Another local celebrity has joined the team of President Rodrigo Duterte.
Actor Cesar Montano has been appointed by Duterte as chief operating officer of the Tourism Promotions Board.
The appointment was confirmed by Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo.
Montano, 54, will assume the position after December 15, she said.
“He has been appointed as the head of TPB. The appointment came from the President so we have to follow,” Teo added, in a report by GMA News. “The appointment paper is already there. We just have to induct him, so probably after the 15th.”
The Tourism Act of 2009 states that the TPB “shall be responsible for marketing and promoting the Philippines domestically and internationally as a major global tourism destination, highlighting the uniqueness and assisting the development of its tourism products and services, with the end in view of increasing tourist arrivals and tourism investment.”
Montano joined the roster of celebrities working for the Duterte administration. Other celebrities appointed by Duterte were Aiza Seguerra, her partner Liza Dino; Arnel Ignacio, Kat de Castro and Freddie Aguilar.
Born and raised in Sta. Ana, Manila, Montano is a multi-awarded actor and director.
Montano is known for the critically acclaimed movies “Ang Bukas ay Akin,” “Jose Rizal,” “Bagong Buwan,” “Panaghoy sa Suba,” “Ligalig,” and “El Presidente.”
He also appeared in a Hollywood movie called “The Great Raid” in 2002.
In May 2007, he ran for Senate under the coalition TEAM UNITY but lost. Montano also lost the 2010 Gubernatorial race in Bohol, his hometown. Earlier this year, the actor ran as the 2nd nominee of Aangat Tayo party-list in the national elections, but he lost again.
Montano was married to actress Sunshine Cruz from 2000 to 2013. Later, Cruz filed for annulment of her marriage to Montano. The annulment was granted in August 2013.