The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) continues to provide legal aid and public assistance services for workers and employers, reinforcing its role as a trusted avenue for legal guidance on labor-related complaints.
In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure accessible and equitable justice in workplaces, DOLE has intensified its Public Assistance and Complaints Unit (PACU) to provide free, immediate, and inclusive legal support nationwide.
Through its team of lawyers, PACU provides free legal assistance for claims such as unpaid wages and wrongful dismissals in strict accordance with established legal procedures.
In September alone, PACU accommodated 191 walk-in clients—117 males and 74 females, including 16 persons with disabilities (PWDs) and 23 senior citizens. Most were from the National Capital Region, with others from CALABARZON, Region III, and nearby provinces, showing the program’s reach beyond Metro Manila.
Based on PACU’s data, 132 of the concerns were classified as simple matters, while 59 required in-depth legal evaluation. The top issues raised involved money claims and termination of employment (21% each), management prerogative (14%), and social welfare benefits (11%).
The remaining 29% addressed other labor concerns, including separation pay, grievances, floating status, minimum wage, temporary layoffs, unauthorized deductions, and cases pending before the National Labor Relations Commission.
Through the PACU, the Department affirms its commitment to its mission of fostering just and equitable employment relations to ensure that every worker in the country has access to fair, timely, and humane labor protection.
