MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino. FILE PHOTO
The province of Rizal will adopt senatorial candidate Francis Tolentino as its honorary citizen, citing the Angono, Rizal-roots of his grandfather, the beloved late Senator Arturo M. Tolentino.
The move, seen to boost the candidacy of Tolentino, was supported by the Rizal Mayors League and former Gov. Ito Ynares during a meeting held last week in Pasig City wherein Tolentino was the guest speaker.
“I feel honored to be part of the people of Rizal. I’m grateful that the mayors league and Gov. Ynares recognized my roots and contribution,” said Tolentino.
Support for Tolentino continues to gain ground as the campaign season draws near.
Reports said that Tolentino may be included in the senatorial line-up of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who announced his intention to run as president in the 2016 elections.
The tough-talking mayor named Tolentino as one of his senatorial candidate after confirming his presidential bid.
Tolentino expressed gratitude on the recent endorsement of Duterte, who considered him as one of the most decent officials in the country ever had. The tough-talking mayor also admires Tolentino’s simple lifestyle even when the senatorial aspirant was then the MMDA Chairman.
Tolentino, who filed his candidacy for senator last October 14 was joined by Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla and several other Cavite mayors who earlier endorsed him thru a unanimously approved resolution.
Tolentino, who served as Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), was also supported by Metro Manila Council members and, Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez and Caloocan Mayor Oscar Malapitan.
If elected as senator, Tolentino will push for the establishment of a National Disaster Recovery Agency as well as a National Urban Planning Commission to address problems in growing urban areas.
Tolentino, who holds a doctorate degree in international environmental law, reiterated that he wants to push for laws that will promote disaster preparedness and environmental sustainability.
Tolentino also focuses on relevant issues concerning public international law particularly its effect on the Spratlys and the West Philippine Sea issue.
Earlier, former President now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada also vouched for the character and competence of Tolentino.
Presidential candidate Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has yet to talk to Tolentino for a possible spot in her senatorial line-up.