(Eagle News)–The Palace on Thursday, May 3, urged the Ombudsman to investigate the government officials cited in the Commission on Audit report that red-flagged the placement of P60 million worth of Department of Tourism advertisements in the PTV program of the brothers of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the Ombudsman should also probe those mentioned in another COA report about alleged excessive travel.
The report in particular cited Philippine Health Insurance Corporation interim president Celestina Ma. Jude Dela Serna, who allegedly incurred P627,000 travel and accommodation expenses since she was appointed officer-in-charge.
According to Roque, these probes would be apart from the investigation already being conducted by the Palace.
“Talagang kung meron po talagang paglabag ng anti-graft law, ang constitutional body na dapat nag-i-imbestiga nito, even motu propio, should be the Ombudsman,” Roque said.
He said if there was enough evidence, cases should be filed against those concerned.
Special Assistant to the President Bong Go earlier said among those being probed for the DOT ad mess was Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.
The COA said the deal which saw the placement of tourism ads in the Tulfo brothers’ show “Kilos Pronto” was not supported by proper documents.
Teo denied there was any conflict of interest in the project, saying the deal was between PTV and the DOT.
She said the contract was subjected to a “review” by the DOT’s legal department.
