The Department of Tourism clarified Thursday that it did not contract, pay or direct Philippine Topics magazine to produce a recent cover or feature story.
The DOT issued the statement to address what it described as false and misleading claims circulating online following a backlash over the magazine using the tourism secretary’s face on its cover rather than promoting the country’s destinations. The department emphasized that Philippine Topics is a private publication and not an official DOT magazine.
According to the department, the magazine’s content—including images and text—was produced at the publication’s editorial discretion. The DOT said it provided no photographs, guidance or funding for the feature.
Philippine Topics independently covered activities related to World Expo Osaka 2025 and used its own materials for the story, the DOT added.
“Any claim suggesting that the department or the secretary used public office or resources for personal promotion is false, misleading and expressly denied,” the DOT said.
Regarding claims made by a photographer, the department clarified it did not supply the image in question to the magazine.
“At no time did the department instruct, select, approve or endorse any photograph for the magazine,” the statement read. “Any implication that the DOT chose or favored the use of an image of the secretary over destination-focused materials is entirely false and without factual basis.”
The DOT said it views the dissemination of these claims with “serious concern,” noting that misrepresenting official acts or fabricating affiliations undermines public trust.
The department added it remains committed to transparency and the ethical promotion of Philippine tourism while condemning the spread of misinformation.
