Mar: Tolentino's mistake not a reflection of his service

MANILA, Philippines - Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II on Wednesday defended Metro Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino, citing that his fault is not a reflection of his service.

Tolentino was criticized for sending scantily clad women as a "birthday treat" to a lawmaker during a political gathering in Laguna last week.

The MMDA official has already apologized and said that he wants to be excluded in the senatorial slate of the LP.

"I also want to say that this mistake does not reflect the totality of Francis Tolentino and his service for our people," Roxas said in a statement.

Roxas acknowledged Tolentino's apology for the "Playgirls" incident, noting that it was a mistake.

The LP presidential candidate stressed Tolentino's achievements as MMDA chair.

"We worked very closely with him during times of disasters, and as MMDA chair, he always sent help where it was needed, regardless of whether or not the disaster area was within Metro Manila," Roxas said.

He also pointed out that Tolentino was responsible for modernizing the MMDA's channels for public service.

"Ngayon, mayroon na tayong MMDA app, na nakakapagbigay gabay sa napakaraming motorista; nariyan na rin and MMDA Twitter account, na mabilis na tumutugon sa lahat ng tanong - at minsan sa mga reklamo - ng ating mga kababayan ukol sa trapiko," the LP standard bearer said.

Roxas stressed that the LP is a party united by principle and that they will continue to push for its "pursuit of prosperity."

The administration party is scheduled to announce its complete senatorial lineup on Friday.