Ex-gov’t TV network exec, consultant facing graft case

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. ALEX NUEVAESPAÑA/PRIB/SENATE POOL FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales ordered the filing of graft case against former People’s Television Network Inc. (PTNI) General Manager and consultant for the questionable disbursement of more than P13 million in sales commissions from 2006 to 2008.

In a 10-page resolution released to the public Thursday, ordered charged with 28 counts of violation of the Anti-Graft Law are Jose Isabelo, PTNI General Manager and Rolando Luna, PTNI’s Marketing Services Consultant.

Records showed that Luna was contracted as “marketing services manager” from Jan. 1, 2005 to March 31, 2011 successively. His contracts specifically state that there is no employer-employee relationship between him and PTNI and he is not entitled to benefits.

However, he was still paid a total of P13.8 million representing sales commission from 2006 to 2008 for advertising spots and placements.

Isabelo, meanwhile pointed that a board resolution allows payment of sales commissions to its personnel.

But the Ombudsman, in its resolution said “the wording of the Board Resolution is clear that sales commission may only be granted to PTNI employees who initiate marketing efforts and generate revenue for the network” and not for consultants like Luna.

“From the pieces of evidence available vis-à-vis the feeble justifications proferred by respondents, there is no doubt that Luna was not entitled to the disbursed amount,” the ruling stated.