DOT fires ad firm over ‘Love the Philippines’ stock footage scandal
The Department of Tourism’s new campaign slogan and logo
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Monday announced that it had terminated its contract with DDB Philippines, the department’s partner advertising firm that used stock footage from other countries in a tourism promotional video for the Philippines.
The DOT took the decision after its initial “Love the Philippines” tourism advertising campaign video drew flak for using visuals from Thailand, Indonesia, and the UAE that deceived the public.
DDB Philippines, the company behind the creation of the video, apologized on Sunday following the controversy and admitted to using stock footage not shot in the Philippines.
In its apology, it also claimed that the video uploaded and went viral on social media was merely a “mood video” meant “to excite internal stakeholders.”
Truth in ads
But the DOT, amid the public outcries, gave the impression of valuing honest advertising when announcing it fired the agency that created the video.
“As DDB Philippines has publicly apologized, taken full responsibility, and admitted in no uncertain terms, that non-original materials were used in their AVP (audio visual presentation), reflecting an abject failure to comply with their obligation/s under the contract and a direct contravention with the DOT’s objectives for the enhanced tourism branding, the DOT hereby exercises its right to proceed with termination proceedings against its contract with DDB,” the DOT said in a statement.
“Further, the DOT reserves the right to take all other action against acts deemed inimical to the interest of Philippine tourism,” said DOT.
Commitment continues
While the agency had not explicitly stated whether it would reassess the new tourism slogan — which had also received backlash from the public before the stock footage controversy — the DOT assured the public that it would remain “fully committed to developing and promoting the Philippines as a powerhouse of natural wonders, culture and heritage, and a fount of warmth and hospitality.”
RELATED STORIES:
Gordon backs new DOT slogan; wants more tourism infrastructures
Ad firm admits ‘foreign stock footage’ used in PH promo
DOT probing alleged use of stock footage in ‘Love the Philippines’ video
‘Trabahong tamad’: Salceda blasts consultant for ‘plagiarizing’ tourism ad
JPV/abc
Disclaimer: The comments uploaded on this site do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of management and owner of Cebudailynews. We reserve the right to exclude comments that we deem to be inconsistent with our editorial standards.
