Company Apologizes for Renaming Gil Puyat Avenue to ‘Gil Tulog’
WELLSPRING – The company that engaged the advertising agency behind the controversial ‘Gil Tulog’ signage has apologized after the marketing gimmick faced significant backlash.
Supplement brand Wellspring clarified in a statement that their intention was not to mock former Senate President Gil Puyat Sr., but to use a wordplay to highlight the importance of sleep. They acknowledged the insensitivity of their advertisement campaign.
Wellspring expressed regret to the Puyat family for any harm and offense caused, assuring that there was no intention to tarnish or disrespect Gil Puyat’s legacy. Additionally, they extended their sincerest apologies to Makati City Mayor Abby Binay and the people of Makati for their misstep.
Concurrently, the family of the late Senate president has filed a complaint against the ad agency, Gigil Advertising Agency, which has been suspended previously for its campaigns. The Puyat family is seeking the suspension or banning of Gigil from the council, citing the agency’s history of controversial advertisements.
Gigil Advertising Agency, known for its multi-awarded work and collaborations with several major brands, now faces scrutiny and potential consequences due to the backlash and the complaint from the Puyat family.
Meanwhile, Mayor Abby Binay has apologized for the confusion caused by the marketing stunt that changed the street signs on Gil Puyat Avenue. She clarified that her office was not informed about the campaign. Binay expressed regret over the incident and extended her apologies to the family of the late Senate President Gil Puyat. She emphasized that if her office had been aware of the campaign, it would have been immediately rejected.
Binay criticized the city officials who issued the permit, stating that they should have been more cautious and considered the potential disruption to motorists and commuters, as well as the respect due to Puyat’s memory. She has reprimanded the officials for this oversight.