MANILA - People's Television Network, Inc. (PTV-4) should explain why it chose to place tourism advertisement segments on the blocktimer "Kilos Pronto," said the show's broadcaster Ben Tulfo, brother of Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo.

In a video posted on his Facebook Page on May 1, Tulfo said their production company, Bitag Multimedia Unlimited Inc., does not have a hand in the deal between the Department of Tourism and PTV-4.

"Kaya hindi ako nagsasalita kasi I would like PTV-4 to speak up because they are the ones on the issue, not me, not Wanda Teo," he said, stressing that Bitag's contract is only with the state network.

Teo and her brothers drew flak for the ad placements, with critics saying there was obvious conflict of interest.

"Walang sinasabi ang COA sa PTV-4 na 'ilegal 'yan' or 'may bahid na 'katiwalian 'yan.' Sinasabi lang kinakailangan makita 'yung kontrata sa pagitan ng Bitag Media Unlimited Inc. at PTV-4 (COA did not say it was illegal. They just needed to see Bitag's contract with PTV-4)," Tulfo said.

A Commission on Audit memo earlier said the Tourism Department required PTV-4 to air tourism ads on "Kilos Pronto." Disbursement vouchers also showed that a P60 million payment was made to Bitag in 3 tranches dated May 11, 2017; November 8, 2017; and December 15, 2017.

• Tourism dept ordered 'segment buy' on Tulfo brothers' show: COA

It was the government media outfit who proposed to put some tourism ad placements on the program of the Secretary Teo's brothers, a February 2017 letter from PTV-4's airtime management showed.

But Ferdinand Topacio, Teo's counsel, said Thursday that the Tourism Secretary was not aware that "Kilos Pronto" was connected with her brothers.

• Letter shows PTV-4 proposed tourism ad placements on Tulfo show

Teo had said there was no conflict of interest when government funds went to her brothers' blocktimed program.

• Wanda Teo claims no role in DOT deal with brothers' show

"Ang kontrata namin is between DOT and PTV, kasi ang kuwan ng gobyerno tulungan ang government station. That was the mandate of the President, ‘yun ang sinabi sa amin (Our contract was is between DOT and PTV,because we were mandated to help the government station)," she said.