Castro hits Cayetano: ‘Minion’ word not biblical; account for SEA Games funds

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro. INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA MANILA, Philippines — Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Monday challenged Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano to clarify whether the billions of pesos in funds used for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) had been properly liquidated, saying that if he was not concerned about any corruption allegations, he would likely not react so strongly. These remarks came after Cayetano referred to National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag as a “minion,” a reference to the small, yellow, capsule-shaped creatures from the Despicable Me franchise. READ: NBI to subpoena former Phisgoc officials Article continues after this advertisement “As far as I know, the word ‘minions’ does not appear in the Bible. So, what Senator Alan Cayetano is doing now is nothing but pointing fingers and attacking others,” said Castro in Filipino, seemingly referring to Cayetano’s frequent use of Bible verses in his social media streamings. “The investigation to be conducted by the NBI is part of its mandate. It is their job to address issues concerning corruption,” she also said. Cayetano’s “minion” remark came after the bureau reopened its investigation into the alleged anomalous procurements related to the 2019 SEA Games. He claimed that Matibag was being controlled by a “mastermind.” This investigation might put Cayetano in hot water as he chaired the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) during the country’s hosting of the event. “If he is not afraid of any corruption issues, particularly regarding the billions of pesos in funds provided to PHISGOC, then he would probably not be so enraged. He should be able to account for and liquidate these funds,” Castro said in Filipino. Article continues after this advertisement “So, if you are able to speak with him, you should ask: Were you able to liquidate the billions of pesos in funds allocated for the 2019 SEA Games? Second, who were the donors who contributed to the 2019 SEA Games? Were these also properly reported?” she continued. NBI ignores “minion” remark Article continues after this advertisement In a statement on Sunday, the NBI shrugged off Cayetano’s remarks against Matibag, stating that “a position that cannot be defended with facts is often defended with insults.” “No one in the Bureau will take offense at the label, nor will it be answered in kind,” the NBI said in a statement. “The Bureau’s work rests on evidence, on documents, and on the law — and none of these is moved by name-calling,” it read. /jpv Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.