Gabriela blasts use of sexy performers in post-LP event

A women’s group has strongly condemned the use of scantily clad dancing women for entertainment during the birthday celebration of a Liberal Party (LP) congressman in Laguna on Thursday.

Gabriela women’s party-list was “livid with rage” after a group of female dancers were seen performing “lewd” acts during the birthday party of Representative Benjie Agarao.

The event was attended by LP officials and politicians who earlier joined former Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II in the oath-taking of new party members.

During the event, the emcee reportedly said the performers were a “surprise gift” from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino who attended the event.

WATCH: Sexy dancers in post-LP event Tolentino’s ‘surprise gift’?

“Nakakagalit ang ginawang paggamit ng katawan ng kababaihan sa politikal na pagtitipon ng Partido ni Pangulong Aquino. ‘Di pa man nagsisimula ang opisyal na kampanya, itinataguyod na nito ang estilo ng pang-aabuso sa kababaihan,” Gabriela Rep. Emmie de Jesus said.

(The use of women’s body in a political even of President Aquino’s party is infuriating. The campaign season has not officially started, yet the party is already subscribing to a style that abuses women.)

Tolentino, however, denied reports that he brought dancers to the gathering.

READ: Tolentino denies bringing ‘surprise’ sexy dancers to gathering

“I was just a guest at the birthday party. I did not bring any dancer or singer. The emcee probably got misinformed,” he said.

De Jesus, however, insisted that “the LP should take the lead in totally expunging itself of its rot.”

“We cannot simply dismiss this incident. LP was obviously taking cues from a rotten system of politics that the ruling classes maintain,” she said.

Joms Salvador, secretary general of Gabriela, a said that “Tolentino and his LP cohorts committed an act most offensive to women and insulting to the public.”

“Despite Tolentino’s denials, the fact remains that he was not appalled by the incident and did not have the decency to stop the show when it was obviously becoming lewd,” Salvador said.

Salvador Rep. Agarao for saying he found “nothing wrong” with the performances.

READ: Agarao finds ‘nothing wrong’ with lewd dance after LP oath-taking

“What is worse is that the Liberal Party condoned such objectification of women,” she said.
“If these are the kind of leaders who have the gall to run for office in next year’s elections, we must not let them win for the sake of women and our country,” she added. Nestor Corrales/IDL