Palace lauds Tolentino for 'delicadeza'

MANILA -- Malacañang on Wednesday lauded Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino for his ''delicadeza'' in apologizing over the performance of the group, Playgirls, in Laguna, as well as for asking his name be withdrawn from being considered to become one of the administration's senatorial bets.

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

LTO won't revoke Carabuena driver's license

MANILA, Philippines - Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino expressed dismay over the decision of the Land Transportation Office not to revoke the driver's license of Robert Blair Carabuena after he was caught abusing a traffic constable.

MMDA requested for the revocation of Carabuena's license after he was caught on camera assaulting traffic enforcer Saturnino Fabros at the Tandang Sora - Capitol Hills intersection in Quezon City August 11 last year.

In a 7-page decision, LTO found Carabuena not guilty of violating Section 21 of the Land Transportation and Traffic Code and of "operating or using a motor vehicle in, or as an accessory to, the commission of any crime or at which endangers the public."

The LTO said what Carabuena did was a "mere traffic violation which does not merit the harsh penalty of revocation."

It only recommended that Carabuena be charged with disregarding traffic signs and disregarding traffic officer.

In a statement released Tuesday, Tolentino said: "Mr. Carabuena's action was not only a crime, but a clear and blatant disregard for authority. People like him with that kind of temper and behavior should not be allowed to drive along our roads because he is a danger not only to our enforcers, but to other motorists as well. This is not simply disregarding a traffic officer."

"A mere issuance of warning is not enough for Mr. Carabuena and we still believe that his driver's license should be revoked," Tolentino added.

He said MMDA will be filing a motion for reconsideration on the case.

source: abs-cbnnews.com