By Jaime S. Cabag
The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region VI issued an advisory reminding all accommodation establishments of the existing rules amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The advisory dated December 29, 2020 and signed by Regional Director Helen Catalbas was based on Section 26 of DOT Administrative Order No. 2020-002-C and provisions of Administrative Order No. 2020-006-C.
Based on the two administrative orders, accommodation establishments operating under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) as quarantine or isolation facilities for Repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers, Returning Overseas Filipinos, and Locally Stranded Individuals and quarters for health workers are prohibited from providing accommodation to guests for business or leisure purpose.
Failure to comply may subject the accommodation establishment to the appropriate fines and penalties including revocation of Certificate of Authority to Operate (CAO) and review of DOT-Accreditation in accordance with DOT Administrative Order No. 2020-002-C and other relevant laws, rules and regulations.
It will be recalled that as of last month DOT Region VI has issued CAO and provisional certificates to 638 accommodation establishments with 12,351 available rooms throughout the region. (PIA)
