SEAG mess probe yet to start, but Duterte already clears Cayetano of corruption

November 29, 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte has already cleared House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano of corruption even if the investigation on the alleged mess in the country's hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games is yet to commence.

In an interview with reporters in Malacanang on Thursday night, Duterte said he would form a task force composed of retired auditors from the Commission on Audit, retired prosecutors and lawyers who are his fraternity brothers.

"I am not investigating Cayetano and the rest. I'm just trying to find out because I think - I said the money must not have been properly disbursed. I know that Cayetano cannot handle everything. He has to delegate this (task)," he said.

Cayetano is the chairperson of the Philippine Sea Games Organizational Committee (Phisgoc), which was organized to handle the country's hosting of the SEA Games.

Duterte said Cayetano "has to answer" on the logistical problems that have been encountered, such as on transportation, accommodation, and food.

"But I do not think that corruption is...I am sure Cayetano is not involved in corruption," he said.

He also cleared other Phisgoc officials from possible corruption, such as William Ramirez, Phisgoc's co-vice chairperson. 

Ramirez is an ally of Duterte as he was the sports chief in Davao City when Duterte was still the mayor. He also helped Duterte in his presidential campaign in 2016.

"Ramirez has been with me ever since I was a mayor. He is from Davao. He used to be the coach of Ateneo de Davao. I got him in and until now he is with me," Duterte said.

But he said the organizing committee seemed to have lack of foresight, thus, there were controversies that cropped up.

Duterte said he could have insisted that the military handle the SEA Games. 

"The planners in the military, not the military, not the soldier in the infantry. The military planners shall handle it," Duterte said.

Meanwhile, on the call for the government to allow free entrance in the SEA Games events, Duterte, who was conferring to his former aide and now Senator Christopher "Bong" Go during the interview, said except basketball and volleyball, other events could be allowed free entrance.

He said that basketball and volleyball are scheduled to be held in private venues, thus, viewers have to buy tickets.

Duterte also rejected calls to suspend classes in Metro Manila during the SEA Games to help lessen traffic congestion. 

He said it would be too long if he would approve the suspension of classes.

The SEA Games will officially start on November 30 until December 11. The events will be held in various venues in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including Clark Green City in Tarlac. Celerina Monte/DMS