Tourism Promotions Board COO Cesar Montano
MANILA, Philippines – Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat suspended Thursday, May 17, the “Buhay Carinderia” project headed by Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operations Officer Cesar Montano.
Puyat ordered the suspension following her talk with Montano on Wednesday evening.
Montano is being questioned over the release of P80 million from the Department of Tourism (DOT) fund as payment to the proponents of “Buhay Carinderia” project without going through proper bidding.
The new tourism chief also questioned Montano over the full payment of the project when it has yet to be completed. “Buhay Carinderia” is supposed to be held in June this year to replace Madrid Fusion Manila.
Secretary Puyat believes it would bring negative effects to the government if a project is doled out to only one sector that’s why she insists on proper bidding in all of DOT’s projects under her term.
Puyat already ordered a review of “Buhay Carinderia” and other projects under Montano as well as all contracts entered into by the DOT.
“That’s why ang letter ko kay Chairman Aguinaldo is to review all other projects also. Lahat-lahat na…For me, ang comfortable ako, kapag walang bidding, stop. Stop all the projects,” the Secretary said.
Puyat said Montano assured her of his full cooperation in the probe. She added that she did not ask for Montano’s resignation since he is on holdover capacity following the expiration of his term as TPB chief.
The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) is an attached agency to DOT. It is soon to convene in a tourism congress together with other tourism stakeholders to elect a new COO. – Asher Cadapan Jr. / Marje Pelayo
The post Tourism Chief suspends Cesar Montano’s P80-M ‘Buhay Carinderia’ project appeared first on UNTV News.