Tagaytay restaurant apologizes over alleged 'aspin' discrimination
Tagaytay restaurant Balay Dako has spoken up after a growing social media firestorm alleged that it discriminated against aspins (native Filipino dog).
In one of the more recent posts on its Facebook account, Balay Dako uploaded an apology that promised a review of its pet policy to ensure it is “clear, fair, and balances the needs of both pet owners and non-pet owners.”
The apology stems from an Instagram and Facebook post by marketing manager Lara L. Antonio that alleged Balay Dako refused to let her and her aspin Yoda entry to the establishment after initially being assured that it was okay.
Lara pointed out that the restaurant's pet policy was not clear on which dogs are allowed and not allowed in the establishment. Lara also alleged that her dog's breed played a part in the refusal since other breeds like Labradors were allowed in the restaurant.
Read Lara's post below.
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So far, Balay Dako's apology has not tamped down the outrage from netizens. There are now more than 12,000 comments on their apology post, most of them negative. The apology post has also been shared more than 8,000 times.
This is the second incident in the past few weeks that involves the discrimination or mistreatment of animals. Last month, the Baluarte Zoo in Vigan, Ilocos Sur faced backlash after video spread of a white lion named King being mistreated at the zoo.
The Baluarte Zoo would then respond twice to the allegations, first to reiterate their zero-tolerance policy for any mistreatment of animals. Their second post on the matter assured the public that they are taking the matter seriously and that they have terminated the employee captured in the viral video.
While not involving animals, another social media firestorm also erupted in July after local Cebu celebrity Jude Bacalso was said to have forced restaurant staff to stand in front of her for two hours for misgendering her.
