Frasco goes on leave; Palace says not related to 'Love' promotional video fiasco

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Frasco is going on vacation with her family, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has confirmed. However, they noted that it's not because of the "Love the Philippines" promotional video.

The PCO on Tuesday clarified that Frasco filed her leave on May 9 and was approved by the Office of the President last May 23, even before the campaign video mess.

The department also confirmed that she will attend the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 24. 

"Any insinuation to the contrary is false,” the DOT added.

In an earlier report by OneNews, sources said that Frasco will be joined by her family, including her husband Cebu 5th District Rep. Vincent Franco Frasco.

The officials also told The Philippine STAR that it is "common practice" for an official who is going on leave to designate "the next ranking official."
In Frasco's case, it's her chief of staff and Undersecretary for legal and special concerns Elaine Bathan. She will be in charge from July 13 to 21.

Frasco earlier said in her speech during a tourism industry event at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City that the country will continue to use the controversial tourism slogan despite the recent backlash with its campaign video.

"Philippine tourism is well on the road to recovery. The Philippines is back, the Philippines is open and ready to tell the world the Filipino story because there are just so many reasons to love the Philippines," she said.

On June 27, DOT launched the new "Love the Philippines" slogan to mark the 50th anniversary of Philippine Tourism.

The campaign video was met with criticism after it was revealed that the advertising firm, DDB Philippines, had used non-original footage in the video.

DOT said it was ending its contract with DDB Philippines.