Today I wish to share with readers the life and times of an exemplary public official with whom I served in the Cabinet of President Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino III: newly appointed Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino, who has built an exemplary public service career that spans local governance, metropolitan management, national legislation, and public policy. A lawyer by profession and a longtime public administrator, he is noted for combining academic rigor with hands-on executive experience.

In my view, what sets Francis apart is his humility and dedication to duty. During our stint with PNoy, I witnessed at close range his leadership acumen and superior intellect that was tempered with genuine concern for the people.

Tolentino first gained prominence as mayor of Tagaytay City, serving three consecutive terms from 1995 to 2004 after initially serving as officer-in-charge mayor in 1986. During his tenure, he championed urban orderliness, tourism development, and values-oriented governance through his Character First advocacy, which later influenced some of his governance initiatives at the national level. He also served as president of the League of Cities of the Philippines in 2001.

His national profile rose significantly when he was appointed chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority from 2010 to 2015 which had been elevated to Cabinet rank by dint of its vital importance as the integrator of vital public services in the National Capital Region. As MMDA Chair, Tolentino pursued several notable urban management and disaster-preparedness initiatives. Among the more visible were the modernization of traffic monitoring systems, the strengthening of MMDA’s digital communication platforms including real-time traffic advisories through social media, and the revival of the Pasig River Ferry system as an alternative transport mode. He also pushed for the Southwest Integrated Provincial Transport System aimed at decongesting Metro Manila traffic by consolidating provincial bus terminals.

Tolentino likewise earned recognition for disaster response and preparedness programs. He spearheaded the Metro Manila Shake Drill, which drew millions of participants and gained international attention for promoting earthquake readiness.

During the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, MMDA heavy equipment and rescue units under his leadership were among the first national government responders to arrive in Tacloban. He himself was at the frontlines of the disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts. That he had the initiative to bring Metro Manila-based heavy equipment to Leyte at the height of a major catastrophe reflects the audacity with which he tackled and overcame adversity.

When Pope Francis visited Leyte in January 2015, Francis and I joined then Executive Secretary Paquito ‘Jojo’ Ochoa in accompanying the Papal delegation. Due to a fortuitous event — our plane ran aground before taking off at Tacloban airport for the return trip to Manila — our team had to stay overnight. He poked good humor on us who figured in that mishap. Early the following day, we heard early Sunday mass and he was greeted by the parishioners as if he were one of them — signifying that the MMDA’s ‘Yolanda’ mission had left a deep imprint in their hearts.

Elected Senator in 2019, Tolentino chaired several key Senate committees, including Local Government, Urban Planning and Housing, Justice and Human Rights, and the Blue Ribbon Committee. He later served as Senate Majority Leader from 2024 to 2025. Among his legislative advocacies were local governance reform, disaster resilience, urban development, and the defense of Philippine maritime rights in the West Philippine Sea. He was also recognized as principal author of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, which reinforced the country’s maritime entitlements under international law.

Academically, Tolentino possesses one of the most extensive educational backgrounds among contemporary Filipino politicians. He earned his Bachelor of Laws degree from Ateneo de Manila University and passed both the Philippine Bar and the New York State Bar examinations. He subsequently obtained three Master of Laws (LL.M.) degrees: in Constitutional Law from the University of Michigan Law School, in Public International Law from the University of London, and in Corporation Law from Columbia Law School. He also completed a Master in National Security Administration at the National Defense College of the Philippines, where he ranked sixth among 55 graduates.

Complementing the breadth of his academic credentials is his depth of his commitment to serve the people. His low-key and soft-spoken ways are appreciated by those with whom he works and serves.

Indeed, President Marcos made an excellent choice in tapping Francis to replace Bienvenido ‘Benny’ Laguesma, who had been DOLE Secretary since July 2022, and who also served in the same post under President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.

Beyond his creditable previous Cabinet experience and Senate stint, his ardent devotion to duty and love of country assures the citizenry of dependable leadership in the DOLE.

I extend my warmest congratulations to Secretary Francis Tolentino and wish him a fruitful return to the Cabinet as he devotes himself anew to the service of the Filipino citizenry.