Department of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Wanda Teo denies any hand in the placement of advertisements believed to be worth P60-million in her brother’s television show, a move that was already flagged by the state auditor.
The Commission on Audit (COA) questioned the release of Php60-million to TV show “Kilos Pronto”, which airs on PTV and is hosted by Ben and Erwin Tulfo.
The deal, which was divided into three payment schemes, P22.09 million in May, P18.96 million in November and another P18.96 million in December, lacked a memorandum of agreement or contract, COA said.
“Since there was no MOA wherein the terms and conditions of the agreement are supposed to be spelled out, there was also no basis for the computations on how the said three payments were arrived at,” COA noted.
“Due to the absence of the documents mentioned and the deficiencies noted, the accuracy, legality and validity of the payments made to blocktimer BMUI in the amount of P60,009,560.00 could not be ascertained,” COA added.
COA has requested PTV to send the following documents: a copy of the MOA between PTV and BMUI for the airing of the DOT commercial advertisements in “Kilos Pronto,” indicating, among other things, the airtime rates; a copy of the certificate of performance for the airing of DOT commercials within the airtime of “Kilos Pronto”; billing statement and other documents to support the computation of payments to BMUI; and the budget utilization request as to availability of funds.
No conflict of interest
Teo said there was no conflict of interest in the deal since it happened between DOT and PTV 4, not between DOT and Kilos Pronto producers, Bitag Media Unlimited Inc (BMUI).
The tourism secretary added it was PTV 4’s decision to air the ads on her brothers’ show mainly due to its high ratings.
“Ang contract po was between PTV 4 and DOT because iyung request pong Presidente [Rodrigo Duterte] is we support the government station,” she told reporters.
“Wala na po akong pakialam kung ilalagay nila sa kapatid ko. There is no conflict of interest because at the end of the day, the contract was between PTV 4 and DOT,” she added.
The department, Teo clarified, also aired the ad on other local and foreign channels.
Independent production company
In an interview with Inquirer, Ben Tulfo said BMUI is a “private and independent” production company.
He said the company is working as “content provider for any network” and did not intervene in the deal between PTV and DOT.
“We are working with PTV, not working for. We don’t have any personality with the DOT. We don’t have any contract with the DOT. Our only contract is with PTV … PTV can choose anybody as long as [they] fit the services, are technically capable,” he said.
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roques said the issue has reached the president, and ordered investigation till the bottom of the pot.
“I assure you, the Palace will investigate the matter. We have to accept the findings of the COA. The Palace will investigate on its own,” Roque said.
