Manila: Malaca±ang on Thursday said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco continues to enjoy the trust of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., brushing aside criticisms accusing her of self-promotion. 'Yes, she still enjoys the trust of the President,' Palace Press Officer Claire Castro told reporters when asked during a press briefing in Malaca±ang about the fate of Frasco amid criticisms about her performance as chief of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the persistent Cabinet reshuffling talks.
According to Philippines News Agency, Frasco recently came under fire after a photographer alleged that the DOT paid him to shoot images of tourist destinations, only for photos of the tourism chief to later appear on the cover of a travel magazine. Netizens have also pointed out that the DOT's official social media pages frequently feature photos of the secretary rather than tourism destinations.
The controversy further fueled speculation that Frasco was among Cabinet officials being eyed for replacement. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto earlier dismissed rumors of an impending Cabinet reshuffle, saying there was no basis for claims that senior officials would soon be removed from their posts.
