I have stayed in many hotels and establishments in Davao, and whenever I presented my passport, they either checked it, made a copy, or asked for another ID. They did not insist on keeping my original passport.
That is why I was shocked when the front desk staff wanted to keep my passport until checkout. I was uncomfortable with this and had to insist on getting it back. I also offered a cash deposit as an alternative.
I hope management reviews this practice and properly trains staff on handling guests' identification documents. Guests should not feel pressured to leave their original passport at the front desk, and concerns raised by guests should be handled professionally and respectful.