THE Department of Tourism (DOT) continues to fulfill its mandate to develop Philippine tourism amid controversies currently being faced by the agency.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco attended the launching of the ‘Hop on, Hop off’ tourist bus program in Manila City on Thursday morning.
Sec. Frasco was interviewed by the media, but she remained still tight-lipped in answering other issues surrounding the controversial ‘Love the Philippines’ tourism campaign worth P49 million.
“The circumstances of late have led the Department of Tourism to initiate termination proceedings on its contracted ad agency. I would just like to emphasize that not a single peso of government funds has been paid under the tourism branding campaign with the said agency. Thank you so much for your support. Thank you so much. Love the Philippines,” Sec. Christina Garcia Frasco, Department of Tourism said.
Former Presidential Legal Counsel calls on DOT to sue DDB Philippines
While public opinion remains divided on the DOT’s actions regarding the controversial ‘Love the Philippines’ Tourism campaign, former Presidential Legal Counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo praised Frasco for her decision but he said it should not only stop at the termination of the contract.
“I commend Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco for her swift and decisive action in terminating the contract. But it should not just be termination. Sue them now,” Former Presidential Legal Counsel Atty. Salvador Panelo said.
DOT’s termination of its contract with ad agency contract not enough—Int’l Relations Expert
As for International Relations Expert Sass Rogando Sasot, it is not enough for the DOT to simply cancel the contract after defrauding the Philippines.
“I don’t think canceling the contract is enough. You fooled the Philippines, and you will just cancel the contract? What? Maybe they should be blacklisted in government,” International Relations Expert Sass Rogando Sasot said.
“They should no longer get any government contracts. That’s just one step. But first, it is necessary to clarify who is at fault,” she added.
“Or did DDB just admit that it’s their fault? But what is just canceling a contract? I think all of their contracts in government should be canceled,” she said.
Manila LGU believes ‘Love the Philippines’ controversy won’t affect the city’s tourism
Meanwhile, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuña supported the idea that everyone should Love the Philippines and that the slogan should not be changed.
Lacuña believes that despite the controversy, the number of tourists in the city will not be affected.
DOT launches ‘Hop on, Hop off’ tourist buses in Manila
The mayor hopes that through ‘Hop on, Hop off’ tourist buses, tourists will be enticed to visit Manila.
This is a DOT project for easier and hassle-free sightseeing for tourists.
The said project was first launched in Makati City.
For P1000, tourists can visit tourist spots in Manila easily including Malacañang Heritage Museum, National Museum of Fine Arts, Rizal Park Monument, Binondo China Town, and Intramuros.
