Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 26) — The Department of Tourism (DOT) has affirmed its decision against embattled Berjaya Makati Hotel for the “Poblacion girl” controversy despite the latter’s request for reconsideration.
In a letter to Makati Mayor Abby Binay dated Jan. 19, the DOT said it affirmed its ruling finding the establishment “liable” for violating COVID-19 health and safety protocols after it failed to stop a returning Filipino from skipping mandatory hotel quarantine to party in Poblacion, Makati City last December.
The letter, signed by DOT National Capital Region Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, showed the agency’s modified order—from the initial three-month suspension, the DOT has reduced it to two months.
However, the department stressed that it maintained its order revoking Berjaya’s permit to operate as a multipurpose hotel, and the ₱13,200 fine slapped against the company.
“Under IATF Guidelines on the Nationwide Implementation of Alert Level System for COVID-19, Response, as of December 14, 2021, Section 1 (5) states that only hotels or accommodation establishments with valid DOT Accreditation shall be allowed to accommodate guests and clients subject to guidelines issued by the Department of Tourism and the IATF,” the DOT said in its letter.
The department said the order “is now executory.”
“We respectfully request that the office of the good Mayor take the appropriate action in relation to the suspension of Berjaya Makati Hotel’s business permit,” it said.
Berjaya Makati Hotel has yet to respond to a request for comment.
Meanwhile, the Makati City prosecutor has scheduled its preliminary investigation of the case of Gwyneth Chua, dubbed “Poblacion girl,” on Feb. 7 and 14.
READ: Preliminary probe of Gwyneth Chua case set in February
Chua, her parents, and several staff of the hotel where she stayed for quarantine, are facing charges for violating Republic Act No. 11332, specifically for failing to comply with quarantine or isolation rules.
