QUEZON CITY — Following the landmark signing and publication of the 2025 Rules of Procedure of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), the Commission, upon the directive of Chairperson Grace E. Maniquiz-Tan, conducted its first capacity-building activity on February 3 and 4, 2026, aimed at ensuring a smooth and consistent implementation of the new procedural framework.

The two-day activity gathered Presiding Commissioners, Commissioners, Labor Arbiters from Regional Arbitration Branches (RABs) I to V, Luzon Reviewing Labor Arbiters, Executive Clerks of Court II, Commission Attorneys, and lawyers, reflecting the Commission’s commitment to harmonizing adjudication practices across all levels.

This activity marks the first of two capacity-building sessions designed to align the resolution of labor disputes with the reforms introduced under the 2025 NLRC Rules of Procedure, which were signed on December 1, 2025 and officially took effect on January 13, 2026. The new Rules aim to strengthen efficiency, transparency, and access to labor justice, while ensuring consistency with existing laws and contemporary labor reforms.

Commissioner Gina F. Cenit-Escoto of the NLRC First Division, who also serves as Chairperson of the Committee on the Revision of the 2011 NLRC Rules of Procedure, welcomed the participants and underscored the importance of the activity as the Commission transitions toward a more disciplined, modern, and accessible labor justice system.

On the first day, Third Division OIC Presiding Commissioner Jose C. Del Valle, Jr. presented a comprehensive discussion on the comparative provisions of the 2011 and 2025 NLRC Rules of Procedure, highlighting the salient features and key procedural changes introduced by the new Rules. Members of the Rules Revision Committee addressed questions submitted in advance, followed by an open forum that allowed participants to raise further concerns, clarifications, and practical insights.

The second day featured expert lectures on specialized labor concerns. Department of Migrant Workers Special Investigator Atty. Pauline M. Licaycay discussed the dynamics of joint and several liabilities of foreign principals and local agencies, compulsory insurance under Republic Act No. 8042, as amended, and emerging issues involving “Balik Manggagawa” contracts.

Meanwhile, Fourth Division OIC Presiding Commissioner Leonard Vinz O. Ignacio delivered an in-depth lecture on the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers (Republic Act No. 12021), including guidance on decision-writing and recent jurisprudential developments affecting maritime labor cases.

In his closing remarks, Third Division Commissioner Cecilio Alejandro C. Villanueva encouraged the participants to share the knowledge they gained with their colleagues and stressed the importance of applying the new Rules with prudence and judiciousness. He emphasized that the Rules should not be implemented in a manner that would result in oppression.

Approximately 190 participants attended the first capacity-building activity, which was held at the Ichikawa Hall of the Occupational Safety and Health Center and simultaneously conducted online via Zoom.

A second capacity-building session is scheduled on February 12 and 13, 2026, in Cebu City, for Presiding Commissioners, Commissioners, Executive Clerks of Court II, and Commission Attorneys of the Seventh and Eighth Divisions, as well as Labor Arbiters and lawyers from the Regional Arbitration Branches in Visayas and Mindanao.

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