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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Frasco, Herbosa retain Marcos' trust amid online criticism—Palace

Frasco, Herbosa retain Marcos' trust amid online criticism—Palace

Published Feb 9, 2026 02:34 pm
File photos
File photos
Malacañang said reports of public dissatisfaction toward Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco and Department of Health (DOH) Teodoro Herboso circulating online are mere speculation, stressing that they continue to enjoy President Marcos’ trust.
In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Claire Castro said there had been no discussion within the Palace about the criticism of the two Cabinet secretaries based on social media sentiment.
“Wala pong anumang pag-uusap patungkol po sa mga sinasabing mga dissatisfaction na binabanggit po sa social media, sa online, at iyan lamang po ay puro ispikulasyon (There have been no discussions regarding the alleged dissatisfaction being mentioned on social media online, and that is purely speculation),” she said Monday, Feb. 9.
She added that both Cabinet officials remain backed by the President.
“So ngayon po, ang dalawa pong gabinete, cabsec ay nag-i-enjoy pa rin po sila ng pagtitiwala ng Pangulo (So at present, the two Cabinet secretaries continue to enjoy the trust of the President),” Castro said.

Cabinet-wide directive

Castro also clarified that the President’s guidance on performance applies broadly across the administration and is not limited to specific officials.
“Hindi lamang po sa kanila, sa lahat po ng gabinete – pagbutihin ang trabaho, umiwas sa isyu ng korapsyon, at pagandahin nila ang interes ng bawat Pilipino sa ating bansa (Not only to them, but to the entire Cabinet — improve your work, avoid issues of corruption, and advance the interests of every Filipino in our country),” she said.
The Palace official emphasized that the directive reflects standing expectations for governance and public service under the administration, rather than any response to online commentary.
Castro reiterated that Cabinet members are expected to focus on delivering results and maintaining integrity as part of their mandate to serve the public.
This was not the first time rumors of Frasco and Herbosa getting axed surfaced. Last month, Malacañang once again dismissed speculation of an impending leadership change at the DOT, saying Frasco continues to enjoy the full trust of President Marcos.
Castro’s statement came amid concerns over factors affecting visitor arrivals, including high domestic airfares to key destinations.
In early January, the Palace denied reports that Frasco is facing removal and that aviation executive Stanley Ng will replace her following criticisms of her leadership.
Frasco has faced online criticism in recent years over the department’s campaigns and messaging, including the scrapped “Love the Philippines” tourism campaign in 2023. The DOT is currently being mocked for promotions that feature Frasco’s face and not the destinations themselves. The DOT has brushed off criticisms and insists that its strategy is working based on its own numbers.
Meanwhile, Herbosa personally denied that he would be replaced as DOH secretary.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Christina Frasco Teodoro Herbosa Claire Castro DOT DOH
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