Microtel refutes ‘motel’ branding

MANILA, Philippines—Branding, and reputation, is everything.

After being mentioned in an Inquirer article as one of the “top-paying motels and hotels,” Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham^® clarified that they are not a “motel” but is accredited to operate as a hotel.

In a statement sent to INQUIRER.net, Jose Mari del Rosario, President and Chief Executive Officer of Microtel, reiterated that Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham^® is an international chain of more than 300 hotels throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and the Philippines. ‘‘The brand is part of the more than 7,000 hotels of the Wyndham Hotel Group,’’ he said.

The Inquirer story titled “No TINs, no taxes: BIR goes after motels” was posted online on Feb. 20. The item reported on the government’s campaign for expeditious tax collection and said Microtel was one of the top taxpayers.

“While we fully support the government’s campaign in terms of tax collection, we are genuinely honored to be recognized as one of the top taxpayers,” Del Rosario said.

“However, we would like to put it on record that the Department of Tourism has granted Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham^® accreditation to operate as a hotel,’’ Del Rosario said.

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No TINs, no taxes: BIR goes after motels