Family business in tourism board? Rody trusts Cesar

MANILA, Philippines -  He reportedly hired his brother, other relatives as well as members of his household including his gardener for jobs in the agency that he heads.

But Cesar Montano continues to enjoy the trust of President Duterte, who urged complainants yesterday to “file a case” as he doubted the accusations against the actor.

“If… you think there is something there, file a case,” Duterte told a press conference at Malacañang. “I trust the guy.”

In a statement last night, Montano described the charges against him as “baseless and untrue.”

“No one knows who is behind this and the said ‘TPB employees’ who filed the complaint have neither come forward nor presented any evidence to substantiate claims,” he declared. “Without proof, anyone can easily fabricate stories with the sole purpose of destroying the credibility of the agency and this administration.”

Montano faces a complaint for nepotism, unprofessional behavior and entering into questionable contracts as chief operations officer of the Tourism Promotions Board.

TPB employees filed the complaint against Montano before the Presidential Action Center on March 1. They alleged that Montano appointed several of his relatives to positions whose functions are similar to that of incumbent employees.

They also claimed that the actor approved an P11.2-million contract with a production company that tapped him and several friends as guest performers and paid it another P16.5 million for a rally of President Duterte’s supporters last Feb. 25 in Manila’s Rizal Park..

Aside from these, the government body was also allegedly made to pay for Montano’s trips, which “were not related to his work as chief operating officer.”

Montano vowed to continue doing his job and promoting to tourists a “safer and drug-free Philippines.”

“Despite setbacks and political backlash, this office will continue to serve our countrymen,” he declared.

The TPB is under the Department of Tourism and is tasked with domestic and international promotions. It was previously headed by Domingo Ramon Enerio III.