MANILA – Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on Tuesday denied allegations that she was promoting herself through government tourism materials, telling senators that the use of her image in certain publications and displays occurred without her consent or authorization.

During a Senate Committee on Tourism hearing, Frasco clarified that a free magazine distributed in Japan featuring her photo on the cover was independently published and did not involve the Department of Tourism (DOT).

“I did not pay for that magazine, no government funds were used for that magazine, and my consent was never obtained in the use of my image for that magazine,” she said.

Frasco explained that photos showing her at tourism sites are part of official documentation and are separate from destination marketing, which is handled by the Tourism Promotions Board. “Perhaps that is the reason why my face prominently appears on the Department of Tourism’s website, as that reports on our activities,” she said.

Regarding tarpaulins bearing her image at Boracay airport, Frasco said these were linked to the launch of a public-private partnership project to reduce tourist queues. She emphasized she did not order the installations and that the DOT instructed regional offices to remove any materials featuring her image.

Addressing criticism over photos from official engagements, including the Philippine Experience Program in South Cotabato, Frasco said her presence in destinations is meant to support tourism development and create packages and circuits, not self-promotion.

Rejecting accusations of political motive, she said, “I have no national ambition. I am not running for any national position, and therefore any accusation of self-promotion falls flat.”

Frasco added that her visibility as Tourism chief reflects her work, having visited 56 of the country’s 82 provinces to oversee recovery efforts, infrastructure development, workforce upskilling, and destination promotion.

“I chose to show up where help is needed, where policies are implemented, and where Filipinos depend on government action. This is not self-promotion; it is the essence of the job entrusted to me,” she said.

Despite criticisms, Frasco assured that the DOT will continue supporting tourism businesses and strengthening destinations. “We will continue to serve. We will continue to show up. And we will continue to do the work,” she concluded.