SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – Discriminatory and backward.
This was how many netizens described the house rule implemented by some high-rise condominiums – such as the Icon Residences – banning housemaids and drivers from taking regular elevators.
On Wednesday, November 19, 2014, Poch Cebellos posted a photo on Facebook showing a memorandum directing all housemaids and drivers of tenants residing in Icon Residences to use the service elevator instead of the “normal” elevator used by tenants.
The Facebook post sparked an online conversation and heavily received negative feedback from Filipino netizens. However, Katherine Garrido, the property manager and the signee of the memorandum, argues that the policy is “not for the world” and that “it’s just for the building.”
Online conversation
In an online conversation hosted by MovePH on Thursday, November 20, Twitter user Dennis Blancaflor compared the condominum policy to “Bapor Tabo,” a scene in the Jose Rizal novel Noli Me Tangere that metaphorically depicts and critcizes the existence of social class distinctions.
Twitter user Prim Paypon also argued that the policy “will risk the safety of toddlers and old people aided by helpers.”
On the other hand, Twitter user So Lopez also shared that a similar policy used to exist in Hong Kong but was abolished due to public clamor.
“The condo developer had to abandon the idea cause of public opinion and negative impact on pre-selling. It’s probably because of low sales,” Lopez added.
Check the #condopolicy conversation here:
The manegement of some condos argue that some tenants are not comfortable sharing the elevator with maids and drivers. Do you think this justifies the policy?
Continue the conversation in the comment box below. – Rappler.com
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