'Most innovative, hardworking': Prof Carlos defends Frasco over botched DOT video
Clarita Carlos (left) and Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco (Facebook)
Professor Clarita Carlos has taken up the cudgels for Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco on Sunday night, July 2, describing her as one of the most innovative and hardworking members of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s Cabinet. "The 6 1/2 months I was in Cabinet, I saw and know that the DOT head is one of the most innovative, vibrant and hard working members ...," Carlos wrote in a Facebook post, obviously referring to Frasco. Carlos ended her post with the appeal, "Be fair, pls!" Carlos was President Marcos' former national security adviser, and it was through this role in the government that she was able to observe how Frasco worked. Earlier Sunday, news broke out that DDB Philippines--the agency that had been contracted by the DOT to create the promotional video for the country in connection with the new "Love the Philippines" campaign--had used stock footage from other countries for the video. This was viewed by many as a big no-no, since the entire point of the campaign was to promote tourism in the Philippines. In the comments section of her Facebook post, Carlos would explain what she meant when she appealed for fairness. "I am just asking that we find out the whole story...sanction those concerned and derive lessons from this error in judgment...thank you!" she wrote. DDB would later apologize for the use of stock footage in the promotional video. Carlos currently serves as chief adviser of House Speaker Martin Romualdez.