MANILA- Former Tourism Chief Wanda Teo slammed on Tuesday allegations of corruption hurled against her over the P60-million tourism ad placement on her brothers' television program.

Teo made the statement as she faced the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee along with her brothers, broadcasters Erwin and Ben Tulfo.

"I have been defamed, maligned, and worse crucified by allegations of corruption and incompetence all made up to look as truth," she said.

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The former tourism chief insisted that there was nothing illegal over the advertisement deal.

• Teo, Tulfos face probe on P60M DOT ad buy

"With confidence, I can say there was nothing illegal in the contract. The transaction was between DOT and PTV-4. It was a government-to-government contract and all payments were made directly to PTV-4," Teo said.

"I maintain that the DOT ad placement with PTV-4 had gone through proper channels," she added.

She explained that the airing of tourism ads on the show was done at the request of President Rodrigo Duterte to support PTV.

She also noted that the proposal went through the Bids and Awards Committee and was subsequently approved.

"All programs and activities have been conducted under the bounds of law," Teo said.

It can be recalled that Teo came under fire earlier this year after state auditors flagged the alleged lack of contract when government station PTV4 aired tourism ads on "Kilos Pronto," a blocktimer show hosted by the Tulfo brothers.

The controversy later led to the resignation of Teo. She was replaced by Bernadette Romulo-Puyat.

Aside from the Senate inquiry, the Office of the Ombudsman has also begun its own probe into the controversial advertisement deal.

Ben Tulfo last month said he and his siblings will not return the money, insisting that the P60-million deal was above board.

• Ben Tulfo won't return P60-M ad payment: 'Mamuti na mga mata niyo!'

Watch a livestreaming of the Senate hearing here.