BAGUIO CITY – The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Branch has successfully facilitated the settlement of a death benefits claim for the heir of a deceased Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), a 3rd Engineer employed by a shipping/manning company. A settlement amounting to ?9.881 million representing death benefits was received by his rightful heir.

Overseen by Labor Arbitration Associate Ramir P. Badua and supervised by Labor Arbiter Malcom P. Bacuso, whose diligent efforts ensured a fair and timely resolution of the dispute, this case underscores the crucial role of the NLRC in upholding the rights of Filipino workers—both locally and abroad—and ensuring they receive the benefits and compensation to which they are entitled under the law.

Beyond providing justice to the OFW’s heir, the resolution serves as a strong reminder to maritime employers to comply with labor regulations and fulfill their contractual obligations to employees.

As labor issues continue to emerge, the NLRC's handling of this case sets a positive precedent for future disputes, reinforcing the principle that workers’ rights, including those of OFWs, must be respected and upheld.

Under Section 10 of Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, money claims arising from employer-employee relationships, or by virtue of any law or contract involving Filipino workers deployed overseas—including claims for actual, moral, exemplary and other forms of damages—fall under the original and exclusive jurisdiction of the Labor Arbiters of the NLRC.