The appointment of former senator Francis Tolentino as the new acting labor secretary has drawn calls for stronger action on jobs, wages, worker protection, and skills development as the country continues to face shifting labor and economic challenges.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is expected to confront key issues affecting Filipino workers, including underemployment, low wages, job insecurity, contractual work, and the need to prepare the labor force for digital transformation and changes in the global economy.
House lawmakers welcomed Tolentino’s appointment, saying the labor sector could benefit from leadership grounded in public service and administrative experience.
“Malugod nating tinatanggap ang appointment ni former Senator Francis Tolentino bilang bagong Kalihim ng Department of Labor and Employment,” Cavite Rep. Jolo Revilla said.
He said Tolentino’s background in governance could help strengthen programs on job generation, workers’ protection, skills training, and workforce competitiveness.
“Naniniwala tayo na malaki ang maitutulong ng kanyang leadership sa pagpapalakas ng labor sector, lalo na sa usapin ng job generation, workers’ protection, skills development, at pag-adapt sa mabilis na pagbabago ng global economy,” he added.
The appointment comes as labor groups continue to press the government for concrete measures to raise incomes, protect workers from abusive employment arrangements, and create higher-quality jobs.
Lawmakers said closer coordination between Congress and DOLE would be critical in advancing reforms that directly benefit workers and their families, including fair wages, better working conditions, and expanded employment opportunities.
“As Chairperson of the House Committee on Labor and Employment, I look forward to working closely with Secretary Tolentino in pursuing meaningful reforms and programs that will improve the lives of Filipino workers here and abroad,” Revilla said.
He said Congress is prepared to support measures that promote dignified employment and strengthen protection for workers in both formal and informal sectors.
“We in Congress stand ready to support measures that promote dignified employment, fair wages, better working conditions, and more opportunities for every Filipino worker,” he added.
The House labor panel also emphasized the need to expand access to skills training, especially for young Filipinos entering the workforce, as industries increasingly demand digital, technical, and specialized skills.
Lawmakers said the new DOLE leadership’s early test will be whether it can deliver practical programs that help workers secure stable jobs, earn decent wages, and remain competitive despite global economic uncertainty.