NBI uncovers POC reimbursement, delayed payment for 2019 SEA Games cauldron

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The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has uncovered additional details in its investigation into the controversial 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) cauldron, including what it described as a questionable reimbursement involving the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC).

In an exclusive interview in Pasay City, NBI Director Melvin Matibag said investigators found that, aside from the alleged double payment, PHISGOC also received reimbursement from the POC. Matibag said the transaction is now being questioned because the money paid by the POC came from public funds, while PHISGOC is a non-government organization (NGO).

Matibag also said the payment for the cauldron appeared to have been made only as an “afterthought,” noting that it was reportedly settled years after the Philippines hosted the 2019 SEA Games.

The NBI further discovered that the component of the cauldron responsible for producing the flame was rented rather than purchased.

While the cauldron has long been reported to have cost P55 million, Matibag said documents obtained by the NBI show that less than P50 million was actually paid for it.

Following the testimony of a witness who surfaced on Monday, the NBI said it will issue subpoenas to additional personalities as investigators continue to look into the newly disclosed details surrounding the cauldron’s procurement and payment.

The NBI is investigating the alleged anomalous procurement of projects related to the 2019 SEA Games after receiving new information and documents involving PHISGOC. — VBL, GMA News