Cesar Montano on complaint against him: 'Baseless, untrue'

Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Cesar Montano on Monday dismissed the complaint filed against him as "baseless and untrue," saying the complainants have yet to present concrete evidence to back their accusations.

"No one knows who is behind this and the said 'TPB employees' who filed the complaint have neither come forward nor presented any evidence to substantiate claims," Montano said in a statement.

"Without proof, anyone can easily fabricate stories with the sole purpose of destroying the credibility of the agency and this administration," he added.

TPB management and staff have filed a complaint against Montano before the Presidential Action Center (PACE) for supposed "irregularities" under his stewardship. 

In the complaint filed on March 1, the TPB listed down 24 alleged irregularities involving Montano, such as entering into questionable contracts and employing friends and relatives.

Montano said he hopes politics is not playing a role in the charges against him since it only undermines his job at the TPB in ensuring a safer and drug-free country.

"It is our hope and prayer that politics do not keep us from doing our job in promoting a safer and drug-free Philippines to tourists," Montano said as he vowed to continue his public service.

"If we cannot work together, it is the Filipino people that ultimately suffer. Despite setbacks and political backlash, this office will continue to serve our countrymen and we thank everyone for their continued support," he said. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/KBK, GMA News