MMDA Chair Tolentino sued for misconduct over Playgirls show
Various labor groups sued Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Francis Tolentino before the Office of the Ombudsman for misconduct over the lewd Playgirls performance he allegedly sponsored for the birthday of a congressman.
READ: Francis Tolentino apologizes for Playgirls’ twerking boo-boo
In representing the labor groups, Atty. Lorna Kapunan said Tolentino should be liable for violation of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees or Republic Act 6713.
“The action of Chairman Tolentino runs counter to the provisions of RA 6713 and was completely discriminatory, where exhibition and performance of lewd show in public was incited and tolerated, contrary to good morals, decency, good customs, public policy and public interest,” the groups said in a statement.
READ: Solon asks MMDA: Has Tolentino heard gender sensitivity lecture? | Tolentino denies bringing ‘surprise’ sexy dancers to gathering
The complainants are Public Services Labor Independent Confederation (PSLINK), SENTRO, Partido Manggagawa, Confederation of Independent Unions in the Public Sector, Federation of Free Workers, Association Labor Unions-TUCP-NAGKAISA, Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, Alliance of Filipino Workers, Philippine Independent Public Sector Employees Association, Association of Genuine Labor Organizations, Council of Retirees-PSLINK, and Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition.
In a statement, Kapunan said “women should be respected. There is no justification that they be treated as sex objects.”
The groups also sued Tolentino for violation of the Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women.
The complaint said Tolentino failed to stop the show despite being present after the oath-taking ceremony of Liberal Party (LP) members in Laguna at the house of Rep. Benjie Agarao. LP standard-bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II was present during the oath-taking but had left before the lewd show.
According to the complaint, Tolentino treated women like lustful objects and should be held liable as a public official for discriminating against women.
“The show, in the full view of the general public, and permitted by Tolentino et al., has the full inclination to, characterized by, and incited lust or lechery,” the complaint read.
“Gyration and the erotic dancing performed by the Playgirls [depicted, in a patently] offensive way, sexual conduct which is devoid of serious artistic value and does not contribute to what is universally good and beautiful. In spite of full view and knowledge of the obscene act, Tolentino et al. who are supposed to be agents of good morals, good customs and decency, did not only tolerate but encouraged the uninterrupted continuance of the show,” it added.
READ: Tolentino: Forgive me for not stopping Playgirls number
Tolentino has apologized for failing to stop the lewd performance and has asked the Liberal Party to remove him from its senatorial slate in 2016. Marc Jayson Cayabyab, INQUIRER.net/CDG
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