DOT pushes back vs claims of self-promotion

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Tuesday rejected allegations of self-promotion raised by critics on social media and mentioned by Senator Raffy Tulfo during a Senate hearing.

“That said, I thank the Honorable Senator Raffy Tulfo for bringing the matter to light, as it provides an opportunity to clarify facts that are essential to an informed public discourse,” Frasco said in a statement.

The Department of Tourism chief said her public visibility over the past three years has been driven by the demands of the job, not personal exposure.

“Since assuming office, I have visited all regions of the Philippines, and 56 out of the 82 provinces, not for optics, but to personally oversee recovery efforts, infrastructure development, workforce upskilling, and aggressive destination promotion at a time when Philippine tourism is rebuilding from unprecedented disruption,” she said.

During the hearing, Tulfo said some individuals had approached him and asked that Frasco avoid placing her photographs at airports and tourism sites.

“I chose to show up where help is needed, where policies are implemented, and where Filipinos depend on government action. This is not self-promotion; it is the essence of the job entrusted to me,” Frasco said.

Tulfo also showed a photo of Frasco taken in a pond in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

“To clarify a specific matter raised, the photograph taken in Lake Sebu —was one of the many photographs captured during the Philippine Experience Program, a flagship program of the Department of Tourism designed to promote destinations through immersive engagements with ambassadors, partners, and tourism stakeholders. The activity was undertaken precisely to spotlight South Cotabato, its communities, culture, and tourism potential, in support of inclusive and sustainable destination development,” she said.

Addressing questions about Philippine Topics magazine, Frasco reiterated that the DOT did not fund, commission, influence or participate in the production of the publication, describing it as independent editorial work produced without department resources or intervention.

“Notably, the very photographer who instigated the allegation has since reversed or ‘flip-flopped’ on his own statements, raising serious questions about the credibility and consistency of the claims being advanced,” she added.

Frasco said the DOT respects the role of the Senate of the Philippines as a forum for public accountability and values constructive dialogue grounded in verified facts and full context.

“The DOT remains focused on its mandate. We will not allow distractions or misinformation to divert us from the work of rebuilding livelihoods, strengthening destinations, and advancing Philippine tourism for the benefit of millions of Filipinos who depend on it. We will continue to serve. We will continue to show up. And we will continue to do the work,” she said.