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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOLE warns illegal dismissal may cost firms reinstatement, back wages

DOLE warns illegal dismissal may cost firms reinstatement, back wages

Published Feb 18, 2026 12:54 pm  |  Updated Feb 18, 2026 04:56 pm

At A Glance

  • DOLE warns employers that illegal dismissal may cost reinstatement, back wages, or separation pay.
  • Just causes for termination include misconduct and fraud; authorized causes include redundancy, retrenchment, retirement, and serious illness.
  • Employers who refuse lawful reinstatement may face illegal dismissal complaints.
  • Disputes are resolved through SEnA mediation or formal NLRC cases with free PAO assistance.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded employers that workers dismissed without lawful cause are entitled to reinstatement, back wages, or separation pay as part of the government’s drive to uphold security of tenure.
The advisory, issued through the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), seeks to strengthen labor protections and ensure fairness in termination and separation cases.
In an interview, NLRC Commissioner Hernan G. Nicdao said that regular employees cannot be dismissed without just or authorized causes as provided by law.
He cited serious misconduct and fraud as just causes, and redundancy, retrenchment, retirement, installation of labor-saving devices, and serious illness as authorized causes.
Nicdao explained that when termination is not due to the worker’s fault, employers are required to provide separation or retirement pay.
Redundancy cases entitle employees to at least one month’s salary per year of service, while retrenchment or illness cases require at least half a month’s salary per year of service.
The Commissioner warned that employers who refuse to reinstate employees after an approved sick leave without lawful justification may face illegal dismissal complaints before the NLRC.
To help resolve disputes early, DOLE implements the Single Entry Approach (SEnA), where trained mediators assist both parties in reaching amicable settlements.
If mediation fails, workers may formally file complaints with the NLRC.
Free legal assistance is available through the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) at regional and sub-arbitration branches.
Workers who prevail in illegal dismissal cases may be granted reinstatement with full back wages, or separation pay if reinstatement is no longer feasible.
The NLRC resolves most disputes within six to nine months, ensuring timely justice for Filipino workers.
Workers seeking help on dismissal, separation pay, or workplace rights may visit NLRC offices nationwide or consult its official website and Facebook page for guidance.

Related Tags

dole nlrc labor rights illegal dismissal
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