MANILA – Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Francis Tolentino filed his resignation shortly following the “Playgirls” lewd dance incident that happened during the swearing in of some 80 new Liberal Party recruits in Laguna.
He denied, however, accusation of being the patron who gave the girls as a gift to a Liberal party official celebrating his birthday. The Playgirls dance group figured prominently as Tolentino supporters in an earlier congressional campaign for his younger brother.
The move drew flak from various civic groups who scored his use of women’s bodies as a “birthday treat” to a lawmaker during an LP event in Laguna.
Tolentino earlier declared his intent to run for senator but later asked the Liberal Party to exclude him from its list of senatorial bets.
Tolentino came into public service after being appointed by the late President Cory Aquino as officer-in-charge of Tagaytay City. He was later appointed by President Benigno S. Aquino III or PNoy to head the MMDA.
“Muli po ipinaabot ko sa Partido Liberal na alisin na ang pangalan ko sa kino-consider nilang line-up sa pagka-senador sa 2016. Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng tumanggap ng pang-unawa at ipagpatuloy n’yo akong ipagdasal,” Tolentino said during the inauguration of new ferry boats in Makati City.
Tolentino had apologized for the incident, citing that he had no control of the ladies’ controversial performance.
“Naging kamalian ko at tinatanggap ko ang hindi pagpigil doon sa naging performance ng mga mananayaw dahil ako ang pinakamataas na opisyal ng pamahalaan sa naturang lugar. Kung na-offend ko po ang grupo ng kababaihan, humihingi uli ako ng paumanhin,” Tolentino said.
Meanwhile, LP standard bearer Mar Roxas defended Tolentino, arguing that his mistake does not reflect the quality of his service.
President Aquino likewise defended the MMDA chair who he said participated in his reform agenda as a member of Cabinet. “Francis demonstrated the dedication and dynamic leadership of a public servant committed to the common good. It is this same commitment that encouraged him to set his sights towards serving our people in a higher capacity,” President Aquino said in a Malacanang statement.
“Francis is a firm advocate of Daang Matuwid. He knows that, at present, those who oppose meaningful reform will want to exploit the incident. I believe that Chairman Tolentino is doing his part to ensure that public debate truly focuses on the continuation of Daang Matuwid and the undeniable benefits it has brought to our Bosses,” the President added.
As this developed, the Liberal Party (LP) has drafted former Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson as guest candidate in the administration ticket.
Reports said Lacson’s inclusion was sealed after a closed door meeting of LP standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Senate President Franklin Drilon.
Some LP stalwarts opposed Lacson’s inclusion because of his critical stand against some policies of the Aquino administration. However, he was still drafted in LP’s senatorial slate.
The LP is currently finishing its senatorial lineup for the announcement scheduled on Friday in its headquarters in Balay, Cubao, Quezon City.
