The Department of Tourism (DOT) rejected online claims that it commissioned or influenced a magazine cover and feature story involving Secretary Christina Frasco.
In a statement, the DOT clarified that Philippine Topics is a privately run publication and “not an official magazine of the Department,” stressing it did not contract, pay, or direct the outlet to produce the cover or story.
“The content, including the selection of images and text, was produced entirely at the magazine’s editorial discretion. The DOT did not provide any photographs, guidance, or funding for the feature,” the agency said.
It added that coverage of World Expo Osaka 2025 was undertaken solely by the magazine’s editorial team.
“Any claim suggesting that the Department or the Secretary used public office or resources for personal promotion is false, misleading, and expressly denied,” the DOT emphasized.
The agency also addressed claims from a photographer, reiterating it did not supply or endorse any image.
“At no time did the Department instruct, select, approve, or endorse any photograph for the magazine… entirely false and without factual basis,” it said.
Viewing the spread of false claims with “serious concern,” the DOT underscored its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical promotion of Philippine tourism, condemning the propagation of misleading information.