NLRC Updates Rules of Procedure for Labor Arbitration

Overview

The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) has issued Revised Rules of Procedure effective May 2026, introducing significant changes to labor arbitration proceedings. The revisions aim to reduce case resolution times and modernize proceedings through electronic hearings.

The revised rules apply to all cases filed with the NLRC on or after May 1, 2026. Pending cases continue under the previous rules unless the parties jointly request application of the new rules.

Key Changes

The revised rules introduce the following major changes:

• •Mandatory conciliation-mediation: All cases must undergo conciliation-mediation before being set for hearing. The conciliation period is 30 days, extendable by 15 days upon agreement of the parties.
• •Electronic hearings: Labor Arbiters may conduct hearings via video conference. Parties must consent to electronic hearings, but refusal without valid reason may be noted against the refusing party.
• •Position papers: The period for filing position papers has been reduced from 20 days to 15 days from the close of mandatory conciliation.
• •Decision timeline: Labor Arbiters must render decisions within 30 days from the submission of position papers, reduced from the previous 60-day period (extendable for 15 days for justifiable cause).
• •Appeal period: The period to appeal a Labor Arbiter's decision to the NLRC en banc has been reduced from 10 days to 7 days from receipt.

Impact on Labor Law Practice

Labor law practitioners should adjust their practice to accommodate the new timelines:

• •Prepare position papers in advance during the conciliation period to ensure timely filing within 15 days.
• •Ensure clients are prepared for potential electronic hearings — test video conferencing setups before scheduled hearings.
• •File appeals immediately upon receipt of adverse decisions — the 7-day window leaves no room for delay.
• •Advise clients on the mandatory conciliation process and set realistic expectations about the 30-day conciliation period.

Single-Entry Approach (SEnA)

The revised rules also clarify the relationship between SEnA (Single-Entry Approach) and formal NLRC proceedings:

• •SEnA remains mandatory before filing a formal complaint with the NLRC.
• •The SEnA period is 30 days, extendable by 30 days upon mutual agreement.
• •If SEnA fails, a Certificate of Non-Resolution must be issued before filing with the NLRC.
• •The 30-day conciliation period under the new NLRC rules is separate from the SEnA period.