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The Department of Tourism (DOT) is interested in applying sanctions against Mactan-Bay Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, which has been accused by a parent of not being a child-friendly facility, especially those with special needs.
In an online press from Mabini, Batangas, Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat said: “The DOT has already initiated an investigation into the matter and, after due notification and hearing, will impose the corresponding administrative sanctions on the complex.” .
She added: “DOT will also coordinate with the Department of Justice [DOJ] for their due action by virtue of the Disability Law, by virtue of which the aggrieved may also present the complaint ”.
The problem arose from a TripAdvisor review on December 6 from a @maipages who said she was told by lifeguards to shut up her son, Fin, a boy with autism, who “squealed with joy” while playing in the resort pool . “It’s a demanding experience,” he said, adding: “I will never consider staying here again…. We need a friendly and empathetic environment for children and families with special needs ”.
To which, the resort’s resident shareholder, Manny González, responded on December 7: “For your information, uncontrolled yelling is not a symptom of autism. In contrast, autistic children tend to be silent, non-verbal, and overwhelmed and withdrawn when faced with strangers. In fact, it is sadly true that an autistic child will not be happy in any public situation in which he may encounter many unfamiliar people and surroundings. Google ‘Autism’ and see for yourself. Therefore, this parent is most likely deliberately lying or has been misdiagnosed with autism. “
This is the second time the complex has been caught in the DOT crosshairs. In 2015, its parent company, Plantation Bay Holdings Corp., sued then Secretary of Tourism Ramón Jiménez Jr. and other DOT officials at the Ombudsman’s office after receiving a downgrade to four stars based on the star rating system. from the government agency, from his previous five. -star rating. The Ombudsman dismissed the case twice. The resort is currently rated 4 stars according to TripAdvisor reviewers.
Magna Carta at PWD
The TripAdvisor exchange went viral on social media on Wednesday, with netizens calling for a resort boycott. The Autism Society of the Philippines issued its own opinion on the matter, calling it “an opportunity for disability sensitivity training; and a review of the resort’s policies and procedures in accordance with RA 7277, the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities ”. The organization stressed that “the law is on their side” and the father of the special child “can present a civil case in court or before the Human Rights Commission for violations of RA 7277”, if the matter is not resolved.
González, in a letter posted on the complex’s Facebook page, finally issued a letter of apology Wednesday night, saying: “I was wrong to question the mother’s motives and I deeply regret leaving the impression that we do not support the community of parents and children with special needs. “She also edited her response to the mother on TripAdvisor, deleting her comments on autism.
However, a scroll through previous complaints about the resort showed similar heavy-handed responses to reviewers, with management even describing some as “thugs and wife-beaters as spouses” or “professional complainants as hotel guests.” . prior to
@maipages gave his review, several other guests over the years also opined that the resort is not suitable for children due to its policy of maintaining a quiet environment.
