Cayetano dares Velasco to probe Phisgoc: Put me in jail if you find anomalies

MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday dared Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco to probe the Philippine Sea Games Organizational Committee (Phisgoc), which the former chairs, over alleged anomalies in the hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

Cayetano said he will resign or Velasco can put him in jail if he can prove that there were anomalies in the private foundation which was tasked to prepare and oversee the sports event held last year.

“Natawa nga ako sa sinabi ni Congressman Velasco, sabi niya, ‘Mr. President gusto ko nga paimbestigahan yung Phisgoc e.’ Sabi ko po, ‘Mr. President, paimbestigahan niyo po dahil wala kayong makikita,’” Cayetano said.

The two House leaders met with President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday night as speakership issues linger in the House of Representatives.

“At ngayon palang, hinahamon ko si Congressman Velasco, paimbestigahan mo. Pag may nakita kang anomalya, hindi lang ako magreresign, ikulong mo ako. Pero pag wala kaming nakita na anomalya, ikaw ang mag-resign,” he added.

The role of Phisgoc during the SEA Games last year was repeatedly questioned, particularly on the funding it recieved from the government.

The P50-million stadium cauldron used in the opening of the games also made headlines and was heavily criticized at the time.

But Cayetano defended its cost saying the cauldron was not excessive since it was designed by a national artist and was even cheaper than the one built by Singapore.

/MUF