The Department of Tourism (DOT) has terminated its contract with the ad agency which handled the “Love the Philippines” slogan following the controversy that emanated from the use of stock footage of scenic views reportedly taken from other countries.
In a statement, DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the department was outraged and extremely disappointed with the DDB Philippines’s use of stock footage that was supposed to help the Philippines sell its tourism market abroad.
The audio-visual presentation (AVP) for the “Love the Philippines” was prepared, produced, and published by DDB Philippines as a component of the launch of the enhanced tourism branding campaign for the country.
But it was heavily criticized in social media after it turned out that some of the footage used were purportedly taken from other countries.
Under the agreement, the DOT’s tourism branding campaign contract with DDB Philippines, “should be original and aligned with the DOT’s advocacies”.
The same agreement stipulates that: “The DOT reserves the right to change, suspend, or discontinue temporarily or permanently the contract at any time should the DOT deem the agency incapable of the project.”
“As DDB Philippines has publicly apologized, taken full responsibility, and admitted in no uncertain terms, that non-original materials were used in their AVP, 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,” said Frasco in a statement.
“The DOT shall exercise its right to forfeit performance security as a result of default in obligations under the contract, as well to review standards of performance or lack thereof vis-a-vis any claims for payment and/or any other engagement. Further, the DOT reserves the right to take all other action against acts deemed inimical to the interest of Philippine tourism,” she added.
Amid reports that the DOT paid around P49 million to DDB Philippines, Frasco emphasized that no payment has been made by the department to the ad agency.
“The Department of Tourism remains fully committed to developing and promoting the Philippines as a powerhouse of natural wonders, culture and heritage, and a fount of warmth and hospitality which is a source of great love and pride for all Filipinos,” said Frasco.