'TOL VIEWS Senator Francis N. Tolentino In relation to my column on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) last March 10, 2022, I stated my view that in order for the Philippines to maximize the benefits that the RCEP promises, we should first ensure the ratification of...
'TOL VIEWS Senator Francis N. Tolentino On July 8, 2022, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was assassinated in the streets of Nara, Japan. I was deeply saddened by the passing of a strong and admirable leader. I had the opportunity to meet him before and to this day, I still remember his...
'TOL VIEWS Senator Francis N. Tolentino The Reserve Officers Training Corps. (ROTC) is a program designed to provide military training to tertiary level students with the aim of preparing the country’s national defense. It is the policy of the State to maintain a standing or regular military...
'TOL VIEWS Senator Francis N. Tolentino In recent news this month, reports on the Philippines’ diplomatic protests over transgressions in our country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) were made by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) against China. According to the DFA, we have filed over 300...
'TOL VIEWS Senator Francis N. Tolentino On the third year of COVID-19, we come to feel strongly the economic impact of this pandemic coupled with the geopolitical tensions in Europe and China’s prolonged lockdowns. To start with, the rising costs of fuel is a concern for businesses and consumers...
TOL VIEWS Senator Francis N. Tolentino The transmitted partial and unofficial returns as of May 11 reflect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. as the winner of the 2022 Presidential elections by a landslide. Meanwhile, on May 5, Thursday, the United States (US) Senate confirmed the appointment...
TOL VIEWS Senator Francis N. Tolentino Article V of our 1987 Constitution provides that suffrage – the right to vote – may be exercised by all citizens of the Philippines not otherwise disqualified by law, who are at least eighteen (18) years of age, and who shall have resided: (i) in the...
TOL VIEWS Senator Francis N. Tolentino On April 22, 2022, the Department of Health (DOH) issued Department Memorandum No. 2022-0154, which provides for the Interim Operational Guidelines on the administration of second Covid-19 vaccine booster doses to Immuno-compromised Population (ICPs) ages 18...
TOL VIEWS Senator Francis N. Tolentino On Jan. 17, 2022, the President approved the progressive expansion of face-to-face classes. Later, the Interagency Task Force for Emerging and Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) issued guidelines on this progressive expansion to make the Philippine education...
'TOL VIEWS Senator Francis N. Tolentino The Philippines, referred to as Asia’s bastion of Christianity, celebrates semana santa this April 2022. This is the first Lenten season which allows in-person religious gatherings and the conduct of other religious traditional activities since the first...
TOL VIEWS Senator Francis N. Tolentino Through the system of decentralization, local government units are given more power, authority, responsibilities, and resources to deliver basic services and facilities to citizens under its jurisdiction and exercise certain regulatory powers. Accordingly,...
TOL Views Senator Francis N. Tolentino A graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. It is a milestone to be celebrated in the presence of one’s family, teachers, and peers. It is a celebration that showcases not only the accomplishments of students, but also the educational institution’s...