By Genalyn D. Kabiling
President Duterte has ordered an investigation into the Department of Tourism’s advertisement deal with the State-owned television network after the Commission on Audit questioned the expense.
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said President Duterte wanted to get to the bottom of the advertisement deal reportedly entered into by the Tourism department.
“I can confirm na umabot na balita and I can confirm mayroon siyang ‘Let’s look into this,’” Roque said when asked about if the President has learned about the CoA report.
“I assure you the Palace will investigate the matter. Of course, we have to accept the findings of the CoA and I understand this is the final finding. The Palace will investigate on its own,” he added.
The CoA earlier found out the Tourism department paid R60-million worth of advertisements on a television program aired on People’s Television Network without proper documents. The program is produced by Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo’s brother Ben Tulfo and co-hosted by another brother, Erwin.
Roque said there was no reason for Teo to go on leave pending the Palace investigation into the matter. He noted that the Tourism chief has already denied involvement in the placement of the ads.
Roque said the Palace is expected to decide on its next course of action following the investigation on the advertisement issue.
“Well, alam ninyo na naman ang procedure natin dito sa Palace, there are news reports, the President will look into it. There will be some kind of an investigation conducted and the Palace will decide its course of action,” he said.
