Survey: Tolentino, 3 others vie for last three Senate slots

Former Manila Development Authority chair Francis Tolentino. INQUIRER file

Former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman and lawyer Francis Tolentino and three other bets will vie for the last three slots in the senatorial election, according to a survey.

The “Pulso ng Pilipino” survey was conducted by the Issues and Advocacy Center headed by political analyst and commentator Ed Malay from February 18 to 24 among 1,200 respondents.

The survey results showed that Tolentino, Risa Hontiveros, former justice secretary Leila de Lima and boxer Rep. Manny Pacquiao will be competing for the last three places in the Senate “Magic 12.”

Overall, Tolentino got 31 percent while Hontiveros got 33; De Lima, 35; and Pacquiao, 36.

It showed that Tolentino got strong support in Southern Luzon particularly in Southern Tagalog and Bicol region where he beat the three other candidates by getting 42 and 44 percent, respectively.

Tolentino also got strong support in Region 6 or Western Visayas with 35 percent, compared to 32 percent for Hontiveros and 33 percent for Pacquiao.

The top two slots were occupied by Sen. Tito Sotto with 52 percent and Sen. Panfilo Lacson with 51 percent, the survey said.

Tolentino said he is elated by the survey results.

“It’s clear that our campaign has entered the consciousness of Filipino voters and I will continue to emphasize my background and extensive experience in public service,” he said.

Unknown to many, Tolentino is a lawyer, having passed the Philippine Bar in 1984 and the New York State Bar Exams in 1991.

As MMDA chairman, Tolentino re-opened the Pasig River Ferry as alternate transport system and implemented the South-west Integrated Provincial Transport System which consolidates all existing 85 bus terminals, upgraded Metro Manila’s flood control system and pumping stations and conducted the first Metro Manila Shake Drill.

He was first appointed as Tagaytay mayor in 1986 by former President Corazon Aquino and served three full terms as mayor from 1995 to 2004 where he transformed Tagaytay into an ideal tourist destination.