Puyat Family Files Complaint Against Ad Agency Over ‘Gil Tulog’ Campaign

The family of the late former Senator Gil Puyat has lodged a complaint with the Ad Standards Council against Gigil Advertising Agency for its controversial ‘Gil Tulog Avenue’ marketing campaign. The campaign, which promoted a melatonin supplement, has been criticized for its perceived disrespect towards the legacy of the former Senate President.

Complaint Details:

• Violation of Ethics: Victor Puyat, the son of the late senator, stated in the complaint that the campaign violated the council’s Code of Ethics, which prohibits advertisements from disparaging, ridiculing, criticizing, or attacking any person, whether natural or juridical.
• Request for Sanction: The Puyat family has called for Gigil Advertising Agency to be suspended or banned from the Ad Standards Council, citing past suspensions of the agency for similar offenses.
• Public Apology: Wellspring, the supplement brand behind the campaign, has issued an apology to the Puyat family and Makati City Mayor Abby Binay for the campaign’s insensitivity.

Reactions:

• Erika Puyat Lontok: The granddaughter of the late Senate President condemned the campaign on Facebook, describing it as “disrespectful” for using her great-grandfather’s name to promote melatonin supplements.
• Mayor Abby Binay: The Makati City Mayor reprimanded city officials who approved the marketing tactic.

Background:

• Gil Puyat: Elected senator in 1951, Puyat served as Senate President from 1967 to 1972. His term ended when President Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law and shut down Congress. Puyat passed away on March 22, 1981.

GMA Integrated News has reached out to Gigil Advertising Agency for comment and will publish their response when available.