THE National Bureau of Investigation’s Task Force Cash Cow is set to start on Monday its probe on the alleged irregularities over the use of P6.7 billion in government funds for the construction of sports facilities for the holding of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (Seag).
NBI Director Melvin Matibag said at least seven individuals have been subpoenaed to appear either on Monday or Tuesday before the task force to shed light on the issue.
‘Right now, we issued subpoenas to about seven individuals. Some of them will appear on Monday, the others will appear on Tuesday,’ Matibag said.
The investigation will focus on the propriety of the transfer of P6.7 billion funds from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc), a private organization, for the hosting of the Seag.
The NBI has also sought the assistance of the Commission on Audit (COA) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in determining where and how the funds to check its records to determine where and how the funds were utilized.
The investigation will also cover other funds that were allegedly received by Phisgoc from the private sector.
Matibag said the amount subject of the investigation may reach up to at least P10 billion.
Among those subpoenaed by the NBI were Phisgoc chairman Ramon Suzara, Chief Financial Officer Dexter Estacio and its Corporate Secretary John Lester Buenconsejo.
The NBI chief assured that its investigation will be based on evidence and not on political affiliations.