Tolentino shares secret on crafting effective laws on public service


At a glance

  • Banking on his previous experience in administering one of the country's top tourist spots (Tagaytay), and its biggest metropolis (Metro Manila), reelectionist Senator Francis Tolentino says he uses his insights as a former local official to address the people's daily concerns, such as health, livelihood, traffic, and disaster preparedness.


How does Senator Francis Tolentino craft legislation that ensures the effective delivery of services to the people?

Francis Tolentino.jpg
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino

The answer is simple: experience. Tolentino says he draws from his learnings during his stints as Tagaytay City mayor and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman.

Banking on his previous experience in administering one of the country's top tourist spots (Tagaytay), and its biggest metropolis (Metro Manila), Tolentino said that he uses his insights as a former local official to address the people's daily concerns such as health, livelihood, traffic, and disaster preparedness.

“In delivering basic services, the local government must be equipped to be proactive. I translate my knowledge to help enhance laws passed by the Senate in this regard,” the reelectionist senator shared in a radio interview.

He cited the Magna Carta of Barangay Health Workers, the measures establishing a cooperative development officer in every local governmen unit (LGU), and the strengthening of the disaster management office as examples of such legislation.  

In addition, Tolentino helped craft the measure institutionalizing automatic income classification for LGUs (Republic Act No.11964) to boost their autonomy and economic potential. 

Tolentino also served as President of the League of Cities of the Philippines.

The Senate Majority Leader's advocacy for innovative solutions to traffic is similarly influenced by his experience in managing traffic and transportation as MMDA chief.

His program to establish smart traffic light signaling systems has been launched in Dumaguete City, Naga City, Roxas City, Cavite, and Laguna. A similar project is set to be unveiled in Kalibo, Aklan.

The senator has called on voters to choose senatorial candidates with integrity, track record, and a clear platform of governance.