Morales: Ombudsman already conducting fact-finding investigation into P60-million ad placement controversy

(Eagle News) — The Office of the Ombudsman is already conducting a “fact-finding” investigation into the Department of Tourism’s P60-million ad placement controversy.

This is according to Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, who spoke to reporters for the first time in six months.

Ferdinand Topacio, the lawyer of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo  announced her resignation on Tuesday, May 8, days after the Commission on Audit red-flagged the project which saw the placement of tourism advertisements worth P60 million in “Kilos Pronto,” the PTV program of Teo’s brothers Erwin and Ben Tulfo.

Teo reportedly tendered her resignation on Monday, May 7, prior to the start of the Cabinet meeting, even after she denied any wrongdoing.

She said the project underwent a review by the DOT’s legal department.

Earlier, Topacio said Teo’s family also decided to return the P60 million paid by the DOT to PTV4.