Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
If the Liberal Party would find out that the sexy dancers at the birthday of a Laguna lawmaker were indeed “a surprise gift” from Francis Tolentino, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said she wouldn’t be comfortable sharing the same stage with a public official who objectifies women.
“It would be difficult for me to consider to run with him if it would be proven that that was his idea. It’s hard because I’m for upholding women’s dignity and rights,” said De Lima in an ambush interview on Monday at the launch of Mar Roxas-Leni Robredo tandem in the 2016 elections.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman is in hot water for allegedly sending a trio of skimpily-clad girls called “The Playgirls” during the birthday of Laguna Rep. Benjie Agarao after a mass oath-taking of LP officials led by presidential candidate Mar Roxas.
De Lima confirmed running for a senate post in 2016, while Tolentino is being considered for the LP’s senatorial slate.
However, after the Laguna incident, Tolentino may not be able to secure a slot in the ruling party’s senate lineup.
The outgoing Justice secretary reiterated that public officials should not be promoting the objectification of women.
“I don’t want to judge, but we have to really know. It’s supposedly under investigation because he’s denying that he has something to do with it. He’s denying he’s the one who gifted the birthday celebrant,” said De Lima.
Roxas vowed that the party will not tolerate such actions and will have the incident thoroughly investigated.
“Although I’m friends with chairman, I don’t want to say anything conclusive yet until we know what really happened.”
For PhilHealth director Risa Hontiveros, who’s also rumored to join LP’s slate, said she trusts the party that it would enforce “proper corrective measures” for those liable in the lewd performance.
“We should not accept the objectification of women… I’ve said as much so I trust the categorical statement of Sec. Mar that there’s an ongoing investigation and consensus building to fix the problem,” Hontiveros told reporters.
The LP will announce its complete lineup of senatorial candidates on October 9, Friday. Julliane Love de Jesus/JE