DAVAO CITY – The women’s group Gabriela has asked the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) if its chairman paid for the performers during the controversial birthday celebration of Laguna 4th District Rep. Benjamin Agarao using the budget of the agency.
The said event was highlighted by lewd performance allegedly hired as “birthday gifts” to Rep. Agarao by MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino. Tolentino has denied the allegations.
“Is it the people’s money that was used in abusing women?,” asked Misty Lorin, deputy secretary general of Gabriela,which held a protest outside the House of Representatives while Congress conducted the budget hearing for the MMDA .
Lorin said Tolentino should focus on resolving the traffic problems in Metro Manila. She said the chairman should also look into the salary of MMDA personnel.
The group also warned politicians who are using female performers in their campaign sorties.
“We will not allow the use of women during campaigns. They should instead carry women’s issues related to violence, unemployment, price increase and lack of access to basic social services,” said Lorin.(davaotoday.com)
