The Department of Tourism has addressed the controversy surrounding a photographer's social media post lambasting the Department's cover photo choice on its Philippine Tropics magazine. On New Year's Eve, the DOT released a statement distancing itself from the publication and clarifying the photographer's claims. "Philippine Tropics is a private publication and not an official magazine of the DOT," it said. The cover prominently featured the photo of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco superimposed over the image of a lush cove with an aquamarine sea. The photographer's post included a photo of the magazine's launch issue, which is free, displayed on a stand.

Source: Philippine Star January 01, 2026 07:17 UTC