President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has designated former Senator Francis Tolentino as the acting Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), replacing Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma due to health reasons.
Malacañang announced on Monday the appointment of former Senator Francis Tolentino as the new acting Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), following the temporary withdrawal of Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma due to health concerns. According to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed confidence in Tolentino’s capability and extensive governmental experience to effectively lead DOLE. Tolentino is set to take his oath of office at Malacañang later that day.
Francis Tolentino, who previously served as a senator from 2019 to 2025, chaired important Senate committees, including those on Local Government and Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement. He also held key positions such as Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs under the Duterte administration (2017-2018), chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (2010-2015), and three consecutive terms as Mayor of Tagaytay City (1995-2004).
The Palace has not yet confirmed reports about former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos possibly returning to replace the current Secretary Jonvic Remulla. This leadership change in DOLE comes at a critical time for workers’ welfare and labor policies in the Philippines.
This development is significant for overseas Filipino workers and labor sectors, both domestically and abroad, as DOLE plays a critical role in labor market policies and overseas employment programs.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/balitambayan/balita/988874/francis-tolentino-bagong-acting-dole-secretary-kapalit-ni-laguesma/story/
