Question & AnswerQ&A (OTS)
The Philippine Hotel Code of 1987 is the set of rules and regulations governing the business and operation of all hotels in the Philippines, promulgated under the authority vested in the Department of Tourism by Executive Order No. 120 and Presidential Decree Nos. 259 and 1463.
A 'Hotel' means the building, edifice or premises or a completely independent part thereof, used for the regular reception, accommodation or lodging of travellers and tourists and the provision of services incidental thereto for a fee.
Hotels are classified into four categories for registration and licensing purposes: De Luxe Class, First Class, Standard Class, and Economy Class.
The locality and environs including approaches should be suitable for a luxury hotel of international standard, and the facade, architectural features, and general construction of the building should have the distinctive qualities of a luxury hotel.
Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of articles of incorporation or partnership, resolutions authorizing filing, list of directors and officers, list of owners or stockholders and proof of financial capacity, audited financial statements, income tax returns, list of hotel staff, joint venture agreements if any, and other required documents.
The license to operate a hotel is valid for one year from the date of issue and must be renewed annually before its expiration date.
Hotels operating without a license are subject to a fine exceeding P50,000, closure of business, or both.
An inspection committee composed of representatives from the Department of Tourism, Department of Health, local government, and the Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines conducts an ocular inspection and prepares a checklist to determine the hotel's class.
They must immediately report any guest, tenant, or staff member found to be suffering from a dangerous, contagious, and/or infectious disease to the nearest Department of Tourism field office and follow all precautions and directions from the Department of Health to prevent disease spread.
The hotel faces a fine of seventy-five pesos (P75.00) per day, up to a maximum of one thousand five hundred pesos (P1,500.00); continued failure can result in suspension of the certificate of registration and license.