No witch hunt please: House may probe alleged SEA Games corruption – Palace

By Prince Golez

Malacañang is open to a House investigation into the alleged irregularities in the Philippines’ hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

The Philippines hosted South East Asia’s biggest sporting tournament last year, also clinching the overall championship title with 149 golds, 117 silvers, and 119 bronzes.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was reacting to calls for an inquiry on how public funds were being used for the biennial regional tournament.

“We note that the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) has already created a panel last year to carry out a fact-finding probe in our hosting of the 2019 SEA Games,” Roque said in a statement Sunday.

“We welcome this move of the OMB in the same way that we leave the matter to the House of Representatives to conduct an investigation, if need be, on the use of government funds during last year’s SEA Games,” he added.

The Palace official also hoped that lawmakers won’t turn the investigation into a political witch hunt, citing the honor and pride Filipino athletes brought to the nation during the sporting event.

“The 30th SEA Games showcased not only our local athletes at their best but also demonstrated our successful hosting of a world-class sporting event. Let us, therefore, not dishonor the men and women who gave honor and glory to the country by engaging in political innuendos and witch hunts,” Roque concluded.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)