PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. appointed former Senator Francis N. Tolentino as the new Labor secretary, replacing Bienvenido E. Laguesma.
Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said the President is confident in Mr. Tolentino’s capacity to lead the Department of Labor and Employment due to his “ability and extensive experience in handling important government duties, local or national.”
Mr. Tolentino took his oath before Mr. Marcos on Monday afternoon in the Palace.
In a separate statement, Mr. Laguesma, who has been on medical leave, said his resignation is due to health considerations that needed his full attention.
Mr. Tolentino was a senator from 2019 to 2025 and was the Senate Majority leader from May 2024 to June 2025. He ran in the May 2025 midterm polls but lost. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana


