The 2025 NLRC Rules of Procedure (“Amended Rules”) took effect on January 13, 2026 introducing new provisions and amendments to the 2011 NLRC Rules of Procedure. The Amended Rules govern the hearing and disposition of cases before the NLRC and its Regional Arbitration Branches.

 

Previously, a complainant shall simply proceed to fill out the complaint and submit the same before the NLRC. With the advent of the  Amended Rules, it now requires that a complainant, in addition to the complaint, must execute a Verification and Certification of Non-Forum Shopping. This is to ensure the truthfulness of the allegations made in the complaint, and that the same was filed in good faith.   

 

The Revised Rules of Court  suppletorily applies for filing of pleadings and motions of the parties in the NLRC personally, through registered mail or accredited courier, and the service thereof, including the summons, orders and decisions issued by the NLRC.

 

The SEnA – Single-Entry Approach Referral Slip, which is now a prerequisite prior to the filing of a complaint and must form part of the records when the case is elevated on appeal, must be duly accomplished – integrating SENA into the NLRC case.

 

The venue to file a complaint now includes the place where the complainant is assigned to perform a work or job, or the actual workplace thereof. As to summons to the respondent, service,  if it cannot be made personally, can now be effected by leaving a copy thereof (i) at the respondent’s residence to a person of at least eighteen (18) years of age, and of sufficient discretion residing therein; or (ii) at the respondent’s place of business with competent person in charge thereof; or  the (iii) to the officers of the homeowners’ association, condominium corporation, or a security officer in charge of the community or building where the respondent may be found, if entry is refused upon making the server’s authority and purpose known, Summons may be serviced by a lawyer who enters special appearance and is duly deputized for the said purpose in accordance with the Amended  Rules.

 

Mandatory Conciliation and Mediation Conference must first be complied with for purposes of amicably settling the case which can be enforced through the execution of a compromise agreement duly entered into by and between the parties. This agreement shall have the force and effect of a judgment rendered by the Labor Arbiter. If unresolved, parties may simultaneously submit their respective verified position papers with supporting documents and affidavits within the ten (10) calendar days from the date of the termination of the mandatory conciliation and mediation conference. If complainant fails to file the position paper, the complaint may be dismissed without prejudice. Meanwhile, if the respondent fails to file the same, such failure shall be deemed a waiver of the right to submit the position paper, and the Labor Arbiter shall render decision based on the evidence on record.

 

Strict observance for Appeal under the Amended Rules is now in place. This includes the period of filing, consequences for non-perfection thereof, and the payment of fees which may be made in cash, postal money order, certified checks or manager’s or cashier’s checks payable to the NLRC. The Amended Rules removed the requirement of  security deposit and collateral for posting a surety bond.

The Amended Rules defines injunction as an order issued to enjoin or retrain any actual or threatened commission of any or all prohibited or unlawful acts, or to require the performance of particular act which may be cause grave or irreparable damage or injury to a party, or to any party authorizing or ratifying any of the foregoing act after actual knowledge thereof. It clarifies the scope against whom summons may be issued to include any person, association or organization. A cash bond is required before a TRO and preliminary injunction may be issued, and may be dissolved upon a verified motion and posting of a counterbond. The Amended Rules now requires the issuance and service of summons upon receipt of a petition for injunction.

For more information, you may contact us at info@narplaw.com or at +639063731095.