Jollibee, a company loved deeply by many Filipinos, recently faced backlash over its online raffle, leading to a brief investigation by the government amid complaints from customers. Allegations surfaced that fraudsters, identified as "fraudulent third parties," managed to circumvent safeguards put in place by Jollibee to log numerous entries for a chance to win desirable prizes, including food items and concert tickets.
The controversy erupted when the results were posted on Jollibee's Facebook page, displaying names that many social media users deemed suspicious, likening them to fictitious identities created through artificial intelligence. Notable names such as Hobby Dynamics, Noble Beer, and Alfreda Corkery came under scrutiny, with observers questioning their authenticity. Comments on social media reflected the public's disbelief, with one user exclaiming, "Your AI must be too lazy to come up with these kinds of names."
In response to the uproar, Jollibee acted swiftly, announcing on Wednesday that it had implemented corrective measures. The chain disclosed that it disqualified these "invalid major prize winners," temporarily suspended further draws, and planned to hold a re-draw to ensure fairness and transparency moving forward.
In a statement released late Wednesday, Jollibee reassured its customers, affirming their compliance with the government's review process overseen by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The DTI pledged to continue monitoring the resumption of the Jollibee Burger Blowout Promo to maintain fairness and transparency in all its promotional activities.
Founded as an ice cream parlor in the late 1970s, Jollibee has since evolved into a major player in the fast-food industry, boasting 1,600 restaurants in 17 countries. Its founder, Tony Tan Caktiong, rose from humble beginnings as the son of immigrants from southern China. The cheerful Jollibee mascot embodies Filipino values of hard work and perseverance, while its signature dishes – fried chicken, burgers, and spaghetti – have become integral to Filipino family traditions.
In the past, Jollibee has encountered other challenges, including a shortage of its renowned Chickenjoy in 2014, which sparked the viral "#ChickenSad" trend. As the situation unfolds, Jollibee remains committed to restoring trust with its patrons and ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience for all customers.
