Autism Society to controversial Cebu resort: Action more important than apology

The Autism Society of the Philippines has urged the management of Plantation Bay Resort in Cebu to treat their customers better especially those with disabilities, following an incident that put it on the spotlight.

The group issued the statement after the resort received a bad online review from a mother who said she and her child, who has special needs, had an unpleasant experience in the venue.

The review prompted the resort's resident shareholder, Manny Gonzales, to castigate the mother. Gonzalez has already apologized for his "poor handling of a guest complaint."

But according to the Autism Society of the Philippines, action is more important than apology.

"Apologies are important. Action, more so. This said event is an opportunity for disability sensitivity training and a review of the resort's policies and procedures for compliance with Magna Carta for Persons with Disability," the group said.

"The noble men and women who serve to please their customers at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa in Cebu can do better," it added.

The group said it is willing to be of assistance to the resort in this endeavor alongside the Department of Tourism and the National Council on Disability Affairs.

"We can help facilitate education in 'invisible' and often misunderstood disabilities," it said.

"Even the best intentioned organizations can always use additional knowledge and improvements in areas they are not properly trained in."

The Department of Tourism is already looking into the incident. --KBK, GMA News