The July 2016 issue of the Asian Legal Business (ALB) Asia Edition included a regional update article entitled “Single Entry Approach: Mandatory Conciliation and Mediation of Labor Disputes”, contributed by SyCipLaw partner Marianne M. Miguel and SyCipLaw Associate Mary Grace L. Javier.

The article discussed the Department Order No. 107-10 (DO 107-10), issued by the Department of Labor and Employment in October 2010, containing guidelines for “Single Entry Approach” or “SEnA”, for speedy and accessible settlement procedure of all labor and employment issues through a 30-day mandatory conciliation-mediation. This was institutionalized in March 2013.

In February 2016, the DOLE issued Department Order No. 151-16 (DO 151-16), or the “Single Entry Approach Implementing Rules and Regulations”. DO 151-16 put emphasis on the 30-day mandatory conciliation-mediation for all labor and employment issues with some mentioned exceptions, and issues on company personnel policies, exemption form wage orders, DOLE-issued licenses or authorizations, violations on rules and regulations of the Philippine Overseas Employment Authority, and occupational safety and health standard. The article also gave a brief discussion on how the SEnA is initiated.

To read the full article,  access the e-book copy of the publication on the ALB website. The article is located on page 15.