Raffy Tulfo endorses Koko Pimentel for Marikina District 1 congressman
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Raffy Tulfo, one of the country’s most influential public figures, has thrown his support behind Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, who is running for congressman of Marikina’s First District.
In a video statement, Tulfo praised his fellow senator, calling Pimentel a trustworthy and principled leader who embodies the values that public servants should live by.
“Mga idol ng District One Marikina, ito ang dapat iluklok niyo sa Kongreso,” Tulfo said. “Matalino, mabait, maka-Diyos, makabayan, masipag — garantisado. Panalo ang District One Marikina kapag ito ang inyong naging Congressman, dinala niyo sa Kongreso. Sigurado, panalo tayong lahat. Kay Senator Koko Pimentel, panalo ang District One ng Marikina.”
The two lawmakers have worked together in the Senate and share common legislative priorities, particularly in promoting accountability, protecting the marginalized, and enforcing reforms.
Pimentel, in response, expressed gratitude for Tulfo’s endorsement. “Maraming salamat, Idol Raffy,” he said. “Mula Senado hanggang lansangan, magkaisa tayo sa adhikain ng tapat, epektibo, at makataong paglilingkod.”
Like Tulfo, Pimentel has authored several measure that continue 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 (RA) 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act (PCIDA) 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 vowed to bring his national experience to local concerns. Pimentel said he is alarmed by Marikina’s growing debt, which has reached more than ₱3.5 billion.
As the frontrunner in the congressional race, 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—tumingin sa track record, hindi lang sa pangalan. Kailangan natin ng pagbabago ng leadership sa Marikina,” he said.
