Title
Amendments to EO No. 126 on Labor Dept. Reorg.
Law
Executive Order No. 251
Decision Date
Jul 25, 1987
Executive Order No. 251 amends Executive Order No. 126, reorganizing the Department of Labor and Employment in the Philippines by establishing new offices, retaining existing bureaus, and creating a National Conciliation and Mediation Board, among other changes.

Law Summary

Retention and Functions of Bureaus

  • Retains specific bureaus within the Department with outlined functions:
    • Bureau of Local Employment
    • Bureau of Women and Minors (renamed as Bureau of Women and Young Workers)
    • Bureau of Rural Workers
    • Bureau of Labor Relations (retains functions except those transferred to National Mediation and Conciliation Board)
    • Bureau of Working Conditions

Creation and Functions of the Institute for Labor Studies

  • The Institute for Labor Studies is attached to the Department for policy coordination and supervision.
  • Absorbs research and publication functions from the abolished Institute of Labor and Manpower Studies.
  • Headed by an Executive Director.
  • Key functions include:
    • Undertaking labor and manpower research.
    • Reviewing existing legislation and analyzing costs and benefits.
    • Developing approaches to improve labor-management relations and workers’ welfare.
    • Collaborating on research with national agencies.
    • Entering agreements with international or bilateral agencies.
    • Expanding research scope to other countries and regions.
    • Publishing research studies.
    • Performing additional functions assigned by law or the Secretary.

Establishment and Functions of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board

  • Creation of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (the Board), absorbing labor dispute conciliation, mediation, and voluntary arbitration functions.
  • Board composition:
    • Administrator and two Deputy Administrators appointed by the President.
    • Conciliators-Mediators appointed by the Secretary, requiring minimum three years' experience.
  • The Board operates nationally with regional branches led by Executive Conciliator-Mediators.
  • Functions include policy formulation, preventive mediation, coordination with sectors, promotion of grievance handling, administration of voluntary arbitration, counseling, supervision, and others.
  • Creation of the Tripartite Voluntary Arbitration Advisory Council attached to the Board:
    • Advises on promotion of voluntary arbitration.
    • Composed of six members from government, labor, and management appointed for three-year terms.
    • Serves without compensation.

Authorization and Functions of Regional Offices, District Offices, and Provincial Extension Units

  • Department given authority to establish offices throughout administrative regions for effective service delivery.
  • Each Regional Office led by a Regional Director, assisted potentially by an Assistant Regional Director.
  • Regional Offices’ responsibilities:
    • Implementation of laws, policies, plans, and programs.
    • Providing economical, efficient services.
    • Coordination with other department regional offices and local government units.
    • Other functions as assigned by law or the Secretary.

Repeal and Modification of Inconsistent Laws

  • All existing laws, orders, issuances, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Executive Order are repealed or modified accordingly.

Effectivity Clause

  • The Executive Order shall take immediate effect upon issuance.

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