By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Thursday stood firmly behind the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), stressing that its inquiry into the alleged financial irregularities surrounding the construction of the New Clark City sports complex is driven strictly by law and not by politics.
DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez issued the statement following remarks from Senator Pia Cayetano, who questioned why NBI Director Melvin Matibag publicly disclosed an ongoing investigation into the reported P10-billion expenditure for the sports facility, citing alleged deficiencies in bidding procedures and liquidation documents.
The sports complex was built for the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, during which Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano’s brother, served as chairman of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc).
Martinez emphasized that the DOJ has full confidence in the NBI’s independence and professionalism in carrying out investigations.
“The department fully respects the views expressed by Senator Pia Cayetano. We assure the public that the NBI’s actions are anchored solely on its legal mandate and the rule of law,” Martinez said.
He explained that although the NBI is an attached agency of the DOJ, it retains sufficient operational autonomy to initiate investigations either upon referral or on its own initiative whenever circumstances warrant.
“The NBI is empowered by law to perform its investigative functions independently, and the department remains confident that it will continue to discharge these responsibilities with professionalism, integrity, and impartiality,” Martinez added.
For his part, Matibag rejected allegations that the investigation was intended to target Senator Alan Cayetano.
He maintained that the bureau is simply fulfilling its duty to investigate possible violations of the law.
“There is absolutely no intention to make this personal. The NBI is only performing its mandate because no one is above the law,” Matibag said.
The NBI chief also dismissed speculation linking the investigation to his scheduled testimony before the Senate impeachment court in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
He said the bureau had already received information regarding the alleged SEA Games funding anomalies before his impeachment court appearance was scheduled.
To prioritize his testimony before the Senate impeachment court, Matibag said he canceled his planned trip to Bangkok, Thailand, where he was supposed to attend a regional summit organized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to Matibag, the NBI has already informed FBI Director Kash Patel of the change in schedule and will seek another opportunity to participate in the international gathering.
The FBI recently recognized the NBI for its role in the June 11 arrest in Pasig City of American fugitive Herbert Leon Kimble, who is wanted in the United States for allegedly masterminding a massive healthcare fraud scheme and is included in the FBI’s list of most wanted fraud suspects.
The DOJ reiterated that the NBI’s investigation will proceed based solely on evidence and applicable laws, underscoring that the bureau remains committed to conducting its work free from political influence.
ia/xf
