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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider NBI creates task force to probe into Clark sports complex 'irregularities'

NBI creates task force to probe into Clark sports complex 'irregularities'

Published Jul 16, 2026 02:35 pm
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The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has created a task force that will look into the allegations of irregularities in the construction of a sports complex at the New Clark City in Tarlac which was used during the Southeast Asian Games in 2019.
This, as both Sens. Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano cried foul over alleged attempt by the NBI to intimate them amid the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
But NBI director Melvin Matibag said politics has nothing to do with the investigation, saying the probe was triggered by the information and documentary evidence that they have now over possible irregularities in the P10 billion sports complex.
“The record of the NBI is always to go where the evidence lead us. And we are in possession of documents already that there is a need to investigate this due to the huge amount of money involved,” said Matibag.
He said the task force that he ordered to be created will be composed of NBI personnel from the Financial Investigation Unit and Special Action Unit.
Matibag said they will also coordinate with other government agencies in the conduct of the investigation, particularly the Commission on Audit and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Cayetano was the chairman of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) that took charge of all the needed facilities for the country’s hosting of the international games.
Matibag said that at the course of the probe, the NBI may ask Cayetano to explain, “If there’s a need to ask him, we will respectfully ask him to give light.”
“And I’m sure Senator Alan if he is included here, ‘I’m sure he would appreciate that this matter will be investigated properly,” he added.
On Wednesday, Matibag said they came across with documents in relation to the sports facilities at New Clark City while visiting the area where the NBI Academy would be constructed.
“This is incidental. We saw the sports complex that is big and then there were documents and information that led us to come up with the investigation,” said Matibag.

Related Tags

NBI SEA Games Melvin Matibag Alan Peter Cayetano
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