Actor Rommel Montano has said that he is happy for his brother Cesar Montano who has been appointed as chief operating officer of the Tourism Promotions Board.
“I’m so happy for him. I know he is very competent,” said Rommel during an ambush interview at Dusit Hotel in Makati City recently.
Asked if he has plans to follow the footsteps of his elder brother to join the government, Rommel said: “Sa ngayon wala akong planong pumasok sa pulitika. Focus lang ako sa movie career ko and gumagawa rin ako ng indie films at infomercials.”
Rommel, who was last seen in the popular Kapamilya teleserye “Ang Probinsyano,” believes that what his brother would be doing is not far from show business.
“Parang hindi rin naman ma mi-miss ni Cesar yung showbiz kasi sa Tourism Promotions Board, may mga activity sila na gagawa ng audio-visual productions. Yun nga lang tungkol sa tourism naman ang focus nila,” he said.
Cesar, 54, is the latest local celebrity to join the team of President Rodrigo Duterte.
The Tourism Act of 2009 states that the TPB “shall be responsible for marketing and promoting the Philippines domestically and internationally as a major global tourism destination, highlighting the uniqueness and assisting the development of its tourism products and services, with the end in view of increasing tourist arrivals and tourism investment.”
Born and raised in Sta. Ana, Manila, Cesar is a multi-awarded actor and director.
Cesar is known for the critically acclaimed movies “Ang Bukas ay Akin,” “Jose Rizal,” “Bagong Buwan,” “Panaghoy sa Suba,” “Ligalig,” and “El Presidente.” He also appeared in a Hollywood movie called “The Great Raid” in 2002.
In May 2007, Cesar ran for Senate under the coalition TEAM UNITY but lost. Cesar also lost the 2010 Gubernatorial race in Bohol, his hometown. Earlier this year, the actor ran as the 2nd nominee of Aangat Tayo party-list in the national elections, but he lost again.
Cesar was married to actress Sunshine Cruz from 2000 to 2013. They have three daughters. Later, Cruz filed for annulment of her marriage to Cesar. The annulment was granted in August 2013.
Other celebrities appointed by Duterte were Aiza Seguerra, her partner Liza Diño; Arnel Ignacio, Kat de Castro and Freddie Aguilar.
