The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Saturday that it is investigating Jollibee Foods Corp.’s “Burger Blowout” raffle promo after the fast-food giant drew widespread criticism for announcing a list of winners with foreign-sounding names.
The controversy erupted after Jollibee released its Week 3 raffle draw winners, with names such as Bonita Gulgowski, Albert Goldner, and Norbert Pfannerstill appearing on the official list. Screenshots of the announcement quickly went viral, sparking thousands of comments questioning whether the winners were real, randomly generated, or even artificial intelligence (AI)-generated.
“ChatGPT raffle yata ‘yan eh, autogenerate ng names,” one netizen quipped, while others compared the incident to the infamous Pepsi Number Fever scandal of the 1990s.
Many Filipinos expressed disappointment, with some jokingly searching for “Mary Grace Piattos” and “Fernando Tempura” among the winners, while others accused the brand of undermining consumer trust.
The DTI confirmed it has already coordinated with Jollibee and initiated a probe.
“We have requested relevant documents, including the list of valid entries and the mechanics used, to ensure a thorough review,” the DTI said in a statement.
Jollibee, one of the most beloved and trusted brands in the Philippines, now faces a reputational challenge. While some netizens reacted with humor, others said the incident was “embarrassing” and called for accountability.
“So embarrassing, whoever hired that team who made Jollibee a laughing stock seems to underestimate Pinoy netizens,” one Facebook user wrote, echoing the frustration of many.
Industry analysts note that while this may be an operational lapse, the backlash underscores how quickly public sentiment can turn against even the most iconic brands when credibility is questioned. With the DTI investigation underway, consumer groups and loyal patrons alike are closely watching how Jollibee will address the issue.
For now, Jollibee’s “Burger Blowout” promo remains under scrutiny, with calls for greater transparency in raffle draws and prize announcements.
