Technical or Procedural Cases

Filing of Complaints or Inquiries

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Section 2.  Filing of Complaints or Inquiries

Section 2.  Filing of Complaints or Inquiries

 Advertiser/Ad Agency may file a complaint or an inquiry that is supported by a monitoring report with the ASC Technical Committee (Tech Com) on procedural or technical issues arising from cases involving advertising content.

  • The Complainant files the letter addressed to the ASC Executive Director who shall ensure that the Tech Com decides on the merits of the case.
  • The letter must state the rationale of the complaint and the procedures being questioned or, in some cases, procedures being complained on, g., monitoring of banned material. The letter must include other relevant information such as evidence, photographs, reports, and other documentation as necessary.
  • The ASC shall notify the Advertiser/Ad Agency concerned on the allegations and will be asked to submit a formal explanation on the alleged violation no later than three (3) work days after receipt of the Notice to Explain (NTE).
  • The ASC can initiate its own monitoring of materials which are in violation of the ASC Code of Ethics and Manual of Procedures. A formal notice stating possible technical and/or procedural violation/s shall be forwarded to the Advertiser/Ad Agency concerned who shall be given three (3) work days to respond to the Notice to Explain (NTE).
  • The Tech Com evaluates the submitted letter/response and decides whether the procedural complaint is Valid or Not Valid including corresponding penalties or sanction/s where applicable. The Tech Com may call on resource persons such as the Professional Screeners, Screening, or Hearing Panel Presiding Chairperson, or other technical persons to provide better understanding of a case.
  • There is no prescription period for filing complaints or inquiries involving procedures affecting an ad material. There is also no fee on inquiry submitted for possible ASC violations. However, should Advertiser/Ad Agency decide to file a complaint after the inquiry, corresponding complaint fee must be paid before a hearing is scheduled.
  • The hearing of technical or procedural cases involving materials that were post-screened or involving promotional ads of brands, products, and services shall be given priority.
  • A Cease-and-Desist Order (CDO) shall be issued on materials that violate the pre-screening procedures. The Advertiser/Ad Agency will be notified of the violation and corresponding
  • Tech Com cases that involve highly complex issues or industry-wide concerns shall be elevated to the ASC Board for appropriate action.