(Eagle News)–The National Bureau of Investigation has recommended the filing of a graft complaint against former Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez over the allegedly anomalous P1.2-billion “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” advertisement campaign from 2012 to 2014.
In a letter received by the Ombudsman on April 27, NBI Director Dante Gierran also recommended the filing of the same charges against DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr., then-Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) chief operating officer Guiller Asido, then-Special Bids and Awards Committee vice chairperson Evelyn Cajigal.former Dentsu Philippines Inc. (DPI) president Ma. Nonna Nanagas and former finance and administrative director Romelyn Martinez.
He also recommended that all public respondents face administrative charges.
According to Gierran, based on their investigation made at the request of the Tourism Promotions Board, DPI made it to the shortlist of bidders for the then-DOT’s campaign even if it should not have qualified since it was already declared ineligible when it failed to submit its recent income tax return and audited financial statement.
Gierran added Jimenez extended DPI’s contract two times–at PP400 million and at P600 million— despite opposition from Raoul Creencia of the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel.
Creencia had said that the contract extension should not go beyond the original contract price of P200 million without the Department of Budget and Management’s approval.
“DPI, which was personally chosen by respondents, was able to profit from the transactions without showing proof that their prices were the most beneficial to the government. For that, respondents must now face the consequences of their acts,” the NBI said.