Brand behind the “Gil Puyat Issue” released a statement
Gil Puyat Issue – Wellspring, the brand behind the “Gil Tulog Avenue” advertising campaign issued an apology after being criticized for “insensitivity.”
Gil Puyat Avenue is one of the most popular street names in Makati City. Just recently, netizens noticed that the street name was changed into “Gil Tulog”. Although there were some who found it funny, criticism rained on social media, especially when it was revealed that this was an advertising campaign for the melatonin brand.
Reportedly, this sparked confusion among commuters as they were not aware of the change. Many netizens shared videos and photos that from Gil Puyat, the Makati street was changed to Gil Puyat.
Makati Mayor Abby Binay released a statement condemning the alteration and she stressed that the permit did not reach her office. She immediately ordered the removal of the “Gil Tulog Avenue” signs.
In a statement, Victor Puyat, the son of the late Senate President Gil Puyat, to whom the street was named, expressed dismay for the disrespect that the health company showed. He stressed that no one has the right to tarnish their name for financial or political gain.
Following the backlash, Wellspring released a statement apologizing to those who were offended by their advertising campaign, based on the article in Philstar Life.
“We deeply apologize to the family of the late Sen. Gil Puyat for the harm and offense that the campaign caused them. Rest assured that there was no intent to besmirch and disrespect his legacy,” the melatonin brand stressed in a statement.
The company also apologized to Mayor Abby and to the people of Makati City for this
“misstep.” It stressed that in the future projects they will practice better sensitivity. Wellspring promised that it is committed to doing better after the learnings it had from this mistake.