Jollibee Addresses Raffle Scandal Amid Fraud Allegations

The popular Philippine fast-food chain, Jollibee, has acknowledged that fraudsters manipulated the results of its recent online raffle. This revelation follows numerous customer complaints and a brief investigation by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). The company reported that “fraudulent third parties” submitted multiple entries, circumventing existing safeguards intended to ensure fair participation for a chance to win food items and concert tickets.

In response to the controversy, Jollibee stated that it has taken immediate action to rectify the situation. A statement released late on Wednesday confirmed that the company complied fully with the DTI investigation and has implemented corrective measures. Jollibee disqualified the “invalid major prize winners,” suspended subsequent draws, and announced plans for a re-draw to ensure fairness.

The initial winners’ list, which was posted on Jollibee’s Facebook page, raised eyebrows among users who found the names unfamiliar. Social media users expressed skepticism, suggesting that names such as Hobby Dynamics, Noble Beer, and Alfreda Corkery appeared fabricated, potentially generated by artificial intelligence. Comments included, “LIKE SERIOUSLLLLLY?!?!” and critiques of the company’s name generation process.

Many users drew comparisons between this incident and a previous corruption controversy involving Vice-President Sara Duterte, where government funds were allegedly allocated to individuals with similarly fictitious names. The DTI has committed to overseeing the resumption of the Jollibee Burger Blowout Promo, ensuring “fairness and transparency in all promotional undertakings.”

Jollibee has a rich history, beginning as an ice cream shop in the 1970s and expanding to a burger restaurant in downtown Manila in the early 1980s. The brand has significantly grown over the past five years, acquiring the U.S. café chain The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf and the Michelin-starred dim sum chain Tim Ho Wan. Its founder, Tony Tan Caktiong, is the son of poor immigrants from southern China, and the chain’s mascot—a smiling bee in a red jacket—symbolizes the hardworking spirit of the Filipino people.

Generations of Filipinos regard Jollibee as part of their national identity, with its signature offerings like fried chicken, burgers, and spaghetti becoming family gathering staples. In 2014, a shortage of its famous Chickenjoy led to the viral trend #ChickenSad, highlighting the brand’s deep cultural significance.

Currently, Jollibee operates over 1,600 stores in 17 countries, including the UK, the US, Spain, and Singapore. The company’s commitment to addressing customer concerns and ensuring operational integrity will be critical in restoring public trust following this raffle scandal.