Kinumpirma ni Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat na hindi pa ibinabalik ng magkakapatid na Tulfo ang P60 milyon na ibinayad sa kanila para sa advertisement deal ng Department of Tourism (DoT).

“They have not returned [it] yet. Before I was appointed to the position I also read that they would be returning it.

As I understand, the CoA (Commission on Audit) actually has already asked them to return it. I think they have six months to reply,” sinabi ni Puyat sa isang panayam sa telebisyon.

“It’s really up to the CoA and the ones involved. Once they return it they would be giving it to the Department of Tourism and [we] will be giving it back to the Treasury,” sabi ni Puyat.

Romualdez, nanawagan sa Kamara: 'Let us reject baseless accusations!'

Napilitang magbitiw sa puwesto ang pinalitan ni Puyat na si dating Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo dahil sa mga alegasyon ng anomalya sa nasabing advertisement deal ng DoT sa programa ng magkapatid na Erwin at Ben.

Inihayag noong nakaraang buwan ng abogado ni Teo, si Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, na ibabalik ng magkapatid ang nasabing halaga sa DoT.

Una nang nilinaw ni Topacio na ang pagsasauli ng magkapatid sa nasabing halaga ay hindi “admission of guilt” at iginiit na ang “Tulfos do not wish to benefit from any government funds.” (Analou De Vera)