NEWS

Meralco infomercial threatens to smear Judy Ann Santos’s image

A sincere effort to gain sympathy or a demolition job? Judy Ann Santos's latest infomercial for Meralco drew criticisms from various groups, particularly the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC). Even Juday's longtime manager Alfie Lorenzo expressed concern on the possible effect of the ad on Juday's image.

Noel Orsal

Meralco infomercial threatens to smear Judy Ann Santos’s image

Bong Godinez

Wednesday, June 4, 2008
10:26 PM

Rating

For appearing in an advertisement defending Meralco and explaining the controversial system's loss, actress Judy Ann Santos might find her rosy career plunging together with the beleaguered power company.

Yesterday, June 3, the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), made a call asking the public to boycott all of Judy Ann's films and television series in response to her latest infomercial favoring Meralco.

Leading the call was VACC Chairman Dante Jimenez and 28 non-government organizations. Jimenez branded Judy Ann's statement in the said commercial as a "lie" and an elaborate attempt by the Lopezes to save face.

In the said TV ad, Juday is shown defending Meralco's action of passing on its system's loss to the consumers, arguing that the said practice is valid.

The system-loss issue is the latest addition to Meralco's alleged "overcharging" habit against its consumers.

Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) chief legal counsel and spokesperson Estrella Elamparo also criticized the company's advertisement, calling it "a desperate attempt to shore up Meralco's sagging reputation."

"Meralco is now sputtering on an empty tank," she said. Elamparo showed sympathy for Juday by saying that the popular actress and in-demand product endorser is just a "captive talent" of ABS-CBN, which literally puts her under the mercy of the network's executives.

CAUSE OF CONCERN. Alarmed by the negative reaction generated by the infomercial, Judy Ann's manager Alfie Lorenzo had an interview with dzBB's Mike Enriquez yesterday, June 3.

"Hindi ko alam iyan. Hindi ako kinausap. Kasi paalis na sila Juday noon nung nag-text na lang yung secretary niyang si Jane. Sabi niya, may humabol pong komersyal. Pabaon daw sa Europe," revealed Alfie to Mike.

The controversial talent manager—who recently got involved in a verbal tussle with ABS-CBN's talent arm Star Magic—expressed fear that the ad might severely tarnish his ward's public image. He even hinted that the infomercial could be part of a bigger plan to discredit Juday before the public.

"I think it's part of a demolition job. I think bahagi iyan ng demolition job against Judy Ann Santos," stressed Alfie.

While Alfie acknowledged the faith and trust given by Meralco to Judy Ann in addressing the sensitive issue, the veteran manager couldn't help but worry that the damage inflicted on the actress's career might be too serious for them to handle.

"Iyong galit ng mga tao sa Meralco, baka naman sa kanya mapunta at magtagumpay na sila na mapabagsak si Judy Ann, so may pag-asa na silang mapasikat ang ibang artista nila [ABS-CBN]."

At this point, Alfie cannot wait for Judy Ann to come home to face the controversy. "Ibigay naman natin ang side niya," he pleaded.

Join us on Facebook

Pages: 1

Related Articles

Judy Ann Santos says it's no issue if husband Ryan Agoncillo forgets to wear his wedding ring December 12, 2011 04:19 PM

Judy Ann Santos understands why they were given limited ad spots on ABS-CBN for her MMFF movie, My Househusband December 8, 2011 03:59 PM

Judy Ann Santos on Jolina Magdangal-Mark Escueta wedding: "Happy talaga ako na naitawid ni Jolina nang bonggang-bongga ang wedding nila..." November 23, 2011 05:50 PM

Ryan Agoncillo describes "the Judy Ann Santos style" of resolving conflicts November 23, 2011 08:52 AM

Judy Ann Santos will support Sharon Cuneta if the Megastar decides to transfer to rival network November 16, 2011 08:12 PM