The Department of Labor and Employment (“DOLE“) has issued a series of rules and regulations aimed at fostering inclusive, fairer and safer workplaces.
On 21 January 2025, DOLE issued Department Order No. 248 or the New Rules and Regulations on the Employment of Foreign Nationals in the Philippines. These new rules introduced the Economic Needs Test, which requires the relevant DOLE Regional Office to evaluate and consider the possible economic implications of allowing the employment of foreign nationals in specific sectors, professions, occupations or industries. For more information, please refer to our Q1 2025 Regional Round-UP article titled “DOLE Issues New Rules on Employment of Foreign Nationals in the Philippines“.
On 21 April 2025, DOLE issued the new Implementing Rules and Regulations (“IRR“) of Article 133 of the Labor Code introducing additional safeguards to ensure “equal remuneration for work of equal value” for women in the workplace and to eliminate gender-based pay disparities. Additionally, the IRR reinforces the concomitant criminal liability and penalties for the acts of discrimination.
On 28 April 2025, DOLE issued Department Order No. 252 or the Revised IRR of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Law (“Revised IRR“). Unlike the previous IRR, which broadly covers all private establishments, the Revised IRR expressly covers co-working spaces, contracting arrangements, and other analogous arrangements.
On 1 December 2025, DOLE issued the 2025 National Labor Relations Commission Rules of Procedure (“Rules“) which took effect on 13 January 2026. These Rules allow the execution of uncontested portions of a decision in case of partial reversal by the Court of Appeals, and service of summons upon the respondent through a deputised counsel who enters a special appearance to question the validity of the service. The Rules also set out the consequences of failing to file a position paper, which include dismissal with prejudice, depending on the circumstances.
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