Senator Francis "Tol" Tolentino (Mark Balmores/ MANILA BULLETIN)

An election candidate's integrity, track record, and proposed platform should matter.

Reelectionist Senator Francis "Tol" Tolentino gave this reminder to voters over the weekend during his campaign sorties in Central Luzon to Southern Tagalog over the weekend.

In speeches delivered in separate political assemblies in Porac, Pampanga; Tanauan, Batangas; and Biñan, Laguna, Tolentino appealed to voters to choose candidates with integrity, track record, and a clear platform of governance. 

“The daily problems and concerns of ordinary Filipinos are the same, wherever they may be. Similarly, they are bound by common aspirations, such as a comfortable life, education for their children, and gainful employment for themselves and members of their family,” Tolentino, a member of the administration-backed Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas ticket, said.

“Thus, it is crucial that voters choose leaders with integrity, track record, and a clear platform of governance. They must embody the dreams and aspirations of the common Filipino for their family, community, and country,” he stressed.

The mid-term elections will be held on May 12.

The Senate majority leader then shared his initiatives, which included the lowering of electricity and Internet costs for the sake of ordinary consumers. 

Tolentino is the principal author of Senate Bill (SB) No.2970, which seeks to exempt electricity and internet from the 12% value added tax (VAT). 

He also authored and sponsored the Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act No.12064), which aims to enhance the country's sovereign rights over its territory and exclusive economic zone – including the resource-rich West Philippine Sea and Talampas ng Pilipinas (formerly Benham Rise), located in the country’s eastern seaboard.