ACTOR Cesar Montano has resigned as the chief operating officer of the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB).

Montano stepped down from office just days after he met with newly-appointed Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat amid corruption allegations hounding the TPB under his leadership.

In his letter to President Rodrigo Duterte, Montano tendered his courtesy resignation "effective immediately."

"I am truly grateful for the trust and the opportunity you have bestowed upon me to serve our country through the Tourism Promotions Board," Montano said in his May 22 letter, a copy of which was already received by Puyat.

In a memorandum dated May 21 and addressed to Puyat, Montano requested the Tourism chief to appoint either Maricon Ebron, Joselito Gregorio, or Leah Marie Sy as officer-in-charge of the board.

Malacañang has yet to confirm Montano's resignation, as of 8:30 Monday, May 21.

But in a press conference held earlier Monday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roqye Jr. hinted that a government official, "one of those whom the President would have terminated, will be resigning tomorrow."

Montano was embroiled in controversy following the controversial "Buhay Carinderia" project that was suspended by Puyat last week.

Montano was under fire for purportedly issuing three checks amounting to P80 million for the TPB's food project, which will feature street food and local eateries, prior to its launching.

Puyat has asked the Commission on Audit to look into Montano's project, as well as other projectes of the TPB. (SunStar Philippines)