Palace says PNoy still trusts Francis Tolentino

Malacañang on Monday again junked calls for Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino to be removed from his post.

In a press briefing, Communications Secretary Hermino Coloma, Jr. said Tolentino continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of President Benigno Aquino III.

“Patuloy ang tiwala at kompyansa ng Pangulong Aquino kay MMDA chairman Tolentino sa kanyang pagganap ng tungkulin. Sa nakalipas na limang taon, ipinakita ni chairman Tolentino ang isang hands-on, can-do management style,” Coloma said.

Tolentino’s ability to perform his job as MMDA chief was put in question after Aquino ordered the PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) to help ease vehicular traffic on EDSA.

Starting Monday, the HPG will lead the enforcement of traffic rules and ease the congestion in six major chokepoints along EDSA, including Balintawak, Cubao, Ortigas, Shaw Boulevard, Guadalupe, and Taft Avenue.

Coloma said it was Tolentino himself who proposed that the HPG take the lead in the enforcement of traffic laws on the main highway.

“Si Chairman Tolentino po ang mismong nagpanukala ng paghalili ng PNP HPG bilang lead agency sa traffic law enforcement na kung saan ay patuloy pa rin nilang katuwang ang MMDA, LTO at LTFRB,” Coloma said.

“Ang panukalang ito ay sinangayunan ng lahat ng iba pang concerned agencies,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Palace spokesperson also defended Tolentino after he donated P20 million worth of traffic lights in Albay.

Tolentino is believed to be running for senator in next year’s elections.

“Ang pagpunta ni Chairman Tolentino sa ibang lalawigan ay bahagi ng kanyang official functions upang ipaliwanag ang kanyang nalalaman at karanasan sa disaster preparedness,” Coloma said.

Coloma said Tolentino used “legitimate resources” for the said project. —NB, GMA News