Malacañang has announced the appointment of former senator Francis Tolentino as acting secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
During a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Bongbong Marcos has full confidence in Tolentino’s capability to lead the agency.
“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, local o national (President Marcos Jr. believes incoming Acting Secretary Tolentino can effectively lead the DOLE because of his competence and extensive experience in handling important government responsibilities, both at the local and national levels),” Castro said.
Tolentino previously ran for reelection in the 2025 senatorial elections but lost.
During his term in the Senate after winning in 2019, he served as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Government and the Senate Committee on Urban Planning, Housing, and Resettlement.
He also served as presidential adviser on political affairs under former President Rodrigo Duterte from 2017 to 2018.
Aside from this, Tolentino was chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) from 2010 to 2015 and served three consecutive terms as mayor of Tagaytay City.
Tolentino will replace Bienvenido Laguesma as DOLE secretary.
Castro explained that Laguesma’s health condition prompted the need to appoint an acting labor secretary for the department.
Tolentino is expected to take his oath of office on Monday.
(PHOTO COURTESY: Francis Tolentino | Facebook)
