Senator Alan Peter Cayetano flagged the slow resolution of labor cases, warning that system-wide delays continue to disadvantage workers despite improved timelines within the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC).
During debates on DOLE’s 2026 budget, Cayetano asked the agency for a full timeline showing how long cases take from filing with the labor arbiter, to the Commission, and up to the Court of Appeals, noting that workers face even longer waits once cases reach the courts.
The senator from Taguig stressed that lengthy proceedings burden workers who lose income while cases drag on, while big companies can afford to wait out disputes. Many workers, according to him, eventually give up.
Cayetano said updated data will guide needed reforms to ensure timely decisions.
He added that longstanding delays could be addressed through the proposed Executive-Legislative Labor Commission, which would coordinate policy and strengthen worker protection.
“Hindi ako nag-a-accuse… I want to understand. Because if ever magkaroon ng Labor Commision, these are exactly the types of issues that we will solve.”IMT
