Over 83,000 requests for assistance (RFAs) have been processed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in 2024.

The DOLE, along with the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) and the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), processed 83,836 RFAs, resulting in P2.9 billion in monetary claims benefiting 58,212 workers.

This comes as the Labor Department announced new labor dispute resolution rules aimed at accelerating case processing and expanding workers' coverage.

Department Order No. 249, Series of 2025, which took effect on March 2, updated DOLE's Single Entry Approach (SEnA) by easing rules on filing RFAs.

SEnA is a system designed to quickly and fairly resolve labor issues without the need for expensive and lengthy legal proceedings.

According to DOLE, these improvements were developed through consultations with labor groups, employers, and government agencies to ensure a more efficient and worker-friendly dispute resolution process.

Under the new guidelines, workers now have greater flexibility in filing RFAs.

Previously, RFAs had to be filed near the worker’s place of employment, but now, they can be submitted at the DOLE office closest to the worker’s residence, making the process more convenient and accessible.

The updated rules also extend coverage to platform workers, freelancers, and employees under contracting arrangements, ensuring they have a clear and structured way to address labor concerns.

Another significant change is the simplification of representation rules.

Workers who are unable to file their RFAs personally due to distance or incapacity can now authorize representatives to act on their behalf, ensuring that no one is excluded from accessing dispute resolution services.

The DOLE is also introducing the Assistance for Request Management System (ARMS), a digital platform that allows workers and employers to file, track, and resolve disputes online.

This innovation reduces processing times and eliminates common issues like multiple filings and referral delays.