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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ex-senator Francis Tolentino named acting DOLE chief

Ex-senator Francis Tolentino named acting DOLE chief

Published May 25, 2026 01:40 pm

At A Glance

  • President Marcos appointed former senator Francis Tolentino as acting secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
  • Malacañang said the President trusts Tolentino's experience in handling national and local government posts
  • Outgoing Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma stepped down due to health concerns
Former senator Francis Tolentino (Senate PRIB photo)
Former senator Francis Tolentino (Senate PRIB photo)

President Marcos has appointed former senator Francis Tolentino as acting secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Malacañang announced on Monday, May 25.

During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President believes Tolentino is capable of leading the labor department because of his extensive government experience.

“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 (President Marcos Jr. trusts that incoming Acting Secretary Tolentino will be able to lead the DOLE because of his capability and extensive experience in handling important positions in government — both local and national),” she said.

Tolentino was scheduled to take his oath before Marcos on Monday afternoon at Malacañang.

The new DOLE chief previously served as senator from 2019 to 2025 and earlier held posts including chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and mayor of Tagaytay City.

Tolentino, who ran for senator in 2025 under President Marcos’ Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, will replace Bienvenido Laguesma at the DOLE, who left the post due to “health considerations necessitating my full attention at this time.”

“Dahil po sa kanyang health condition. Kaya po kailangan po na magkaroon at magtalaga ng acting labor secretary (It is because of his health condition. That is why there was a need to designate an acting labor secretary),” she said.

Asked whether Laguesma would be transferred to another government post, Castro declined to speculate.

“Hindi ko po maaaring pangunahan ang Pangulo (I cannot preempt the President),” she said.

“Kung ito naman po ay may concern sa kanyang health condition, of course, kailangan nating malaman kung kakayanin pa ng kanyang kalusugan (If the concern involves his health condition, of course, we need to determine whether his health can still handle it),” she added.

Related Tags

President Marcos Bongbong Marcos Francis Tolentino DOLE Claire Castro Bienvenido Laguesma
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