Boxing Icon and former Senator Manny Pacquiao Dissociates from China-Made Lead-Containing Paints

 

Quezon City-  Boxing icon and former Senator Manny Pacquiao has distanced himself from imported lead-containing paints bearing his image and signature --- without his authorization --- as uncovered by the EcoWaste Coalition during its recent market investigation. 

In response to the letter sent by the EcoWaste Coalition last July 31, Pacquiao through his legal counsel at Gacal Law Firm asked responsible entities to stop the use of the former lawmaker’s name, image, signature or any representation that suggests endorsement or affiliation with the non-compliant paints in question.

“We appreciate your efforts in bringing to our attention the use of Senator Pacquiao’s name, image, and signature on YiAD Paint products reportedly containing lead.  Please be advised that, as of this writing, Senator Pacquiao has no knowledge of any existing contract, license, or agreement authorizing YiAD Hardware Tools Co. Ltd. or any related entity to use his identity in connection with their products,” the letter stated.

“We are currently and actively investigating the matter at hand and a formal cease and desist letters  have already been sent to and received by YiAD, demanding the immediate removal of all materials falsely suggesting an endorsement and requiring the company to provide documentation, if any, supporting their use of Senator Pacquiao’s  name, image, and signature. As of date, we have not received any response from YiAD. Consequently, we are preparing appropriate legal actions, including the filing of civil and criminal complaints,” the letter said. 

“Senator Pacquiao fully supports your advocacy of a toxic-free environment and firmly opposes the promotion and endorsement of products that pose risks to public health, particularly those containing banned substances like lead,” the letter added.

In letters sent to YiAD and Perfect Happy Star Corp., copies of which were shared with the EcoWaste Coalition, Pacquiao's camp noted that the use of the senator’s image and signature “creates the false impression of his endorsement or involvement, thereby misleading the public and exploiting his identify for commercial gain.”

In the absence of any authority, the concerned entities were directed to:

"1. Cease and desist from any further use of Senator Pacquiao's name, image, signature, or any representation that implies his endorsement or affiliation;

2. Remove and withdraw all marketing, advertising, and packaging materials, whether in physical form or published online that bear his identity; and

3. Provide a written explanation and undertaking within five calendar days from receipt of the letter, confirming compliance with the foregoing and that no such unauthorized use will occur in the future."

The EcoWaste Coalition commended Pacquiao for his response as this will uphold the country’s ban on lead-containing paints and similar surface coatings, and protect vulnerable populations, the children, women and workers in particular, from lead-based paint hazards.

“We laud the ‘people’s champ,’ Manny Pacquiao, for dissociating himself from paints containing lead, a potent toxicant affecting nearly all organ systems, especially the brain and the central nervous system.  His resolute and swift action, we hope, will help in knocking out the illegal trade of imported lead-containing paints and keep our people safe from such a preventable source of lead exposure and harm,” said Manny Calonzo, Campaigner, EcoWaste Coalition.