Camille Naredo

A view of the P50M worth cauldron for the upcoming SEA Games at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac on November 21, 2019. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File

A view of the P50M worth cauldron for the upcoming SEA Games at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac on November 21, 2019. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News

Article (news)

SEA Games

Zyann Ambrosio

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/178403942765720191121_new-clark-city-GC_000_6519.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="A view of the P50M worth cauldron for the upcoming SEA Games at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac on November 21, 2019. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">A view of the P50M worth cauldron for the upcoming SEA Games at the New Clark City Sports Complex in Capas, Tarlac on November 21, 2019. <em>George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/File</em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched an investigation into alleged anomalies involving infrastructure projects undertaken for the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, including the sports complex in New Clark City, Tarlac.</p><p>NBI Director Melvin Matibag said the bureau received information indicating that billions of pesos in government funds tied to the project have yet to be properly liquidated. Investigators are also examining allegations that a private contractor received approximately P10 billion through congressional insertions without the project undergoing a public bidding process.</p><p>“A private company was involved and was paid P10 billion. We will investigate this. This is also a major case,” Matibag said.</p><p>“There was no bidding, yet P10 billion was paid out immediately. We will look into it,” he added.</p><p>Matibag also disclosed that the NBI will take another look at the controversial 2019 SEA Games cauldron as part of its ongoing review of projects linked to the regional sporting event.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/11/19/19/sea-games-cayetano-insists-nothing-anomalous-in-multi-million-peso-cauldron">FROM 2019: Cayetano insists nothing anomalous in multi-million peso cauldron</a></div><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/11/21/19/white-elephant-lawmaker-eyes-probe-of-luxurious-sea-games">FROM 2019: White elephant? Lawmaker eyes probe of SEA Games spending</a></div><p>On a separate matter, the NBI chief said the bureau has already concluded its investigation into the deaths of two Ateneo student-athletes in Aurora after recommending the filing of criminal charges against 12 individuals. </p><p>He noted that the case is now with the Department of Justice (DOJ), which will determine whether to proceed with prosecution.</p><p>“The NBI’s role is already finished. It is now in the hands of the DOJ to determine its findings. But if the DOJ calls on us, we are ready to appear,” Matibag said.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/13/nbi-recommends-raps-vs-individuals-tagged-in-baterbonia-adili-deaths-1114">READ: NBI recommends charges vs Baldwin, others tagged in Baterbonia, Adili deaths<br/></a></div><p>He underscored that the bureau’s findings and recommendations were based strictly on the evidence gathered and applicable laws.</p><p>“It will always be driven by the evidence, by law, and by the process. But of course, the final say still rests with the DOJ,” he said.</p>

<p>The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched an investigation into alleged anomalies involving infrastructure projects undertaken for the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, including the sports complex in New Clark City, Tarlac.</p>

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched an investigation into alleged anomalies involving infrastructure projects undertaken for the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, including the sports complex in New Clark City, Tarlac.

NBI launches probe into alleged irregularities in 2019 SEA Games infrastructure projects

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NBI launches probe into alleged irregularities in 2019 SEA Games infrastructure projects

Zyann Ambrosio,

ABS-CBN News

Published July 14, 2026 10:32 PM PHT

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SEA Games 2019

NBI

National Bureau of Investigation

DOJ

Department of Justice

Ateneo de Manila University

Aurora drowning

Melvin Matibag

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