Palace ‘downgrades’ rank of DOT Secretary Frasco

DEPARTMENT of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco was forced to resign from her post but would remain in government in a minor role as ‘Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities,’ a position with no clear mandate, objective or direction.

“As many areas across the country face increasing climate-related hazards and disruptions that affect local economies and livelihoods, the President has tasked Secretary Frasco to take on this role to help strengthen the implementation and sustained follow-through of priority national initiatives at the community level,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said during a Palace press briefing on Thursday.

Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso will temporarily oversee affairs at the DOT as officer-in-charge, the Palace added.

Rumors circulating claimed Dita Angara-Mathay, the country’s commercial counselor and special trade representative to Japan would be the next DOT chief, but nothing is definite yet.

“The President expressed his appreciation for her service at the Department of Tourism and conveyed his confidence that her experience working closely with local governments and communities will continue to support the administration’s priorities,” Castro added.