After Bongbong Marcos introduction as VP, DOT execs, staff reminded of professionalism

Tourism officials and employees have been reminded to maintain the highest degree of professionalism, after one of the regional directors mistakenly introduced former Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. as the country's vice president.

In a statement, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said all employees remain guided by the Civil Service Commission (CSC), especially in expressing views and current political problems or issues.

"The DOT reminds all its officials and employees to perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of excellence and professionalism," the statement released via mobile message said.

"With this, the DOT remains committed to the development of the tourism industry," it added.

The statement was released after DOT Region I director Jeff Ortega introduced Marcos, son of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, as a "former senator and vice president" in a tourism event in Ilocos.

A video of the introduction was posted by Ortega himself on his Instagram account, with the post seemingly deleted and his account set to private.

Marcos currently has a pending election protest against vice president Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo before the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, after he was defeated by over 260,000 votes in 2016.

Robredo's lead over Marcos even increased further in 2019, following the manual recount in three provinces -- Negros Oriental, Iloilo, and Camarines Sur -- which were all chosen by the defeated candidate in his protest.

Robredo's camp has since urged the PET to dismiss the Marcos protest, given the additional lead found during the manual recount. — RSJ, GMA News