Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Liberal Party (LP) was supposed to announce its senatorial slate, together with the declaration of standard bearers Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and his vice presidential running mate Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo on Monday (October 5).
Few weeks ago, the LP seemed ready for this grand announcement — until the controversial performance of young women who performed sexy dances on stage after new members of the Liberal Party were sworn in last week.
Party members admit the issue could be a factor in the decision on whether or not to include Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino in the slate.
Tolentino drew flak for supposedly hiring young, sexy women who performed a lewd dance number. In the event, reports quoted the emcee saying that it was Tolentino’s present to Laguna 4th District Rep. Benjie Agarao who was celebrating his 58th birthday.
Party officials did not directly say that this is the reason behind the delay in the announcement of LP senatorial slate. But they admit, they are still addressing issues involving those who will form part of the lineup.
“We have too many people applying. They need time to decide sino ba talaga ‘yung final 12,” LP co-vice chairman and House Speaker Sonny Belmonte told the media.
Budget secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad pointed out, all prospective senatorial candidates, had to go through a screening process.
“Kasalukuyan, dumadaan lahat sa proseso,” said Abad.
Officials also said that the party is now investigating the controversial dance performance. And that they need to get to the bottom of this issue first.
“We have to take all of that into account,” Belmonte said.
Not comfortable with Tolentino in LP senatorial lineup
Justice secretary Leila de Lima, who is said to be among those who will be part of the ticket admitted that she won’t feel comfortable being in the same slate with someone who has low regard for women.
“Mahirap ho… because that shows the mindset of a public official tungkol sa kababaihan,” De Lima told reporters.
“Theoretically, hindi po maganda na ganoon para sa isang aspiring for a higher office,” she added.
But De Lima said that she’s not quick to judge Tolentino adding that the LP should finish its probe first.
“Mali, misplaced ‘yung mga ganoon. At lalo na na objectifying women. It’s really demeaning, appalling. Pero hintayin po muna natin ang imbestigasyon ng LP.”
Militant groups led by Partido Lakas ng Masa also held a protest at the LP headquarters on Monday morning to denounce the controversial lewd performance at the LP event.
Protesters said the performance was a blatant display of sexism by traditional politicians.
Members of Gabriela Youth also expressed disgust over the incident and said they will not support the Liberal Party in the next elections.
Gabriela Youth said leaders who use women for cheap entertainment during sorties cannot be expected to enact laws in behalf of women.
CNN Philippines’ Ina Andolong, Isabella Montano and AC Nicholls contributed to this report.
