Palace downplays 'online dissatisfaction' vs Herbosa, Frasco

Malacañang on Monday dismissed alleged public dissatisfaction against Secretary of Health Ted Herbosa and Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco, saying both officials continue to enjoy President Marcos’ trust.

At a Palace briefing, Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said there have been no official discussions regarding the supposed dissatisfaction circulating online, calling such claims “pure speculation.”

"Wala pong anumang pag-uusap patungkol po sa mga sinasabing mga dissatisfaction na binabanggit po sa social media at online; ito ay puro ispekulasyon lamang," Castro said.

"Kaya naman, ang dalawa pong Cabinet secretaries ay patuloy na nag-e-enjoy ng pagtitiwala ng Pangulo," she said.

(The two Cabinet secretaries continue to enjoy the President’s confidence, Castro added.)

Frasco has been the subject of criticism amid allegations of using the resources of the Department of Tourism for supposed self-promotion.

She has, however, denied the accusations, adding that she does not have any plans of seeking a higher elective post in the 2028 elections.

Herbosa, for his part, has maintained a "good track record," Castro said, citing the recent recognition given by the World Health Organization to the Philippines for programs promoting the rights and welfare of children.

"Ang naturang pagkilala ay tugon ng WHO sa magandang track record ng DOH sa pangunguna ni Secretary Ted Herbosa dahil sa mga programa at serbisyo ng Pilipinas para matuldukan ang pang-aabuso sa mga kabataan," she said.

(The recognition reflects WHO’s acknowledgment of DOH’s strong track record under Secretary Herbosa’s leadership.)

The DOH was named as part of the Council of Champions to End Violence Against Children.

Under the Marcos administration, the DOH is tasked with strengthening Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.2, which aims to end all forms of violence against children—including abuse, exploitation, trafficking, physical or mental harm, and sexual abuse.

"Mahigpit ang mandato ng Pangulo: pangalagaan ang kapakanan ng mga kabataan at kababaihan upang masiguro ang kanilang nutrisyon, kalusugan at kaligtasan," Castro added.

(The President’s mandate is clear: protect children and women to ensure their nutrition, health, and safety.)—MCG, GMA Integrated News