DOT coordinating with DOJ in probe of Cebu resort for ‘discrimination’

The Department of Tourism (DOT) is investigating an incident involving a luxury resort in Cebu and its management’s “poor handling” 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) with regard to laws that protect persons with disability after a guest at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Lapu-Lapu City complained about “discriminating” 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, with the resort drawing flak from organizations like the Autism Society Philippines (ASP).

“The DOT already launched an investigation [into] … the matter. And after due notice and hearing, we will give the proper administrative sanctions,” Puyat said in a virtual press conference on Wednesday.

“We are also coordinating with the DOJ for its proper action,” she 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 and excluded” at the resort.

“It could’ve been the perfect getaway for Fin, my child with special needs. When something excites him or when he is happy, he makes it known by squealing with delight. I thought that was okay until we were told from afar (by a lifeguard to keep quiet),” she said.

“As a mother, your initial action would be directed to your child. So I told him not to squeal because it wasn’t allowed. Quite frankly, it was a difficult moment. Another lifeguard came and told us the same thing. I had to explain that he is a child with needs,” she added.

In a now-deleted comment on Tripadvisor, Gonzalez, using the account of general manager Efren Belarmino, responded to Pages and accused her of “most likely deliberately lying” or had been given an incorrect diagnosis of autism.

“For your information, uncontrolled shouting is not a symptom of autism. On the contrary, autistic children tend to be silent, nonverbal and overwhelmed and withdrawn when faced with strangers. Google ‘autism’ and verify this for yourself,” Gonzalez said.

Apology

“What the child more likely has is a lack of discipline due to simple parental neglect…,” he added.

Gonzalez 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 resort was not supportive of the community of parents whose children have special needs.

“Our hotel’s policy on keeping noise levels down in the pool and at the restaurants is geared towards safety and relaxation for all our guests. Regardless, I handled this poorly and apologize to all the parties who felt offended by my reply,” he said.

In a blog post on Tuesday, ASP condemned the acts of Plantation Bay management, stressing the need for disability sensitivity training and a review of the resort’s policies and procedures in compliance with Republic Act No. 7277, or the Magna Carta for Persons with Disability.

“For parents who find themselves in this situation, know that the law is on your side. Escalating the matter to top management is the best way to amicably resolve your issues and to teach the organization what accommodations are needed by guests who manifest their disability uniquely,” the group said.If the issue is not resolved, ASP said concerned parents may file a civil case in court or in the Commission on Human Rights.