Former Tagaytay City mayor Francis Tolentino on Tuesday officially took over the helm of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) with a promise to be strict in giving exemptions to the number coding traffic scheme. As the new MMDA chairman, Tolentino was quoted in a QTV "Balitanghali" report as saying that he seeks to instill not only "political will" among its men and women, but also "civil will." The report said among the thrusts of Tolentino's administration is to give equal treatment to all motorists, including stripping off exemptions on the number coding traffic scheme. Tolentino reportedly said he would not grant requests from politicians who want to be exempted from the number coding. He said only medical practitioners, members of the media, and food delivery vans are not covered by the traffic scheme.
Pro-environment Currently taking up masteral studies in environmental law, Tolentino also vowed to carry out projects leaning more towards environment protection during his stint in the MMDA. He said he plans to place plantboxes all over Metro Manila. Tolentino defended himself against criticisms that he is not a native of Metro Manila by noting his track record — nine years as Tagaytay mayor — in local governance. Tolentino also said he would not be harsh on sidewalk vendors. Former MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando, a former Marikina mayor, had earned notoriety for his iron-fist policy in getting illegal vendors off the streets of Metro Manila. Tolentino said his office will now operate 24/7. He also said he is willing to sleep in his office to ensure continuous service. He also promised to make the agency's presence on the Internet by coming up with Twitter and Facebook accounts to better reach out to the public. Changing the color of MMDA-erected foot bridges and road fences, however, is not among his priority. But Tolentino said he is thinking about changing the MMDA logo's color from blue to yellow.
— Mark D. Merueñas/KBK/RSJ, GMANews.TV 
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