It is with utmost sadness that we write this statement, however events this past week constrained us to do so if only to clarify hastily-formed judgments and conclusions against us.
On 6 February 2012, at around 7:30 p.m., a female gym member brought to our attention her concern that she allegedly saw what she thought was a camera phone in a hole in the bathroom ceiling, which she felt might have been taking a video of her taking a bath.
Our gym personnel acted on the concern urgently, rushing to the aid of the gym member. We undertook measures to investigate the matter, checking on all possible entry points to the ceiling to check if there was indeed anybody there, whether from our gym or from the outside. Finding none, we went to the neighboring establishment and requested to check the cell phones of their maintenance staff. Furthermore, we sought police assistance to help us in the investigation. Notably, all these efforts were done with the presence and knowledge of the complainant and her friends. Finally, we allowed the complainant and her friends to even interrogate our staff and likewise check the contents of the cameras in their phones. Still, they found no videos.
Right after the concern was brought to our attention, we then undertook measures to prevent the occurrence of such incidents in the premises of Elorde, and to ensure that no one uses the gym’s premises for their nefarious activities. We sealed the hole to the ceiling and all access to the ceiling above the ladies bathroom. We have likewise installed several CCTVs around the gym and even along the roof. From the very start, Elorde Gym Katipunan was transparent in conducting its investigation, leaving no stone unturned to get to the bottom of the issue.
However, despite the good faith of Elorde Gym Katipunan in investigating the issue, addressing the concern of the complainant and finding a resolution to the same, it still became the victim of a vicious and vitriolic smear campaign in social media such as facebook, twitter, blogs, and recently even in print media. Hurtful and damaging accusations have been hurled against the gym, with some parties going as far as imputing complicity to the Gym staff and trainers in the alleged videotaping activity. This is an egregious lie! Worse, some of the posts in the social media and print media urged the public to stay away from our Gym. This is most unfair and uncalled for!
The facts remain: Elorde Gym Katipunan will never tolerate, much less condone, any act in their premises that will compromise the safety, security and privacy of their clients, especially the women. In fact, our female directors, directors’ wives, a lot of female friends and relatives work out in our Gym and use the showers, hence we will never allow the occurrence of such incidents in our premises. Further, we have done everything possible to investigate the incident brought to our attention and we are committed to continue helping in further investigating the incident. We, however, can not abide the baseless allegations which are maliciously being hurled at us. We also have a duty to our members, as well as our staff and trainers, to protect and defend the name of Elorde Gym Katipunan.
We call on the netizens to be fair and responsible in their use of social media. Further, we implore the public to study the facts before jumping to conclusions. We are hoping and praying that the truth will come out.