Raps filed vs DOT chief on P4.7-M slogan issue

MANILA, Philippines - Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim is facing a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged fund misuse in relation to how some P4.7 million in public funds supposedly went to waste because of the agency’s “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” slogan blunder last year.

The money was allegedly spent for lunch during the launching of the project on Nov. 15, 2010 which was attended by no less than Vice President Jejomar Binay.

Henry Giron filed the case against Lim under the principle of command responsibility since he exercises overall control over the Department of Tourism (DOT) and resigned undersecretary for planning and promotions Vicente Romano who conceptualized the controversial logo.

But Lim belied allegations that he misused government funds.

“How can there be misuse of funds when the money was spent in line with our mandate to promote the country as a tourism destination?” Lim told The STAR.

Lim, however, declined to comment further on the charges, saying he has yet to see a copy of the complaint.

During the height of the controversy late last year, Lim said he had advised Romano against “premature” launching of the promotional campaign, but the latter still proceeded with the project.

In his seven-page complaint, Giron accused both Lim and Romano of illegal use of public funds under Article 220 of the Revised Penal Code, violation of the Tourism Act of 2009, and violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards of Public Officials and Employees.

Giron, president of the multi-sectoral group Article 64 Movement, said Pilipinas Kay Ganda was supposed to replace the DOT’s “Wow Philippines” slogan but instead of being praised, the new face of the country’s tourism promotion program was criticized for allegedly being a mere imitation of Poland’s tourism slogan.

Allegedly, Romano himself admitted that P4.7 million was spent for the launching of the new catchphrase to pay for the food that was served to guests.

Giron, noting that the logo was even designed to look like a condom to promote the Reproductive Health Bill, said the controversial slogan became the subject of 10,000 Internet complaints which made Romano resign from his post.