Littler Global Guide - Philippines - Q2 2021

Browse through brief employment and labor law updates from around the globe. Contact a Littler attorney for more information or view our global locations.

View all Q2 2021 Global Guide Quarterly updates   Download full Q2 2021 Global Guide Quarterly

Revised Procedural Guidelines in Voluntary Arbitration Proceedings

New Order or Decree

Author: Emerico O. de Guzman, Managing Partner - Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW)

On February 5, 2021, the National Conciliation and Mediation Board implemented its revised procedural guidelines for the conduct of voluntary arbitration proceedings, effective on June 27, 2021. The rules of procedure cover grievances arising from interpretation or implementation of a collective bargaining agreement, company rules and regulations, personnel policies, and established practices, or such other controversies involving an employer-employee relationship. Most significant of the revisions is a confirmation that a Motion for Reconsideration may be availed of within 10 days from receipt of an adverse decision by a voluntary arbitrator.

Procedures on Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccines for Private Entities

New Order or Decree

Author: Emerico O. de Guzman, Managing Partner - Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW)

On June 3, 2021, the Department of Health and National Task Force against COVID-19 issued a Joint Memorandum Circular on the procedure on distribution of COVID-19 vaccines for private entities. Specifically, the Memorandum Circular stipulates provisions on applications and submissions of requests, a definition of who may be designated by private entities as recipients of privately procured vaccines, contents of a multiparty supply agreement, payment to manufacturers, and importation, arrival, pick-up, delivery, and distribution of vaccines.

Promotion of COVID-19 Vaccination in the Private Sector

New Regulation or Official Guidance

Author: Emerico O. de Guzman, Managing Partner - Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW)

The Department of Labor and Employment issued Labor Advisory No. 8, series of 2021 on May 1, 2021. This Advisory applies to all establishments and employees in the private sector and reinforces the Philippine government’s position on the COVID-19 vaccine. In this Advisory, all employees in the private sector, except those who are ineligible or disqualified for health reasons, are highly encouraged to get inoculated with COVID-19 vaccine. Employers, on the other hand, shall continue to urge their employees to avail of their own vaccination program, if any, or their respective local government units and seek appropriate assistance from concerned government agencies in the administration of COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Reporting

New Regulation or Official Guidance

Author: Emerico O. de Guzman, Managing Partner - Angara Abello Concepcion Regala & Cruz Law Offices (ACCRALAW)

Beginning April 30, 2021, establishments are strongly advised/encouraged to submit the monthly Workplace COVID-19 Prevention and Control Compliance Report (WAIR COVID-19 Form) through the online DOLE Establishment Report System. Employers are likewise reminded that WAIR COVID-19 Form shall be submitted every 30th day of the month with or without any COVID-19 case in their workplace to DOLE.

Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.