Francis Tolentino resigns from MMDA

MANILA, Philippines - Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Francis Tolentino on Wednesday filed his resignation following the "Playgirls" incident in Laguna last week.

Tolentino earlier declared his intent to run for senator but later on asked the Liberal Party to exclude him from its list of senatorial bets.

mmda personnel gather to see mmda chairman off pic.twitter.com/4pgKtRrS1C

— mike frialde (@mikefrialde) October 7, 2015

mmda personnel to give chairman tolentino final parade and review pic.twitter.com/OPcPnHAsxm

— mike frialde (@mikefrialde) October 7, 2015

mmda chairman starts packing away photos from his office pic.twitter.com/I5JLZ1Owok

— mike frialde (@mikefrialde) October 7, 2015

“Muli po ipinaabot ko sa Partido Liberal na alisin na ang pangalan ko sa kino-consider nilang line-up sa pagka-senador sa 2016. Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng tumanggap ng pang-unawa at ipagpatuloy n'yo akong ipagdasal," Tolentino said during the inauguration of new ferry boats in Makati City.

The MMDA chief drew flak for sending female dancers as a "birthday treat" to a lawmaker during an LP event in Laguna.

Tolentino has apologized for the incident, citing that he had no control of the ladies' controversial performance.

"Naging kamalian ko at tinatanggap ko ang hindi pagpigil doon sa naging performance ng mga mananayaw dahil ako ang pinakamataas na opisyal ng pamahalaan sa naturang lugar. Kung na-offend ko po ang grupo ng kababaihan, humihingi uli ako ng paumanhin," Tolentino said.

Meanwhile, LP standard bearer Mar Roxas defended Tolentino, arguing that his mistake does not reflect the quality of his service.