MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte accepted the resignation of Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) chief Cesar Montano on Monday, May 21.

Special Assistant to the President Bong Go confirmed this to Rappler after the Office of the President received a copy of Montano’s resignation letter.

Montano resigned following news reports about the P80-million sponsorship deal  for the food tourism project “Buhay Carinderia” with Mary Lindbert International Incorporated. Montano said the project was “endorsed” by then-Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo but his signature was also found in the checks issued to the company.

Duterte accepted Montano’s “courtesy resignation” after announcing 5 of his appointees are on the chopping block. Earlier on Monday, Malacañang announced the President has fired Transportation Assistant Secretary Mark Tolentino for allegedly dealing with one of his sisters.

Montano had been an active supporter of Duterte’s during his 2016 presidential campaign, often making appearances at his sorties. – Rappler.com