Anti-graft unit to tackle Montano case, others

MANILA, Philippines -  Malacañang will create an anti-graft unit that will look into complaints against officials in the executive branch.

Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco said the body would investigate officials and personnel reported to the Presidential Action Center (PACE) for corrupt practices.  

Evasco announced plans to form the unit after employees of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) accused their chief operating officer Cesar Montano of irregularities.

Evasco, however, clarified the unit would not just deal with the case of Montano.

“Not only for Cesar Montano but for all who are the subject of complaints,” Evasco told The STAR yesterday.

TPB employees filed a complaint against Montano before the Presidential Action Center over allegedly questionable transactions.  

Montano was accused of entering into multimillion- peso sponsorship deals without the approval of the board.

He was also accused of appointing his brother, other relatives and members of his household to his team and of charging his personal travels to the board’s funds.

President Duterte has asked Montano’s critics to file cases against the TPB chief.

“All you have to do is file a case. If you have a gripe and you think there is something there, file a case. I trust the guy,” Duterte said in a press briefing on Monday.