SENATOR-JUDGE Pia Cayetano has raised concerns that the National Bureau of Investigation’s planned inquiry into the funding of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games could be an attempt by NBI Director Melvin Matibag to divert attention from the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
She made the remarks during a Senate proceeding on Wednesday, July 15, noting that her brother, fellow Senator-judge Alan Cayetano, previously headed the organizing committee for the regional sporting event.
Cayetano, who herself served as chairperson of the 2019 SEA Games Organizing Committee, questioned the timing and manner of the announcement. “He could do it quietly, go ahead — but what is the purpose of bragging about it?” she said. The senator suggested the move may be intended to intimidate her and other members of the impeachment court, especially ahead of Matibag’s scheduled appearance as a resource person next week, where he is expected to face rigorous questioning.
She stressed that such public posturing is out of line and may even carry legal consequences. “Is he trying to intimidate us not to ask him tough questions? I do not know, but those actions are not acceptable, possibly contemptible,” Cayetano added. Her statement signals growing scrutiny over whether parallel investigations are being used to influence or interfere with the Senate’s impea
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