President Rodrigo Duterte, in his desire to identify to what specific undertakings did the multi-billion peso fund of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games go, envisaged an investigation on the matter to be carried out by retired auditors and some state prosecutors. The probe will be conducted after the staging of said international sports event. “In the first place, sabi ko, ‘Where’s the money? You should have had a group paid . . . .’ To me, personally, a lot of money poured into this activity now, and I suppose that with that kind of money, you can run things smoothly. Apparently, siguro mga may palpak” (In the first place, I said, ‘Where’s the money? You should have had a group paid . . . .’ To me, personally, a lot of money poured into this activity now, and I suppose that with that kind of money, you can run things smoothly. Apparently, maybe there were blunders), explained the President.
The Chief Executive, with regard to House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano whom functions as the chairperson of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee, expressed his unassailed trust on Cayetano. The SEA Games czar, however, needs to face the investigation after the event. “He has to answer, but I do not think that corruption is a . . . . I do not . . . . I am sure Cayetano is not involved in corruption,” the President opined.
The Head of State, moreover, called for unity from the Filipino citizenry towards the successful auspices of the international sports hap. “Do not create a firestone now because we are in the peak of preparation. Let us investigate after, and I assure you, I will investigate,” stated the Chief Executive.
A forewarn was also made for the reoccurrence of the unwanted incidents in the 2019 SEA Games–martial administration on the logistics. “Next time ito mag-ano, the military will handle it kasi ang military structural. Pagkaganoon walang dumating, sabihin, ‘O sige, ikaw assigned d’yan’. Itong mga ganito should be handled by military men, not because, well, they are better organizers” (The next time this happens, the military will handle it because the military is structural. If none arrived, they will say, ‘Alright, you’re in-charge there’. Things like these should be handled by military men, not because, well, they are better organizers), President Duterte elucidated.
On the widespread wish to make the tickets to the SEA Games free, the Chief Executive mentioned his similar desire but recognizes the discretion of the organizers.
