Women’s group unfazed

Women’s group Gabriela reiterated their objection to the "kinse años" billboard and commercials of Destileria Limtuaco’s Napoleon Brandy, as they stood firm in their position that the ads were "offensive to women, especially minors."

Gabriela president Liza Maza welcomed reported plans of the manufacturing firm to file charges against her in connection with her move to urge the Advertising Board of the Philippines to the pull out the "kinse años" ads.

In an interview, Maza told The Star that Gabriela is further lodging a complaint over the billboards and radio commercials before the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).

"If they want to sue me, let them do it. I welcome it. We will see each other in court. But we restate our stand that the advertisements are offensive especially to minors and that they should be liable for whatever those advertisements will cause," she said.

Maza explained that they filed a complaint with the AdBoard since they were told that it was the body that regulates advertisements and commercials on radio, TV and billboards.

She pointed out that the AdBoard has self-regulatory mechanisms to look into advertisements and commercials. The legal arm of Gabriela has begun discussing plans to counter the charges being readied against Maza.

Gabriela stressed that the double meaning of the advertisement’s catch phrase is undeniable.

"We are sure that they will not be using the same line had they been advertising a 45-year-old wine," Maza said.

"Destileria Limtuaco should exercise social responsibility and let public interest prevail over profits," she added.

Due to this development, Gabriela will hold a picket today at the Destileria Limtuaco office in Balintawak, Quezon City to air their vehement protest about the brandy’s advertisements.