By PR | 11:25 AM April 17, 2020
The Department of Tourism (DOT) issues a stern warning to all individuals and groups who are allegedly taking advantage of the room allotments for the repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers by offering to be the middlemen, in exchange for a commission, thus marking up the room rates during the period of enhanced community quarantine in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) concern.
DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat confirms receiving reports from the Hotel Sales and Marketing Association (HSMA) that third party individuals and groups have been approaching accommodation establishments including hotels, resorts, pension houses, and serviced apartments to negotiate for markup rates intended for our OFWs.
The Department firmly denounces this practice as it strongly encourages accommodation establishments to offer their best rates possible, with no room for third-party negotiators that compound the best and barest rates.
This is in accordance with the provisions of Administrative Order No. 2020-001-B or the Amended Implementing Rules and Regulations Governing the Operations of Hotels and other Accommodation Establishments During the Period of Enhanced Community Quarantine issued 30 March 2020, stating thus:
“Section 12. Lowest Possible Rates. – Covered Accommodation Establishments are strongly encouraged to provide the lowest possible rates to guests, especially to OFWs and Employees from Neighboring Basic Establishments. Those reported to be engaging in opportunistic pricing may be subject to the relevant penalties under applicable laws, rules, and regulations.”
Puyat warns both the third-party negotiators and conniving accommodation establishments on the legal repercussions of these opportunistic activities that take advantage of the OFWs and even the stranded tourists.
