problem because it is very clear. No matter which lawyer we ask, before you can become chairman, you must be a member of the board. If you are not a member of the board, how did you become chairman?” the NBI director stated in Filipino.

Matibag additionally stated that, based mostly on a doc the bureau acquired, Cayetano was appointed interim chair by the Philippine Olympic Committee, with directions “to immediately incorporate the Phisgoc.”

“So it was incorporated and created, but he’s not part of the board of directors. So, he can no longer serve on the board. What should happen is that the newly formed Phisgoc will elect its own set of officers. So those are the questions that need to be explained,” he added.

READ: NBI probes ‘ghost’ flood management tasks in Cayetano bailiwick Taguig

The NBI director additionally stated that if Cayetano’s title was not within the information, his alleged act of serving as Phisgoc chair may very well be thought of “ultra vires.”

Matibag stated the NBI would ask Suzara why he allegedly didn’t function chair, regardless that information confirmed he held the place.

He stated the NBI is about to difficulty subpoenas to Suzara and different Phisgoc officers, which can be despatched to their workplace in Taguig City.

As of Monday, “many have also expressed their willingness to testify,” Matibag added. /mcm