Members of the House of Representatives have filed a new bill aimed at expediting the resolution of labor cases in the Philippines, particularly those involving overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Under House Bill 9827, the National Labor Relations Commission would have the power to hold accountable those responsible for causing delays in the resolution or settlement of labor disputes. This often involves the use of legal tactics and “endless motions” by lawyers, according to the bill’s author, Rep. Marissa Magsino (OFW Partylist).
Magsino cited a 2021 study by the Commission on Human Rights, which found that it takes an average of 7.2 years to resolve an OFW’s money claims case. This extensive waiting period leaves workers financially strained and disheartened with the pursuit of justice, she added.
The proposed measure, known as the “Promoting and Expediting Labor Justice Act,” would also grant the chairperson of the NLRC the authority to hold individuals or parties in contempt for deliberately causing delays or obstructing the execution of decisions. It would also allow the NLRC to freeze or attach assets of companies that owe workers compensation, preventing them from hiding assets and avoiding their obligations.
Additionally, the bill aims to streamline the appeals process by allowing workers to appeal directly to the Supreme Court via a petition for certiorari under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court, thereby saving time and money.
Magsino emphasized the need to counter the inherent inequity faced by common workers, particularly when up against powerful agencies and companies. The proposed bill, she said, aims to help workers expeditiously achieve labor justice.
