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QUEZON CITY, August 3, 2025 — From the boxing ring to the political arena, Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has stood as a symbol of grit, glory, and integrity. But now, the eight-division world champion is being urged to take a stand in an entirely new battlefield — public health and environmental safety.
The EcoWaste Coalition, an independent toxic watchdog organization, has sounded the alarm over a troubling discovery: several cans of a China-made paint brand called YiAD Paint, prominently displaying Pacquiao’s image and signature, contain dangerously high levels of lead — violating Philippine law and putting consumers at risk.
In an urgent plea, EcoWaste called on the former senator and beloved national figure to immediately dissociate himself from the product and demand its removal from the market. “Your iconic image is being used — likely without your knowledge — to promote a product that is not only illegal under Philippine law but also hazardous to public health,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of the Coalition.
The Toxic Truth Behind the Label
EcoWaste revealed that it had acquired 12 cans of YiAD Paint from stores in Apalit (Pampanga), Antipolo City, and Valenzuela City. Seven of those cans were found to contain lead levels far exceeding the legally allowed threshold of 90 parts per million (ppm) — a limit set by DENR Administrative Order 2013-24, part of the country’s comprehensive chemical safety framework.
One particularly alarming sample — yellow YiAD Paint — registered a shocking 58,390 ppm of lead. Other colors also tested dangerously high, including orange (42,690 ppm), green (29,180 ppm), and light green (28,260 ppm). These numbers are hundreds of times over the legal limit and pose a direct threat to anyone exposed to the product, especially children.
The use of lead in paints has been conclusively linked to brain damage, kidney problems, cardiovascular issues, and irreversible neurological damage in children, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Lead is classified among WHO’s top 10 chemicals of public health concern, emphasizing its deadly persistence in human systems and the environment.
Pacquiao’s Silence — and the Danger of Endorsement
YiAD Paint cans prominently display Manny Pacquiao wearing boxing gloves and a branded jacket, alongside what appears to be his signature — an unmistakable seal of celebrity endorsement. The manufacturer, YiAD Hardware Tools Co. Ltd., even boasts on its website of a “deep cooperation” with Pacquiao to anchor their brand in the Philippine market.
However, EcoWaste suspects that Pacquiao may have been unaware of the paint’s toxic composition — or may not have given informed consent to such an endorsement. As of writing, he has yet to respond to EcoWaste’s inquiry sent on July 30.
“We believe that if you were aware of the lead content, you would not have allowed your name to be used,” wrote Lucero in her letter to Pacquiao. “Your support for a hazardous product undermines the very values of integrity, patriotism, and social responsibility you represent.”
The Coalition also warned that consumers may be misled into buying these violative products, thinking they are safe simply because of Pacquiao’s association. “This kind of celebrity influence,” Lucero emphasized, “can unwittingly give dangerous products a false aura of trustworthiness.”
Toxic Paints Still on Store Shelves
YiAD Paints are being sold for P95 to P99.75 per 450 mL can — making them easily accessible and affordable to unsuspecting consumers. A disturbing example came from a store in Iloilo City named 3SP, which recently posted a “fresh stock alert” for its newest batch of multi-colored YiAD Paints.
While some YiAD variants — such as gold, purple, and various reds — tested lead-free, the existence of toxic variants in the same product line underscores the inconsistency and regulatory non-compliance of the brand. It also raises questions about how these paints, manufactured as recently as May 2025, were allowed to infiltrate the market despite the nationwide ban on lead paints.
The Law Is Clear — Lead Paints Are Banned
The Philippines had been a global frontrunner in eliminating lead-based decorative and industrial paints, phasing them out from 2013 to 2019 under DENR A.O. 2013-24. The local paint industry complied, demonstrating that safe alternatives are possible.
Yet the resurgence of imported leaded spray paints — especially those from unregulated or loosely monitored manufacturers — is now threatening to undo years of progress.
In response, EcoWaste joined forces with the Philippine Paint & Coatings Association, Inc. (PPCAI) and the International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) to publish an updated “Public Notice on Lead-Containing Paints”, a vital resource for consumers and retailers alike, last revised in March 2025:
🔗 https://www.ecowastecoalition.org/leadspraypaints/
Time to Step Up: Will the Champ Answer the Call?
EcoWaste Coalition is urging Pacquiao not just to withdraw his endorsement — but to take the lead in calling for:
The halt of manufacturing and importation of YiAD Paint.
The removal of violative products from store shelves.
The environmentally sound disposal of toxic inventory.
A public statement to raise awareness and protect consumers.
“The people’s champ” is more than a title. It’s a responsibility — especially when public health is in the crosshairs.
The fight may no longer be in the ring, but the stakes are just as high. The bell has rung. The gloves are off. And the nation is watching to see if Manny Pacquiao will once again rise as a true champion — this time, for health, safety, and the Filipino people.
Follow Wazzup Pilipinas for real-time updates on this developing story, including potential responses from Manny Pacquiao and official actions from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
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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