The Department of Tourism (DOT) probes the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa’s alleged discrimination against a child with special needs.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the DOT coordinated with the Department of Justice (DOJ) concerning the laws that protect persons with a disability.
The mother, Mai, said they experienced discrimination from the resort’s hotel after her child Fin, who has autism, was reprimanded for squealing. She explained Fin does that because he was happy.
Menny Gonzalez, a resident shareholder of Plantation Bay Mactan, replied to the review and said, “For your information, uncontrolled shouting is not a symptom of autism.” He went on telling the mother to “Google ‘Autism’ and verify this for yourself.”
Yesterday, Gonzalez released an apology to the mother of child with special needs.
“This is in response to my poor handling of a guest complaint a couple of days ago. I was wrong to question the mother’s motives, and deeply regret leaving the impression that we are not supportive of the community of parents with children who have special needs,” he said in a letter released last night, December 8.
DOT probes Cebu resort over alleged ‘discrimination’ of child with special needs
“Our hotel’s policy om keeping noise levels down in the pool and at the restaurants is geared towards safety and relaxation of guests. We try to apply this policy even-handedly. As a result of that policy, in almost 25 years, we have never had a child die here. A mother’s pride is important, but more important are the lives of the children who come here,” he added.
“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.
Meanwhile, Many autism groups have spoken up and condemned Plantation Bay Mactan executive’s response to the parent.
The Autism Society Philippines lauded Mai for speaking out and fighting for her son.
“A disability-compassionate and sympathetic hospitality organization would have gone the extra mile to understand their customer’s perspective. Instead, the resort went the other direction,” the organization wrote.