President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has designated former Senator Francis Tolentino as the acting secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Malacañang announced on Monday.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed the appointment, stating that the Chief Executive is confident in Tolentino’s capability to lead the department responsible for safeguarding labor welfare and driving national employment initiatives.
Tolentino is scheduled to officially take the helm of the agency after taking his oath of office before President Marcos at the Malacañang Palace later today.
According to the Palace, the leadership change was prompted by the medical situation of outgoing Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma.
“Dahil po sa kanyang health condition. Kaya po kailangan po na magkaroon at magtalaga ng acting labor secretary,” (Because of his health condition. That is why there is a need to have and appoint an acting labor secretary,) Castro explained during a press briefing.
When questioned about whether Laguesma would be given a different government portfolio once he recovers, Castro noted that no directive has been issued by the Chief Executive.
“Hindi ko po maaaring pangunahan ang Pangulo. Kung ito naman po ay may concern sa kanyang health condition, of course, kailangan nating malaman kung kakayanin pa ng kanyang kalusugan,” (I cannot preempt the President. If this concerns his health condition, of course, we need to know first if his health can still take it,) she added.
Tolentino, who fell short in his 2025 senatorial reelection bid, transitions to the Cabinet with extensive background in public service.
His government career spans decades, including roles as mayor of Tagaytay City, chairperson of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) under the administration of the late former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, and Presidential Adviser for Political Affairs under former President Rodrigo Duterte.