QUEZON CITY— In the October 11, 2025 episode of “Aksyon DOLE sa DZMM”, featured guest NLRC Commissioner Hernan G. Nicdao of the Fifth Division, discussed the mandate of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) as a quasi-judicial body, with tripartite representation from the Public, Workers, and Employers Sectors.

Commissioner Nicdao explained the process of filing cases, beginning with the DOLE Single-Entry Approach (SEnA) Program, where mandatory mediation-conciliation proceedings serve as the initial step before a case is formally filed before the Labor Arbiter if settlement efforts failed. He explained the prescriptive periods of filing of cases such as three years for monetary claims and four years for illegal dismissal cases, as well as the process cycle time to resolve cases; and the execution and satisfaction of judgment award.

The types of cases that may be brought before the NLRC, such as money claims and illegal dismissal, were also outlined by Commissioner Nicdao who highlighted the fundamental features of the Labor Code, particularly labor standards and security of

tenure for regular employees.

“Ito pong labor standards ay ang minimum, hindi po pwedeng bumaba sa minimum (labor standards) ang sweldo at benepisyo ng mga tao. Kapag bumaba po rito ay maaari po silang dumulog sa DOLE o sa NLRC at mag-enforce ng money claims.”

Commissioner Nicdao explained.

He mentioned NLRC’s partnerships with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Registration Authority (LRA), and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to ensure the enforcement and satisfaction of judgment awards, and with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) for free legal aid. He noted that no filing fee

is required in filing of cases and that there is free legal assistance available through the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO).

During the question-and-answer segment, Commissioner Nicdao addressed questions on where to file complaints regarding withheld salaries due to pending clearance, non-remittance of SSS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth contributions, and non-payment of 13th month pay.

“Aksyon DOLE sa DZMM” is a Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) initiative airing every Saturday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. hosted by Doris Bigornia and DOLE Assistant Secretary Lennard Constantine C. Serrano, featuring interviews with DOLE

officials and subject-matter experts from its attached agencies to provide insights on programs, services, policies, and current labor issues affecting Filipino workers and employers. The program supports the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in broadening the reach of government-led initiatives.

The full interview with Commissioner Nicdao is available on the official DOLE

Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1BQ4bHWfkp/.

ᴘʀᴇᴘᴀʀᴇᴅ ʙʏ:

ᴊᴇʀᴅɪɴᴇ ᴅᴇ ɢᴜᴢᴍᴀɴ

ᴀᴅᴍɪɴ ᴏꜰꜰɪᴄᴇʀ ɪᴠ, ʀɪᴘᴅ