No public funds used for tourism magazine feature

The Department of Tourism (DOT) insists they did not pay Philippine Topics magazine to feature the Secretary of Tourism for its cover story.

DOT sought to address misleading online posts claiming the magazine featured the face of Tourism Sec. Cristina Garcia-Frasco on its cover, instead of promoting local destinations. DOT emphasized Philippine Topics is a private publication and not a DOT magazine.

The cover story — including pictures and text — was produced by the publication’s editorial staff, with DOT providing no photographs, guidance or funding for the feature.

DOT said Philippine Topics independently covered activities related to World Expo Osaka 2025 and used its own materials for the story.

“Any claim suggesting that the department or the secretary used public office or resources for personal promotion is false, misleading and expressly denied,” DOT said.

DOT insisted it did not supply the image in the magazine. “At no time did the department instruct, select, approve or endorse any photograph for the magazine,” according to a DOT statement read. “Any implication that the DOT chose or favored the use of an image of the secretary over destination-focused materials is entirely false and without factual basis.”

The DOT said misrepresenting official acts or fabricating affiliations undermines public trust. The department added it remains committed to transparency and the ethical promotion of Philippine tourism while condemning the spread of misinformation.