PCO confirms DOT's Frasco applied for leave before ‘Love’ campaign launch

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) confirmed on Tuesday that Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco had filed a leave from office before the Love the Philippines tourism campaign was launched.

PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil confirmed to reporters that Frasco's application for leave was received by the Office of the President last May 9, 2023.

This was approved last May 23, 2023, Garafil said.

The Department of Tourism's Office of Public Affairs and Advocacy said the purpose of Frasco's leave, scheduled on July 13 to 21, is to "spend time with her young family."

She is confirmed to attend the State of the Nation Address of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on July 24, the office said.

The Love the Philippines campaign was launched by the DOT on June 27 at the Manila Hotel, with the President attending the event.

The tourism campaign became controversial after it was discovered that a video related to the tourism promotion used foreign stock footage.

The DOT said it was ending its contract with DDB Philippines—the advertising firm behind the new tourism campaign.

The said agency had admitted using non-original stock footage in its audiovisual presentation on the Philippines' new tourism campaign. — DVM/ VAL, GMA Integrated News