Awit Awards responds to alleged text voting scam amid complaints of Darren Espanto fans
After the 32nd Awit Awards wrapped up last night, Oct. 10, some fans were displeased with the results of the People’s Voice Awards, which is based on text votes. The annual awards show is organized by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI).
The hashtag #AwitAwardsScam circulated on Twitter among the circles of Darren Espanto fans who claim that he garnered the most votes for Favorite Male Artist that were tallied on the website letsvote.ph. During the awards night, rock artist Juan Karlos won the title.
Fans of Espanto shared screenshots of the voting results with the announcement “voting period is over,” which showed Espanto at the top of the list. Some also shared screenshots showing that after the voting period, which ended on Oct. 8, they could no longer send votes.
Where is the 3K votes ahead from that 2nd rate nominee? pinagpuyatan, hindi kami natulog until we ensure the numbers to win! We have proofs! screen shots of the result have been circulated after 12mn! ANONG NANGYARE! @AwitAwards #AwitAwardsScam pic.twitter.com/JVwJeRNi1c
— Sherill Ang (@sherillrang) October 10, 2019
Some irate fans even sought the attention of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as they believed that the award organizers earned through their texts.
@DtiPhilippines we’d like to file a complaint against this scammer extracting money thru text votes but cheating. @AwitAwards #AwitAwardsSCAM pic.twitter.com/eXyNOK0qbx
— DarrenaticMom (@ggr_mom) October 10, 2019
Awit Awards released a statement this afternoon on its social media accounts that it was looking into the allegations.
Posted by Awit Awards on Thursday, October 10, 2019
“We have been made aware of certain allegations re the Awit People’s Voice Awards which happened on Letsvote.ph and ended last October 8, 2019. The results were announced during Awit Awards on October 10, 2019, based on the reports of the provider, ZED Philippines,” it said. “We are currently looking into these allegations and are awaiting the explanation of Zed Philippines regarding this matter.”
Besides winning Favorite Male Artist, Juan Karlos took home an award for Best Performance by a Male Recording Artist with “Buwan,” beating Espanto’s “Poison” and artists Gary V, James Reid and Mark Cardio. The same song was recognized for Best Rock/Alternative Recording. /ra
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