Bello assures smooth transition in DOLE

MANILA, Philippines — Secretary Silvestre Bello III has assured the public of a smooth transition in the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“That is one thing I can promise to whoever will head the labor department after the May 9 elections,” Bello said during the Labor Day celebration on Sunday.

In the six years of the Duterte administration, Labor Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez said Bello managed to bolster industrial peace.

Benavidez said it could not be ascertained whether Bello would be retained by the next administration.

“What’s definite is that whoever takes over DOLE will not have any problems because of the good governance achieved by Bello’s leadership,” Benavidez said.

Labor Undersecretary Renato Ebarle expressed hope that Bello will keep his post.

“Considering his performance, there’s a possibility that Secretary Bello will be retained as labor secretary,” Ebarle said.

Bello had spearheaded the establishment of the country’s first hospital for overseas Filipino workers, which is considered as a legacy of President Duterte to OFWs.

“It is the government’s recognition of the contributions of OFWs to national progress and their heroism during the pandemic,” Bello said.

He said the OFW Hospital in Pampanga is expected to be fully operational by June.

The University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital will oversee the operations of the hospital, which offers free medical services to OFWs and their dependents.