MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino. INQUIRER.NET FILE PHOTO
After receiving flak for allegedly sponsoring the lewd “Playgirls” show, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Francis Tolentino snubbed the pre-plenary hearing of his agency’s proposed 2016 budget.
MMDA General Manager Corazon Jimenez told lawmakers during the hearing that Tolentino was not around because he intended to resign from his post as he prepared for a possible senatorial bid.
“He already declared he’s running for senator… There’s really an intention (on Tolentino) to resign,” Jimenez said.
While Tolentino is said to be part of the senatorial line-up of the Liberal Party (LP), he is in danger of being removed after getting flak for allegedly sponsoring the lewd performance of scantily-clad women after the LP oath-taking cum 58th birthday celebration of Laguna Rep. Benjamin Agarao Jr. in Laguna
The host said Tolentino sponsored the performance by the group Playgirls, but both Agarao and Tolentino denied it.
During the hearing, Gabriela Rep. Emma De Jesus asked Jimenez if Tolentino ever attended the MMDA’s gender sensitivity training which is funded under its budget.
De Jesus hit Tolentino for not being gender sensitive himself.
“Clearly, the MMDA chairperson had been remiss of his duties and is busy with concerns other than that which is assigned to his office. The everyday traffic situation is screaming proof of such ineptitude, not to mention complaints of slave-like wages, non-compliance with contract benefits and hazardous work being raised by MMDA employees. Hindi na nga inaayos ang trabaho, puro pambabastos pa sa kababaihan ang inaasikaso!” De Jesus said.
Jimenez said she could not speak on behalf of the besieged MMDA chair.
Militant members of the Gabriela staged a protest in front of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, carrying placards which read “Laswa Party ang Panalo, sa Twerk na Daan ni Aquino.”
Tolentino came under fire even within the LP especially because of the backlash online where netizens scored the LP’s “Tuwad na Daan.”