Photographer retracts claim vs Frasco over magazine cover choiceMANILA, Philippines — Photographer Max Abasalo has retracted his earlier social media claims alleging that the Department of Tourism (DOT) favored an image of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco over destination photographs for the cover of Philippine Topics, an accusation that drew online criticism. That engagement, according to data gathered, did not include any editorial authority or role in determining magazine content or its cover. Editorial decisions, including the choice of its cover, were made independently and without direction or coordination from any government office. While magazine covers typically reflect editorial intent and access, the DOT clarified that it had no participation in the publication’s production process. “The Department did not contract, pay, commission or direct the magazine to produce its cover or feature story.
