A husband and wife who are both persons with disability (PWD) accused Starbucks branch in Alabang of discrimination after a barista wrote “speech” on their cups.

Marivic Cruz and her husband, Daniel, a bassist of the band Decibel, went to Starbucks branch at Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa on July 21.

Based on their PWD IDs issued by the Muntinlupa City government, Marivic Cruz has psychosocial disability while Daniel Cruz has speech and language impairment. Daniel was born with a cleft palate, according to Marivic in a Facebook post.

“My husband and I went to Starbucks at Festival Mall earlier to relax after work. We are both PWDs (my husband has a speech disability and I have a psychosocial disability),” Marivic Cruz posted on Facebook.

She added, “Since I was already tired, he was the one who ordered at the counter. When he came back to our table, nag iba yung aura nya. Then he showed me the name written on his cup. Really, Starbucks!? This is so disappointing. And then you even called out my husband based on the name written on the cup? This is truly disappointing.”

In an update, Marivic said, “The manager spoke with us and apologized. They acknowledged their mistake. But still, part of us — especially my husband — was humiliated by what happened. He rarely approaches people, and now it seems like he’s starting to feel traumatized even just by ordering at other restaurants. Knowing that I also have a social disability, this is just too much.”

Decibel issued a statement condemning what happened to Daniel.

“We are heartbroken and outraged over the unacceptable treatment our bandmate and brother, Daniel Cruz, experienced at a Starbucks branch in Festival Mall,” they said.

They added, “Daniel, our bassist, is a talented musician and a person with a speech disability. Despite the challenges he faces, he continues to inspire us and many others with his strength, artistry, and passion. Recently, during a visit to Starbucks, he was publicly humiliated when the barista wrote the word ‘speech’ on his cup — reducing his identity to his disability and turning his condition into a label for mockery.”

“Let us be clear: this is discrimination. It is dehumanizing. It is a violation of dignity and a reflection of a deeper issue that still exists in our society — the lack of sensitivity, awareness, and respect for persons with disabilities,” Decibel said.

They said, “To Starbucks Philippines: We demand accountability. We expect a sincere public apology not just to our bassist and his wife, but to the entire PWD community. Words are not enough. Your company must show commitment to training your staff in proper disability awareness, empathy, and inclusion.”

“To everyone reading this: discrimination comes in many forms — some subtle, some blatant. But all of it is wrong. Let’s stand together against it. Our band stands with Daniel and his wife, and we will not be silent when one of us is disrespected simply for being who they are. PWDs deserve dignity. They deserve respect. And they deserve better,” the band said.

The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) also condemned the incident, saying it violated laws.

“The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) expresses serious concern over the recent incident at Starbucks, Festival Mall in Muntinlupa City, as posted by social media user mavs_004 on July 21, 2025. The report detailed a discriminatory practice wherein customers with disabilities were ‘tagged’ or marked based on the nature of their disabilities—an act the NCDA finds insensitive, inappropriate, and in violation of Republic Acts 7277 and 9442, the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities,” the agency said.

It added, “Such actions perpetuate stigma and undermine the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities. The law clearly prohibits public ridicule and discriminatory labeling, and mandates the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all areas of society.”

“NCDA calls on Starbucks management to address this issue immediately, take corrective steps, and ensure their staff are properly trained on disability rights and sensitivity. We also urge all establishments to uphold respect, equality, and inclusion—principles that go beyond compliance and speak to the heart of a truly just society,” NCDA said.