Politics · Philippines Bureau
Labor Rep Urges Lawmakers to Block Tolentino's DOLE Confirmation
A Kamanggagawa party-list representative has called on the Commission on Appointments to reject Francis Tolentino's nomination as Labor Secretary, citing concerns over his position on a proposed wage increase for Metro Manila workers.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Rep. Elijah San Fernando has urged the Commission on Appointments to block the confirmation of Francis Tolentino as secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, voicing opposition to Tolentino's stance on a pending P85 wage increase for workers in Metro Manila.
San Fernando, representing the Kamanggagawa party-list, made the statement during legislative proceedings on Tuesday, raising questions about Tolentino's commitment to workers' welfare should he assume the labor portfolio.
The P85 wage increase proposal has emerged as a contentious issue in the confirmation process, with labor advocates pushing for immediate implementation to address cost-of-living concerns in the capital region. Tolentino's apparent reluctance on the matter has drawn scrutiny from worker-oriented legislators.
The Commission on Appointments, composed of selected senators and representatives, must ratify all cabinet-level appointments before they become official. San Fernando's intervention signals potential legislative opposition to Tolentino's confirmation, though the final vote outcome remains uncertain.
The dispute underscores broader tensions between the administration's economic policies and labor groups' demands for more aggressive wage adjustments amid persistent inflation pressures affecting Philippine workers.