Son Held as Collateral by Manila Bank; Woman Sues Bank Over Credit Refusal

A woman is suing the Bank of Boston for more than $2 million, claiming the bank’s refusal to honor her credit card caused a hotel in the Philippines to seize her baby son until the bill was paid.

A judge last week rejected the bank’s motion to dismiss the claims by Maria Luz Delulis, 39, said her lawyer, Benjamin Glosband.

Bank officials say Delulis had asked them to stop use of the card.

According to the Boston Herald, Delulis and her two children were staying at the Royal Palm Hotel in Manila in December, 1986.

“When it came time to check out, I presented my card from the bank,” she told the newspaper. “After a delay, the clerk told me it was invalid and refused to accept it.”

She said hotel officials confiscated the card and took her to a local police station.

“When I got back, the hotel manager told me my children could not leave the hotel until the ($260) bill was paid,” she said.

Delulis said the manager later agreed to turn over her older boy, but held onto her youngest son, William, then 7 months old, as collateral.

She said she eventually got her children back after tourism officials and the U.S. Embassy intervened.

Bank spokesman Wayne Taylor said bank lawyers believe Delulis’ claims are groundless.