PSC Chair John Patrick Gregorio Complies with NBI Subpoena, Submits Phisgoc Documents in 2019 SEA Games Probe

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chair John Patrick “Pato” Gregorio appeared before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Friday to comply with a subpoena related to the ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Gregorio arrived at the NBI to provide testimony and submit documents connected to the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc), which he said were originally submitted to the PSC in 2019.

Upon his arrival, Gregorio told reporters that he had received the subpoena from the NBI two days prior. He explained that as the PSC chair, he was summoned to submit relevant documents that Phisgoc had provided to the commission during the preparations for the SEA Games. However, he expressed uncertainty about the specific agenda of the meeting, indicating that he expected to seek clarification once inside the NBI.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag later confirmed Gregorio’s appearance, stating that the PSC chair came to give testimony and hand over all documents related to the SEA Games investigation. Matibag noted that he had not personally reviewed the documents, as he was not part of the investigating team, but assured that the materials would be reported to his office.

The NBI’s probe centers on the handling of funds by Phisgoc, which the bureau’s initial findings indicate received approximately P6.7 billion in government funds. These funds were sourced from the PSC, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) specifically for the 2019 SEA Games. Matibag has previously stated that when including private sector contributions, Phisgoc’s total budget could exceed P10 billion.

To conduct a thorough investigation, the NBI established a special unit called “Task Force Cash Cow.” This team is tasked with examining the flow and use of funds allocated to Phisgoc, scrutinizing financial transactions and procurement activities linked to the SEA Games. The bureau is also coordinating with other government agencies such as the Commission on Audit (COA), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to verify financial records and corporate documents.

In addition to Gregorio, the NBI has subpoenaed several former Phisgoc officials as part of its inquiry. Director Matibag has also indicated that Senator Alan Peter Cayetano may be subpoenaed if evidence from the former officials implicates him. Cayetano was reportedly appointed interim chair of Phisgoc by the POC with instructions to incorporate the organizing committee. The NBI is investigating why Cayetano’s name does not appear on the board of directors despite his public claims of serving as chairperson.

The investigation aims to clarify the management and disbursement of substantial government funds intended for the SEA Games, ensuring accountability and transparency. The NBI continues to gather evidence and testimonies as it moves toward completing its review of the alleged financial irregularities surrounding the 2019 SEA Games hosting. Further developments, including possible additional subpoenas and findings, are anticipated as the probe progresses.