Question & AnswerQ&A (MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2018-03)
The PAS aims to make the Department of Tourism (DOT) accreditation system more inclusive, motivate stakeholders to improve their property facilities and services, and develop a database of primary tourism enterprises in the Philippines.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has the authority to implement the Progressive Accreditation System based on the power vested by Republic Act No. 9593, the Tourism Act of 2009.
The three levels of recognition are: 1) Basic Registration, 2) Regular Accreditation, and 3) Premium Accreditation or Star-Rating Accreditation.
The PAS covers accommodation establishments (hotels, resorts, apartment hotels, Mabuhay accommodations, homestays), travel and tour agencies, tourist land transport operators, MICE organizers, and MICE venues/facilities.
Basic Registration is valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance unless sooner cancelled for cause.
If the enterprise fails to meet the basic requirements, the DOT gives six (6) months to rectify deficiencies. Failure to comply results in a Notice of Non-Compliance and a copy is furnished to the local government unit (LGU) concerned.
Grounds include making false declarations or fraudulent acts to obtain accreditation, failure to comply with standards, failure to pay fines or surcharges, and liability findings against the tourism enterprise by the DOT.
Penalties include stern warning and a fine of P5,000 for the first offense, six months suspension and P10,000 fine for the second offense, and revocation/cancellation plus a P20,000 fine for the third offense.
A tourism enterprise submits a Letter of Intent or a self-assessment form to the DOT regional office or through an online system. An inspection is scheduled, findings discussed and inspected parties sign the inspection checklist. Based on compliance, the DOT issues the appropriate certificate of accreditation.
No, the rights and privileges granted under PAS accreditation are non-transferable.
They may receive a stern warning and a fine of P5,000 for the first offense, suspension and a higher fine for subsequent offenses, which can lead to revocation of accreditation on repeated violations.
Regular Accreditation is valid for two (2) years while Premium and Star-Rating Accreditation are valid for three (3) years, both renewable unless sooner cancelled for cause.
False or misleading claims constitute gross bad faith and can lead to six months suspension and/or fines, increasing to revocation and higher fines on repeated offenses.
DOT representatives have access to the enterprise's offices and records during reasonable hours for inspection, can monitor compliance with standards, and may issue advisories against violations.