MANILA, Philippines — Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia‑Frasco has directed all offices of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to remove promotional materials that feature her image and to stop producing collaterals bearing her photo, following mounting criticism that government‑funded tourism campaigns focused on her rather than Philippine destinations.
Frasco announced on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, during the weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum in Manila, where she acknowledged concerns raised by lawmakers and members of the public over the use of her likeness in tourism materials.
“I have already ordered our regional offices to take down any material that may bear my image, and to not produce any material that may bear my image,” Frasco said, emphasizing that the move is intended to avoid controversy and refocus attention on promoting the country’s destinations rather than personalities.
The directive also includes an appeal to local government units (LGUs) not to display banners, tarpaulins, or other promotional materials featuring her photo. Frasco stressed that neither she nor the DOT had authorized the initial use of her image for official tourism campaigns.
Criticism Stemming From Senate Hearing and Magazine Cover
The issue was thrust into the spotlight during a Senate Committee on Tourism hearing earlier this week, when Senator Raffy Tulfo presented slides showing various promotional collaterals, including a magazine cover abroad featuring Frasco’s image, arguing that government materials should highlight destinations rather than officials.
Frasco has repeatedly denied any intention of self‑promotion, explaining that her visibility in certain photos stemmed from her official duties. She also noted that the magazine cover in question had been produced independently without DOT consent, funding, or editorial input.
According to a photographer involved in the controversy, his earlier claims about DOT’s involvement in image selection were inaccurate and later retracted. Philippine Topics, the Japan‑based magazine that published the cover, is a private publication that made its own editorial decisions, the DOT clarified.
Frasco’s Response and Broader Context
Frasco maintained she has no plans to pursue elective office, dismissing claims that the visibility was linked to political ambition. “The accusation is that I am very visible because I wish to promote myself,” she said, adding that her presence in promotional work was solely related to her responsibilities as tourism secretary.
The controversy, which has also drawn commentary from netizens and industry observers, comes as the Philippines continues efforts to boost tourism amid regional competition. Critics have suggested that marketing efforts should focus more on destinations and attractions rather than government figures.
