Federation of Free Workers - Philippines

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) welcomes the appointment of former Senator Francis Tolentino as Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

FFW is saddened by the departure of Secretary Bienvenido “Benny” Laguesma from the Department, but we understand that life must move on and that he needs time to rest and recover from illness after many years of dedicated public service.

Maraming salamat kay Secretary Laguesma sa kanyang mahabang serbisyo at malasakit sa mga manggagawa. Hangad namin ang kanyang mabilis na paggaling at maayos na pagpapahinga.

Given Secretary Tolentino’s limited background in labor relations compared to Secretary Laguesma, we hope his immediate priority will be to listen closely to workers, employers, and labor stakeholders, and to strengthen social dialogue within the Department.

At this critical time, workers are facing serious concerns involving wages, job security, inflation, contractualization, and the impact of new technologies on employment. We believe the next Labor Secretary must quickly immerse himself in these realities and ensure that workers’ voices remain central in policymaking.

Secretary Laguesma is an old hand in the Department, and our founding president, Juan Tan, held him in very high regard for the way he handled labor relations with care and treated workers with dignity.

While many may have differed with Secretary Laguesma on policy matters, FFW recognizes his long experience and engagement with trade unions and labor groups even before becoming Labor Secretary. Over the years, we in FFW and many in the labor sector came to know him through consultations, dialogues, and tripartite discussions.

Secretary Tolentino may be newer to the labor beat, but we trust he knows that in DOLE, the real heavy lifting is not done in campaign sorties but in conference rooms, mediation tables, and the occasional marathon meeting fueled by lukewarm coffee and strong opinions.

Nevertheless, we welcome Secretary Tolentino and hope he will bring fresh energy, openness, and renewed commitment to workers, employers, and the tripartite partners of DOLE.

The Labor Department carries a crucial responsibility at a time when workers face rising prices, contractualization, digital platform work issues, artificial intelligence disruptions, and continuing struggles for living wages and freedom of association.

DOLE must remain not only an office of regulation, but also a bridge for social dialogue. In times of economic uncertainty, tripartism is not a ceremonial table. It is where industrial peace and social justice must continuously be negotiated.

As one chapter closes and another begins, we hope the transition strengthens — not weakens — the voice of workers in governance.