President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former senator Francis Tolentino as acting secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), following the vacancy created by the departure of outgoing Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma.
The announcement was made Monday by Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro, who said the President has full confidence in Tolentino’s ability to lead the labor department during the transition.
“Tiwala si Pangulong Marcos Jr. na mapamumunuan ni incoming Acting Secretary Tolentino ang DOLE dahil sa kanyang kakayahan at malawak na karanasan sa paghawak ng mahahalagang tungkulin sa pamahalaan, lokal o nasyonal,” Castro said during a briefing in Malacañang.
Tolentino is expected to take his oath before the President at Malacañang Palace, officially assuming his role as the country’s acting labor chief.
According to Castro, the leadership change was prompted by Laguesma’s health condition, which necessitated the appointment of an acting secretary to ensure uninterrupted operations at the Department of Labor and Employment.
“Dahil po sa kanyang health condition, kaya kailangan magkaroon at magtalaga ng acting labor secretary,” she added.
Asked whether Laguesma could still be appointed to another government position, Castro said any future role would depend on both the President’s assessment and the former secretary’s health status.
Tolentino’s appointment comes as DOLE continues to address key labor concerns, including employment generation, workers’ welfare, and ongoing job recovery initiatives.
While Malacañang has yet to outline specific policy directions under Tolentino’s leadership, the Palace said his extensive background in public service is expected to ensure continuity in the department’s programs and reforms.
