Senators seek probe on P60-million Tulfo deal with DOT

MANILA, Philippines — Several senators are pressing for an investigation into the reported P60-million advertising deal in 2017 involving former Department of Tourism (DOT) secretary Wanda Teo, the media firm of her brother Ben Tulfo and government-run People’s Television Network (PTV).

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV yesterday said he will ask Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri to refer the resolution seeking a probe into the matter to another panel since the Blue Ribbon committee –chaired by Sen. Richard Gordon –apparently has been sitting on the measure.

Trillanes and Sen. Nancy Binay last May filed separate resolutions seeking an inquiry into the P60-billion ad placement of the DOT through the People’s Television Network Inc. to Bitag Media Unlimited (BMUI), which is owned by Teo’s younger brother Ben. 

The younger Tulfo reportedly declared over the weekend that he has no intention of returning the money. The Office of the Ombudsman has started an investigation into the matter.

“I will ask if it (resolution) can be referred to other committees willing to investigate,” Trillanes told reporters.

He said the resolutions were supposed to be heard by Binay’s committee but were “snatched” by the Blue Ribbon panel.  – With Alexis Romero