LAB REL FAQ

8/10/2019 LAB REL FAQ

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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 shallbe 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-


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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) acertification 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 secretaryand 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;


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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


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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 acquisitionof 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.

1. 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


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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 tocircumvent 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 ofseparation pay by presenting it with the rehabilitation receiver and liquidator, subject to the

rules on preference of credits.


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What are the two kinds of jurisdiction of the NLRC?

The National Labor Relations Commission exercises two (2) kinds of jurisdiction:

(1) Originaljurisdiction; and (2) Exclusive appellatejurisdiction.

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


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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 isprima facieevidence 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 irreparabledamage 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) legiblytypewritten 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.


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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 certainlybetray 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 executionwhich 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).


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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 aneed 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 proprioissue 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 lockoutautomatically

enjoined even if a Motion for Reconsideration is filed; (b) on actual strike or lockoutstrikers or

locked out employees should immediately return to work and employer should readmit them

back; and (c) on cases filed or may be filedall shall be subsumed/absorbed by the assumed or


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certified case exceptwhen 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?


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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.

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