Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Montano had a private meeting on Wednesday afternoon, May 16, to discuss the controversy surrounding theTourism Promotions Board’s (TPB) “Buhay Carinderia” project, an Php80-M initiative that aims to promote Filipino home-cooked cuisines.
The project allegedly did not undergo bidding process and was paid in full before completion.
Romulo-Puyat said the interview was important as TPB, which operates under the DOT, “is an important agency.”
“I have to make it clear ha, hindi ko pa siya hinuhusgahan. I want to hear his side. I have to hear his side,” she told reporters while on her way to meet Montano.
The newly-appointed DOT secretary also met with Montano to hear his side regarding reports that claim he only spoke for two minutes during an event in New York City to be able to catch a musical play.
Organizers of the event and the audience were allegedly disappointed by Montano’s unprofessionalism.
“I want to hear his side also. Atsaka ‘yung mga nandoon, meron siguro tayong tourism attache at mga taga-DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs). I want to ask all those that were there kung totoong nangyari ‘yun,” Romulo-Puyat said.
