Quezon City – The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) has bolstered the Complaint Unit of the NCR Arbitration Branch by deploying Commission Attorneys to assist complainants in properly filling out Complaint Forms. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility and efficiency in the filing of labor-related cases.

On February 25, 2025, Atty. Maria Ricasion B. Tugadi, Director II of the Research and Legal Department, led an orientation seminar for Commission Attorneys assigned to the Complaint Unit. The seminar focused on equipping them with the necessary skills to guide complainants in accurately completing Complaint Forms, which require essential information such as the names and addresses of both complainants and respondents, claims or causes of action, and other pertinent details.

NLRC Chairperson Grace E. Maniquiz-Tan underscored the significance of this measure in improving service delivery and reinforcing public confidence in the Commission’s processes. She emphasized that the initiative reflects the NLRC’s steadfast commitment to providing accessible, transparent, and efficient legal support for workers seeking redress for labor disputes. By deploying Commission Attorneys to the Complaint Unit, the NLRC aims to ensure that complaints are properly filed and that justice is administered fairly and promptly.

Under the NLRC Rules of Procedure, an aggrieved worker may personally file a complaint without the need for legal representation. This provision ensures a simplified and cost-free method for workers to seek redress for labor disputes. Additionally, no fees shall be charged for assistance in filling out Complaint Forms.

Recognizing the complexity of labor claims, the NLRC has taken this proactive approach of deploying Commission Attorneys to guide complainants in identifying and determining the correct claims and ensuring the accurate documentation of relevant details in their complaints.

Furthermore, this initiative aims to curb the influence of fixers and ambulance chasers, whose activities often lead to the inclusion of baseless and frivolous claims in complaints. By providing professional legal assistance at the onset, the NLRC seeks to uphold the integrity of the complaint-filing process and prevent the exploitation of complainants.

Through this initiative, the NLRC continues to enhance its role as the country’s primary arbiter of labor disputes, demonstrating its continued commitment to protecting workers’ rights, respecting employers’ prerogatives, upholding due process, and ensuring service excellence.