MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino drew flak on Thursday for allegedly sending scantily clad women as “surprise gift” to a lawmaker during a political gathering in Laguna.
Videos uploaded on the website YouTube showed three women performing a sexy dance number during the birthday celebration of Laguna Rep. Benjamin Agarao, Jr., (4th district).
One of the dancers was seen on top of the crotch of an unidentified male wearing a yellow shirt and simulating the sexual act.
The emcee of the program reportedly informed the audience that the dancers were sent by Tolentino.
The event was held after the oath-taking ceremony of new Liberal Party (LP) members attended by its presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II. It also came two days after Tolentino announced that he is running for Senate during the 2016 polls.
In a Twitter post, women’s group Gabriela slammed Tolentino for supposedly treating women as objects.
“MMDA Chair Tolentino, do you consider these women objects that you can give as ‘surprise gift?’ Shame on you,” Gabriela said.
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan Secretary-General Renato Reyes, Jr. mocked Tolentino for his alleged birthday treat.
“Today's dry humping scene during a political event is brought to you by MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino. Attention, Gabriela,” he said.
A certain Miguel Lizada (@mlizada) commented: "Apparently while the rest of the metro is dying from traffic, MMDA Chair Tolentino was out pimping girls in bikini in an LP event (sic)."
Twitter user Alan Robles (@hotmanila) said Tolentino should not run for office and should set his sights on becoming a talent manager for a noontime show instead.
Tolentino denied being the one who brought the sexy dancers as a “birthday treat” to the lawmaker.
“Please hear my side of the story about certain materials circulating online: I was just a guest at the birthday party. I did not bring any dancers/singers. The emcee probably got misinformed,” Tolentino said in text message.
Tolentino is purportedly one of the members of Liberal Party’s senatorial slate in next year’s polls.
He expressed his desire to run for senator on Tuesday in an event where officials from his hometown province of Cavite gathered to show their support.