CHR investigates Cebu resort row involving child with special needs

Cebu resort's supposed discrimination of a child with special needs has drawn the attention of the Commission on Human Rights, prompting it to launch an investigation.

On Sunday, CHR said its Regional Office 7 began its probe last week into the matter, noting that the commission is mandated to protect the rights of vulnerable sectors including children with special needs.

“Our Regional Office in Region 7 started its motu proprio investigation last week,” CHR told GMA News Online in a text message.

It said that aside from its mandate, the commission also pointed out that the Philippines is a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and that the incident can be a matter related to persons with disabilities.

Earlier, the Department of Tourism and the Department of Justice said they are conducting their own investigation into the incident.

The case stemmed from the Trip Advisor review of Mai Pages, mother to a six-year-old child with autism, who complained that they were told off by lifeguards when her son made squealing sounds when they went in the water.

She said that the sound that her son was making signaled that he was excited or happy.

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa management said it had strict rules against noise-making so their staff could immediately hear cries of distress in the resort.

The resort drew flak after its resident stakeholder, Manny Gonzales, accused the mother of lying, even questioning the child's diagnosis in response to her complaint. He later apologized.

However, the Autism Society of the Philippines said action is more important than an 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," it said. —LBG, GMA News