DOT Sec. Ma. Esperanza Christina Codilla-Frasco – Photo courtesy of Jess M. Escaros Jr./Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco on Wednesday denied allegations of self-promotion, saying her visibility in photos cited during a Senate hearing reflects official work activities.
Frasco said she has visited all regions of the Philippines and 56 out of 82 provinces over the past three years to oversee tourism recovery, infrastructure development, workforce training, and destination promotion.
Her statement followed a Senate committee hearing on Tuesday, where Sen. Raffy Tulfo raised concerns about the repeated appearance of Frasco’s image in tourism-related materials.
Tulfo presented photographs from locations including an airport and Lake Sebu, citing complaints from the public regarding the use of her image.
Frasco said the photos were taken during official activities and some were later circulated as memes. She emphasized that the images were meant to support local tourism initiatives.
She clarified that a photograph in Lake Sebu was part of the Philippine Experience Program, a Department of Tourism initiative to showcase local communities, culture, and tourism products.
Frasco also noted that Philippine Topics magazine, which was mentioned during the hearing, is independent and not funded or influenced by the Department of Tourism. She said she has no plans to run for national office.