MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte said on Thursday, 28 November 2019, that House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano is not involved in corruption related to funds for the Philippines’ hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

The President said in an interview that Cayetano, also the chairperson of the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC), will not engage in any corrupt activities regarding the government funds for the regional-biennial sports meet.

“I am sure Cayetano is not involved in corruption,” President Duterte said.

“I could not think of corruption kasi ang mga head niyan, puro taga-gobyerno at (because the men who lead the Phisgoc are from the government and known to be) men of integrity,” he added.

The budget for the games is at least ₱7.5 billion. ₱6 billion were provided by the government while the rest were secured by PHISGOC from sponsorship agreements.

Earlier this week, the SEA Games has been plagued by concerns raised by foreign and local athletes who experienced transportation, accommodations, and other logistical issues ahead of the formal opening of the biennial regional multi-sport event.

The PHISGOC, led by House Speaker Cayetano, has been heavily criticized for its supposed SEA Games’ blunders. (Lloyd Tagbago/IAMIGO/CNS)