In a radio interview, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said: "Again, can I be allowed to emphasize that that particular event-hindi 'yung event, 'yung performance--the President had nothing to do with it. The President had no idea that it was happening. He did not condone it."
"So, at this point, siguro po importanteng klaruhin po natin 'yon. Hindi po… The President will never condone, nor will he give approval, to any act that would denigrate our women, that would debase them or would have...would contribute to such an indignity," she said.
"You know, I think there are many ways to entertain. I think certain places, certain times... But, as I said yesterday, you know women are not objects that you can surprise people with, that you can give away at birthday parties. I think it's been fairly clear to us where the President stands on this particular issue. I think in the past five years that the President has been in office, I think you've...his record will bear it out. His respect for women ay talagang mataas at alam mong mataas ang respeto ng Pangulo sa kakayahan ng mga kababaihan. You know, I can say that personally. I have worked for the President for the past five years and he has not given any reason for people to think otherwise na he condones acts like that," Valte added.
According to Valte, Aquino has been informed of the incident. She, however, does not know how the President reacted.
"Nakarating na po 'yan sa ating Pangulo. Unfortunately, I wasn't there. I'm not quite sure if he has seen the video, but I'm quite sure that it has been, he has been updated on the situation. Unfortunately, hindi ko nakita talaga 'yung reaksyon ng ating Pangulo."
Valte added that it is better to wait for what the Liberal Party (LP) will do regarding the issue.
"Nagpatawag ho 'yung mga nakatataas na opisyal ng LP para doon sa imbestigasyon-'yung mga, sabihin na po nating, mga 'women stalwarts' ng LP ay nagpatawag na po ng imbestigasyon. Alam ko po si Senator Frank Drilon mayroon na rin po siyang naging statement as well as Speaker Sonny Belmonte. Siyempre, kasama ho diyan si dating Secretary Mar Roxas. So tingnan na lang po natin 'yung kanilang magiging aksyon," she said.
The ruling party, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino, and Laguna 4th District Rep. Benjie Agarao, received flak for the "raunchy" dance performance during LP's oath-taking ceremony and Agarao's birthday party.
For Valte, it is better to wait for the results of the investigation to determine whether the issue will affect Tolentino's senatorial bid in 2016.
"I will not be in a position to answer for Chairman Tolentino, lalo mga-hindi naman po sa personal, pero siya po 'yung pinararatangan. So siguro po mas magandang siya po 'yung makasagot 'nung mga bagong sinasabing… 'Yung pagko-connect sa kanya ng grupong 'yan," she said.
"Iwanan na lang rin po natin 'yan siguro doon sa mga political analyst, but titingnan po natin, let's see. It's fairly new and, so far, hindi pa naman po tapos 'yung imbestigasyon. Tingnan po natin 'yung magiging dulo nitong usapang ito," she added.
LP vice-chairman and Senate President Franklin Drilon has also expressed his view on the issue, condemning the incident as unacceptable.
LP standard bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, who was also in Laguna on Thursday, said he did not see a raunchy dance number performed during the LP event. He also said he has banned all such gimmicks deemed degrading to women in his campaign.
Other members of the ruling party have, likewise, expressed their views on the issue.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
