Probe of alleged corruption at SEAG starts

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman will look into allegations of corruption in the country’s hosting and organizing of the 30th Southeast Asian Games (SEAG).

Ombudsman Samuel Martires said on Monday that the probe would include the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc), as well as House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, who serves as its chair.

“We cannot be selective in our investigation. We have to see the participation of each Phisgoc official or every official involved in the Southeast Asian Games,”he told reporters.

Martires confirmed that a seven-member panel had already begun their fact-finding investigation.

Cayetano said he welcomed the chance to defend himself.

“We will fully support all investigations,” Cayetano, chair of Phisgoc, said.

Phisgoc, a private entity which organized the SEAG, was hounded with criticisms even before the games could begin.—Reports from Jhesset O. Enano and DJ Yap