Tourism Board Employees File Complaints Against Cesar Montano

Cesar Montano, President Rodrigo Duterte

Photo via Cesar D. Montano Facebook Page

Pres Duterte and Cesar Montano

Actor Cesar Montano will be facing charges of irregularities raised against him by employees of the Tourism Promotions Board. The employees filed several complaints against the actor who currently sits as the board’s Chief Operating Officer. President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Montano to the post last December 2016.

The management and staff of TPB filed the complaints at the Presidential Action Center (PACE) last March 1, citing 24 counts of alleged irregularities, according to the Inquirer.

Case Against Cesar Montano: 24 Counts Of Irregularities

Barely three months after his appointment to the post, management and staff of the board have noted several cases of “irregularities” involving the actor. On top of the list is the PhP 11.2 million contract between the board and Carat Philippines, where Montano and some of his nieces performed as guest singers.

The actor allegedly employed the services of consultants, whose functions are clearly being fulfilled by current board staff. In addition, some of the consultants named clearly had close ties with the COO. Rommel Montano, the actor’s brother, was one of these consultants, along with a nephew in law and several other close friends.

Multi-Million Contracts Will Bleed TPB Coffers Dry

According to a GMA report, Montano also entered into contracts without consulting the concerned offices within TPB for their recommendations. The complaint cited the 16.5 million sponsorship of the Feb. 25 rally at Rizal Park and the 12 million sponsorship of a concert tour of JaDine.

Aside from these contracts, Montano and his staff reportedly took several local and overseas trips without any official travel orders.

The employees also called for a change in leadership of the board, stating that they have “lost their trust and confidence in the leadership of COO Montano. According to them, other officials of the Department of Tourism shared this sentiment with them. The TPB is a corporate body attached to the Department of Tourism.

Reports also say that Montano has yet to respond to these allegations.