Padilla on DOT campaign video fiasco: ‘I hope we recover, unite under our flag to promote PH tourism’
Sen. Robin Padilla | PHOTOS: Senate PRIB and DOT
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robin Padilla on Thursday said he is hoping that Philippine tourism will “recover” from the setback caused by the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) “Love the Philippines” campaign video fiasco.
“Hangad ko po na kasabay ng ating pag-usad mula sa masukal na usaping ito ang pagkakaisa ng lahat sa ilalim ng iisang bandera: ang pagsulong ng turismo ng Pilipinas bilang mamamayang Pilipinong pinagbubuklod ng pag-ibig sa bayan,” said Padilla in a statement.
(I hope that as we recover from this controversy, we will unite under our flag to promote our country’s tourism as Filipinos who love their country.)
Padilla made the plea after advertisement firm DDB Philippines on Sunday, July 2 admitted and apologized for using foreign stock footage for DOT’s promotion video, leading the department to terminate its contract with the agency.
Apart from commending DOT for its “immediate effort” to ensure that those who are liable for the “irresponsible” and “erroneous” production of the video are punished, Padilla stressed that he is still one with Filipinos who are seeking a resolution to the campaign mess.
Article continues after this advertisementDespite criticisms, according to DOT Secretary Christina Frasco, the country will continue to use the controversial “Love the Philippines” slogan.
