(Updated Dec. 31, 6:16 p.m.) A photographer has criticized the cover of a magazine that prominently featured Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, triggering online debate and prompting the Department of Tourism (DOT) to issue a clarification distancing itself from the publication.
Reports state that a certain Max Abasolo claimed the DOT tasked him with photographing “almost 320 tourist spots” across all regions of the country, only for the agency to feature another image.
“‘Yung pinag-shoot [niyo kami] ng Region 1 to Region 13… almost 320 tourist [spots]. 236,000 photos. 6,500 video materials. Tas [ito] lang palaaa lalagay [niyo], DOT,” he reportedly said in a now-deleted Facebook post.
Reports said it went viral before it was removed from the platform, prompting several comments from other users with similar reactions.
“Siya na ba ang bagong ‘perlas ng silangan,’ HAHAHAHAHA,” a Facebook user was quoted as saying.
“You have a point and millions of peso on liquidation, pero ex deal pala karamihan kasi DOT daw… hehehe,” another user reportedly wrote.
“Her photo takes up more space than the tourist spot itself, you’d almost forget the magazine is about Philippine tourism, travel and economy. It’s hard to tell which part of the Philippines is being featured when the politician is clearly the main attraction,” a different Pinoy said.
The photographer was referring to a free magazine released by the DOT titled “Philippine Topics.” It prominently featured Frasco on the cover, set against a picturesque backdrop. However, it was her image that was the most noticeable.
DOT responds
In response, the DOT issued a statement clarifying that the “Philippine Topics” is a private publication and not an official magazine of the DOT.
The department said it neither contracted with, paid, commissioned, nor directed the magazine to produce its cover or feature story, stressing that all editorial decisions were made independently by the publication.
“The content, including the selection of images and text, was produced entirely at the magazine’s editorial discretion,” the DOT said. “The DOT did not provide any photographs, interviews, guidance, or funding for the feature.”
The DOT also addressed claims made by photographer Abasolo, saying he did not supply any photographs to “Philippine Topics.”
“At no time did the Department instruct, select, approve, or endorse any photograph for the magazine,” the DOT said. “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.”
According to the department, “Philippine Topics” independently covered activities related to World Expo Osaka 2025 and used its own coverage and materials for the magazine.
Allegations denied
The DOT also rejected claims that public office or government resources were used to promote the tourism secretary personally.
“Any claim suggesting that the Department or the Secretary used public office or resources for personal promotion is false, misleading, and expressly denied,” the agency said.
Other sightings
A Threads user, meanwhile, quipped that the agency appeared to be promoting “Frasco” prominently elsewhere in the region her family hails from.
View on Threads
Another Facebook user also shared photos showing the Frasco name repeatedly featured on store labels in Cebu, where her husband, Rep. Duke Frasco, represents its Fifth District.
“Ay juskopo! This is not AI [artificial intelligence],” Lokalpedia photographer and researcher John Sherwin Felix wrote on Monday, December 29.
Other users also shared instances of the Frascos prominently featured in giveaways and other promotions.
“Very trapo talaga. Na para bang sarili nilang pera ‘yung ginagamit nila. Welcome to the Garcia–Frasco verse,” a user wrote.
View on Threads
Meanwhile, Balita sought the DOT’s side on the issue concerning its free magazine.
“Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We understand the public’s interest and feedback on our publications,” the agency reportedly said in an email.
“We have raised this concern to our head for review regarding the cover page of the DOT’s free magazine to ensure that all content aligns with our standards and objectives. We value constructive feedback as it helps us improve our communications and better serve the public,” it added.
Public officials who prominently feature their images or names in projects and initiatives are often branded as “epal,” a term for someone who inappropriately presents themselves in situations.
The DOT, meanwhile, said it views the spread of what it described as false and misleading claims with serious concern, warning that misrepresenting official acts and fabricating affiliations undermine public trust.
