Naglabas ng saloobin si World's No. 3 Pole Vaulter EJ Obiena tungkol sa kaniyang brand endorsement.
Sa isang Instagram post nitong Martes, Setyembre 17, nilinaw ni EJ na maingat niya umanong pinipili ang mga brand na kaniyang ieendorso at hindi lang siya nakatingin sa pera na maaaring makuha.
Sinabi rin nito sa naturang post na ang pagpili niya sa mga brands ay nakaayon dapat sa bitbit niyang prinsipyo at dapat umanong nagtataguyod sa isang maayos na lipunan.
“I would like to reassure everyone that I pick and choose very carefully which products/brands I endorse/promote. It’s never “just about the money” but it has to be a product I can believe in; and also a product that doesn’t undermine values; and supports a healthy and thriving society,” ani Obiena.
Akari Sports wala pang balak pasukin ang PBA
Isinaad din ni EJ ang kaniyang primaryang dahilan kung bakit hindi niya pinahihintulutan ang partikular na endorsement sa mga ‘alcoholic products at gambling businesses.’
“The latter is why I have refused to endorse alcoholic products and/or gambling businesses. Whilst both may be legal, it is irrefutable, both are regulated for a reason, and both are restricted from children,” saad ni Obiena.
Kaugnay nito, iginiit din niya ang adbokasiya niyang maging magandang ehemplo sa mga kabataan.
“I recognise I have a platform that could influence kids and I understand and embrace this responsibility with honor and humility. I won’t hence endorse products like this.”
Nabanggit din ni EJ na maaari silang gumawa ng ligal na hakbang kontra sa mga umano’y kompanyang ginagamit ang kaniyang litrato at pangalan bilang advertising na lingid sa kaniyang kaalaman.
“Whilst my lawyers are pursuing this kind of 'Guerilla' marketing legally, I wanted to in-parallel tell everyone directly I am in no way endorsing any alcohol or gambling related products. Ever. Never ever.”
Samantala, hinangaan naman ng netizens ang naturang post ni EJ na umano’y ‘green flag’ daw talaga ang atleta.“Thank you for being someone young people can really look up to!”
“Much respect to you EJ! God bless your heart.”“Isupport the right person ”
“Good son, good citizen love you EJ”
“Nasa tamang crush talaga ako. ”
“Lalo tumaas paghanga ko sa kanya. Mga 6 meters more ”
Hindi rin naiwasan ng ibang netizens na muling maikumpara si EJ kay two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo tungkol sa endorsement nito sa Arena Plus/Digi Plus.
Kate Garcia
