So I got the chance to talk to former Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). For those who only know him as MMDA Chair, let me give you short background of Francis Tolentino. He is actually a lawyer and have a a doctorate degree at Tulane University Law School (Doctor of Judicial Science candidate)
His background on governance can be traced from his previous experience. He was a former Tagaytay City Mayor for three consecutive terms from 1995-2004. He was identified as the chairman alone but he was also became president of League of Cities of the Philippines.
He is now running as independent party for Senator in the upcoming national election. Some of the things that he is proposing should he become a legislators are as follows:
a. Amendments to the local Government code that will increase the allocation of Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) based on performance and its automatic release to local governments.
b. Established community airports in support of tourism.
c. Propose that the national government allocate funds to Recovery Trust funds for LGUs in support to his stand in disaster preparedness.
Those are just few on his list and during the course of the discussion with other bloggers, he shed light on the accomplishments he did such as improvements in Tagaytay. He is the one who also initiate Mabuhay lanes and what MMDA calls Christmas lanes, including the extension of Mall operating hours for christmas.
He mentioned that traffic can be viewed as a whole Metropolitan problem that goes along with a Metropolitan Development. MMDA is not just about controlling te traffic. it also includes public safety, flood control and disaster management.He proposes an agency to use Govt unutilized funds should go to recovery and reconstruction.
He also mentioned about a drafting proposal for a possible additional incentives for movie industries, which he promised me to give an update possibly nextweek.
He also stand on the protection of our national environment and the integrity of the ecology thus proposing tax holidays for the environment-friendly companies and enterprise. I wish I have more time getting to know him. I think he is an interesting candidate. He is bringing so much ideas about nationwide solutions, particularly on environment, mining.