FORMER actor Cesar Montano, chief operating officer of the Tourism Promotions Board, is being accused of spending millions of pesos on nonrelated tourism projects and hiring 18 people consisting of his stuntman, friends, and relatives, who earn salaries between P14,000 and P80,000.
In a seven-page complaint filed before the Presidential Action Center, a copy of which was obtained by Manila Standard, employees of TPB raised 30 points against Montano, detailing his nonwork-related domestic and international travels; his hiring of consultants, friends and relatives for redundant jobs; and his negligence.
The complaint stated Montano had entered into an P11.2-million contract with Carat Philippines, an advertising company that organizes concerts and music festivals, where he usually performed as a guest singer together with his nieces.
“It can be observed that COO Montano always enters into a contract with Carat Philippines as TPB’s partner in holding concerts and events where COO Montano is one of the performers and not representing TPB as chief operating officer,” the complaint said.
He also entered into a contract worth P16 million for different concerts where he sang, and sponsorship of a love-team concert tour, even though the TPB marketing and communication department advised against it.
“TPB received quite a number of proposals for concerts and entertainment. These proposals are approved by him, without considering the recommendation of the proper department under its purview,” the employees said.
The last concert where he sang was Feb. 25 at the Luneta, which cost P4 million. It has also sponsored concerts in the United States and the United Arab Emirates at a cost of P12 million, the complaint said.
“These concerts… might just bleed the coffers of the TPB dry,” the TPB employees said.
Montano also brought in a team and consultants whose functions are already being fulfilled by incumbent TBP employees, the complaint said.
He hired three co-terminus and confidential members of his team: Priza Cinco, a relative; Rommel Montano, his brother; and Peter Domingo, his housemate.
Also on the TPB payroll and their monthly salaries are Virgilio Collao, stuntman and actor, P16,984;
Ma. Dianara Corcino, P16,984; Clifferson Mendoza, nephew of Rommel Montano’s wife, P48,516.65; Augusto Morcoso, Montano’s gardener, P14,697.64; Robertito Nipis, stuntman and actor, P16,984; Gregorio Quinal, his personal assistant, P14,697.64; Marivic Vargas, personal assistant, P33,019.35;
Maria Anne Aguila, still for processing; Princess Elefante, P16,984; Gestine Kylie Olarte, daughter of Cesar Montano’s best friend, P21,099.49; and Perfecto Realino, messenger and Montano’s childhood friend, P14,697.64.
Montano has also hired as consultants lawyers Marian Ivy Fajardo, Isidro Martin Reyes, and Ela Sangalang, with monthly salaries of P48,516.65 each. Bong Macasaet was paid P78,400 for a two-day marketing workshop.
The consultants, the employees said, hardly showed up at the office.
Macasaet, who was hired as “a marketing guru,” had no expertise or background in tourism, the employees said.
He did not even have any knowledge of the National Tourism Development Plan, which was presented to the Tourism Coordinating Council headed by Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo.
The employees said the hiring of relatives was a violation of the Civil Service Commission rules on nepotism.
The TPB boardroom and executive lounge have become an exclusive area for Montano’s staff to rest, the complaint said.
The executive lounge upon COO Montano’s request had a TV installed where his bodyguards and staff can sleep or lounge while watching TV,” the TPB employees said.
Without any approval by the board, his brother, Rommel allegedly initiated a project called “SELPHILIPPINES,” which was initially offered free of charge. In the end, however, the TPB was being billed for millions of pesos.
Cinco, on the other hand, allegedly threatened an HR official when she was asked to submit documents required by the Civil Service Commission.
Her threat was: “Ano gusto mo, Duterte o COA? [What do you want, Duterte or the Commission on Audit]?”
The employees also accused Montano and his people of using public funds to finance their personal travel.
Montano with his staff went to Boracay Island without any itinerary with the agency picking up the tab.
“The DoT regional director commented that it seemed they were having a vacation,” the TBP employees said.
“For the month of January 2017, during COO’s and his staff’s domestic trips, his staff would naturally have travel orders, as he was the signatory. However, he himself would not have any travel orders,” they added.
Mendoza, the niece, also went on a personal trip to Boracay in January together with around 12 companions.
Montano together with Cinco, his brother Rommel and Mendoza also went to Hong Kong to attend the Chinese New Year Parade.
During the parade, Montano was reported to be under the influence of alcohol.
Cinco once also requested the DoT regional director for the Cordilleras to make arrangements for their stay in Baguio during the Panagbenga Festival and to reserve eight single rooms, but Montano and his staff did not show up, even though the rooms were already paid.
The TPB employees also complained about Montano’s work ethics, saying he rarely reported to Teo for direction.
During meetings, his level of retention was very low, they said.
“He has difficulty understanding presentations, flow charts and figures. Instead, he wants visuals. He would leave the meetings even [they are] not yet adjourned,” the TPB employees alleged.
Montano also shouts at his staff if he cannot immediately get what he wants, the complaint said.
“He always locks his door and would be heard playing his guitar during office hours,” they added.
Papers that need to be signed pile up on Montano’s desk, the employees said, and payment for several projects have been delayed.
“Documents are piled up in his room because he does not know what to do. Notably, most if not all Bids and Awards Committee Resolutions, Notice of Award and Notice to Proceed are still in his office awaiting his signature,” the group said.
“Even if management has guided him thoroughly on what to do during board meetings, it is unfortunate that he does not take these meetings seriously and would often request that a script be prepared for him,” the employees added.
Montano also requested to have his office at the Coconut Palace, even though he has an office at the Legaspi Towers.
“TPB is besieged with performers, actors and suppliers endorsed by his friends and relatives. The corporate look of the office has been tarnished,” the employees lamented.
The TPB hosted a familiarization tour for golfers coming from Taiwan. During the familiarization tour, Montano joined the Taiwanese golfers in Batangas and brought a woman with him.
“At one point, one of the Taiwanese golfers saw COO Montano caressing the woman’s thighs… COO Montano did not even bother to sit down with the guests during lunch,” the employees said.
During the Hanatour Golf Tournament with Korean guests, he was requested to do a speech before the guests but instead he sang.
The Manila Standard tried to reach Montano for comment on the accusations against him, but has not heard from him or his team.