President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former senator Francis Tolentino as Acting Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, replacing Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Malacañang announced Monday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Tolentino’s appointment reflects the President’s confidence in his experience in public service and governance, both at the local and national levels. He is set to take his oath before President Marcos Jr. at Malacañang.

The appointment comes after Laguesma stepped down due to health reasons. In his resignation statement, he cited the need to focus on his condition and thanked the President for the trust and opportunity to serve.

Labor group SENTRO welcomed the leadership change, expressing hope for stronger engagement with workers and respect for trade union rights. The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines also expressed cautious optimism, citing expectations for improved jobs, incomes, and labor relations under the new DOLE leadership.