(Eagle News) — The Palace on Tuesday, May 8, welcomed the planned return of the P60 million paid by the Department of Tourism to the media production outfit run by the brother of now-resigned Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo.
But Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said this does not mean that those involved in the advertisement placement controversy should be absolved of any wrongdoing.
“Sa batas po it will not completely exonerate kung mayroon man nalabag,” Roque said.
According to Roque, there would still be an investigation though.
The Palace investigation is apart from the Ombudsman’s investigation announced by Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.
Senator Nancy Binay has also called for a Senate inquiry into the controversy that saw tourism advertisements placed in “Kilos Pronto,” the PTV program of Teo’s brothers Erwin and Ben.
Teo has denied any wrongdoing, saying she did not know the ads would be placed in her brothers’ program.
She said the project was reviewed by the DOT’s legal unit.
On Tuesday, May 8, Ferdinand Topacio, Teo’s lawyer, announced her resignation.