MANILA, Philippines - Newly installed Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino on Tuesday branded as "black propaganda" a plunder case filed against him before the Office of the Ombudsman.

In an interview, Tolentino said he has yet to read the complaint but assumed that it is a nuisance suit since it was filed after he stepped down as mayor of Tagaytay. 

"I assume it’s a nuisance black propaganda filed 2 days before I assumed office, the main purpose of which is to derail all the plans we have been doing and siguro may nasagasaan na ho tayong mabibigat na tao kaya sila yung nasa likod nito. But we will still pursue with our plans and help alleviate the traffic conditions in Metro Manila,” he said.

Tolentino and his brother, current Tagaytay Mayor Abraham Tolentino, are facing graft and charges filed by former Tagaytay vice-mayoral bet Pastor Ronald Tan.

The complaint accused Tolentino’s family of constructing hotels and business establishments despite earning only P40,000 as mayor. Among the establishments allegedly owned by the MMDA chairman are the Cockpit Arena, Frablyn Towers, Star Ridge Plaza, Windy Ridge Hotel, Airborne Building, New Orleans Hotel, and Overlook Inn.

Tolentino, however, explained that those businesses were there already even when he was not yet a mayor. He also explained that some of the buildings were constructed after his term.

"It's true that I own a hotel but that's covered by a mortgage. I had to get a loan from a bank. I don't think there's anything wrong with a private citizen having a livelihood especially since it gives jobs and improves tourism in Tagaytay," he said.