Mark Lapid, along with his wife Tanya and father Senator Lito Lapid, files his certificate of candidacy for senator at the Comelec office in Manila on Wednesday, October 14. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) — Resigned Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino on Wednesday filed his certificate of candidacy.
Tolentino, who withdrew from being part of the Liberal Party’s (LP) senatorial slate after the “Playgirls” controversy, is running as an independent candidate.
Tolentino’s supporters trooped early at the Palacio del Gobernador in Intramuros, Manila.
A former three-term mayor of Tagaytay City, Tolentino was accompanied by Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla and local officials from Cavite.
Tolentino said he was also accompanied by several mayors, including Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.
The former MMDA chairman said he submitted his COC with his resume, complete with a legislative platform of government.
“Mabibilang po natin kung sino ang nagpasa ng COC na may resume at legislative platform of government,” he said.
He said he will push for higher Internal Revenue Allotment and reforms for local government units.
Tolentino, meanwhile, when asked who will he support for president in the coming elections replied: “Independent ako.”
“Makikita n’yo po sa certificate of candidacy ko na independent ako,” he reiterated when pressed by members of the media.
Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority chief operating officer Mark Lapid also filed his COC for senator.
Lapid, included in the LP’s senatorial slate, was accompanied by his wife, former actress Tanya Garcia and father, Sen. Lito Lapid.
As part of the administration’s coalition, he said he will continue the Aquino administration’s “tuwid na daan.”
He said he will push for reforms in the tourism industry.
“Turismo po, ‘yan po ang una nating reporma na ipagpapatuloy at isusulong dahil diyan po may asenso at magbibigay ng trabaho at mga kabuhayan sa ating mga kababayan,” he said. (MNS)