Tolentino supports multilateral approach to WPS issues
Philippine News Agency
By Wilnard Bacelonia
February 11, 2025, 8:28 pm
MANILA -- Senate Majority Leader and Partido Federal ng Pilipinas senatorial candidate Francis Tolentino on Tuesday underscored his contributions to the Ilocos Region and his stance on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) dispute during the kickoff proclamation rally of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
He cited key laws he authored that include Republic Act (RA) No. 11705, which establishes the Ilocos Sur Medical Center in Candon City; RA 11755, converting Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College into a state university; and the creation of a College of Medicine at Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University.
He also praised people from Northern Luzon for their hard work and discipline, calling them a symbol of Filipino resilience.
He defended the government's foreign policy on the WPS, supporting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s strategy of engaging multiple international allies.
"Isa po sa dahilan kaya ako sumama sa alyasang ito ay nagkaka-isa kami ng pananaw ni Apo Presidente BBM na ang approach po sa WPS ng gobyernong ito, ay dapat multilateral, hindi po 'yung sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at China lamang (One of the reasons why I joined this alliance is because I have the same view as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., that the government's approach should be multilateral, not just between the Philippines and China)," he said.
Tolentino said the recent joint military exercises between the Philippines, the United States, Japan and Australia is the right course of action.
He highlighted his authorship of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, both crucial in defending national sovereignty.
He lauded the Navy and Coast Guard for actively challenging Chinese vessels in Philippine waters, enforcing the Maritime Zones law.
On the issue of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, Tolentino stressed the need to update the Senate's rules to align with modern legal procedures, including the electronic submission of evidence.
He referred to Senate Resolution No. 39 which governs impeachment trials, noting that the interpretation of the term "forthwith" in the 1987 Constitution must be clarified to determine whether the 19th or 20th Congress should preside over an impeachment trial.
"Lahat naman po dito ay magiging fair, objective, impartial at ibabase po lahat sa ebidensya at sa batas (All of us here will be fair, objective, and impartial, and will base everything on evidence and the law)," he assured.
Acknowledging his ranking in pre-election surveys which showed him outside the top 12, Tolentino said it is a challenge to work harder as he seeks another term in the Senate in order to push for strengthened governance, national defense, and legal frameworks. (PNA)
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