The Department of Tourism has denied allegations that it is using government funds or its official position to promote Tourism Secretary Esperanza Christina Frasco for personal publicity.
In a statement, the DOT said claims circulating online are inaccurate and misleading, stressing that the agency had no involvement in the selection or use of photographs published in a private magazine that recently featured Frasco.
The agency clarified that it did not contract, finance, or directly communicate with the magazine regarding the cover or accompanying feature story. According to the DOT, the publication is privately owned and operates independently of the agency.
The DOT added that the magazine exercised its own editorial discretion and independently handled its coverage of the World Expo Osaka and related activities. The agency said it had no influence over the magazine’s editorial decisions.
The statement came as posts from the DOT’s official social media accounts drew attention online, including birthday greetings for Frasco that circulated widely in recent days.
Images of tarpaulins bearing the tourism secretary’s image also surfaced on social media platforms, prompting further discussion and allegations regarding possible self-promotion using government resources.
The DOT reiterated that it does not authorize the use of agency funds, platforms, or materials for personal promotion and maintained that all official communications are intended to support tourism programs and initiatives.
The agency urged the public to verify information and avoid drawing conclusions based on unverified online content, reiterating that it remains focused on its mandate to promote Philippine tourism and related international engagements.
