MANILA, Philippines – The Office of the Ombudsman is not very keen at knowing how the country is currently faring in the 30th Southeast Asian Games rather, it is has shown more interest at launching an investigation on the controversies that hounded the SEAG preparations.

The main actor of which is no other House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano who doubled as Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee chairman.

And in order to put things in their proper perspective, Cayetano said the Ombudsman’s investigation into the controversies surrounding the country’s hosting of the 30th SEA Games is very much welcome to him.

“Today, three days before we close the competitions, the office of the Ombudsman has announced that they will conduct an investigation,” Cayetano said.

“We welcome this as an opportunity to put to rest all the questions so that we may move forward in celebrating the success of our athletes and honoring the sacrifices of our workforce and volunteers,” he said on his Facebook post.

It may be recalled that Cayetano came under fire during the first few days before the November 30, 2019 opening of the 30th SEAG that saw several foreign teams complain about long queues upon their arrival at the airport, small transport buses, shabby hotel accommodation and all.

But soon these were all rectified but not before Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon also assailed the P50 million construction cost of the SEAG cauldron which also gathered public sentiment.

Nevertheless, Cayetano said he will fully support all investigations, as he ordered for full transparency, audits, and opening of all books.

And like what President Duterte believes that “there are no anomalies involved in the SEAG,” Cayetano maintained the same line as far as country’s preparation for the SEA Games is concerned while stressing that thousands of Filipinos have worked hard and faithfully to make the event the “success that it is.”

According to him, he took on the task to organize the biennial regional multi-sport event despite expected criticisms he may face because he wanted to showcase “what a unified Filipino nation is capable of doing.”

“When I was asked to help organize the SEA Games, I was told not only how difficult it would be but also that cases would be filed no matter how strict we are in conducting our affairs. In fact, those who organized 2005 SEA Games are still fighting cases filed against them,” Cayetano said.

“But I did not hesitate simply because I knew this is not about me. This is about representing the country, and I have never shied away from that,” he added.

A report by the PNA also claimed the Phisgoc chair also warned those who plotted against the SEA Games and put politics over the country, as well as those who spread fake news and malicious lies, that they will be held accountable.

“As we are ready to meet all these accusations, I am also issuing fair warning to all those who plotted against the SEA Games and put politics over country; those who espoused and spread fake news and malicious lies,” he said.

“Personally, I forgive you, but for the national interest there is accountability and a reckoning,” he added.

Ombudsman Samuel Martires said a seven-member body would be created to conduct a fact-finding investigation on how the SEA Games funds were handled. (IAMIGO/CNS)