Christina Frasco Orders DOT to Take Down Tourism Materials With Her Face
The call is coming from inside the house.
Published on Feb 6, 2026
(SPOT.ph) Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco has ordered the removal of her image from Department of Tourism (DOT) promotional materials after lawmakers questioned why her face—rather than tourist destinations—appears on banners, publications, and other tourism collaterals.
To this, Frasco responded: “I have already issued an order—as far as we are concerned to the DOT—to take down any material that may bear my image, and to not produce any material that may bear my image.”
She went on to reject accusations of self-promotion, saying there had never been any instruction from her or the DOT to deliberately place her image on tourism materials.
Most recently, the Malacañang Palace has denied on February 5 that Frasco will be replaced amid speculation that she will be replaced by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairperson Patrick Gregorio. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said there are no current talks about changing leadership. Frasco will continue to serve in her post.
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"Could there perhaps be room for the argument that I’m very visible because I’m simply working?”
The controversy gained traction over a tourism magazine titled Philippine Topics, whose December 2025 issue placed Frasco on the cover. Lawmakers also pointed to DOT banners and event backdrops used during tourism launches and site visits that prominently featured Frasco’s image or name. Heck, even a previous Valentine's Day celebration at the DOT went viral on social media for spotlighting the Frasco couple.
“Neither I nor the Department of Tourism gave our consent or any funds whatsoever for the publication... to use my image without my consent,” Frasco said, adding that she did not grant interviews and no government funds were used as the magazine is privately published. The DOT has since sent a demand letter to the magazine’s publisher, YJS Advertising and Marketing Corporation, seeking clarification over the unauthorized use of her image.
As for why she shows up in so many other tourism materials, Frasco said those photos were simply documentation of official work, which she said involves frequent travel, site visits, and public appearances, not political plans.
“What is being questioned is why I’m very visible. The accusation is that I’m very visible because I wish to promote myself. But could there perhaps be room for the argument that I’m very visible because I’m simply working?”
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Micah believes that writing is always political. Beyond the byline, you’ll find her bruising herself on a pole or doting on her beagle. Reach her at micah@spot.ph.