Former presidential political adviser Francis Tolentino said Sunday that ordinary Filipinos should be at the forefront of the government’s priorities, stressing that they mirror the true love for the country.
During the “Harapan 2019” televised senatorial debates on ABS-CBN, the former Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chair said true love for the country can be seen on the lives of the ordinary Filipinos.
He said that dedication to their service must be the inspiration of those who aspire to lead the country. “Ang kanilang halimbawa ng katapatan at dedikasyon sa trabaho at ang kanilang pag-aalay ng oras at talino para sa kapwa Pilipino ang dapat na maging sukatan din para sa mga nagnanais na mahalal at maglingkod sa gobyerno,” Tolentino said.
He said the government must prioritize ordinary Filipinos in its health and livelihood projects.
If given the chance to be a senator, Tolentino added that he will push for a more extensive coverage of Philhealth for workers like tricycle drivers, bakers, market vendors, construction workers, and other laborers who are prone to dangerous works.
Moreover, he said he will work on giving financial support as well as training and workshops for those who wish to start a business. Tolentino said that through these, the government will be able to pay back the hard work of the ordinary citizens.
Running under President Duterte’s PDP-Laban, Tolentino is taking another shot again in the senatorial elections this year. He is also included in the senatorial candidates endorsed by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio.