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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Frasco stays as DOT chief, but Palace hints looming leadership change

Frasco stays as DOT chief, but Palace hints looming leadership change

Published Mar 12, 2026 03:03 pm
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco (Photo courtesy of DOT)
Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco (Photo courtesy of DOT)
Malacañang neither confirmed nor denied a possible change in leadership at the Department of Tourism (DOT), but said that Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco continues to enjoy President Marcos’ trust and confidence.
When asked to confirm rumors about replacing Frasco as DOT chief, the Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary did not directly deny them.
She, however, repeatedly hinted at a possible announcement on Friday, March 13.
"Malamang bukas ay meron po tayong announcement (Most likely, we will have an announcement tomorrow)," Castro said in a Palace briefing on Thursday, March 12.
The Palace mouthpiece further said that she cannot disclose any details yet until she formally receives a document she also refused to specify.
"Hindi po ako makakapagbigay ng anumang detalye sa ngayon. Hindi pa po binibigay sa aking ang papel kung meron man. Kapagka mayroon nang ibinababa na anumang anunsyo, ibibigay ko po agad sa inyo. Kahit po na tayo ay work from home tomorrow (I cannot provide any details at this time. I have not been given any document yet, if there is one. Once any announcement is issued, I will immediately share it with you—even though we will be working from home tomorrow)," Castro said.
Asked if Frasco still enjoys the President's trust and confidence, Castro said: Sa ngayon po, opo (For now, yes).
The Palace official also stressed that she cannot preempt the President’s announcement, if there will be any.
"Wala pa po akong masabi. Hindi ko po pwedeng maunahan kung ano ang magiging anunsyo ng Pangulo. So, hintayin na lang natin. Mamaya baka meron, tingnan natin, hindi ko alam, hindi natin masabi. Let us see (I have nothing to say yet. I cannot preempt whatever announcement the President will make, so let’s just wait. There might be one later, we’ll see. I don’t know; we can’t say for sure. Let us see)," she said.

Related Tags

President Marcos DOT Christina Frasco Marcos Cabinet
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