‘Task Force Cash Cow’ probes alleged SEA Games anomalies

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has created a task force to probe the alleged anomalies in the country’s hosting of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2019.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag said yesterday “Task Force Cash Cow” will focus on finding out how the P6.7 billion in public funds were spent.

He said they will ask the Commission on Audit, Securities and Exchange Commission and the Bureau of Internal Revenue for documents related to the funds.

“Our initial findings found P6.7 billion government funds going to PHISGOC,” Matibag told reporters, referring to the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee.

PHISGOC Foundation Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit organization formed by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano in 2018 during his time as foreign affairs secretary to oversee preparations for the 2019 SEA Games, with his inner circle serving as incorporators.

The NBI has so far issued subpoenas to seven persons, among them chief operating officer Ramon Suzara, president of the Asian Volleyball Confederation.

“Some of them will appear on Monday,” Matibag said.

He said they may summon Cayetano about his role in PHISGOC.

The task force is composed of the NBI’s public corruption division, special action unit, field officers and the director’s office. – EJ Macababbad