The Department of Tourism affirmed its decision to suspend the accreditation of Berjaya Makati Hotel.
It can be recalled that the hotel was the place where a guest, dubbed “Poblacion Girl,” reportedly skipped quarantine to attend a party and in the process violated government health protocols.
The guest, identified as a certain “Gwyneth Chua” skipped quarantine. Those who attend the party and had close contact with Chua eventually tested positive for COVID-19.
The DOT, in a notice of resolution, said the hotel was “liable for violation of government health and safety protocols.” Berjaya Makati’s suspension of accreditation however was shortened to two months instead of three.
The DOT further said the Berjaya’s permit as a multiple-purpose hotel has been revoked, due to the quarantine violations A multiple-purpose hotel can accommodate both quarantine and “regular” guests.
In a letter, the DOT said “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.”
Berjaya Makati Hotel was earlier padlocked but filed an appeal.