DOT shortens Berjaya Hotel suspension

MANILA, Philippines — Berjaya Makati Hotel’s suspension order slapped by the Department of Tourism has been reduced from four months to two months, but the DOT affirmed its order revoking the facility’s authority to operate as a multi-purpose hotel.

The DOT upheld its ruling finding Berjaya Hotel liable for violating health and safety protocols due to the quarantine breach involving a returning Filipina from the United States last December.

In a Jan. 19 letter addressed to Makati Mayor Abby Binay, DOT-National Capital Region officer-in-charge Sharlene Zabala-Batin said the agency maintained its order revoking Berjaya Hotel’s authority to operate as a multi-purpose hotel or those that can accommodate both quarantine and “staycation” guests.

The DOT also maintained the P13,200 fine slapped against the company.

Berjaya appealed an earlier DOT ruling that found the hotel liable for breaching quarantine protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and DOT.

Gwyneth Anne Chua, who checked into the Berjaya Hotel last year, broke quarantine restrictions to attend a party in the nearby Poblacion district. She later tested positive for COVID.

The DOT has requested the city government to implement the suspension of Berjaya Hotel’s business permit.