Laguesma says he resigned as Dole chief due to health reasons

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MANILA, Philippines — Bienvenido Laguesma on Monday said he resigned as labor secretary due to “health considerations.”

He issued the statement after the Palace named former Senator Francis Tolentino as acting secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), weeks after the one-year ban on appointing losing candidates to government posts had lapsed.

“I am stepping down from my position as secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment due to health considerations necessitating my full attention at this time,” Laguesma said.

Laguesma, who served for three decades in “various capacities,” said he would carry memories of “long days and difficult choices, but also of hope, resilience, and collective effort.”