GIGIL Agency is suspended for a year over their Belo ‘Pandemic Effect’ ad

GIGIL Group a.k.a. the brains behind that bizarre RC Cola Ad, that cool Trese billboard, and more recently, the “insensitive” Pandemic Effect Belo commercial. Due to the backlash brought by the medical-aesthetic clinic’s video, the agency received a one-year suspension from the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4As Philippines).

The suspension was followed after a “thorough investigation and assessment by the Professional Practice and Ethics Committee” which found that the ad violated specific terms in 4A’s code of ethics.

On its Facebook page, GIGIL posted a statement assuring that it respects and abides by the 4As decision. It reads, ‘We acknowledge that alongside the unexpected thinking that comes with our work, we must always be mindful of sensitivity and respect.’

GIGIL also stated that its business will continue and the suspension won’t hamper its expertise to produce work for its clients. However, the sanction won’t allow the agency to gain access to special rates and discounts that are given to 4As members.

The 4As decision also comes after GIGIL’s co-founder Herbert Hernandez was accused of alleged sexual harassment by ad industry colleague Denise ‘Deng’ Tee. The creative director shared on a Facebook post how Hernandez invited her to a hotel room years ago.

According to Campaign Asia, Hernandez has filed an “official criminal complaint” of cyber libel against Tee which was stamped and received by the Department of Justice on August 26. On the other hand, Tee is backed by women’s rights group Gabriela, who pledged their support to her and other victims in the industry who came forward.

The now-deleted controversial Belo ad was released on August 10, which presented a young and conventionally attractive woman who “let herself go” during a pandemic. A few hours after its release, people online called out both the clinic and GIGIL and for body-shaming.

Banner: (L) Facebook/GIGIL Group, (R) Belo ad screenshot

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Source: we the pvblic