Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino has asked the Liberal Party (LP) to not consider him as part of its 2016 senatorial lineup following the controversial dance number that happened before an LP event last week.
“Pinapaabot ko naman sa Partido Liberal na alisin na ang pangalan ko sa kino-consider nilang line up sa pagkasenador sa 2016,” he said in an interview on Wednesday (October 7).
Tolentino apologized to LP standard bearer Manuel “Mar” Roxas II because he said Roxas shouldn’t have been dragged into the issue. Roxas was reportedly in another location — apparently unaware of what was going on.
Tolentino also asked for understanding and offered his apologies to individuals and groups, especially those advocating for women’s rights, who were offended by the controversial performance of a female dance group, Playgirls, at the October 1 birthday celebration of Rep. Benjie Agarao of Laguna.
Related: Liberal Party investigating controversial dance number
In the event, several media reporters quoted the host saying that the performers were Tolentino’s present to Agarao.
LP was dragged into the incident because the performance happened right before 80 new party members took oath.
Tolentino admitted that he was at fault for not stopping the performance because he was the “highest official of the government during that time.”
“Hindi ko nakontrol, hindi ko napigilan ang naturang insidente na sa aking paniniwala, at sa paniniwala din ng iba ay ginagawa rin naman araw-araw sa harap ng milyun-milyon sa telebisyon,” he added.
LP was supposed to announce its senatorial slate together with the declaration of its vice presidential bet Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo last October 5, but it was delayed.
Party members admitted the issue regarding the controversial performance could have been a factor in the decision on whether or not to include Tolentino in the slate.
Party officials did not directly say that this is the reason behind the delay in the announcement of LP senatorial slate, but they admitted they are still addressing issues involving those who will form part of the lineup.
