Tolentino vows to scrutinize contractualization, enforce worker protections on Day 1 as Labor chief

Newly sworn-in Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino hit the ground running on his first day in office Tuesday, May 26, pledging to immediately scrutinize contractualization rules and enforce worker protections—a day after taking his oath before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Tolentino, in an interview on DZRH’s “Damdaming Bayan,” said Marcos tasked him with upholding the dignity of Filipino workers, strengthening their ranks, and enforcing laws that provide them protection.

“Marami po, lalong-lalo na po siguro ‘yung pagbibigay ng dignidad sa ating mga manggagawa at siguro pagpapalakas ng kanilang hanay, lalong-lalo na sa pagpapatupad ng mga batas na magbibigay proteksyon para sa kanila,” Tolentino said.

On contractualization, the new labor chief said the practice—particularly the so-called “endo” or end-of-contract scheme—would be among his immediate priorities.

“Isa po ‘yan sa mga busisiin ko, lalong-lalo na sa pagpapatupad noong Order 174 tungkol po sa 5-5-5 doon po sa tinatawag na ‘endo’,” he said, referring to Labor Department Order 174, which regulates contracting and subcontracting arrangements.

Tolentino assured workers that action on the issue would be swift and that they could count on fast action from his end: “Lahat po ‘yan ibubungkalin natin.”

He also addressed concerns over wage increases amid rising inflation, citing his legislative record on the issue during the 18th and 19th Congress as a measure of his commitment.

“Kung makikita naman ninyo po ‘yung record ko po noon sa 18th, 19th Congress ay kasama po ako sa mga tumutok po diyan,” Tolentino said.

He called his appointment an opportunity to demonstrate how active the department could be under his leadership, drawing a parallel to his track record as chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Tolentino replaces outgoing Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, who stepped down due to health reasons.