Teo resigns from DOT

Department of Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo has resigned from her post, Malacañang confirmed on Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Teo has handed her resignation letter to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea yesterday.

Teo’s legal counsel and spokesperson, Ferdinand Topacio, in a statement stressed that President Rodrigo Duterte did not demand Teo’s resignation and her decision to leave DOT was “purely of her own volition.”

Teo also reiterated that all the dealings of the DOT underwent all legal processes and were above-board.

Her resignation came after the Commission on Audit (COA) questioned the placement of P60 million worth of advertisements on the show of her brothers.

COA said the deal lacks a contract or memorandum of agreement. Due to this, “the accuracy, legality and validity of the payments made… could not be ascertained.”

Roque said the Palace expects the Office of the Ombudsman to conduct a “speedy and transparent investigation” on the controversy.

The content was written for Philippine Canadian Inquirer’s Daily News Round-Up, May 8, 2018 edition.