Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino closed out his first week in office with a promise of an aggressive and responsive Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), vowing to personally reach out to the labor sector in the coming days as he outlined his vision for the department.
“Sa darating na mga linggo ito, baka hindi ngayon, pero sa susunod, I will reach out to the labor sector. Kakausapin ko po sila. Makakaasa po kayo ng isang very dynamic DOLE,” Tolentino said on DZRH News program “Special on Saturday” on May 30.
“Makakaasa po kayo ng isang DOLE na tutugon sa ating Saligang Batas at doon sa tagubilin ng ating Pangulo to promote, protect, and enhance the dignity of the working class,” he added.
The remarks came as he wrapped up a week marked by swift action on the deadly Angeles City building collapse, the launch of the TUPAD-Brigada Eskwela partnership, and the announcement of the nationwide “Trabaho Agad” job fair program.
Tolentino said he intends to balance the needs of workers with those of management, describing his approach as grounded in law and the President’s directive.
“Expect the DOLE to be very active. Expect your Secretary to be hyperactive,” he said.
He acknowledged, however, that there are limits to what the department can address on its own—noting that issues like inflation fall outside DOLE’s direct mandate.
“Sa hanay po ng DOLE, sisikapin po nating magampanan ‘yung tinatagubilin ng batas,” he said.
