Senator Loren Legarda has expressed support for re-electionist Senator Francis 'Tol' Tolentino, as she commended his work to defend the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Tolentino was with Legarda and her son, renowned renewable energy entrepreneur Leandro Leviste, who is running as Batangas' first district representative during an assembly of leaders and residents of the district held in Balayan, Batangas.

“I know Senator Tolentino to be very intelligent and hard-working; he deserves our support," Legarda said.

Tolentino highlighted Tagaytay and its neighboring province of Batangas' common history, and noted that the two should work together to achieve shared prosperity.

In a speech before leaders and residents of the first district of Batangas, Tolentino, who hails from Tagaytay, noted that more than just sharing physical borders, Tagaytay and Batangas are closely linked by similar cultures, values, and economic conditions.

“I am no different from you, as you are to the people of Tagaytay,” the senator told the Batangueños. He noted that cooperation is key for both communities to attain a common progressive future.

The first district of Batangas is composed of the towns of Balayan, Calatagan, Lemery, Lian, Nasugbu, Taal, Tuy, and the city of Calaca.

To recall, it was Tolentino who sponsored the measure converting the town of Calaca into a component city (Republic Act No.11544).

The town of Lemery was among the localities that received aid from Tolentino following the onslaught of Typhoon "Kristine" late last year.

On the other hand, Tolentino committed to push for measures that would benefit all Filipinos, including the removal of the value-added tax on electricity and internet services, and giving delivery riders their rightful benefits under the Labor Code as gig economy workers.

Tolentino also vowed to continue working for measures in support of barangay frontliners, following the passage of two key bills seeking to empower grassroots governance.

In a meeting with 70 barangay captains in the city of Lipa, Tolentino gave details about Senate Bill (SB) No. 2815, which sets the term of office of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, and SB No.2838, also known as the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs).

The Senate passed the two bills before the chamber went on recess last month.

Tolentino noted that SB No.2815 seeks to move the barangay polls slated this December to September, 2027 to allow incumbents more time to fulfill their development programs.

Meanwhile, SB No.2838 recognizes the contributions of BHWs by ensuring monthly honoraria from the national government through the Department of Health.

“I strongly supported these bills because I know the realities on the ground as a former local chief executive myself,” said the former mayor of Tagaytay, president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, and chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority.

Asked by a barangay captain if the Senate in the next Congress could also work for the welfare of other village frontliners, such as the granting of SSS and PhilHealth membership for barangay tanods (village watchmen), Tolentino gave his full commitment.

“Perhaps not just barangay tanods, but also for barangay nutrition scholars and daycare workers. I have long worked with community frontliners, I have seen their dedication and I'm aware of their concerns,” he pointed out.