Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the incident should not define Tolentino, adding that the MMDA chair has done a lot for Metro Manila, including being "in the forefront" of disaster response.
Lacierda could not say for sure if Tolentino would indeed be stricken out of the slate ahead of the expected official announcement on Friday.
"We welcome the statement of Chairman Francis Tolentino. It is a recognition of valid concerns of the women's sector and, moving forward, it is also a reminder to all those who are participating in the political process of the need to be always be mindful of how we treat… the dignity of everyone including the womenfolk," Lacierda said.
"Malaki na rin ang nagawa niya: the flood control projects. You would always see him in the forefront of all the disaster response. We have seen him always there, front and center pagdating sa mga kalamidad, pagdating sa mga problema ng Metro Manila. So huwag sana po ito maging defining moment kay Chairman Francis. Marami na ho siyang nagawa and certainly this is something that he has recognized and something that he has already issued a statement for," he added.
"Kung ano man ang desisyon niya hindi ko pa po alam… Pero ito na rin ang isang magandang halimbawa sa atin, sa isang public official na nangingilala ng delicadeza."
Tolentino apologized for failing to stop a raunchy dance number at a Liberal Party member's birthday party.
He also appealed to the Liberal Party to remove him from its possible lineup of senatorial candidates for 2016.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
