(Updated) MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) discontinued its contract with McCann Worldgroup Philippines over the controversial “Sights” commercial which was allegedly copied from a South Africa tourism ad.
In a press conference, DOT Assistant Secretary Ricky Alegre said they will be reopening bidding for production of new advertising materials consistent with the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” slogan. Alegre further said after reviewing the materials, listening to stakeholders, and exhausting all feedback received online and offline, DOT decided that McCann’s termination was the way to move forward.
The DOT in a statement also “expects a public apology from McCann over the negative feedback that the department has been receiving, owing to the glaring similarities between McCann’s ’Sights’ ad and South Africa’s ad released in 2014.”
The ad has since been taken down from the DOT Facebook Page and YouTube Channel and will be discontinued from airing.
In response to the DOT’s action, McCann Worldgroup Philippines AVP/Director for Corporate Affairs Niña Terol said in a statement to adobo magazine, “while we regret the decision of the DOT to discontinue our partnership, we continue to believe that it is in the best interest of all parties to discuss a sensible resolution to this matter”. Read her full statement here.
