By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Francis Tolentino called on reservists to actively defend and safeguard the Philippines’ sovereignty amidst ongoing political tensions and challenges in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Tolentino underscored the importance of maintaining a strong and prepared reserve force, emphasizing that its role becomes increasingly “strategic” as the country’s position in the Indo-Pacific grows more critical in today’s “complex security environment.”
He also commended the reservists not only as nation-builders in their respective professions but also as defenders and humanitarian responders.
“The reserve force is a symbol, a testament to every Filipino, and it protects and upholds our sovereignty,” Tolentino said during the 45th Reservist Week celebration at Camp Aguinaldo.
The senator highlighted the need for the reserve force to remain vigilant against various security threats, both conventional and non-conventional, such as cyberattacks, terrorism, and human trafficking.
He also acknowledged the importance of skilled reservists in fields like technology, law, medicine, and engineering in enhancing the modern defense capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino emphasized that the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) could have played a crucial role in helping the agricultural sector combat the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in barangays, particularly through the development of locally produced vaccines.
Tolentino also stressed the department’s importance in crafting and implementing a comprehensive strategy to address viral diseases affecting humans, plants, and animals.
“How can science assist our hog farmers and the agricultural sector? We challenge the DOST to develop a vaccine superior to Vietnam’s,” the senator said during the Finance Subcommittee K briefing on the DOST’s 2025 budget on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.
Meanwhile, Senate President Migz Zubiri reiterated his support for establishing a virology institute in the Philippines, stating that the country needs a “go-to agency” for specialized science.
“That’s very important, as the pandemic has shown us. Now, diseases like monkeypox and various other strains are emerging in the Philippines. We need a dedicated agency for specialized science,” Zubiri said.
For 2025, the DOST is requesting a budget of PHP 28.77 billion to advance its strategic objectives.
ia/mnm
News/National
PNP: Minors Among Quiboloy Victims, More Coming Forward
By Junex Doronio
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is now coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) following reports that some of the alleged victims of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo C. Quiboloy are minors.
PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo disclosed on Wednesday (September 11, 2024) that more alleged victims have come forward, reporting their experiences to the police.
“During the 16-day police operation, some individuals approached the PNP, claiming they were also victims of Pastor Quiboloy,” Fajardo said.
She added that these alleged victims reached out to the police during the operation to serve arrest warrants against Quiboloy and others inside the KOJC compound in Davao City.
The individuals reported they had been “abused” by Quiboloy.
“We are currently documenting these complaints without revealing the identities of the possible victims. The process of gathering additional complaints is ongoing,” Fajardo stated.
ia/mnm
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Francis Tolentino told the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to stop apprehending motorcycle riders with temporary plates, saying that the LTO should instead fix their backlog first.
“Give motorcycle riders and motorists a break! Do not penalize them for using non-compliant temporary and improvised license plates. It’s not their fault if the government cannot produce enough official plates – which is the responsibility of the LTO itself,” the Senate Majority Leader said.
“I do not see the sense in apprehending and fining riders and motorists for using temporary plates that do not comply with the LTO’s directive. The LTO must first resolve its own backlog in issuing official license plates,” the senator explained.
According to Tolentino, the LTO reported to the Senate that its backlog in issuing official license plates amounted to 12,548,909 as of February this year.
The senator appealed to the LTO to “give motorcycle riders a breather,” and to just wait for the President’s signing of the measure he sponsored, Senate Bill No. (SBN) 2555.
The bill seeks to amend the controversial provisions of Republic Act (RA) 11235, or the Doble Plaka Law, which discriminate against motorcycle riders and owners.
ia/mnm
PARIS — First gold medal in Tokyo back-to-back with two golds in Paris is too tough a task to follow, according to Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino.
“That’s why work for Los Angeles in 2028 starts now,” said Tolentino who for the first time on Thursday put together weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo, who won the Philippines’ first Olympic gold in Tokyo, and gymnast Carlos Yulo, who doubled the harvest in Paris, over what will now be the most iconic lunch of Filipino heroes along the banks of the Seine River with the Eiffel Tower witnessing history in the background.
Gymnastics, weightlifting and boxing are the most potential sources of Olympic gold medals with Tolentino saying that in the next Olympic cycle, other sports could be given elite treatment.
“The template applied in weightlifting, gymnastics and boxing has been tested and proven again in Paris,” said Tolentino on the formula for success in sports—a squad of coaches, strength and conditioning experts, physiotherapists, nutritionists, among others. “The POC will be encouraging national sports associations to apply a similar template.
There are 32 sports being played at the Paris Olympics that are bound to be on the LA28 program and Tolentino said that there are more than a dozen of them where Filipino athletes could win medals.
“Shooting, archery and taekwondo, to name a few,” said Tolentino, who’s also confident cycling, which he also heads, could be coming out of the horizon.
An International Cycling Union-standard 250-meter indoor velodrome is expected to be completed in mid-2025 in Tagaytay City, where Tolentino is mayor.
“Twelve gold medals, six men and six women, are staked in track cycling here in Paris, that’s a lot of opportunities,” Tolentino said.
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino has called on the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to take proactive measures in assisting fishermen impacted by the recent oil spill.
The oil spill from the ill-fated MT Terranova has displaced numerous fishermen, severely affecting their livelihoods.
“I hope BFAR will be proactive in assisting our fishers and engaging with them on what needs to be done,” Tolentino stated.
The senator’s appeal comes as the fishers’ organization, PAMALAKAYA, reported that many fishermen have lost their primary source of income due to the environmental disaster.
“If they can’t fish, they can’t eat. With many fishing grounds affected by the oil spill and the resulting fishing ban, our livelihood is in jeopardy,” said Fernando Hicap, chairperson of PAMALAKAYA.
Although BFAR has announced plans to provide fuel subsidies to the affected fishermen, Hicap argued that this support is insufficient and emphasized the need for alternative income sources.
In response to the crisis, Tolentino has filed Senate Resolution No. 1048, which seeks to initiate a Senate inquiry into the cause, extent, and impact of the oil spill.
(ia/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Francis Tolentino stated on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, that the ethics complaint filed by Sen. Nancy Binay against Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano will undergo the proper procedure.
Binay filed an ethics complaint following a heated argument with Cayetano during Monday’s Senate Committee on Accounts hearing.
“Ang gagawin po diyan, susundin po ‘yung rules, kung ano po ‘yung procedure. Ayon po sa rules, pag nag-file ng complaint, magkakaroon ng preliminary determination ‘yung ethics committee,” said Tolentino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, in a radio interview.
The lawmaker explained that there would be hearings when an ethics complaint is filed, and if proven, there would be penalties.
Tolentino mentioned that he had not yet read the complaint filed by Binay as he was not in his office on Monday.
He also noted that filing ethics complaints against co-senators has occurred in the past.
“Meron ho. Siguro 20 years ago… the first one is Senator Heherson Alvarez, si JPE (Juan Ponce Enrile). Matagal-tagal na ‘yan pero kung huhukayin ninyo ‘yung kasaysayan ay marami na po noon,” the senator shared.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino delivered the keynote speech during the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) commencement exercises held in Davao City.
Tolentino urged the graduates to use their education to “make a difference, inspire others, and create a future filled with hope and promise.”
“As you step into the world beyond the walls of the University of Southeastern Philippines, remember that your education is not merely about the knowledge you have acquired but the wisdom you have gained,” said Tolentino.
“I encourage the faculty members and the parents—our work does not end with the graduation ceremony. Our graduates should step out not alone, but with the guidance of their parents and the continued mentoring, albeit at a distance, of the faculty members,” he continued.
The senator also expressed his commitment to help establish a general hospital at USeP to complement the university’s Doctor of Medicine program and provide vital health services to residents of the city and the Davao region.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Francis Tolentino is confident that the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program for tertiary students enrolled in higher learning and vocational institutions will pass the Senate.
He believes there will be enough votes for the bill to become law.
“I believe we have reached a level of support where the ROTC program will be revived. I’m quite confident,” Tolentino said during the ROTC Games Mindanao qualifiers held on Sunday, June 23, 2024.
“The primary goal of the ROTC Bill is to encourage and develop discipline and a deep sense of nationalism among our youth.”
Former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri had previously included the ROTC bill among the priority legislation.
Senator Robin Padilla has also expressed support for the bill, emphasizing that through ROTC, youth can hone their skills. He noted that in other countries, even trainees with disabilities are trained in various aspects of service.
“Just because we see mandatory military service in other countries where even those with disabilities can serve, it doesn’t mean they need to crawl or carry a gun. The talents of the youth can be maximized and utilized in different ways, such as training in computer skills. There are many avenues for development. ROTC is not just about becoming a warrior; it is about developing our youth,” Padilla said.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Francis Tolentino will lead the kickoff of the Mindanao qualifying leg of the Reserved Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Games at the Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Center in Zamboanga City this Sunday (23 June 2024).
“The Philippine ROTC Games aim to showcase the skills and talents of the Filipino youth who are participating voluntarily as cadets and who could also be tapped for our national pool of athletes,” Tolentino stated.
Over 1,800 ROTC cadet athletes from various public and private tertiary schools in Mindanao will compete in various sports and military drills from June 23 to 28.
The events include aquatics/swimming, arnis, athletics, basketball, boxing, chess, E-sports, kickboxing, sepak takraw, taekwondo, table tennis, volleyball, target shooting, and the ‘raiders’ competition.
Additionally, the Miss ROTC-Mindanao pageant will be held at the Western Mindanao State University gymnasium on June 22.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said on Tuesday (18 June 2024) that the upper chamber will conduct a session every Thursday to tackle local bills from the House of Representatives.
Tolentino said that the session will be held from 10 am to 1 pm.
“Huwebes magse-sesyon, umaga—10 [am] to 1 [pm],” he told Senate reporters.
“Kasi napakaraming tambak na local bills ‘yung mga protection of mga environmental zone…changing the name of a college, street, etc. Ide-devote ng Senado ‘yung Thursday to tackle local bills coming from the House of Representatives,” Tolentino added.
Meanwhile, Monday to Wednesday sessions will be allotted for national bills.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino urged Filipino fishermen to be careful when fishing in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
This is following China’s implementation of an order threatening to arrest and detain for up to 60 days anyone who enters what they believe is part of their territory, including Bajo de Masinloc which well within the Philippines’ exclusive eçonomic zone in the West Philippine Sea.
Likewise, the Majority Leader stressed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are still encouraging Filipino fishermen to continue fishing and assert their right to fishing grounds in the WPS.
Tolentino shared that he has set a meeting with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to discuss the implications of this new Chinese law.
He said, it would be considered as giving up the traditional fishing grounds of the Philippines if the country would recognize the new Chinese law.
(el Amigo/mnm)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Francis Tolentino anticipates a swifter judicial process following the Senate’s approval on the third and final reading of a bill seeking to establish additional courts in the country.
“This initiative aims to streamline case handling and accelerate the dispensation of justice — a vital obligation of the government and the bedrock of a truly democratic society,” remarked Tolentino, serving as the Chairperson of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights, during his sponsorship speech.
He emphasized, “These legislative efforts are designed to ensure that the newly established courts are not just symbolic gestures; they will be promptly and fully operational, with adequate funding and staffing provisions for judges, prosecutors, and public attorneys assigned to each court.”
Tolentino advocated for the establishment of 40 Regional Trial Courts (RTCs), three Metropolitan Trial Courts (MeTCs), and 11 Municipal Trial Courts (MTCs).
Citing Article III, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution, which guarantees “every person the right to a speedy trial,” Tolentino underscored the importance of efficient legal proceedings.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Francis Tolentino emphasized on Tuesday (April 30, 2024) the necessity for academic institutions to devise short-term strategies enabling learners to persist in their studies despite the challenges posed by the El Niño phenomenon.
Speaking during the hearing of the Committee on Basic Education regarding the impacts of extreme heat on class activities and the adoption of alternative delivery modes (ADMs), Tolentino stressed the importance of implementing measures that facilitate uninterrupted learning for students.
He added that parents should be empowered to make decisions in the best interest of their children.
“It’s not up to the principals, no offense, to determine whether a Grade 3 or Grade 4 student should attend classes in Sultan Kudarat or Laoag,” he remarked. “The decision lies with the parents, while schools and academic institutions should adapt their approaches accordingly, ensuring that learners are not further disadvantaged.”
Additionally, Tolentino highlighted the long-term solution of transitioning to the traditional school calendar, running from June to March next year.
(el Amigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
Senator Francis Tolentino is urging President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to promptly issue an executive order to implement adjustments in the work schedules of government employees.
This call comes in response to the Metro Manila Council’s (MMC) appeal to Malacañang to replicate their directive regarding the adjustment of work schedules for employees in local government units and agencies in Metro Manila.
The proposed adjustment shifts the schedule from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tolentino emphasizes the importance of extending this adjustment to all government agencies to ensure consistency across the board.
According to the senator, the MMC’s directive is a step in the right direction for making Metro Manila more sustainable and commuter-friendly.
He argues that aligning the schedules of the government and private sectors will alleviate heavy traffic during peak hours and enhance the commuting experience.
(el Amigo/MNM)
During the Weekly Forum at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay on Wednesday (20 Dec 2023), Senator Francis Tolentino announced a pioneering legislative proposal aimed at eliminating the requirement of implementing rules and regulations (IRRs) 15 days before the publication of approved laws.
Tolentino emphasized that the traditional practice of having IRRs in place before the publication of a law is unnecessary. According to the senator, at present, laws will become executory upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation within 15 days.
The proposed bill marks a historic initiative, with Tolentino expressing his hope that it will serve as a blueprint for all future laws enacted by Congress. This move, if successful, could streamline the legislative process and set a precedent for the future.
(Benjamin Cuaresma/IAmigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has announced that the Senate is in the process of identifying a new chairperson for the powerful Blue Ribbon Committee.
Zubiri expressed his respect for Senator Francis Tolentino’s decision to resign from his position as the head of the Blue Ribbon Committee.
He commended Tolentino’s efficient and productive leadership, acknowledging the committee’s effective exercise of its power to investigate matters related to the accountability of public officers.
“Sen. Tolentino’s tenure as the head of the Blue Ribbon Committee has been marked by efficiency and productivity. Under his capable leadership, the committee has successfully fulfilled its mandate to investigate issues relevant to the accountability of public officials,” said Zubiri.
Regarding the selection of the new chair for the Blue Ribbon Committee, Zubiri emphasized that this process would involve thorough consultations with Senate colleagues. Acknowledging the significant role Tolentino played, Zubiri expressed confidence in finding a suitable replacement among the talented lawyers within the Senate.
“Sen. Tolentino has left big shoes to fill, but I am sure we can find a suitable replacement in our ranks of brilliant lawyers in the chamber,” he added.
Senator Tolentino had previously announced his resignation, stating, “This decision is rooted in a deep-seated belief that public office demands fidelity to pledges made.”
(IAmigo/MNM)
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Francis Tolentino has officially announced his resignation as the chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
“In fulfillment of a sacred commitment to serve as Blue Ribbon Committee Chairman and Member of the Commission on Appointments for a concise term of one and a half years, I find it both a duty and an honor to uphold the essence of a prior agreement,” Tolentino said Tuesday (19 Dec 2023).
“This decision is rooted in a deep-seated belief that public office demands fidelity to pledges made,” he added.
The lawmaker specified that his resignation will be formally confirmed during the upcoming plenary session.
The Blue Ribbon Committee is tasked with investigating alleged wrongdoings within the government, its officials, and its attached agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations.
Ni Liza Soriano
KUNG talagang may kapabayaan, maaaring sampahan ng kaso ang Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Ito’y ayon kay Senator Francis Tolentino makaraang hayaan nito ang Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) na mag-facilitate o manguna sa field trials para sa bisa ng African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine.
Lumalabas sa ginanap na pagdinig ng Senado na ang FDA lang ang nag-apruba ng protocol para sa clinical trial at ang BAI na ang nagmonitor sa ginawang testing ng bakuna.
Iginiit ni Tolentino na dapat ang FDA ang mangunguna sa clinical trial ng ASF vaccine lalo pa at ang ahensiya rin ang siyang dapat na nagbibigay ng permit sa mga bakuna at gamot na pumapasok sa bansa.
Dahil dito, nagbabala ang senador na maaaring kasuhan ang FDA ng kapabayaan sa hindi pagtupad sa kanilang tungkulin.
Ipinaalala pa ni Tolentino na kahit may memorandum of agreement (MOA) sa ganitong mga testing ng bakuna ay ang FDA pa rin ang may tungkulin na magsagawa at magmonitor nito.
Hindi, aniya, kailanman maaaring i-delegate o ipasa ng FDA ang kanilang functions o tungkulin kahit pa sa BAI at tanging Kongreso lang ang may karapatang mag-delegate ng tungkulin.
(ai/mnm)
By Dang Samson Garcia
SENATOR Francis Tolentino reiterated the need to impose liabilities of schools amid the new hazing-related death of criminology student Ahldryn Lery Chua Bravante in Tau Gamma Fraternity initiation rites.
“I hope the same remedial measures can address the gap on liabilities of schools as secondary parents,” Tolentino said in reference to his filed Senate Bill nos. 2270 and 2271.
The Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights chairman likewise underscored the proper implementation of Anti Hazing-Law requiring barangay to monitor fraternities’ initiation rites, especially by barangay officials.
“Sa law kasi, dapat ma-inform ang barangay kung mayroong hazing na gagawin. I’m sure ‘di nangyari ito doon sa Quezon City o kung saan. Dapat ipaalam sa mga tumatakbong barangay officials iyon. Bahagi ng kanilang mandato na i-monitor ang mga nangyayari sa kanilang nasasakupan,” the lawmaker said.
Tolentino also lamented the death of Bravante, which came just months after the victim’s older brother died of accident.
“Nakakalungkot ito kasi pangalawa na siya sa pamilya nila na namatay. Tuwing umuuwi ang nanay niya ay may namamatay,” Tolentino further stresssed.
By Dang Samson Garcia
IN recognition of their important role in the everyday lives of their citizens, Senator Francis Tolentino on Saturday tipped his hat off to local government units in their initiatives to improve education and health situations and undertake crisis management in their localities.
“If the world is flat, according to book author Thomas L. Friedman, for me, the world is local, everything is local,” Tolentino said.
In providing education to their constituents, the lawmaker was one of the local chief executives who initiated the establishment of the locally-funded colleges and universities when he founded the Tagaytay City College in 2002 when he was still city mayor.
Tolentino said the number of local colleges and universities when he founded TCT was about 100, and has since grown to 134 at present.
Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega, president of the Association of Local Colleges and Universities, also shared the importance of locally-funded tertiary institutions that respond to the needs of the localities.
Arcega said local colleges and universities are now performing at par with state colleges and universities that the national government funds by topping licensure examinations.
The senator also recognized the initiative of Mayor Alfredo Coro of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, to make their community-based health program more responsive and efficient during health crises and calamities.
The program has been the recipient of the 2023 Galing Pook Award, Seal of Health Governance.
Coro shared that owing to established community-based health program, they were able to mitigate the effects of Category 4 Typhoon Odette when it pummeled their town in December 2021 and efficiently handled the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.