Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday sought a Senate investigation on the impending closure of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Pasay City, which will affect 500 employees.
The iconic hotel will stop its operations on July 1, 2024.
In her proposed Senate Resolution No. 1059, Hontiveros said the closure raised significant concerns among its employees and their representatives.
“We call for greater transparency from Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc. (PPHI), and demand answers regarding the true reasons behind this decision,” she said.
The senator cited recent reports saying that PPHI, the owner of the hotel currently managed by French multinational hospitality company Accor S.A., requested a 25-year extension of its lease from the Government Service Insurance System.
However, on May 10, 2024, the hotel announced that it was closing down permanently, despite brisk business.
“We must ensure that the existing laws and policies are able to protect the rights and welfare of workers,” she said.
She said the Senate intends to investigate the legitimacy of the closure, the treatment of employees in light of this development, and its potential impact on labor policies in the hospitality sector.
The probe will look into the upholding of labor laws and safeguarding the rights of the workers involved.