Tolentino justifies absence from MMDA daily grind

WHY is the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino out in the provinces while Metro Manila experiences traffic jams almost every day? The MMDA chair has an answer to his critics.

“May tao namang gumagawa doon at hindi naman ako laging nagta-traffic doon, di ba? (There are people there tasked to address traffic problems. Plus, I don’t always assist traffic, right?),” he told reporters in an ambush interview at Cebu Normal University.

Tolentino also justified his presence in Cebu, saying it was for his delegation at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

“The MMDA has been here for four days. I think I have 60 personnel here including those from road emergency group. For the next three weeks, they’ll be here to manage the traffic,” he added.

The MMDA chair has been visible lately, particularly in trips of Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, who is the presidential bet of the Liberal Party in the 2016 elections.

Tolentino is believed to run under the LP’s senatorial slate together with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Health Secretary Janette Garin.

But he said, “there is no announcement yet for my candidacy.”

On Monday morning, Roxas and other Cabinet secretaries including Tolentino attended what the administration called “Daang Matuwid People’s Dialogue” at CNU.

Tolentino also spoke at the LP’s “Gathering of Friends” at the Cebu Coliseum held after the dialogue. President Benigno Aquino III delivered a speech at the assembly which had gathered thousands of administration supporters.

Introducing himself to Cebuano supporters of LP, Tolentino in his speech said: “Mahal ko po kayong lahat. Ang pangalan ko po ay Francis Tolentino (I love all of you. My name is Francis Tolentino).” –Julliane Love De Jesus