Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) continues to provide free legal aid and public assistance to workers and employers, reinforcing its role as a trusted mediator for labor-related concerns and workplace disputes. DOLE’s Public Assistance and Complaints Unit (PACU) reported on Saturday that it assisted 191 walk-in clients in the past month, 117 men and 74 women, including 16 persons with disabilities (PWD) and 23 senior citizens.
According to Philippines News Agency, most of those who sought help came from the National Capital Region, while others were from Calabarzon and Central Luzon. Of the cases received, 132 were categorized as simple matters, while 59 required more extensive legal evaluation.
The most common issues raised involved money claims and employment termination (21 percent), followed by management prerogative (14 percent) and social welfare benefits (11 percent). Other cases involved labor concerns, including separation pay, grievances, floating status, minimum wage violations, temporary layoffs, unauthorized deductions, and cases pending before the National Labor Relations Commission.
Through the PACU lawyers, DOLE affirms its commitment to promoting fair, humane and equitable employment relations, ensuring that every Filipino worker has access to timely and just labor protection.