Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco reiterated on Thursday that the government had not paid DDB Philippines, the advertising agency behind the "Love the Philippines" campaign that sparked widespread outrage and made international headlines due to a promotional video that used stock footage of tourist attractions in other countries.
During the introduction of Hop-On, Hop-Off Manila, a bus tour that takes visitors around the capital's cultural monuments, Frasco told reporters that "not a single peso of government fund has been paid to the agency."
Despite the fact that the DOT's P49-million contract with DDB Philippines was terminated as a result of the video fiasco, the department appeared set on keeping the "Love the Philippines" slogan, which had also drawn criticism for being unimaginative or sounding like a command rather than a charming pitch.
The new campaign logo and slogan were featured on the Hop-On, Hop-Off buses presented for the unveiling at Bonifacio Shrine, just outside Manila City Hall.
On stage, the "Love the Philippines" logo was also prominently displayed.
When queried about the status of the DOT's contract with DDB and whether the DOT is paying for the continuous use of the "Love" phrase and emblem, Frasco responded on Thursday, "'Love the Philippines' reflects the heart of every Filipino (because) we all love the Philippines.
