REELECTIONIST Senator Francis ‘Tol’ Tolentino took 8-9th places in the latest Pulso ng Pilipino senatorial survey conducted by the Issues and Advocacy Center (The Center) from April 11-15 and 19-22.

Voter preference for Tolentino stood at 37.5 percent, representing a substantial 4.1 percent jump from the survey’s previous edition, where he garnered 33.4 percent of votes.

Tolentino, who is aiming for a second term under the administration-backed Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) got a shot in the arm following his startling revelation of the presence of underwater drones that are sending intelligence information to China on the country’s upcoming mid-term polls.

Tolentino is also credited with the creation and launch of the country’s ROTC Games that brings together college students nationwide who are attending the ROTC discipline as participants not only in various sports competition but the games also include academic contests.

He has been running on a platform that seeks to reduce the cost of electricity and internet to benefit ordinary consumers and students.

The principal author of the landmark Philippine Maritime Zones Law (Republic Act 12064), Tolentino has been a leading voice in asserting the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

Under the Tolentino Law, the map of the Talampas ng Pilipinas, a vast, resource-rich undersea landmass located in the country’s eastern seaboard, was formally submitted and accepted by the United Nations’ International Seabed Authority last March 27.

The latest, non-commissioned Pulso ng Pilipino survey polled 1,800 respondents nationwide using a multi-stage, area probability sampling (MSAP) and random digital access methodology.

The survey has a margin of error of + 3% and a confidence level of in excess of 98%.

Tolentino previously admitted being concerned about ranking outside the Magic 12 in recent surveys but stayed focused on his campaign, citing his Senate track record.

First elected senator in 2019, Tolentino belongs to the administration ticket endorsed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

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