Teo: Appointment of Cesar Montano not my choice

Tourism Sec. Wanda Tulfo-Teo faces the Confirmation on Appointments. Maila Ager/INQUIRER.net

Tourism Secretary Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo admitted on Wednesday that actor Cesar Montano was not her choice to head the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).

“Actually when I was in China, I was already told by PMS (Presidential Management Staff) that he will be appointed as the head of TPB and I was silent because I had another choice…” Teo said when she faced her confirmation hearing before the Commission on Appointments’ committee on tourism and economic development.

In fact, she said, she already submitted the name of the person that she wanted for the post.

“But when I saw him (Montano) in China, he said: ‘Secretary, I’ll be the head of the Tourism Promotions Board, can I go for a courtesy all?’” Teo said.

READ: Cesar Montano, may puwesto na sa DOT

She said she requested Montano to defer the courtesy call until she receives the appointment paper.

Teo said she was later told by her staff that the appointment paper was already at her office.

“So I can’t do anything,” the Tourism Secretary added. IDL