The Thailand-based manu-facturer of Red Bull energy drink has asked Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to overturn a resolution issued by her subordinate, who ruled in favor of a disgruntled former distributor in the Philippines.
T.C. Pharmaceutical Industries Company Ltd. (TCPI), manufacturer of Red Bull, said it was in shock because of a Resolution issued by Justice Undersecretary Jose Vicente Salazar on June 21, 2012, who ordered the Legazpi City Prosecutor to file criminal charges against it for alleged unfair trade competition and conspiracy to commit fraud through misbranding.
TCPI said the resolution besmirches its reputation as among the largest private sector investors from Thailand that have made significant contributions to the Philippines, being the owner and manufacturer of the world-renowned energy drink Red Bull.
“With regard to our investments here, we are proud to say that we have attached great importance to business transparency, ethics as well as the practice of corporate social responsibility and the return of benefits to the Philippine local communities and society through various programs and worthwhile activities for the youth,” it said.
“We are however currently in shock because of a resolution issued by your Office through Undersecretary of Justice Jose Vicente Salazar dated June 21, 2012,” TCPI said.
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by Energy Food and Drinks Inc. (EFDI), a disgruntled former distributor of Red Bull.  “Our good name and reputation is being threatened anew by a groundless criminal allegation that a former distributor lodged against us,” TCPI said in a letter to De Lima on Aug. 6.