Tolentino, Herbert cause delay in LP announcement

MANILA, Philippines — The Liberal Party (LP) postponed for Monday the announcement of its senatorial lineup due to the withdrawal of Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Francis Tolentino and to give Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista time to decide.

The LP was supposed to present its senatorial ticket today at its Balay headquarters in Quezon City.

"The decision of prospective candidate MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino to withdraw  from consideration in the Daang Matuwid Coalition slate and to give Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista additional time to reflect and to consult with his family require the postponement of the scheduled presentation of the senatorial slate of the Daang Matuwid Coalition," LP said in a statement on Thursday evening.

"We believe this additional time for discernment is in the best interest of the parties and candidates concerned. The presentation of the official senatorial slate of the Daang Matuwid Coalition will therefore be on Monday, October 12," it added.

Tolentino withdrew from the LP-led Daang Matuwid Coalition after he was dragged in a controversy stirred by a lewd show last week in Laguna.

Three scantily-clad women who are members of the goup Playgirls performed a sexy dance number during the celebration of the 58th birthday and 40th anniversary in public service of Laguna 4th District Rep. Benjamin Agarao Jr.

The program's emcee repeatedly announced that the dancers were surprise gifts of Tolentino to Agabao.

The raunchy number, which has been criticized for being demeaning to women, was performed even if there were minors in the audience.

Despite the controversy, LP presidential bet Manuel Roxas II believes Tolentino is "a true believer" of the administration's straight path policy and that the Laguna incident does not reflect the totality of the MMDA chief's service to the people.

Meanwhile, the Nacionalista Party (NP) in Laguna yesterday expressed support for the candidacy of Roxas.

Laguna Gov. Ramil Hernandez announced the party's support for Roxas during the oath taking of new NP members in Calamba.

The party, however, will not back Roxas' running mate Camarines Sur Rep. Ma. Leonor "Leni" Robredo because three NP members are seeking the vice presidency. Robredo, who announced her plan to run for vice president last Monday, is a member of the LP.

"We will prioritize the members of our party," Hernandez said.

The NP members who are eyeing the second highest post in the country are Sen. Alan Cayetano, Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.

Hernandez said Laguna has about 1.7 million voters.