Tolentino hit for ‘surprise gift’ to congressman

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino has drawn flak for allegedly sending scantily clad female dancers as “surprise gift” to a congressman celebrating his birthday yesterday during a political gathering in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Videos uploaded on YouTube showed three women performing a sexy dance number during the birthday celebration of Laguna 4th District Rep. Benjamin Agarao Jr.

One was seen performing a lapdance on an unidentified male wearing a yellow shirt.

The emcee in the event reportedly said the Playgirls, with sexy song and a dance group, were a “surprise gift” from Tolentino.

The event was held after the oath-taking ceremony of new Liberal Party (LP) members attended by its presidential candidate Manuel Roxas II. 

Agarao celebrated his 58th birthday and 40th anniversary in government service yesterday.

Agarao said Tolentino, who was also at the gathering, had nothing to do with the performers and that the performance happened after the LP program.

“I apologize over this but it happened after the LP event,” Agarao told reporters. He said the performers were brought by friends.

Tolentino announced the other day that he is running for senator next year.

Tolentino yesterday denied bringing the sexy dancers as a birthday treat for Agarao.

“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.

Lawmakers from the Gabriela party-list group hit Tolentino for exploiting women when he allegedly orchestrated the lewd performance.

“Our commuters have been suffering from traffic, and now he’s exploiting women?” Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan said.

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. was incredulous over the reports and said Tolentino must explain himself.

Buhay party-list Rep. Lito Atienza said it appeared that Tolentino was desperate to win a seat in the Senate. – With Mike Frialde, Paolo Romero