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The Department of Tourism (DOT) is investigating an incident involving a luxury resort in Cebu and the “mismanagement” by management of a guest and a child with special needs.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the DOT had already coordinated with the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding laws that protect people with disabilities after a guest at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City complained about the “discriminatory” house rules. .
The resort management has apologized for the incident.
Sanctions
The exchange between the guest, a mother of a child with autism, and Plantation Bay resident shareholder Manny Gonzalez had gone viral, and the complex drew criticism from organizations like the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP).
“The DOT has already started an investigation [into] … The issue. And after due notification and hearing, we will give the appropriate administrative sanctions, ”Puyat said at a virtual press conference on Wednesday.
“We are also coordinating with the Department of Justice for its proper action,” he added.
In a Tripadvisor review of Plantation Bay on Sunday, Mai Pages, who has a 6-year-old boy with autism, shared how they were “discriminated against and excluded” at the resort.
“It could have been the perfect getaway for Fin, my son with special needs. When something excites him or when he is happy, he makes it known by screaming with joy. I thought it was fine until they told us from afar (a lifeguard to keep quiet), ”he said.
“As a mother, your initial action would be directed at your son. So I told him not to scream because it was not allowed. Frankly, it was a difficult time. Another lifeguard came and told us the same thing. I had to explain to him that he is a child with needs ”, he added.
In a now-deleted comment on Tripadvisor, González, using the account of general manager Efren Belarmino, responded to Pages and accused her of “probably deliberately lying” or that she had been given an incorrect diagnosis of autism.
“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 In contrast, autistic children tend to be silent, non-verbal, and overwhelmed and withdrawn when faced with strangers. Google ‘autism’ and check it out for yourself, ”Gonzalez said.
Sorry
“What the child is most likely to have is lack of discipline due to simple parental negligence …”, he added.
González later apologized for his “poor” handling of the incident. He said he was wrong to question Pages’ motives and deeply regretted leaving the impression that the complex did not support the community of parents whose children have special needs.
“Our hotel’s policy of keeping noise levels low in the pool and in restaurants is geared towards the safety and relaxation of all our guests. Anyway, I handled this badly and I apologize to all parties that were offended by my response, ”he said.
In a blog post Tuesday, ASP condemned the Plantation Bay management’s actions, emphasizing the need for disability sensitivity training and a review of the resort’s policies and procedures pursuant to Republic Law No. 7277 , or the Magna Carta for People with Disabilities.
“For parents in this situation, know that the law is on your side. Taking the matter to senior management is the best way to amicably resolve your issues and teach the organization what accommodations are needed by guests who uniquely manifest their disability, “the group said. If the issue is not resolved, ASP said the Concerned parents can file a civil case in court or with the Human Rights Commission.
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