UPDATES ON VOLUNTARY ARBITRATION. Participants of the Continuing Education Seminar for Accredited Voluntary Arbitrators (CESAVA) 2025 gather at Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay, Parañaque City, for an in-depth discussion on the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers and updates to labor laws.

PARAÑAQUE CITY – The National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) successfully organized the Continuing Education Seminar for Accredited Voluntary Arbitrators (CESAVA) on February 20, 2025, at Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay, Parañaque City.

The annual CESAVA is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of Accredited Voluntary Arbitrators (AVAs) in resolving labor disputes effectively. This year’s event brought together AVAs nationwide, Regional Branch Directors, and implementers from the NCMB’s Regional Conciliation and Mediation Branches. The seminar focused on Republic Act No. 12021, otherwise known as the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which took effect on October 12, 2024.

In her opening remarks, NCMB Executive Director Maria Teresita D. Lacsamana-Cancio emphasized the significance of the seminar, especially in light of the new legislation. She highlighted that Voluntary Arbitrators must preserve the integrity of the program by crafting fair and well-written decisions founded on irrefutable facts and law.  ED Cancio also urged NCMB regional implementers to ensure the program’s effective implementation through strict adherence to administrative policies and reportorial requirements.

Assistant Secretary Lennard Constantine C. Serrano delivered the keynote address, outlining the steps the Department and NCMB have taken to address issues within the voluntary arbitration program, including reviewing and updating key policies.

National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) Fourth Division OIC Presiding Commissioner Leonard Vinz O. Ignacio provided an in-depth discussion on RA No. 12021, its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), and Department Order No. 247-25. He highlighted the application of Section 59 of the Magna Carta, particularly its impact on monetary awards, salaries, wages, statutory benefits, death and disability claims, damages, and other similar awards filed with the NLRC and NCMB after the law’s effective date. The discussion also featured the salient points of the Magna Carta, such as the Third Doctor Referral and ambulance chasing. 

The CESAVA seminar remains a crucial initiative by the NCMB to continually strengthen the country’s labor dispute resolution system and ensure the effective implementation of labor laws.

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