Senator Francis "Tol" Tolentino underscores the need for lawmakers with legal expertise in the Senate, asserting that his qualifications make him a strong contender for reelection.
"Marami pong complexities, kasalimuutan ang batas at hindi lang ‘yung ordinaryong batas, saligang batas, na very buhay po ang batas, evolving, na kailangan po natin ng abogado sa Senado – na isang gawaan ng batas," Tolentino said during the Bakit Ikaw: The DZRH Job Interview on Friday.
Tolentino pointed to his credentials as a lawyer and law professor, stressing his familiarity with the Senate’s work.
'Bakit Ikaw?'
He encouraged the public to evaluate his track record and contributions both as Senate Majority Leader and as a public servant in Tagaytay City.
Prior to his Senate service, Tolentino served as Mayor of Tagaytay, Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in 2010, and is also a reservist.
"Atin pong kilatisin ang mga kandidatong ating pipiliin at ito po sa mga pangyayari ngayon, Samahan po natin ng dasal ang mga kaganapan sa ating bansa, lalo na ‘yung national issues," said Tolentino.
"Naniniwala po ako, hindi po pwedeng hindi natin ito malagpasan," he added.
The Konektadong Pinoy Bill
Tolentino discussed Senate Bill 2699, or the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, which aims to attract local and foreign investments to enhance internet infrastructure in the country.
He mentioned that he included a provision in the bill requiring telecom companies to provide stronger connectivity to schools.
Additionally, he inserted a provision obligating telecom companies to give students, whether in public or private education, significant mobile data discounts.
"So, pag napirmahan po ito ng pangulo, obligado po ang mga telcos na siguro sa implementing rules na magbigay ng substantial discount sa mga bata kasi doon sila nagreresearch, doon sila nagsusubmit ng assignment, hindi lang noong panahon ng COVID, hanggang ngayon po," Tolentino explained.
"Library mo na ‘yung internet. Kung wala kang connectivity o wifi, lugi ka doon sa ka-eskwela mo na malakas ang internet," he added.
The senator asserted that once implemented, the law would bring transformative changes, making it a "game changer."
Widespread scam texts persist despite measures
Tolentino admitted that he had once fallen victim to a scam. However, he underscored that technology is the most effective safeguard in cybersecurity.
He emphasized the need for the country to enhance and modernize its cybersecurity systems.
Furthermore, Tolentino noted that while the Senate has strengthened penalties for scamming crimes, a review of the law remains necessary.
Pointing to telecom companies, he urged them to help curb such crimes in the country, emphasizing their significant role in the effort.
Traffic congestion in major thoroughfares
"Ang kailangan po talaga siguro ay magpatupad ang MMDA, sumunod na lang lahat," said Tolentino.
He shared that during his tenure as MMDA Chairman, they implemented various measures, including adjusting mall hours and modifying government office schedules.
Moreover, he stated that while traffic eased during the COVID-19 pandemic, he now sees relocating major government offices to Clark, Pampanga, as a potential solution to the traffic problem in the Metro.
Regarding the suggestion to remove the EDSA Busway to alleviate traffic, Tolentino stressed that the MRT is not enough to accommodate all commuters and suffers occasional operational failures.
"Medyo crucial po ‘yung decision na ‘yon, aalisin mo ‘yung EDSA busway na para sa mga kababayan natin walang kotse tapos ibibigay sa pribado, hindi naman kasya lahat sa MRT. Minsan tumitirik din," he explained.
West Philippine Sea
The Senator noted that while the Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act are technical in nature, they remain highly advantageous for the nation.
"Sa maniwala ka’t sa hindi, ‘yung ating dalawang ginawang batas ay tama at ito po ay magbubunga ng bagong mapa, ng NAMRIA, kung saan talaga ‘yung hangganan natin," Tolentino stated.
He pointed out that his efforts this year helped improve the PNP Maritime Command, which will soon have new equipment and headquarters in Sulu, Oriental Mindoro, and Cebu.
Tolentino stressed the importance of adding more reserve forces to the Navy and reinforcing its forces.
"Kahit hindi tayo malapit sa West Philippine Sea, ipakita natin ‘yung pakikiisa natin sa mga mangingisda," Tolentino said.
"Hinihikayat po natin ‘yung malalaking korporasyon na tulungan din po ‘yung ating mga mangingisda. Kung pwede kayong mag-donate ng mga navigational equipment doon sa mga nagpapalaot sa Bajo de Masinloc [at] sa Palawan ay mas maganda din po ‘yon," he added.
The Senate Majority Leader is seeking reelection in the 2025 National and Local Elections (NLE) and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Parliamentary Elections (BARMM PE).
