Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 10) — The government’s debt to members of the Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA) now stands at ₱1.7 billion, according to an official of the group.
“We started this partnership two years ago. We never stopped providing the accommodations. Through the months, some of the receivables have accumulated,” he told CNN Philippines’ The Final Word on Thursday.
“Many of the big receivables are from hotels here in Metro Manila,” he added.
But, according to Bengzon, OWWA has assured the group that all the account receivables will be settled “at the soonest possible time.”
“We have received that commitment. We’re looking forward to having all the receivables settled,” he said.
“We prefer to have the whole amount settled, but if it’s not possible, tranches would be sufficient,” he added.
Bengzon stressed the funds could help provide hotels with a financial boost to cover their operating expenses, especially electricity and salaries of workers.
“It’s important to understand that hotels are having a difficult time now. Obviously we need the funds to cover some of our operating expenses,” he said.
Despite OWWA’s unpaid bills, Bengzon said they’re still willing to continue the partnership with the government agency.
PHOA executive director Bong Bengzon, Jr. said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) owes quarantine hotels used by returning overseas Filipino workers 120 days or about four months of unpaid bills.
