MANILA – Businesses that serve only Chinese nationals or a specific nationality are not allowed, the Department of Trade and Industry said Wednesday, addressing a senior lawmaker’s concern.
Senator Panfilo Lacson is “correct in calling out” establishments that bar Filipinos from entering in favor of Chinese expatriate workers, said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez.
“Serving only Chinese clients or any specific nationality in a store is a form of discrimination and is not allowed,” Lopez said in a statement.
Lopez said DTI regional offices were directed to check establishments in their areas. He said the public should report discrimination to the department’s hotline.
Businesses who wish to serve Chinese nationals should instead offer translations on items such as menus, like in Japan, where options are also written in English, he said. (ABS-CBN)
