NBI probe into 2019 SEA Games not meant to intimidate – Palace

National Bureau of Investigation Director Atty. Melvin Matibag. PHOTO BY NQUIRER/ NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday defended the National Bureau of Investigation’s (NBI) probe into alleged irregularities surrounding the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, dismissing claims that it is intended to intimidate senator-judges in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the NBI was merely carrying out its mandate to investigate reports of alleged irregularities, especially in government projects, and did not require authorization from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to do so.

“It is the mandate of the NBI and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the Philippine National Police to investigate possible anomalies,” she said. “They do not need instructions from the president. That is their job.”

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