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Q & A ON BATAS KASAMBAHAY (R.A 10361)

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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 employeremployee 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 employeremployee 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.

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 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.
2.

All cases decided by the Labor Arbiters including contempt cases; and
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 selfexecutory?

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 preexecution 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 preexecution 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 noncompliance 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 returnto-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 labormanagement 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.

-oOo-

 2011 The National Labor Relations Commission, Republic of the Philippines