Tirso Cruz III. Image from Instagram
Veteran actor Tirso Cruz III, also chairman of the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), issued a warning regarding fake food products being peddled online using a fake Facebook account using his name, identity and picture, meant to scam the unsuspecting public into purchasing these products.
The “Maria Clara At Ibarra” star claimed that the bogus Facebook account was endorsing the same brand that had recently been flagged by the camp of Kris Aquino for using her image and likeness in unauthorized promotional videos, and which were uploaded in equally bogus accounts of popular content creators, like Dr. Willie Ong, his wife Dr. Liza, and Dr. Kilimanguru.
On Instagram, Cruz said he was alarmed to discover that some syndicates were using his name and picture, as well as other celebrities to dupe people into believing that they are endorsing their products.
“This is to inform everyone that I am not endorsing a product being promoted with my picture… I have not ordered for myself or even taken this product. This company has not even talked to me for any deal of endorsing this product,” he said.
Cruz further said that the company promoting the product had not contacted him for any endorsement deal. He emphasized that the account and post were fraudulent and that he had not made any statements or testimonials endorsing this product.
The false endorsement even obviously superimposed his picture so that it looked like he was holding a box of mixed nuts and giving a thumbs up.
“Once again, for everyone’s information, this account and post is fraudulent. I have NOT made any statements or testimonials endorsing this product,” he said.
Cruz’s experience is not unique, as many other celebrities have complained of the same against this supposed “miracle food” that claimed to cure cancer, diabetes, and obesity. One of these celebrities is Aquino, whose lawyers even threatened legal action against the perpetrators.
The actress-host, who is currently seeking treatment in the United States for her multiple autoimmune diseases, expressed her dismay after learning that her name is being used for fake endorsements, saying that she could not have consume them as she is allergic to most of the products advertised.