THE Gabriela National Alliance of Women filed on Monday a complaint before the Ombudsman against resigned Metro Manila Development Authority Chairperson Francis Tolentino for violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and the Magna Carta of Women.
The charges were filed by Rep. Emmi de Jesus, Gabriela secretary general Joan May Salvador, Arlene Brosas of Gabriela-Metro Manila and Sr. Mary John Mananzan, Liza Maza of the Working for Empowerment and Good Governance, Judy Taguiwala of the Women’s Committee of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Gabriela Krista Lluch Dalena of Tanggolbayan and Maria Carmen Sarmiento of the Writers in Prison Committee, Philippine Center of International PEN.
Gabriela condemned Tolentino for his alleged role in the supposedly lewd performance of an all-girl group during the birthday celebration of Laguna 4th District Rep. Benjamin Agarao Jr. last week and urged voters to reject politicians who see women as gifts to be abused.
“Respondent Tolentino, who is not only then the head of a government agency but who is also a lawyer by profession, failed to maintain and promote the required ethical standards as a public official,” the complaint further stated.
“Tolentino, Laguna Representative Benjamin C. Agarao Jr., and other officers of the Liberal Party tried all the possible excuses they could find to wash their hands off any scandal that would taint their personal and their party’s political ambitions for this upcoming election.”
The group also slammed Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice, a Liberal Party stalwart, for blaming the girl group Playgirl over the controversial incident that took place right after the LP oathtaking on Oct. 1 in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.
On Oct. 7, labor groups also filed a complaint before the Ombudsman against Tolentino over the same incident.