MANILA, Philippines — Facing the Senate blue ribbon committee, former Tourism Secretary Wanda Tulfo-Teo and her brothers Ben and Erwin Tulfo denied allegations that the P60-million DOT advertisement placement in a show hosted by the Tulfos was anomalous.
In her opening statement, the former Tourism secretary claimed that she was "defamed, maligned and worse crucified" by allegations of corruption and incompetence.
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"I maintain that I have diligently fulfilled the mandate as secretary of the Department of Tourism. All programs and activities have been conducted and implemented within the bounds of law," Teo told the Senate panel.
Teo stressed that the department's advertisement placement with government broadcast network PTV went through proper channels.
The former Tourism secretary narrated how Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar sent her a letter in January 2017 asking her to partner with the DOT on marketing Philippine tourism through PTV.
PTV is under the supervision of the Andanar-led PCOO.
DOT staff reviewed the proposal, which went to the Bids and Awards Commitee, which was later on approved.
"There was nothing illegal in the said contract. The transaction was between DOT and PTV-4. It is a government-to-government contract within the executive department and all payments were paid directly to PTV-4," Teo said.
'Allegations sensationalized by media'
Listing her accomplishments as Tourism chief, Teo claimed that allegations against her were only sensationalized by the media.
"Indeed, it is disheartening to know that after accomplishments of DOT under my helm has been overshadowed by the overblown allegations," she said.
Also blaming the media, Bitag Media Unlimited, Inc. CEO and founder Ben Tulfo said he was willing to answer all questions to clear their family's name.
The elder Tulfo brother insisted that they have faithfully delivered on their contractual obligation with PTV and that they have a certificate of performance and a contract, which the Commission on Audit was looking for when it released its report on the DOT.
"I am here to uphold the truth," the elder Tulfo said.
The Bitag Media CEO also insisted that his younger brother Erwin was not involved in the issue.
Erwin Tulfo only a talent
"If my brother had any faults, it was that he was obedient. He was only ordered to sit down on 'Kilos Pronto'," the elder Tulfo said in Filipino, referring to the show where the advertisement palcements were made.
Echoing his elder brother's statement, Erwin reiterated that he was not part of the decision-making process in Bitag.
"I am not a part of this. I am a talent of Bitag but I am not a regular employee or producer, which the media claims," the younger Tulfo said.
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