Jollibee not happy with saucy video of mascots

Jollibee Foods Corp., the country's number one hamburger chain, said Monday it was now conducting an investigation to flush out the culprits behind an offensive video starring its signature bee and ice-cream mascots that is now doing the rounds on the Internet. In the video, Jollibee -- a cherubic-faced, tuxedoed bee -- is shown in a compromising situation with Twirlie, the female mascot for the fastfood's ice-cream product. Calling the naughty flick a "corrupting material," the Jollibee management promised to find and punish those responsible for video that was apparently shot illicitly in a toilet. "We will not let this pass, neither will we let it happen again. Be assured we are taking all necessary steps to bring the culprits into account. One thing we know we can count on is your support in countering this threat," said John Victor Tence, Jollibee vice president for corporate human resources, in a letter addressed to parents. "The material is obviously no more than someone's idea of a senseless amusement. Yet, we cannot ignore the equally obvious risk of its effect on our children," he said. In the letter, Tence told parents: "Jollibee created the mascot for kids, their wholesome fun and carefree innocence. We’ve worked hard and unceasingly for the mascot to earn your kids’ trust and love. It would be so sad to have all this swept away by one mindless prank." While Tence's email was not posted on the fast-food chain’s official website (jollibee.com.ph) that is accessible to children, it was posted on many web log (blog) sites where the video has sparked discussion. Despite the letter, the video was still circulating on the Internet, being posted on blog and "video sharing" sites, and passed on via email. It was not immediately clear how Jollibee will take legal action against those who posted the material on YouTube, which was recently acquired by search site Google. - GMANews.TV