Fake Celebrity Endorsements on Social Media to Undergo Senate Probe
A lawmaker filed a resolution seeking a probe into the proliferation of fake celebrity endorsements and misleading social media posts.
Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada declared that the Senate will investigate the spread of fraudulent online endorsements by celebrities and deceptive promotional posts on social media for unregistered products for sale.
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Estrada introduced Senate Resolution 666. He noted the dangers posed to customers by false internet marketing materials and impostor pages or accounts that offer unregistered items for various ailments or health advantages while exploiting the names and images of local celebrities and famous musicians.
“Ang ganitong advertisements ay naglilinlang sa mga mamimili na ang mga sikat na personalidad ay gumagamit at nag-eendorso ng pagkain at gamot na hindi pa rehistrado sa mga kinauukulang ahensya at hindi pa aprubado para ipamahagi at ibenta sa publiko,” he said.
Estrada went on to warn that many people have seen and shared misleading information regarding the impacts, quality, and safety of food, medicine, and health items on social media platforms, based on the report. According to him, the spread and multiplication of fraudulent web marketing is a clear and blatant breach of the Consumer Act.
“Ang pagkalat at pagdami ng mga mapanlinlang na online na patalastas ay malinaw at tahasang paglabag sa Consumer Act na nagpaparusa sa pagpapakalat ng mga mapanlinlang na sales promotion practices,” he explained.
Estrada cited reports about Dr. Willie Ong, an internist and cardiologist with a large social media following, allegedly endorsing a mixed nuts “miracle food,” as well as the alleged use of Dr. Tony Leachon’s name and picture to indicate his use and endorsement of a drug product allegedly for diabetes.
The experienced legislator also emphasized the importance of identifying and addressing potential gaps in the country’s existing laws and regulations, as well as updating their provisions in light of the widespread use of social media platforms and cyberspace, as well as the disturbing use of maliciously manipulated images, spliced videos, and fabricated claims in the promotion of food and health products.
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