DILG: More complaints mulled vs. Berjaya Hotel over quarantine breach

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is considering filing additional complaints against Berjaya Hotel after a traveler skipped quarantine in its facility, an official from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Wednesday.

Interviewed on ANC, DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya noted this is separate from the initial complaints that have been filed against involved individuals in the quarantine breach.

“The CIDG is also looking at filing additional charges against the hotel itself,” he said.

Asked for details, he told GMA News Online, "We can’t disclose right now but we will be filing it with DOJ-Makati Prosecutor's Office in addition to the charge of violating RA 11332."

Earlier, the CIDG filed a complaint before the Makati Prosecutor's Office against Gwyneth Chua, the returning Filipino from the US who skipped quarantine, and eight other people.

The complaint cited violation of Republic Act 11332 or Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act committed by Chua, her parents, her boyfriend, and five hotel personnel.

Last week, the Makati City government served the closure order to Berjaya Hotel in Makati City after the Department of Tourism (DOT) suspended its accreditation.

Berjaya Hotel said the closure order was without basis, pointing out that DOT’s order is not yet final because a 15-day period is given for an appeal.

On December 23, 2021, Chua skipped hotel quarantine to attend a party and visit restaurants in Poblacion, Makati. On December 27, she tested positive for COVID-19.

Her fellow party-goers and some patrons and staff of a restaurant later tested positive for the disease.

GMA News Online messaged Berjaya Hotel for its reaction but has yet to get a response as of posting time.—LDF, GMA News