QuestionsQuestions (NCMB)
Accreditation is granted only if the applicant meets all NCMB qualifications for accreditation; once found qualified, accreditation is renewable every five (5) years.
Minimum criteria: (1) Filipino citizen residing in the Philippines; (2) at least a Bachelor’s degree (preferably relevant to Labor and Social Relations, Economics, or related fields); (3) at least five (5) years’ experience in labor-management relations; and (4) no pending criminal case involving moral turpitude.
An application letter with: updated bio-data; two (2) copies of 2"x2" black and white pictures; photocopy of diploma/certificate of graduation or photocopy of license if lawyer/CPA/board professional; certificate of employment from present employer (if applicable); affidavit stating no pending criminal case involving moral turpitude; and three (3) character references.
Applicants meeting minimum qualifications must undergo a pre-accreditation training program jointly designed by NCMB and PAVA. For prospective arbitrators with adequate experience and exposure in arbitration and labor-management relations, only a briefing/orientation is required in lieu of pre-accreditation training.
The new voluntary arbitrator is given a Certificate of Accreditation with an accreditation number, then formally takes the Oath of Office and signs the Roll of Accredited Voluntary Arbitrators.
Yes. Once accredited, the voluntary arbitrator can serve as such in any region. However, for administrative supervision, the arbitrator remains enrolled in the list of accredited voluntary arbitrators in the region where they were accredited.
Before expiration of the fifth year, NCMB sends advice/notice requiring compliance with certain requirements (including submission of updated bio-data and a new affidavit that there is no pending criminal case involving moral turpitude). NCMB reviews credentials, records, case disposition, and participation in NCMB and voluntary arbitration programs/activities, then decides whether to renew for another five (5) years.
NCMB may initiate de-listing motu propio. No arbitrator can be de-listed without at least sixty (60) days notice, unless the Executive Director has justifiable reason for immediate action to avoid undue damage/prejudice to the public, in which case the arbitrator may be suspended pending final determination. The arbitrator is given the opportunity to submit written response and evidence. NCMB must decide within 30 calendar days from filing of the complaint. The decision is final and executory upon receipt.
Grounds include: (a) misrepresentation or falsification in the application; (b) commission of a crime involving moral turpitude; (c) violation of the terms and conditions of accreditation; (d) continuous/consistent lack of interest such as failure to attend PAVA national/chapter assemblies and continuing professionalization programs jointly sponsored by NCMB and PAVA; (e) violation of the NCMB Code of Professional Responsibility for Accredited Voluntary Arbitrators of Labor-Management Dispute; and (f) repeated and flagrant delay in rendering/submitting decisions and/or awards.
Voluntary de-listing: the arbitrator initiates the request to be de-listed based on any ground, but those with pending cases must secure clearance from the Board. Involuntary de-listing: accreditation may be revoked after due process upon the occurrence of specific grounds such as falsification, moral turpitude crime, violations of accreditation terms, lack of interest, Code violations, or repeated flagrant delays.
NCMB maintains an inactive list for arbitrators who voluntarily request inactive status or who are elected/appointed to a government position and lack material time to perform actual duties and functions as arbitrator.
They must secure clearance from the Board.
PAVA may conduct formal investigation of complaints affecting its members according to its internal rules and due process. Disciplinary action short of de-listing must be submitted to NCMB for record and dissemination. If the recommended sanction is de-listing, PAVA transmits its findings and recommendation to NCMB, which evaluates and takes appropriate action under the Guidelines.
Yes. All complaints leading to de-listing shall be decided by NCMB within 30 calendar days from filing of the complaint.
The decision on de-listing is final and executory upon receipt by the arbitrator of the decision.
Accreditation and de-listing of voluntary arbitrators are centralized undertakings of NCMB. Recommendations and pertinent documents are submitted to the Central Office through the Voluntary Arbitration Division for initial evaluation and review.
They take effect upon signing.
Failure to attend PAVA national and chapter assemblies and failure to participate in continuing professionalization programs jointly sponsored by NCMB and PAVA may show continuous/consistent lack of interest, which is a ground for involuntary de-listing.