Department of Tourism Undersecretary Resigns Over “Pilipinas Kay Ganda”

Posted on November 23rd, 2010. Written by Rico.

In his resignation letter, now former Department of Tourism Undersecretary Vicente “Enteng” Romano III accepted full responsibility for Pilipinas Kay Ganda, while explaining the rationale behind the widely criticized campaign.

Romano was previously identified by Technograph as someone involved with websites critical of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo—and supportive of the Manila Peninsula rebellion (see Who are the People Behind the Pro-Trillanes Websites?). Some highlights from Romano’s statement:

• “Getting inspiration from existing designs in not an uncommon practice… ‘While plagiarism is condemned in academia and journalism, in the arts it is often a major part of the creative process.’… I am fully responsible for the final design.”
• “We made it clear that the November 15 event was simply a preview”
• “I [was] in a hurry to have an advertising campaign going on [sic] by the first quarter of 2011… every day we do not run a campaign is a lost opportunity to boost our tourism arrivals… [and] generate jobs and alleviate poverty.”
• “Secretary Lim also asked me to postpone the event given the President’s concern, but I persisted.”
• “I take the rejection of the brand by the people as a vote of ‘no confidence’ not just for the brand, but also for the person behind it.”

The complete statement is below: