NINETEENTH CONGRESS )
OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —_)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

2312

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative JONATHAN KEITH T. FLORES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) is a quasi-judicial body tasked to
promote and maintain industrial peace by resolving labor and management disputes involving both
local and overseas workers through compulsory arbitration and alternative modes of dispute
resolution. It is attached to the Department of Labor and Employment for program and policy
coordination.

The Chairperson, Commissioner and Labor Arbiter of the NLRC has independent power
to safeguard laborer’s rights and restrain unfair labor practices.

In 2021, the NLRC posted an overall case output of 24,262 compulsory arbitration in the
Regional Arbitration Branches (RABs). On appealed cases, the Commission Proper disposed
8,171. Of the 98% overall target, the Regional Arbitration Branches (RABs) and Commission
Proper were able to dispose of 27,754 or 86% accomplishment rate.' This data show the result of
dedication and hard-work of these officials in serving the nation.

‘The ultimate goal of this proposed measure is to grant survivorship benefits to the surviving
legitimate spouse of a deceased Chairperson, Commissioner and Labor Arbiter of the NLRC. The
State strongly supports this noble endeavor as Section 8, Article XVI of the 1987 Constitution
provides that “The State shall, from time to time, review to upgrade the pensions and other benefits
due to retirees of both the government and the private sectors.”

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of the bill is earnestly sought.



NINETEENTH CONGRESS )
OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No.23.12

Introduced by Representative JONATHAN KEITH T. FLORES

AN ACT
GRANTING SURVIVORSHIP BENEFITS TO THE SURVIVING LEGITIMATE
SPOUSE OF A DECEASED CHAIRPERSON, COMMISSIONER OR LABOR
ARBITER OF THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS COMMISSION

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Survivorship Benefits. — Upon the death of the retired chairperson,
commissioner, or labor arbiter of the NLRC, if such chairperson, commissioner or labor
arbiter has retired, or was eligible for optional retirement at the time of death, the surviving
legitimate spouse of the deceased is entitled to receive, on a monthly basis, all the
retirement benefits that the deceased chairperson, commissioner or labor arbiter of the
NLRC would have received at the time of demise. The surviving legitimate spouse shall
continue to receive such retirement benefits until the death or remarriage of the said
surviving spouse.

SEC. 2. Funding. — The amount for initial implementation of this Act shall be
charged against the savings of the NLRC for the current year. Thereafter, such sums as
may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included on the
annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC.3. Repealing Clause.— All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations or parts
thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,