Manila, Feb. 3 -- Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco on Tuesday denied that she was promoting herself in government tourism materials, telling senators that the use of her image in certain publications and displays was done without her consent or authorization.

During a public hearing of the Senate Committee on Tourism, Frasco clarified that a free magazine distributed in Japan, which featured her photo on the cover, was published independently and had no involvement from the Department of Tourism (DOT).

"I did not pay for that magazine, no government funds were used for that magazine, and my consent was never obtained in the use of my image for that magazine," she said.

She explained that photos showing her presence at tourism sites f...