Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the constitutional provision on protection to labor?

The State shall afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and
promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all. It shall guarantee the rights of
all workers to self-organization, collective bargaining and negotiations, and peaceful concerted activities,
including the right to strike in accordance with law. They shall be entitled to security of tenure, humane
conditions of work, and a living wage. They shall also participate in policy and decision-making processes
affecting their rights and benefits as may be provided by law.
The State shall promote the principle of shared responsibility between workers and employers and the
preferential use of voluntary modes in settling disputes, including conciliation, and shall enforce their
mutual compliance therewith to foster industrial peace.
The State shall regulate the relations between workers and employers, recognizing the right of labor to its
just share in the fruits of production and the right of enterprises to reasonable returns on investments, and
to expansion and growth.

What rules govern the proceedings before the Labor Arbiters and the NLRC?

The proceedings before the Labor Arbiters and the NLRC are governed by the Labor Code, as amended, the
2011 NLRC Rules of Procedure, and suppletorily, the Rules of Court.

What is the nature of the proceedings before the Labor Arbiter?

The NLRC Rules describe the proceedings before the Labor Arbiter as non-litigious. Subject to the
requirements of due process, the technicalities of law and procedure in the regular courts do not apply in
the labor arbitration proceedings.

What are the cases falling under the jurisdiction of the Labor Arbiters?

Under Article 217 of the Labor Code, Labor Arbiters have jurisdiction over the following cases:
1. Unfair labor practice (ULP) cases;
2. Termination disputes (or illegal dismissal cases);
3. If accompanied with a claim for reinstatement, those cases that workers may file involving wages,
rates of pay, hours of work and other terms and conditions of employment;
4. Claims for actual, moral, exemplary and other forms of damages arising from employer-employee
relations;
5. Cases arising from any violation of Article 264 of the Labor Code, including questions involving the
legality of strikes and lockouts;
6. Except claims for employees compensation not included in the next succeeding paragraph, social
security, medicare and maternity benefits, all other claims arising from employer-employee relations,
including those of persons in domestic or household service, involving an amount exceeding Five Thousand
Pesos (P5,000.00), whether or not accompanied with a claim for reinstatement;
7. Wage distortion disputes in unorganized establishments not voluntarily settled by the parties pursuant
to Republic Act No. 6627;
8. Enforcement of compromise agreements when there is non-compliance by any of the parties pursuant
to Article 227 of the Labor Code, as amended;
9. Money claims arising out of employer-employee relationship or by virtue of any law or contract,
involving Filipino workers for overseas employment, including claims for actual, moral, exemplary and
other forms of damages as provided by Section 10 of R.A. No. 8042, as amended by R.A. No. 10022;
10.Contested cases under the exception clause of Article 128(b) of the Labor Code, as amended by R.A.
7730; and
11.Other cases as may be provided by law.

May a non-lawyer appear in any of the proceedings before the Labor Arbiter or
Commission?

Yes. A non-lawyer may appear in any of the proceedings before the Labor Arbiter or Commission only
under the following conditions:
1. he/she represents himself/herself as party to the case;
2. he/she represents a legitimate labor organization, as defined under Article 212 and 242 of the Labor
Code, as amended, which is a party to the case: Provided, that he/she presents to the Commission or Labor
Arbiter during the mandatory conference or initial hearing: (i) a certification from the Bureau of Labor
Relations (BLR) or Regional Office of the Department of Labor and Employment attesting that the
organization he/she represents is duly registered and listed in the roster of legitimate labor organizations;
(ii) a verified certification issued by the secretary and attested to by the president of the said organization
stating that he/she is authorized to represent the said organization in the said case; and (iii) a copy of the
resolution of the board of directors of the said organization granting him such authority;
3. he/she represents a member or members of a legitimate labor organization that is existing within the
employers establishment, who are parties to the case: Provided, that he/she presents: (i) a verified
certification attesting that he/she is authorized by such member or members to represent them in the
case; and (ii) a verified certification issued by the secretary and attested to by the president of the said
organization stating that the person or persons he/she is representing are members of their organization
which is existing in the employers establishment;
4. he/she is a duly-accredited member of any legal aid office recognized by the Department of Justice or
Integrated Bar of the Philippines: Provided, that he/she (i) presents proof of his/her accreditation; and (ii)
represents a party to the case;
5. he/she is the owner or president of a corporation or establishment which is a party to the case:
Provided, that he/she presents: (i) a verified certification attesting that he/she is authorized to represent
said corporation or establishment; and (ii) a copy of the resolution of the board of directors of said
corporation, or other similar resolution or instrument issued by said establishment, granting him/her such
authority.

Does the counsel or authorized representatives have the authority to bind their clients?

Yes. Counsel or other authorized representatives of parties shall have authority to bind their clients in all
matter of procedure. However, they cannot, without a special power of attorney or express consent, enter
into a compromise agreement with the opposing party in full or partial discharge of a clients claim.

What is the purpose of mandatory conciliation and mediation conference?

The mandatory conciliation and mediation conference shall be called for the purpose of (1) amicably
settling the case upon a fair compromise; (2) determining the real parties in interest; (3) determining the
necessity of amending the complaint and including all causes of action; (4) defining and simplifying the
issues in the case; (5) entering into admissions or stipulations of facts; and (6) threshing out all other
preliminary matters.

What is the effect of non-appearance of the parties in the mandatory conciliation and
mediation conference?

The non-appearance of the complainant or petitioner during the two (2) settings for mandatory conciliation
and mediation conference scheduled in the summons, despite due notice thereof, shall be a ground for the
dismissal of the case without prejudice.
In case of non-appearance by the respondent during the first scheduled conference, the second conference
as scheduled in the summons shall proceed. If the respondent still fails to appear at the second conference
despite being duly served with summons, he/she shall be considered to have waived his/her right to file
position paper. The Labor Arbiter shall immediately terminate the mandatory conciliation and mediation
conference and direct the complainant or petitioner to file a verified position paper and submit evidence in
support of his/her causes of action and thereupon render his/her decision on the basis of the evidence on
record.

What is the role of the Labor Arbiter in hearing and clarificatory conference?

The Labor Arbiter shall take full control and personally conduct the hearing or clarificatory conference and
may ask questions for the purpose of clarifying points of law or facts involved in the case. The Labor
Arbiter may allow the presentation of testimonial evidence with right of cross-examination by the opposing
party and shall limit the presentation of evidence to matters relevant to the issue before him/her and
necessary for a just and speedy disposition of the case.

The Labor Arbiter shall make a written summary of the proceedings, including the substance of the
evidence presented, in consultation with the parties. The written summary shall be signed by the parties
and shall form part of the records.

What is the period within which to conduct clarificatory conference?

The parties and their counsels appearing before the Labor Arbiter shall be prepared for continuous hearing
or clarificatory conference. No postponement or continuance shall be allowed by the Labor Arbiter, except
upon meritorious grounds and subject to the requirement of expeditious disposition of cases. The hearing
or clarificatory conference shall be terminated within thirty (30) calendar days from the date of the initial
clarificatory conference. In cases involving overseas Filipino workers, the aggregate period for conducting
the mandatory conciliation and mediation conference, including hearing on the merits or clarificatory
conference, shall not exceed sixty (60) days, which will be reckoned from the date of acquisition of
jurisdiction by the Labor Arbiter over the person of the respondents.

What is the effect of non-appearance of the parties during clarificatory conference?

In case of non-appearance of any of the parties during the hearing or clarificatory conference despite due
notice, proceedings shall be conducted ex parte. Thereafter, the case shall be deemed submitted for
decision.

What is the period within which to file a motion for postponement?

No motion for postponement shall be entertained except on meritorious grounds and when filed at least
three (3) days before the scheduled hearing.

What is the period within which to cause an amendment of the complaint or petition?

No amendment of the complaint or petition shall be allowed after the filing of position papers, unless with
leave of the Labor Arbiter.

What are the prohibited pleadings and motions?

The following pleadings and motions shall not be allowed and acted upon nor elevated to the Commission:
(a) Motion to dismiss the complaint except on the ground of lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter,
improper venue, res judicata, prescription and forum shopping; (b) Motion for a bill of particulars; (c)
Motion for new trial; (d) Petition for Relief from Judgment; (e) Motion to declare respondent in default; (f)
Motion for reconsideration of any decision or any order of the Labor Arbiter; (g) Appeal from any
interlocutory order of the Labor Arbiter, such as but not limited to, an order: denying a motion to dismiss,
denying a motion to inhibit; denying a motion for issuance of writ of execution, or denying a motion to
quash writ of execution; (h) Appeal from the issuance of a certificate of finality of decision by the Labor
Arbiter; (i) Appeal from orders issued by the Labor Arbiter in the course of execution proceedings; and (j)
Such other pleadings, motions and petitions of similar nature intended to circumvent above provisions.

May the Commission blacklist bonding companies?

Yes. The Commission through the Chairman may on justifiable grounds blacklist a bonding company,
notwithstanding its accreditation by the Supreme Court. Upon verification by the Commission that the
bond is irregular or not genuine, the Commission shall cause the immediate dismissal of the appeal, and
censure the responsible parties and their counsels, or subject them to reasonable fine or penalty, and the
bonding company may be blacklisted.

May a party file a motion to revive and re-open a case dismissed without prejudice?

Yes. A party may file a motion to revive or re-open a case dismissed without prejudice, within ten (10)
calendar days from receipt of notice of the order dismissing the same; otherwise, the only remedy shall be
to re-file the case. A party declared to have waived his/her right to file position paper may, at any time
after notice thereof and before the case is submitted for decision, file a motion under oath to set aside the
order of waiver upon proper showing that his/her failure to appear was due to justifiable and meritorious
grounds.

What is the effect of rehabilitation receivership on monetary claims of workers?

Rehabilitation receivership of a company has the effect of suspending all proceedings at whatever stage
it may be found - in all judicial or quasi-judicial bodies. The NLRC may not proceed with hearing of
monetary claims. If already decided, the monetary awards cannot be executed. If due for execution, no
such execution may be had. Only when there is liquidation that the monetary claims may be asserted. The

suspension of the proceedings is necessary to enable the rehabilitation receiver to effectively exercise its
powers free from any judicial or extra-judicial interference that might unduly hinder the rescue of the
distressed company. Once the receivership proceedings have ceased and the receiver/liquidator is given
the imprimatur to proceed with corporate liquidation, the SEC order becomes functus officio. Thus, there is
no legal impediment for the execution of the decision of the Labor Arbiter for the payment of separation
pay by presenting it with the rehabilitation receiver and liquidator, subject to the rules on preference of
credits.

What are the two kinds of jurisdiction of the NLRC?

The National Labor Relations Commission exercises two (2) kinds of jurisdiction: (1) Original jurisdiction;
and (2) Exclusive appellate jurisdiction.
1. Original jurisdiction:
1. Injunction in ordinary labor disputes to enjoin or restrain any actual or threatened commission of
any or all prohibited or unlawful acts or to require the performance of a particular act in any labor
dispute which, if not restrained or performed forthwith, may cause grave or irreparable damage to
any party;
2. Injunction in strikes or lockouts under Article 264 of the Labor Code; and
3. Certified labor disputes causing or likely to cause a strike or lockout in an industry indispensable to
the national interest, certified to it by the Secretary of Labor and Employment for compulsory
arbitration.
2. Exclusive appellate jurisdiction:
1. All cases decided by the Labor Arbiters including contempt cases; and
2. Cases decided by the DOLE Regional Directors or his duly authorized Hearing Officers (under Article
129) involving recovery of wages, simple money claims and other benefits not exceeding P5,000
and not accompanied by claim for reinstatement.

What is the power to assume jurisdiction or certify national interest labor disputes to
NLRC?

When, in his opinion, there exists a labor dispute causing or likely to cause a strike or lockout in an industry
indispensable to the national interest, the Secretary of Labor and Employment may assume jurisdiction
over the dispute and decide it or certify the same to the Commission for compulsory arbitration.

In case of conflict, who has jurisdiction over termination disputes, Labor Arbiter or
Voluntary Arbitrator?

Jurisdiction over termination disputes belongs to Labor Arbiters and not with the grievance machinery or
Voluntary Arbitrator. Under Article 262, the Voluntary Arbitrator may assume jurisdiction only when agreed
upon by the parties. Policy Instructions No. 56 issued by DOLE Secretary Confesor clarifying the jurisdiction
of Labor Arbiters and Voluntary Arbitrations does not apply. It reiterated the ruling that dismissal is not a
grievable issue.

What is the mode of appeal from the decision of the Labor Arbiters?

Appeal from the decision of the Labor Arbiter is brought by ordinary appeal to the NLRC within ten (10)
calendar days from receipt by the party of the decision. From the decision of the NLRC, there is no appeal.
The only way to elevate the case to the Court of Appeals is by way of the special civil action of certiorari
under Rule 65 of the Rules of Civil Procedure. From the ruling of the Court of the Appeals, it may be
elevated to the Supreme Court by way of ordinary appeal under Rule 45 of the Rules of Civil Procedure.

What are the grounds for appeal?

There are four (4) grounds, to wit:

(a) If there is prima facie evidence of abuse of discretion on the part of the Labor Arbiter;
(b) If the decision, order or award was secured through fraud or coercion, including graft and corruption;
(c) If made purely on questions of law; and

(d) If serious errors in the findings of facts are raised which would cause grave or irreparable damage or
injury to the appellant.

What are the requisites for perfection of appeal?

The appeal shall be: (1) filed within the reglementary period provided in Section 1 of the Rule; (2) verified
by the appellant himself/herself in accordance with Section 4, Rule 7 of the Rules of Court, as amended; (3)
in the form of a memorandum of appeal which shall state the grounds relied upon and the arguments in
support thereof, the relief prayed for, and with a statement of the date the appellant received the
appealed decision, award or order; (4) in three (3) legibly typewritten or printed copies; and (5)
accompanied by proof of payment of the required appeal fee and legal research fee, posting of a cash or
surety bond as provided in Section 6 of this Rule, and proof of service upon the other parties.

What is the reinstatement aspect of the Labor Arbiters decision?

If reinstatement is ordered by the Labor Arbiter in an illegal dismissal case, it is immediately executory
even pending appeal. Such award does not require a writ of execution.

Is posting a bond stay the execution of immediate reinstatement?

No. The posting of a bond by the employer does not have the effect of staying the execution of the
reinstatement aspect of the decision of the Labor Arbiter.

Can the Labor Arbiter issue a partial writ pending appeal?

Yes. In case the decision includes an order of reinstatement and the employer disobeys it or refuses to
reinstate the dismissed employee, the Labor Arbiter should immediately issue a writ of execution, even
pending appeal, directing the employer to immediately reinstate the dismissed employee either physically
or in the payroll, and to pay the accrued salaries as a consequence of such reinstatement at the rate
specified in the decision. The Sheriff should serve the writ of execution upon the employer or any other
person required by law to obey the same. If he disobeys the writ, such employer or person may be cited for
contempt. While the perfection of appeal will stay the execution of the decision of a Labor Arbiter, the
partial execution for reinstatement pending appeal is not affected by such perfection.

Is the award of reinstatement pending appeal by the Labor Arbiter self-executory?

Yes. An award or order of reinstatement is self-executory and, therefore, does not require a writ of
execution to implement and enforce it. To require the application for and issuance of a writ of execution as
pre-requisite for the execution of a reinstatement award would certainly betray and run counter to the very
object and intent of Article 223, i.e., the immediate execution of a reinstatement order. The reason is
simple. An application for a writ of execution and its issuance could be delayed for numerous reasons. A
mere continuance or postponement of a scheduled hearing, for instance, or an inaction on the part of the
Labor Arbiter or the NLRC, could easily delay the issuance of the writ thereby setting at naught the strict
mandate and noble purpose envisioned by Article 223.

What is the period within which to conduct pre-execution conference?

Within two (2) working days from receipt of a motion for the issuance of a writ of execution which shall be
accompanied by a computation of a judgment award, if necessary, the Commission or the Labor Arbiter
may schedule a pre-execution conference to thresh out matters relevant to execution including the final
computation of monetary award. The pre-execution conference shall not exceed fifteen (15) calendar days
from the initial schedule, unless the parties agreed to an extension. Any order issued by the Labor Arbiter
in the pre-execution conference is not appealable, subject to the remedies available under Rule XII
(Extraordinary Remedies).

Is writ of execution necessary in case reinstatement is ordered by the NLRC on appeal?

Yes. While it is now well-settled that a writ of execution is not necessary to implement the reinstatement
order issued by a Labor Arbiter upon a finding of illegality of dismissal since it is self-executory, however, if
the reinstatement order is issued by the NLRC on appeal, there is a need to secure a writ of execution from
the Labor Arbiter a quo to enforce the reinstatement of the employee.

What is the lifetime or effectivity of the writ of execution?

Five (5) years. In case of partial satisfaction of judgment during the lifetime of the writ, the Labor Arbiter
shall motu proprio issue an updated writ reflecting the amount collected and the remaining balance.

What is the effect of refusal of the bonding company or bank holding the cash deposit of
the losing party to release the garnished amount?

If the bonding company refuses to pay or the bank holding the cash deposit of the losing party refuses to
release the garnished amount despite the order or pertinent processes issued by the Labor Arbiter or the
Commission, the president or the responsible officers or authorized representatives of the said bonding
company or the bank who resisted or caused the non-compliance shall be either cited for contempt, or
held liable for resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or the agents of such person as
provided under the pertinent provision of the Revised Penal Code. This rule shall likewise apply to any
person or party who unlawfully resists or refuses to comply with the break open order issued by the Labor
Arbiter or the Commission.

What is the power of the DOLE Secretary to assume jurisdiction over a labor dispute or
certify it to the NLRC for compulsory arbitration?

The DOLE Secretary may assume jurisdiction over a labor dispute, or certify it to the NLRC for compulsory
arbitration, if, in his opinion, it may cause or likely to cause a strike or lockout in an industry indispensable
to the national interest. The President may also exercise the power to assume jurisdiction over a
labor dispute.

What is the effect of such assumption or certification of labor dispute to the NLRC?

The following are the effects: (a) on intended or impending strike or lockout automatically
enjoined even if a Motion for Reconsideration is filed; (b) on actual strike or lockout strikers or locked
out employees should immediately return to work and employer should readmit them back; and (c) on
cases filed or may be filed all shall be subsumed/absorbed by the assumed or certified case except
when the order specified otherwise. The parties to the case should inform the DOLE Secretary of pendency
thereof.

May an injunction be issued in strike or lockout cases?

As a general rule, strikes and lockouts validly declared, enjoy the protection of law and cannot be enjoined
unless illegal acts are committed or threatened to be committed in the course of such strikes or lockouts.
Ordinarily, the law vests in the NLRC the authority to issue injunctions to restrain the commission of illegal
acts during the strikes and pickets. This policy applies even if the strike appears to be illegal in nature. The
rationale for this policy is the protection extended to the right to strike under the constitution and the law.
It is basically treated as a weapon that the law guarantees to employees for the advancement of their
interest and for their protection.

What is the effect of defiance of assumption or certification order or return-to-work

order?

Non-compliance with the assumption/certification order of the Secretary of Labor and Employment or a
return-to-work order issued pursuant thereto by either the Secretary or the NLRC to which a labor dispute
is certified, is considered an illegal act committed in the course of the strike or lockout.

What is the prescriptive period for offenses penalized under the Labor Code?

As a rule, the prescriptive period of all criminal offenses penalized under the Labor Code and the Rules to
Implement the Labor Codeis three (3) years from the time of commission thereof. However, criminal cases
arising from ULP which prescribe within one (1) year from the time the acts complained of were
committed; otherwise, they shall be forever barred. The running of the 1 year period, however, is
interrupted during the pendency of the labor case.

What is the prescriptive period for money claims?

Prescriptive period is three (3) years from accrual of cause of action.

What is the prescriptive period for claims for allowances and other benefits?

In cases of nonpayment of allowances and other monetary benefits, if it is established that the benefits
being claimed have been withheld from the employee for a period longer than three (3) years, the amount
pertaining to the period beyond the three-year prescriptive period is barred by prescription. The amount
that can only be demanded by the aggrieved employee shall be limited to the amount of the benefits
withheld within three (3) years before the filing of the complaint.

What is the prescriptive period for illegal dismissal?

An action for illegal dismissal prescribes in four (4) years from accrual of cause of action.

What is the remedy of the party aggrieved by an order or resolution of the Labor
Arbiter?

A party aggrieved by any order or resolution of the Labor Arbiter including those issued during execution
proceedings may file a verified petition to annul or modify such order or resolution. The petition may be
accompanied by an application for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary
or permanent injunction to enjoin the Labor Arbiter, or any person acting under his/her authority, to desist
from enforcing said resolution or order.

What are the grounds of the petition for extraordinary remedies?

The petition filed under this Rule may be entertained only on any of the following grounds: (a) if there is
prima facie evidence of abuse of discretion on the part of the Labor Arbiter; (b) if serious errors in the
findings of facts are raised which, if not corrected, would cause grave or irreparable damage or injury to
the petitioner; (c) if a party by fraud, accident, mistake or excusable negligence has been prevented from
taking an appeal; (d) if made purely on questions of law; or (e) if the order or resolution will cause injustice
if not rectified.

What are the requisites of the petition for extraordinary remedies?

The petition for extraordinary remedies shall: (a) be accompanied by a clear original or certified true copy
of the order or resolution assailed, together with clear copies of documents relevant or related to the said
order or resolution for the proper understanding of the issue/s involved; (b) contain the arbitral docket
number and appeal docket number, if any; (c) state the material date showing the timeliness of the
petition; (d) be verified by the petitioner himself/herself in accordance with Section 4, Rule 7 of the Rules
of Court, as amended; (e) be in the form of a memorandum which shall state the ground/s relied upon, the
argument/s in support thereof and the reliefs prayed for; (f) be in three (3) legibly written or printed copies;
and (g) be accompanied by certificate of non-forum shopping, proof of service upon the other party/ies and
the Labor Arbiter who issued the order or resolution being assailed or questioned; and proof of payment of
the required fees.

What is unfair labor practice?

An unfair labor practice act violates the right of workers to self-organization, is inimical to the
legitimate interests of both labor and management, including their right to bargain collectively and
otherwise deal with each other in an atmosphere of freedom and mutual respect, disrupts industrial peace
and hinders the promotion of healthy and stable labor-management relations.

May elimination or diminution of benefits constitute demotion?

Yes. The illegal and unjustified elimination or diminution of certain benefits may result in illegal demotion.
Under established jurisprudence, there is demotion where the act of the employer results in the lowering in
position or rank or reduction in salary of the employee. It involves a situation where an employee is
relegated to a subordinate or less important position constituting a reduction to a lower grade or rank with
a corresponding decrease in duties and responsibilities and usually accompanied by a decrease in salary.

May elimination or diminution of benefits constitute constructive dismissal?

Yes. Elimination or diminution of certain benefits may result in the constructive dismissal of an employee.
Constructive dismissal is an involuntary resignation resorted to when continued employment is rendered
impossible, unreasonable or unlikely; when there is a demotion in rank and/or a diminution in pay; or when
a clear discrimination, insensibility or disdain by an employer becomes unbearable to the employee that it
could foreclose any choice by him except to forego his continued employment.