LP leadership condemns ‘offensive’ show during LP’s local activity in Laguna

Performing group ‘Playgirls’ in a “lewd” dance number during LP-member Cong. Benjamin Agarao’s party in Laguna on Oct 1, 2015 (screenshot from INQUIRER footage)

MANILA – Senate President Franklin Drilon on Friday joined the Liberal Party (LP) leadership in condemning the “lewd and exploitative gimmickry” that marred a local LP activity in Laguna last Thursday.

“I am saddened and disappointed by this deplorable incident. I strongly condemn and will not tolerate it,” Drilon said in a press statement.

“That sort of lewd and exploitative gimmickry is not befitting and is unacceptable of members of the Liberal Party,” he added.

Drilon, LP vice chairman, vowed to get to the bottom of the offensive show that went viral and drew criticism from the netizens.

“I join the LP leadership in vowing to the public that we will get to the bottom of this incident. We will not let the good name of the LP be besmirched with this sorry, isolated case,” Drilon said.

“As sworn adherents of the Tuwid na Daan form of reformist politics, LP members are expected to display upstanding and morally upright behavior. Those who fail to prove to the nation that they are good and morally responsible public servants have no place in our ranks,” he added.

LP presidential candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II also condemned the dirty dance show by a group of three girls known as ‘The Playgirls’.

”I am saddened by what had transpired. The LP is already conducting a thorough investigation on the roots of the event,” Roxas said in an emailed press statement.

Roxas was invited in the oath-taking of the new local LP members but he was no longer present when the ‘raunchy’ show was took place.

The master of ceremony introduced the lady dance group as ‘surprise birthday gift’ by Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino to Laguna Rep. Benjie Agarao.

In a radio interview, Agarao clarified that it was not a gift from Tolentino but could not pinpoint who sent the birthday gift.