Gym apologizes after catching flak for campaign ballers

An Ortigas branch of a fitness gym chain has apologized after catching flak from members and netizens for distributing baller bands campaigning for a government official.

In a statement, Anytime Fitness Ortigas said it "was not our intention to alienate or isolate any part of our community or to make anyone feel unwelcome in our home."

The gym branch came under fire for an earlier post on its Facebook page expressing its support for Special Assistant to the President Bong Go, encouraging him to run for Senate. It also offered free baller bands supporting Go.

A netizen noted how reviews for the gym went down after the uproar over the post, which was later taken down.

"The post has since been taken down and we promise to improve our services to you," the branch said.

In an email to GMA News Online, Anytime Fitness Philippines Country Manager Ryan Cheal said the chain came to an agreement with their El Pueblo branch "that this is not in keeping with the Anytime Fitness brand, which has no affiliation to any platform, political or otherwise."

"The club is taking responsibility for this lapse in judgement," he said.

"We are a health and wellness platform and have always advocated for inclusivity, health, and diversity. And as such, should not use our platform for political purposes."

He added that the issue is under review by internal management.

"We are working with our franchisees and the greater Anytime Fitness network to ensure that this will not happen again," he said.

"We thank our members for their support and understanding as we move forward and strive to get to a healthier place."

Go has repeatedly denied interest in a Senate run, but has repeatedly been mentioned as a potential candidate for the administration slate. —JST, GMA News