WATCH: Playgirls deny LP hand, defend selves from critics

MANILA, Philippines — The Playgirls dancers denied knowledge of the Liberal Party's hand in their recent lewd performance at a birthday celebration in Laguna.

In an interview Friday night with Philstar.com, dancers Sarah, Rhia, Carla, Red and Alliyah said they were not booked directly by the party of former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino.

"First time lang namin talaga 'yon at ang alam lang namin birthday event talaga so hindi namin alam na campaign siya talaga," Sarah said on the sidelines of their guesting at Padis Point in San Lazaro, Manila.

They said a middleman acted on their behalf in enlisting them for the event.

The dancers also shrugged off criticisms their shows feature suggestive dance moves where audiences would also be invited to participate.

They said their "bashers" encouraged even more bookings, but none so far has been for politics-related events.  In fact, they said they are booked to perform at Padi's Point (Avenida - Oct 17, Tomas Morato - Nov. 15, Marilao - Nov. 20 and Bacoor - Dec. 6) until the end of the year aside from their other regular weekly shows and special events. 

"Kayo ang nagpapasikat sa'min," Carla said in the same interview, addressing the group's critics.

Women's rights group Gabriela had decried the "lewd and indecent" show in Laguna where children were allegedly present.

The rights group is looking at the filing of criminal charges against Tolentino, Laguna Rep. Benjie Agarao and the Playgirls for condoning and promoting the performance filled with sexual innuendos. — Efigenio Toledo IV, Alder Almo and Camille Diola