Ex-MMDA chief Tolentino named presidential political adviser

MANILA, Philippines— Former Metro Manila Development Authority chief Francis Tolentino has been appointed President Rodrigo Duterte's political adviser.

President Duterte signed Tolentino's appointment papers last June 27.

“Pursuant to the provisions of existing laws, you are hereby appointed political adviser, Office of the Political Adviser,” the appointment letter read.

Prior to his appointment, Tolentino ran for senator in the May 2016 polls but was defeated by Sen. Leila De Lima for 12th place. He is also a former mayor of Tagaytay City.

Tolentino was caught in controversy in 2015 after allegedly sending girl group Playgirls as a “surprise gift” to a lawmaker during a political gathering in Laguna.

He denied that he hired the group to perform but apologized for not stopping the show, which featured scantily-clad women dancing against and on top of male guests. He also backed out of the Liberal Party-led administration senatorial slate for the 2016 polls.

Tolentino also a Duterte ally

Duterte endorsed Tolentino’s senatorial bid in December 2015. Tolentino used to be a member of the Liberal Party but he ran as an independent after the Playgirls flap.

Tolentino also reportedly donated P3.1 million to Duterte’s presidential campaign.

Tolentino, according to a Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism report, emerged as the top spender among senatorial candidates, with his expenses at almost P200 million. PCIJ reported that Tolentino declared that expenses worth P67.2 million came from his personal funds. This amount was more than what was declared in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.

His net worth was around P41.9 million from 2012 to 2014.

Tolentino also claimed he is now a private person but he has been seen attending Palace events since October 2016.

The former MMDA chief will take the post of Ronald Llamas, who served the Aquino administration.