Shopee layoffs due to Toni ‘not true’

A retrenched Shopee employee expressed her sentiments amid netizens' negative response to the online shopping platform's launch of Toni Gonzaga as its new brand endorser.

On 29 September, Shopee released teaser images of Gonzaga, announcing its full reveal on 30 September. But it drew widespread disapproval from netizens — who said they'd rather delete their Shopee apps and boycott the company for the huge expense of signing up Gonzaga amid its laying off employees due to declining revenues.

Gonzaga has been bashed online by netizens critical of celebrities who supported the candidacy of Bongbong Marcos in the 2020 presidential elections.

On her Facebook post, Aigy Rose Alba, said to be a former Shopee senior analyst, called out Gonzaga's bashers: "Don't use our heartbreak for your political advantage. Stop using us with your cancel culture. You have the right to stand for your political views. Pero 'wag kami! Iba na lang. Nag-mo-move-on pa lang kami, mahirap mawalan ng mabuti at maalagang employer."

She also belied allegations Shopee's laying off employees was connected to its launching Gonzaga as endorser.

"Yes, my role was impacted by Shopee's downsizing of the workforce here in PH. But we did not lose our job because of the endorser's TF… Somehow, we saw it coming. With the closure of overseas headquarters due to the global recession, we knew we would be affected one day. We weren't expecting, though, it would happen that fast and we weren't ready. Why? Because Shopee never burdened us with its losses. We were just enjoying our free ice cream in the office, perks, goodies, salary, etcetera, name it, we get it. On time, on the dot, without fail."

She added: "Shopee secured a separation package that is more than what we expected — to make sure employees and our families can start anew and still celebrate the upcoming holidays…"

Daily Tribune reached out to Shopee management to verify the extent and effect of the boycott. But a representative said they will check.

Meanwhile, the company said it is collaborating with the country's leading brands for its 10.10 Brands Festival.

From 1 to 12 October, official brand stores are offering 50 percent off on brand deals, 15 percent daily discounts, and free shipping vouchers with no minimum spend.