Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino has outlined his key priorities for the agency, focusing on providing free legal assistance to workers and establishing a 24/7 hotline for gig workers.
Free Legal Assistance for Workers
In his first interview after formally assuming the post, Tolentino shared plans to create a Labor Attorneys Office similar to the Public Attorneys Office. This initiative aims to ensure that workers who cannot afford legal representation have access to free legal aid when facing cases or filing grievances.
"This is so that our workers, who cannot afford to hire a lawyer, can have a free legal representation if they are facing a case or have filed a grievance," Tolentino said.
24/7 Hotline for Gig Workers
Tolentino also announced plans to establish a 24-hour hotline specifically for platform or gig workers. The hotline aims to address common complaints such as unpaid salaries and incorrect payments.
"We want to help these workers who usually complain about not being paid the right salary, given the right payment," Tolentino added.
Professionalizing Labor Arbiters
The labor chief also emphasized the need to professionalize labor arbiters within the department. He stressed the importance of ensuring that their decisions are correct, uniform, humane, and in accordance with the law.
"We want to make their decision-making correct, uniform, humane, and in accordance with the law. We'll make that an institutional protocol," Tolentino said.
Engagement with Workers and Employers
Tolentino said he plans to meet with various workers organizations and the employers sector in the coming days. He intends to conduct these meetings one by one to ensure thorough engagement.
"We will reach out within the next few days to the various labor groups as well as with management sector. It may not be held all at the same time, but maybe one by one," Tolentino said.
Appointment and Transition
Last Monday, May 25, Malacañang announced Tolentino's appointment as the new DOLE secretary. This came on the same day that Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma stepped down due to health reasons. In a brief ceremony on Tuesday, Tolentino accepted the DOLE flag and a copy of the department's Labor and Employment Plan from Officer-in-Charge Benedicto Bitonio, flanked by other senior officials of the agency.
