Palace to Chinese establishments: Do not discriminate

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang is calling for a probe on claims that some local restaurants and shops are catering exclusively to Chinese nationals as it urged consumers to file complaints against establishments that refused them service.

“We have to investigate that if that is true. We cannot allow that to happen. They cannot be discriminating against Filipinos. It’s a public business and therefore it should cater to all,” presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said at a press briefing yesterday.

There have been reports that some Chinese-owned stores in Pasay and Makati are not willing to do business with Filipinos. A Chinese restaurant in Muntinlupa also drew flak online for allegedly discriminating against Filipinos.

Asked if he agreed with Lacson that the Chinese-only establishments should be closed, Panelo replied: “We have to investigate first the truth of the report. We will ask (Labor) Secretary (Silvestre) Bello to conduct an investigation on the same.”

Panelo said customers can file complaints against businesses that refuse them service on the basis of their ethnicity or nationality.

“The better step or thing to do is to file a complaint. You engage the owner or try to force yourself – you will only trigger a fight,” the presidential spokesman said. – With Alexis Romero