No need for Senate inquiry if Ombudsman probes SEA Games mess

MANILA, Philippines– Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III believes that there is no longer a need for the Senate to investigate the alleged corruption hounding the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

“I don’t think a Senate inquiry is still needed if there will already be an investigation that will be conducted by the  Ombudsman,” Sotto said in a text message on Tuesday.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires earlier announced the creation of a fact-finding panel that would look into allegations against the conduct of the SEA Games.

Among the questions raised include a P50-million cost for the design and construction of a stadium cauldron, and the P700 million fund transfer to a private foundation, Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc), which is headed by Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano.

Various problems had also been reported regarding the preparations for the biennial meet that started last November 30 and is set to end on Wednesday,  December 11.

This prompted calls for a Senate inquiry on the issues, some were raised by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon.

While he thinks there is no need for a Senate probe on the issues,  Sotto said it would still depend if a resolution is filed by his colleague.

“It’s up to the chairperson. We cannot force him or her to conduct or not,” the Senate leader added.

Edited by MUF