Only two days after posting about its launch, Pangga – an app that billed itself as “Asia’s first on-demand companionship service” – has deleted its Facebook page and website, amid a firestorm of controversy and a threatened investigation.
Its original posts went viral when it called out for male “partners” looking to get paid part-time to work as rental boyfriends, companions or Metro Manila tour guides for foreigners.
While the app’s marketing materials used the term “boyfriend,” they also attempted to cover any potential claims they were running a gigolo service by stating that “inappropriate contact was not allowed.”
According to local entertainment site Spot.PH, the app was not available via the Google Play store or iTunes, but only by downloading it through the app’s website.
Both netizens and local officials alike had expressed concern that the app, which marketed its services to female users, could lead to sexual abuse or human trafficking.
A report in SunStar said that Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale ordered an investigation into the app, if it violates laws or lead to sexual exploitation of its users.
Before going offline, Pangga – or “cuddle” in Visayan – was available in Manila and Cebu.
Its developers are based in Taguig City in Metro Manila.
Coconuts emailed Pangga for a statement on why they took down their app and website, but has not yet received a response as of posting time.
