Manila: Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on Tuesday denied allegations that she was promoting herself in government tourism materials, addressing concerns raised by senators about the use of her image in certain publications and displays without her consent or authorization.
According to Philippines News Agency, Frasco clarified during a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Tourism that a magazine distributed in Japan, which featured her photo on the cover, was published independently and had no involvement from the Department of Tourism (DOT). "I did not pay for that magazine, no government funds were used for that magazine, and my consent was never obtained in the use of my image for that magazine," she stated.
Frasco explained that photos of her at tourism sites were part of the agency's official documentation work, separate from the destination marketing efforts handled through a different platform. She noted that her presence on the DOT's website was to report on official activities and that the marketing materials primarily focus on destinations in coordination with the Tourism Promotions Board.
Addressing questions from Senator Raffy Tulfo regarding tarpaulins with her image at Boracay airport, Frasco said these were related to the launch of a public-private partnership project to reduce long queues for tourists. She clarified that she did not order the installation of the tarpaulins and that the DOT had instructed regional offices to remove any materials featuring her image.
Frasco responded to criticism over photos taken during official activities, such as the Philippine Experience Program in South Cotabato, emphasizing that these were work photos documenting engagements with tourism stakeholders. She stressed that her presence at destinations was intended to help craft tourism packages and circuits, not for self-promotion.
Rejecting claims of political motives, Frasco asserted that accusations of self-promotion were unfounded. "I have no national ambition. I am not running for any national position, and therefore any accusation of self-promotion falls flat," she said.
In a separate statement, Frasco expressed her respect for the Senate and valued constructive dialogue grounded in verified facts. "The allegation of self-promotion is categorically denied. That said, I thank the Honorable Senator Raffy Tulfo for bringing the matter to light, as it provides an opportunity to clarify facts that are essential to an informed public discourse," she stated.
She reiterated that her visibility as Tourism chief reflects her presence at work, having visited 56 out of the 82 provinces to oversee recovery efforts, infrastructure development, workforce upskilling, and destination promotion. "I chose to show up where help is needed, where policies are implemented, and where Filipinos depend on government action," she added. "This is not self-promotion; it is the essence of the job entrusted to me."
Despite the criticisms, Frasco affirmed that the DOT would continue supporting tourism businesses and strengthening destinations. "We will continue to serve. We will continue to show up. And we will continue to do the work," she concluded.
