Francis 'Tol' N. Tolentino
Francis 'Tol' N. Tolentino is a seasoned Filipino politician, lawyer, and public servant. Born in Albay but raised in Tagaytay City, Cavite, Tolentino has built an impressive academic and public service record. He has three Master of Laws degrees from prestigious institutions: University of Michigan Law School (Constitutional Law), University of London (Public International Law), and Columbia Law School (Corporation Law). He also holds a Master's degree in National Security Administration from the National Defense College of the Philippines. Tolentino began his political career as an OIC-City Mayor of Tagaytay City in 1986, later being elected for three consecutive terms from 1995 to 2004. He served as President of the League of Cities of the Philippines in 2001 before becoming the Chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) from 2010 to 2015. In 2017, he was appointed as Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs under President Rodrigo Duterte. After an unsuccessful senatorial bid in 2016, Tolentino won a Senate seat in 2019, placing 9th in the elections. He is currently serving as a Senator until 2025 and is seeking reelection for a second term.
Education
- Master of Laws (LLM), University of Michigan Law School (Constitutional Law)
- Master of Laws (LLM), University of London (Public International Law)
- Master of Laws (LLM), Columbia Law School (Corporation Law)
- Master on National Security Administration (MNSA), National Defense College of the Philippines
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Ateneo de Manila University Law School
- Passed the 1984 Philippine Bar Exams with a General Average of 86.25%
- Passed the New York State (USA) Bar Exams
Career Highlights
- Senator of the Republic of the Philippines (2019-present)
- Senate Majority Leader (current)
- Chairman, Senate Committee on Local Government (18th Congress)
- Chairman, Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement (18th Congress)
- Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations (18th Congress)
- Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs (2017-2018)
- Chairman, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) (2010-2015)
- President, League of Cities of the Philippines (2001)
- Mayor of Tagaytay City (1995-2004, three consecutive terms)
- OIC-City Mayor, Tagaytay City (1986)
Key Platforms
Defense of Philippine Sovereignty
Strongly advocates for the protection of Philippine territorial integrity, particularly in the West Philippine Sea. He has been vocal about Chinese interference in Philippine affairs, including exposing alleged links between the Chinese embassy and troll farms, and raising awareness about foreign espionage activities within the country.
International Law
Leverages his background in international law to strengthen Philippine positions in international disputes. He championed the Philippine Maritime Zones Law (Republic Act 12064) and has warned against foreign attempts to undermine this legislation.
Local Government Empowerment
Drawing from his experience as a former mayor and MMDA chairman, advocates for strengthening local government units and improving urban planning and development across the country.
National Security
Emphasizes the importance of protecting national security interests against foreign interference, including monitoring and exposing surveillance operations and espionage activities within Philippine territory.
Housing Development
Promotes initiatives for urban planning, housing, and resettlement, having served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement in the 18th Congress.
Track Record
Legislative Productivity
As a senator, has filed over 113 bills, co-authored 112 resolutions, and signed 56 committee reports, demonstrating his active engagement in the legislative process.
Philippine Maritime Zones Law
Played a key role in advocating for the Philippine Maritime Zones Law (Republic Act 12064), which strengthens the legal framework for protecting Philippine maritime territories, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.
Urban Development Initiatives
During his tenure as MMDA Chairman (2010-2015), implemented various urban development and traffic management programs in Metro Manila. He also institutionalized the Tagaytay Public Safety Office to manage traffic in Tagaytay City during his time as mayor, which became a template for other local government units.
International Law Expertise
Utilizes his extensive legal background with three Master of Laws degrees to strengthen Philippine positions in international disputes and advance the country's sovereignty interests.
Legal Cases & Controversies
Motorcycle Purchase Controversy
Faced allegations related to the purchase of second-hand motorcycles during his time as MMDA Chairman. However, the Cavite Regional Trial Court, Branch 18, was ordered to dismiss the criminal proceedings.
Dancers Controversy
Drew criticism in 2015 for allegedly sending female dancers as a 'birthday treat' to a lawmaker during a Liberal Party event in Laguna. Tolentino apologized for the incident, stating that he had no control over the controversial performance. This controversy led to his resignation from the MMDA.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Advocates for economic policies that protect Philippine industries and resources, with particular emphasis on safeguarding maritime economic zones. |
| Education | Limited specific information available on his education policies for the 2025 election. |
| Healthcare | Limited specific information available on his healthcare policies for the 2025 election. |
| Environment | Has supported urban planning initiatives that incorporate environmental considerations, drawing from his experience as MMDA Chairman and as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Urban Planning. |
| Labor | Limited specific information available on his specific labor policies for the 2025 election. |
| Agriculture | Limited specific information available on his agricultural policies for the 2025 election. |
| Governance | Promotes strengthening local government units based on his experience as a three-term mayor and as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government. |
| Foreign Policy | Takes a strong stance on protecting Philippine sovereignty, particularly against China's claims in the West Philippine Sea. Has been vocal about exposing alleged Chinese interference in Philippine affairs, including foreign espionage activities. |
| Charter Change | Limited specific information available on his position regarding Charter Change for the 2025 election. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Limited specific information available on his position regarding LGBTQIA+ rights for the 2025 election. |
| Drug War | Has expressed opposition to UN calls to end the global 'war on drugs,' stating that UN experts should respect the sovereignty of each country as it deals with its internal situations. |
| Icc | Has taken a strong position against the ICC's investigation into the Philippines' drug war. Has accepted Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa's request to serve as his legal counsel in ICC proceedings, and has advocated for barring ICC prosecutors from entering the Philippines. |
Sources & Citations
- https://web.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/tolentino_tol_bio.asp
- https://francistolentino.ph/
- https://ldr.senate.gov.ph/senator/tolentino-francis-tol-n
- https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/francis-tolentino-files-certificate-candidacy-senator-2025-polls/
- https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1198465
- https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/10/07/1508161/francis-tolentino-resigns-mmda
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/876501/tolentino-urges-solgen-to-monitor-icc-proceedings-amid-ph-disengagement/story/
- https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/6/27/Tolentino-opposes-UN-call-war-on-drugs.html
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025