Controversial resort shareholder resigns after drawing flak for autism remarks

ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/life/12/09/plantation-bay.jpg"/><figcaption>Photo from Plantation Bay Resort and Spa Facebook page</figcaption></figure></div><p>A resort shareholder who recently drew flak on social media over his handling of a customer complaint and controversial comments on autism has resigned, the resort said in a statement Tuesday. </p><p>Manny Gonzalez, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa&#x27;s Resident Shareholder, left his post &quot;to protect our staff from further indignities,&quot; the resort said in a statement, quoting Gonzales. </p><p>&quot;With sincere apologies for my error of judgment which led to so much trouble to many innocent people, I have decided to resign from the position of Resident Shareholder,&quot; the statement added. </p><p>The incident also forced the management of Plantation Bay Resort and <br/>to review its protocols, and &quot;pledged to initiate more proactive efforts and implement necessary changes within the week.&quot;</p><p>Earlier this month, resort client Mai Pages narrated her experience at Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, which she described as &quot;discriminating&quot; and &quot;not an ideal place for a child with special needs.&quot;</p><p>She said at least two lifeguards called them out after they heard her son with autism &quot;squealing with delight&quot; whenever he jumps into the water.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/12/09/20/cebu-resort-apologizes-after-drawing-flak-for-remarks-on-autism">STORY: Cebu resort apologizes after drawing flak for remarks on autism</a></li></ul><p>Gonzalez, then using the account of general manager Efren Belarmino, responded to Pages in TripAdvisor and accused her of &quot;most deliberately lying or has been given an incorrect diagnosis of autism.&quot;</p><p>In a now-deleted post, Gonzalez said &quot;uncontrolled shouting is not a symptom of autism,&quot; and at one point even told the public to &quot;Google autism and verify this for yourself.&quot;</p><p>The reply went on to explain why Plantation Bay is &quot;very clear&quot; about its &quot;strict policies regarding noisemaking by anyone.&quot;</p><p>The Department of Tourism has since launched an investigation, following calls by Philippine Autism Society. </p><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9hQiUx7wOQ8?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

<p>A resort shareholder who recently drew flak on social media over his handling of a customer complaint and controversial comments on autism has resigned, the resort said in a statement Tuesday. </p>

A resort shareholder who recently drew flak on social media over his handling of a customer complaint and controversial comments on autism has resigned, the resort said in a statement Tuesday.

Controversial resort shareholder resigns after drawing flak for autism remarks | ABS-CBN

Entertainment

News

Metro.Style

Sports

More

Business

Controversial resort shareholder resigns after drawing flak for autism remarks

Controversial resort shareholder resigns after drawing flak for autism remarks

ABS-CBN News

Published Dec 15, 2020 03:00 PM PHT

Read More:

Manny Gonzalez

Plantation Bay Resort and Spa

DOT

tourism

Cebu resort

autism

customer service

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2024 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Advertise with Us

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

© 2024 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.