Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio appeared at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) today after being summoned in connection with the bureau’s investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the Philippines’ hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
Gregorio said he was at the NBI primarily to submit documents previously submitted by the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) to the PSC in 2019.
“Well, it’s submitting the documents that the FISGOC submitted to the PSC in 2019,” he said.
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Gregorio said he was complying with the NBI’s request as head of the PSC.
"Pinatawag tayo, nandito po para i-submit yun.”
He said he also intends to seek clarification from investigators regarding the purpose of the meeting.
“Maybe that is part of the clarification I will ask when I enter the meeting.”
Gregorio emphasized that he was appearing before the NBI because he was formally summoned and that he was simply complying with the request of a government agency.
“Meaning sa akin, pumunta lang po ako dito dahil pinatawag, dahil hinihingi ko yung papeles ng NBI bilang kagawaran ng gobyerno. Sumusunod lang po tayo sa request na yun. That is why I am here. To be very professional about it,” Gregorio said.
The NBI is investigating alleged irregularities involving the 2019 SEA Games, including the use of government funds for projects and activities related to the hosting.
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NBI Director Melvin Matibag earlier said the bureau was looking into information involving billions of pesos in government funds, including the reported P10-billion payment connected to the New Clark City Sports Complex.
The bureau is also examining alleged procurement and liquidation issues, as well as the involvement of various government and private entities in projects undertaken for the 2019 Games.