Frasco removed from DoT post

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Thursday removed Secretary Ma. Christina G. Frasco from the helm of the Department of Tourism (DoT), reassigning her as the Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities.

He appointed Tourism Undersecretary Verna Esmeralda C. Buensuceso as the officer-in-charge of the department, according to a statement from Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro.

The Cabinet change comes as tourism rates in the Philippines lagged behind its Southeast Asian peers.

Ms. Castro clarified Ms. Frasco did not step down from her post.

In a news briefing earlier that day, Ms. Castro said Ms. Frasco still enjoys Mr. Marcos’ trust and confidence amid issues hounding the Tourism department.

Ms. Frasco has been under fire for allegedly self-promoting rather than highlighting the country’s tourist destinations amid falling tourism rates. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana