Abbey M.

Former Senator Francis Tolentino has taken his oath as the new Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), following the resignation of former Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma.

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) welcomed Tolentino's appointment, saying it hopes the move opens a new chapter of more honest, open, and meaningful dialogue between workers, DOLE, and the Marcos administration.

The group also urged the new secretary to immediately address the long-standing calls of workers, including higher wages, job security, the end of endo or contractualization, and full respect for workers' rights.

The new Labor Secretary assured the public that he will work to implement all laws to uplift the dignity of the Filipino worker.

"Ako po ay nagbabalik sa national government para tumulong palakasin ang hanay ng mangagawa at palakasin ang ating ekonomiya."

(I am returning to the national government to help strengthen the ranks of workers and strengthen our economy.)

Meanwhile, Palace Press Office Undersecretary Claire Castro relayed President Marcos Jr.'s confidence in Tolentino's capability to lead the labor department, citing the new secretary's track record in handling key positions in both local and national government.

"Tiwala si Pangulong Marcos Jr. na mapamumunuan ni incoming Acting Secretary Tolentino ang DOLE dahil sa kanyang kakayahan at malawak na karanasan sa paghawak ng mahahalagang tungkulin sa pamahalaan— lokal o nasyonal."

(President Marcos Jr. is confident that incoming Acting Secretary Tolentino will be able to lead DOLE because of his capability and extensive experience handling important positions in government — both local and national.)

Lack of merit.

This was the reason stated in the Supreme Court's decision for denying the request of Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa's camp for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO).

What does this mean?

In the Supreme Court En Banc resolution made public yesterday, the Court explained its reason for dismissing Sen. Dela Rosa's application for a TRO.

The petition sought to prevent government officials from arresting or detaining the senator based on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) without a corresponding arrest warrant from a Philippine court.

According to the SC, the lawmaker failed to establish all the requirements to be granted a TRO. The Court said he was unable to prove that he has a clear right that must be protected by law at present.

The rights he is asserting are considered "contingent," or dependent on the Court's eventual ruling on deeper issues — such as the validity of the ICC warrant following the Philippines' withdrawal from the Rome Statute, and the President's power to enforce it.

Based on previous decisions, an injunction is not used for rights that are not yet certain or are "doubtful."

The Court said there is no evidence of an actual or material attack on Sen. Dela Rosa's rights.

The SC emphasized that the senator was placed under "protective custody" by the Senate, which itself prevented any attempt to arrest him.

The Court also cited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s statement on May 13, 2026, in which he said he has not issued any order to arrest the senator.

Because the existence of a legal right at this point was not established, the Court said there is also no "irreparable injury" or harm that cannot be remedied that could occur.

The Court noted that the "Very Urgent Manifestation" filed by Sen. Bato was full of unverified reports and allegations.

The SC stressed that it is not a "trier of facts" and cannot issue a TRO based only on "speculative" situations.

The main petition of Dela Rosa and former President Rodrigo Duterte for certiorari and prohibition remains pending, but they were not granted temporary protection while the case is being heard.

Plunder and technical malversation charges have been formally filed before the Office of the Ombudsman against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto.

The complaint stems from the transfer to the National Treasury of PHP 60 billion in PhilHealth funds and PHP 107 billion in reserve funds of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC).

Complainant and public health advocate Dr. Tony Leachon said the fund diversions took place in 2025, when Recto was still serving as Finance Secretary.

Dr. Leachon said this is not only a legal issue but also a moral one, as the PHP 60 billion taken from PhilHealth could have saved lives, supported hospitals, and restored dignity to poor families.

Malacañang has agreed with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) position that the country's economy can withstand the continued weakening of the peso against the dollar, provided it remains orderly and controlled.

Palace Press Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the statement of BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. on the possible decline of the peso to PHP 63.50 per dollar is based on data.

The Palace also said the peso is affected by various global factors, including US interest rates, tensions in the Middle East, and rising oil prices in the world market.

The administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured the public that it will continue to work with the BSP to maintain economic stability and protect the purchasing power of Filipinos.

The President, economic managers, and BSP officials have also met at Malacañang to discuss measures to cushion the impact of the peso's depreciation on the public.

"Ang economic team po kasi at ang BSP ay nagtatrabaho in sync, in maintaining micro economic stability and safeguarding the purchasing power of the Filipinos. So lahat ay dapat gawin para mapigilan ang pagbaba ng value ng peso dahil naniniwala pa rin ang pamahalaan sa ginagawa ng BSP."

(The economic team and the BSP work in sync in maintaining macroeconomic stability and safeguarding the purchasing power of Filipinos. So everything must be done to prevent the decline in the value of the peso because the government still believes in what the BSP is doing.)

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) warned of a possible increase in electricity rates this June following the consecutive red alerts on the Luzon grid in May.

According to the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), spot market electricity prices reached as high as PHP 32 per kilowatt-hour at the peak of the red alert period from May 13 to 15.

Meralco said the demand for electricity also surged due to the intense heat, surpassing the peak demand recorded last year.

The company added that higher consumption from cooling devices and the lack of electricity supply are driving up prices in the electricity market.

Consumers are expected to feel the possible additional charges in their next billing cycle in June.