Law Summary

Introduction

The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) adopted amendments to the 2011 NLRC Rules of Procedure, effective upon promulgation on March 12, 2015, and filed on July 21, 2015. This resolution seeks to clarify and streamline various procedural aspects within the NLRC.

Amendments to Rule V - Proceedings Before Labor Arbiters

Section 5: Prohibited Pleadings and Motions

• Legal Principle: This section lists specific pleadings and motions that are not permitted in proceedings before Labor Arbiters, thereby limiting the scope of allowable legal maneuvers to enhance the efficiency of labor dispute resolutions.

• Prohibited Pleadings and Motions Include: • Motion to dismiss (except on jurisdiction, improper venue, res judicata, prescription, and forum shopping) • Motion for a bill of particulars • Motion for a new trial • Petition for relief from judgment • Motion to declare the respondent in default • Motion for reconsideration of any Labor Arbiter decision or order • Motion to quash or lift garnishment if a petition is filed under Rule XII • Appeals from interlocutory orders of Labor Arbiters (e.g., denying motions to dismiss/inhibit) • Appeal from certificates of finality issued by Labor Arbiters • Appeals from orders in execution proceedings • Any similar motions aimed at circumventing these prohibitions

Amendments to Rule XIII - Commission Seal and Records, and Duties of Commission Officials

Section 4: Duties and Functions of the Executive Clerk and Deputy Executive Clerks

• Legal Principle: This amendment delineates the responsibilities of the Executive Clerk and Deputy Executive Clerks regarding the promulgation of decisions and management of records, emphasizing transparency and accountability in the NLRC's operations.

• Key Duties Include: • Immediate promulgation of decisions and final resolutions upon filing, with date and time recorded. • Attestation of promulgation by the Clerk's signature on the first page of the document. • Provision of a copy of each decision to the Chairman, accompanied by a summary of the case and issues. • Maintenance of a promulgation book documenting:

  • Date and time of promulgation
  • Case number
  • Title of the case
  • Ponente (author of the decision)
  • Nature of the decision or resolution
  • Dispositive portion and action taken by the Commission • Certification of true copies of promulgated documents and signing of notices for distribution to parties and their counsel within 48 hours of promulgation.

Key Takeaways

• The NLRC has refined its procedural rules to eliminate unnecessary motions and streamline labor arbitration processes, promoting efficiency.
• Prohibitions on specific pleadings and motions aim to focus legal actions on substantive issues rather than procedural delays.
• The Executive Clerk's responsibilities are clearly outlined to ensure timely communication and documentation of decisions, enhancing the transparency of the NLRC's proceedings.
• These amendments reinforce the NLRC's commitment to effective labor dispute resolution in accordance with the Labor Code, Article 218(a).