Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. on Thursday said it was “in bad taste” and a “bad move” by Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chief Francis Tolentino to give scantily clad dancing women as a “gift” to Laguna Rep. Benjamin Agarao Jr.
In a press conference Thursday or a day before he celebrates his 79th birthday, Belmonte clarified that he could not yet concede to the authenticity of the photos posted on Twitter by the Inquirer.
The photos posted by Inquirer reporter Marlon Ramos showed scantily dressed women dancing on stage during the celebration of Rep. Agarao’s 40 years in government service, as well as the congressman’s 58th birthday celebration.
A video was also posted on Twitter showing a young woman on top of a man (not Agarao), who was wearing a yellow shirt, with the backdrop of Rep. Agarao’s face on a tarpaulin. Agarao is member of the ruling Liberal Party (LP).
“If it’s true, it’s in bad taste, and a bad move,” Belmonte said.
Belmonte said he could not comprehend the authenticity of the photos and video, in the age of the Internet when posts can easily be manipulated.
“Why should Tolentino do such a thing? It doesn’t make sense to me na sa dami ng congressman, papadalhan mo ng ganun. Unless they’re really good friends. Even I wouldn’t do such a thing,” Belmonte said.
He said he was just shown the photo as he arrived at the House from his tour around barangays in Quezon city to celebrate his birthday with his constituents.
“Madaling mag-manufacture ng all sorts of thing at this time. At this stage, I’m not willing to concede to the genuineness of that. At this stage of technology age, almost anything is possible,” Belmonte said.
The Speaker assured that he would talk to Congressman Agarao about the lewd show during a public event.
It was reported that the emcee of the event said the dancing women were “gifts” from MMDA Chair Tolentino, who is seeking a seat in the Senate in 2016 under the LP.