DOT to probe Cesar Montano’s ‘Buhay Carinderia’ project, P80M funding

Newly-installed Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Tuesday said she would investigate the Buhay Carinderia project of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) amid reports that it did not undergo bidding process.

According to a 24 Oras report by Susan Enriquez, the project was allegedly paid in full even before its completion.

"I've actually arranged for a meeting kay Mr. Cesar Montano to ask about 'yung mga nabasa ko tungkol sa Buhay Carinderia. Kung totoo ba na walang bidding at ano 'yung P80 million na... ang pagkabasa ko P80 million na-advance," Romulo-Puyat said.

The TPB, headed by Montano, allotted P80 million for the Buhay Carinderia to promote the best of Filipino home-cooked cuisines. Restaurateur Erwan Heussaff is the project's ambassador.

When asked about the issue, the TPB camp refused to give a statement.

"No comment muna po until such time na makapagusap-usap po," said Neng Miranda, TPB's marketing communications head.

Meanwhile, Romulo-Puyat also said she would ask Montano about reports that the latter spoke for only two minutes in an event in New York City, USA in order for him to watch a musical play.

The organizers of the event and the audience were allegedly disappointed with Montano's action.

"I want to hear his side also... atsaka 'yung mga nandon, 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," she said.

The new Tourism chief also plans to visit the island of Boracay to check the state of local stakeholders following the closure and rehabilitation of the tourist destination. —Anna Felicia Bajo/NB, GMA News