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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Frasco rejects self-promotion claims

Frasco rejects self-promotion claims

Published Jan 21, 2026 03:38 pm

At A Glance

  • DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco rejects self-promotion claims, says visibility stems from nonstop tourism work.
  • Department maintains separate platforms for official updates and destination promotion to keep focus on Philippine tourism.
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Tuesday, Jan. 21, dismissed allegations of self-promotion, saying her public visibility results from nonstop tourism work across the country and not any political ambition.
Frasco said the controversy began with a photographer’s false claim that he was instructed to replace destination images with her photo in a magazine.
The allegation was later clarified and formally rectified.
She emphasized that neither she nor the DOT paid for, directed, or authorized any interview or publication featuring her image.
Frasco noted that the magazine independently published the photo without her knowledge or consent.
The tourism chief explained that the department strictly maintains separate communication platforms.
The corporate page is dedicated to reporting daily government work, while the marketing page focuses solely on promoting Philippine destinations.
Frasco said her frequent appearance in official postings reflects nonstop engagements since assuming office.
These include daily coordination with tourism stakeholders, regional offices, and partners nationwide.
She added that destination promotion remains fully documented and ongoing through the Tourism Promotions Board, all DOT regional offices, and 12 foreign tourism offices abroad.
This ensures that marketing efforts remain focused on Philippine destinations rather than individual figures.
To put an end to speculation, Frasco reiterated that she has no plans to seek any national position.
She stressed that claims of self-promotion are based on incorrect assumptions about her intentions.
“I don’t have the ambition to run for any national position, I’m not going to run, I’m just here to work,” she said.

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Christina Garcia-Frasco DOT self-promotion allegations
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