Two TikTok influencers have been criticized by members of the local restaurant community who call themselves Restaurant Owners of the Philippines (RestoPH) over their viral TikTok prank, which also receives backlash from the online users.

TikTok duo Chuck Aquino and Joe Abad filmed themselves for a TikTok content while repeatedly asking for additional servings of togarashi at the Japanese restaurant, which turns out they were hoarding the Japanese spice blend. One of them took out a jar and filled it with togarashi, placed it in his bag, and walked out of the restaurant.

“We are deeply concerned and saddened by the irresponsible TikTok video,” said Resto PH in their statement yesterday, Feb 2.

The group addressed concern that others, especially the youth, may emulate the prank and add to the many struggles of local restaurants given the pandemic.

“The intention to deceive was crystal clear," the group said, expressing their "outrage and disappointment" over the viral video, which reached 2.5 million views as of Tuesday, in fear that it might encourage the "impressionable youth" to imitate the prank.

"While the influencers have posted an attempt at an apology, it was disappointing, as their video is still up on Tiktok," the group added.

“We wish it to be made clear that we consider what they did as a form of theft; and once promoted on social media, theft no longer becomes petty. Restaurant losses are not casual matters to be used for a social experiment," said the local restaurant community.

"The restrictions of the quarantine have already caused many restaurants to close, and many more are struggling to survive. Malicious videos set a negative example and will have an adverse effect on the thousands of people who rely on the F&B industry for their security," Resto PH decried.

"We, the members of Resto PH, appreciate influencers' contributions, but the quest for 'views' and 'hits' must be balanced with integrity," the group stressed.

See full statement here: