Estrada files Senate bill to probe use of fake online celebrity endorsements

By Macon Ramos-Araneta

SENATOR Jinggoy Estrada said the Senate should investigate reports of scammers using fake endorsements of celebrities, citing the risks to unsuspecting consumers.

In filing Senate Resolution No. 666, Estrada underscored the need for a Senate inquiry into the proliferation of fake online celebrity endorsements and deceptive social media postings of various unregistered food and drug products.

Estrada also warned against the spread of online marketing materials and fake pages or accountspromoting unregistered products that promise treatment for various ailments or wellness benefits.

He noted that scammers are using the names and pictures of local personalities and celebrities.

“These advertisements mislead consumers into believing that these celebrities are using and endorsing food and medicinal products that are actually unregistered before the proper health authorities and not yet approved for mass distribution and public consumption,” Estrada said.

He cited reports on the alleged product endorsements of cardiologist Dr. Anthony Leachon, who is a former medical consultant on the government’s National Task Force against COVID-19 and former President of the Philippine College of Physicians; and Dr. Willie Ong, who ran for vice president in the 2022 national elections.

Leachon’s name and picture were used to make it appear that he is personally endorsing a product as a cure for diabetes, Estrada said. Ong purportedly endorsed a “miracle food” in the form of mixed nuts.