The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is probing the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) sports complex in New Clark City, Tarlac, over alleged procurement irregularities and financial mismanagement.NBI Director Melvin Matibag cited concerns about unliquidated funds, private company involvement, and improper procurement processes.The Commission on Audit (COA) found that the BCDA’s joint venture with Malaysian firm MTD Capital Berhad added P8.5 billion to the project’s cost, raising the total to P12.695 billion.The sports complex, initially budgeted at P8.5 billion, faced cost overruns due to financing charges and variation costs.

The COA criticized the BCDA for not pursuing the sports facilities separately through a public-private partnership, leading to additional government expenses.

While the BCDA defended the deal as legally sound, the Ombudsman dismissed graft charges against former BCDA president Vince Dizon in 2021 due to insufficient evidence.The complex has also incurred operational losses since 2022, prompting calls for accountability in its management.