Filing a Complaint

The Code of Ethics and Standards allows the filing of complaints on ad content and screening procedure. This complaints process allows competitors to air grievances on possible violations. This process is beneficial to consumers by helping to ensure truthful, ethical and responsible advertising.

Step 1 QUICK CHECKLIST

Step 2 YOUR COMPLAINT

Step 3 YOUR DETAILS

Things to know before you file your complaint

We don’t want to waste your time. The following checklist can help ASC verify the validity of your complaint.

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Checklist 1 of 4

Know the Code of Ethics being violated by the competitor.

  • A thorough knowledge of the ASC Code of Ethics and Standards is needed to help you state your case in a complete and correct manner. You can review the sections of the ASC Code and Standards here:
  • Advertising claims are a common point of contention. You can check the definition and correct application of Claims here.
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Checklist 2 of 4

We will need a copy of the ad you want to complain about.

  • For television, radio or on-demand advertisements, identify the station/network, the program, time and date the ad was monitored. Provide a clear photoboard with the corresponding copy and an mpeg copy (TOA) of the ad in question.
  • For print, digital and outdoor advertisements, identify the name and date of publication(s) where the ad was monitored, including an actual copy of the ad (tear sheet) clearly showing the date and name of publication.
  • For OOH ads, merchandising materials or similar ads, identify the date and exact location where the ad was monitored. Provide a clear photograph of the ad in question, with proof of date monitored.
  • For cinema ads, identify the date the ad was shown and the name and location of the movie theater where the ad was monitored. Provide a photoboard and any proof of exhibition of the ad in question.
  • For digital ads, identify the date of the ad was seen , including a print-out of the advertisements and other applicable web pages (if any)
  • You will need to cite the specific copy lines, claims, slogans, visuals or elements being complained on and the specific provisions in the Code of Ethics that are allegedly violated.
    Explain in a precise manner the rationale for each provision so that the ASC shall be sufficiently aided in determining the issues involved and giving due notice to the defendant of the alleged violation.If the Complainant does not clearly state these items, then the ASC Executive Director shall return a letter to the Complainant and the hearing of the case shall not be scheduled.
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Checklist 3 of 4

We will need your details and a sign off from senior management of your organization.

  • Please note as part of our process, you need to provide your name, address, email and phone number and the name of the organisation you represent.
  • The complaint must be signed by an officer of senior management status of the Advertiser or of the Advertising Agency, or by an authorized representative, provided that the representative provides a letter of authorization signed by a senior officer of the Advertiser or Advertising Agency.
  • A copy of the complaint including your name (and / or other names you have provided) and organisation may be circulated to the advertiser, agency and media involved, with a response sought within seven days. The Competitor Complaints process requires transparency between parties though they are asked not to contact you directly and to address all correspondence relating to the complaint to the ASC.PLEASE NOTE: The use of personal information collected for a competitor complaint differs from the way it would be used for a standard consumer complaint. More details can be found in our privacy policy.
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Checklist 4 of 4

There is an appropriate fee to progress the complaints process.

  • To avoid the possibility of the decision being used as a ‘trial run’ or ‘experiment’ between competitors, and to account for the hours our staff will need to deliberate the case, the ASC will charge a hearing fee.
  • The following table outlines applicable fees:
Member organizationNon-member organization
Stage 1: ASC receives the appeal but the case does not proceedFree of chargeFree of charge
Stage 2: ASC begins the appeals process but appellant withdraws before any hearing occursP5,000P10,000
Stage 3: Appellant proceeds with adjudication in the ASC, hearing takes place P20,000P40,000

    Your Complaint

    Choose one
    • Cinema
    • Digital & Social Media
    • Out of Home
    • Print
    • Radio
    • Television




    *Required Fields

    Your Details

    Choose position
    • Cinema
    • Digital & Social Media
    • Out of Home
    • Print
    • Radio
    • Television


    *Required Fields