TPB welcomes probe vs COO Cesar Montano

The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the inquiry versus its Chief Operations Officer (COO) Cesar Montano on a complaint on his alleged irregularities. (Photo: Department of Tourism – Philippines/Facebook)

MANILA—The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), marketing arm of the Department of Tourism (DOT) welcomed the inquiry versus its Chief Operations Officer (COO) Cesar Montano on a complaint on his alleged irregularities.

In the seven-page letter of complaint filed by TPB staff at the Presidential Action Center (PACE), Montano was accused of irregularities including entering into multi-million peso deals without approval from the board, hiring his own staff whose functions were redundant with current employees and the questionable use of public funds.

“We acknowledge the complaint submitted by concerned TPB employees to the Presidential Action Center (PACE) on March 1 2017 containing a 30-point allegation against our COO, Cesar D. Montano,” the TPB said in a statement.

The TPB vowed to commit its full cooperation and guaranteed transparency of the agency in the entire investigation process.

It also encouraged the public to focus on the concerns raised in the report, without associating the issues with the current administration.

The board, meanwhile, assured that the agency will work on the resolution of this matter.

“We stand firm with the administration in promoting good governance and accountability to the Filipino people,” TPB said.

Montano started working with the TPB in December 2016.

Tourism Undersecretary Kat de Castro said that Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo was aware of the complaints and will address them as soon as she returns from her trip in Germany.

“The Secretary is still on an official trip. She is, however, aware of the complaints filed recently against TPB COO Cesar Montano. The Department will await for the results of the investigation being conducted by PACE. I’m sure she (Teo) will take action as soon as she is back,” she added.