31 December 2025

 

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) issues this statement to clarify two separate matters arising from false and misleading claims circulating online.

Philippine Topics is a private publication and not an official magazine of the DOT. The Department did not contract, pay, commission, or direct the magazine to produce its cover or feature story.

The content, including the selection of images and text, was produced entirely at the magazine’s editorial discretion. The DOT did not provide any photographs, guidance, or funding for the feature. Philippine Topics independently covered activities related to World Expo Osaka 2025 and used its own coverage in their magazine.

Any claim suggesting that the Department or the Secretary used public office or resources for personal promotion is false, misleading, and expressly denied.

With respect to claims made by a certain photographer, the DOT clarifies that it did not supply the photograph in question to Philippine Topics. At no time did the Department instruct, select, approve, or endorse any photograph for the magazine.

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 Department views the dissemination of these false claims with serious concern. Misrepresenting official acts, fabricating affiliations, or implying improper use of public resources undermines public trust and misleads the public.

The Department of Tourism remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the ethical promotion of Philippine tourism, and condemns the propagation of false and misleading information.