Quezon City, August 25, 2025 — In a decisive move worthy of his championship legacy, boxing legend and former Senator Manny Pacquiao has broken his silence over the unauthorized use of his name, image, and signature on imported lead-containing paints from China. The paints, recently exposed by the EcoWaste Coalition during its market investigation, bore markings falsely suggesting Pacquiao’s endorsement — a claim he has now publicly and categorically denied.
Pacquiao, through a formal letter from his legal counsel at Gacal Law Firm, confirmed that he has never entered into any agreement with YiAD Hardware Tools Co. Ltd., the manufacturer of the questioned paints, nor with its local distributor, Perfect Happy Star Corp. The legal team clarified that the boxing icon had no knowledge of nor consented to any such association.
“Please be advised that, as of this writing, Senator Pacquiao has no knowledge of any existing contract, license, or agreement authorizing YiAD Hardware Tools Co. Ltd. or any related entity to use his identity in connection with their products,” the letter stated.
Cease-and-Desist Orders Issued
Pacquiao’s camp has already taken formal action against the companies involved. According to Gacal Law Firm, cease-and-desist letters have been sent to YiAD, demanding the immediate removal of all materials falsely suggesting endorsement. The letters also required the companies to provide documentation supporting their alleged right to use Pacquiao’s identity — documents which, as of today, have not been provided.
The legal team further warned that they are preparing civil and criminal complaints against the parties involved for misrepresentation, exploitation, and violation of intellectual property rights.
The instructions issued to the companies were unequivocal:
Stop immediately any use of Pacquiao’s name, image, or signature.
Withdraw all marketing, advertising, and packaging materials bearing his identity, whether online or in physical form.
Provide a written explanation and guarantee of compliance to prevent future misuse.
Pacquiao Stands for Public Health and Safety
Beyond defending his name, Pacquiao aligned himself with the broader public health campaign against toxic products. His letter strongly condemned the use of lead in paints — a substance globally recognized as hazardous, particularly to children, women, and workers who face the highest risks of exposure.
“Senator Pacquiao fully supports your advocacy of a toxic-free environment and firmly opposes the promotion and endorsement of products that pose risks to public health, particularly those containing banned substances like lead,” the letter emphasized.
EcoWaste Coalition Applauds Pacquiao’s Swift Action
The EcoWaste Coalition, which first uncovered the unauthorized use of Pacquiao’s likeness on the YiAD paints, welcomed his firm stand. The group praised the “People’s Champ” not only for protecting his identity but also for championing the health and safety of Filipinos.
“We laud Manny Pacquiao for dissociating himself from paints containing lead, a potent toxicant affecting nearly all organ systems, especially the brain and the central nervous system,” said Manny Calonzo, Campaigner at the EcoWaste Coalition.
“His resolute and swift action, we hope, will help in knocking out the illegal trade of imported lead-containing paints and keep our people safe from such a preventable source of lead exposure and harm.”
Why the Issue Matters
Lead, long banned in paints in the Philippines, remains a dangerous threat due to the entry of non-compliant imported products. The EcoWaste Coalition has repeatedly raised alarms over the illegal sale of such paints, which can cause irreversible damage — particularly developmental delays, reduced IQ, and neurological harm in children.
The unauthorized use of Pacquiao’s image compounded the problem, creating a false impression of safety and endorsement, potentially luring consumers into buying hazardous products.
A Knockout Punch Against Toxic Trade
Pacquiao’s intervention is more than just a defense of his personal brand — it is a symbolic knockout punch against toxic trade practices that exploit public trust and endanger lives. By standing with the EcoWaste Coalition, Pacquiao sends a strong message that celebrity influence should never be misused to mislead the public, especially when health is at stake.
As the legal battle unfolds, advocates hope that this case will spotlight the urgency of stricter enforcement against the illegal sale of lead-containing paints and reinforce the Philippines’ commitment to a toxic-free future.
For Pacquiao, whose fists once brought pride to the nation, the fight today is no longer inside the ring — but in defending the health, safety, and dignity of the Filipino people.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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