Koko Pimentel brings experience to help Marikina’s debt, flood issues

Former Senate president Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III — File photo

Former Senate president Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, a proud Marikeño for more than 50 years, is running for congressman of Marikina’s First District, bringing with him more than a decade of experience and a solid track record as a veteran lawmaker.

Pimentel, one of the country’s most respected lawmakers, has authored and co-authored key legislation that continues to impact the lives of millions.

During his term as Senate president, landmark laws were enacted — including the Free College Tuition Law, which provides free tuition in state universities and colleges, and the Free Public Wi-Fi Law, which ensures internet access in public spaces.

Under his term as Senate president, the validity of passports and driver’s licenses was extended to reduce bureaucracy and ease the burden on Filipinos.

Pimentel played a key role in passing the Anti-Hazing Law to protect students.

He also voted yes to the Magna Carta of the Poor to guarantee access to food, shelter, and education; the Ease of Doing Business Law to cut bureaucratic red tape; and the National ID Law to establish a unified identification system.

He also supported the passage of Free Irrigation Act, Balik Scientist Act, and Anti-Hospital Deposit Law.

For women, he voted in favor of the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, granting 105 days of paid leave to working mothers.

Pimentel authored the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers and the Bangsamoro Organic Law for peace in Mindanao, and reformed the Sangguniang Kabataan with stronger rules and training.

He also pushed for improved support for senior citizens through the Centenarians Act.

He helped champion the Mental Health Act, ensuring access to mental healthcare for all Filipinos; and supported the passage of the Free School Feeding Law, which provides nutritious meals to children in public schools to combat hunger and improve learning.

His Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act protects Philippine waters and strengthens national security.

The veteran legislator also sponsored the Republic Act 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act to develop and promote the Philippine creative industries.

In the current Congress, Pimentel stood up for Philippine rights in the West Philippine Sea, honored frontliners, and praised Filipino athletes. He also called for faster, more reliable internet for all.

Pimentel, a topnotcher in the 1990 Bar exams and a lawyer from the University of the Philippines, has been active in civic and legal organizations for decades. He has received honorary doctorates and has taught in several law schools.

Now bringing his national experience to local concerns, Pimentel said he is alarmed by Marikina’s growing debt, which has reached nearly ₱3.5 billion. “We need reform and responsible governance,” he said. “Hindi puwedeng pabayaan ang utang. Kailangang magbago.”

“Hindi lang dami kundi kalidad ng batas ang mahalaga,” he said. “Each law I wrote was meant to help and protect the people.”

Pimentel wants to serve his hometown, especially as the city grapples with over ₱3.5 billion in debt and persistent flooding.

Pimentel is introducing a localized reform agenda called the BTS Program — short for Baha, Trabaho, Sapatos. The initiative aims to address Marikina’s chronic flooding, generate sustainable local jobs, and revive the city’s iconic shoe industry.

“Use your KOKOTE — look at the track record, not just the name. We need a change of leadership in Marikina,” he said in Filipino, referring to “kukote,” a colloquial term for brains.