Arbiter denies “mafia” in labor arbitration

CEBU, Philippines - The executive labor arbiter of the National Labor Relations Commission-Regional Arbitration Board-7 takes exception to the allegation of Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino that the labor arbitration process in the country is being influenced by a “mafia”.

“Mafia is non-existent. We are guided by our procedure. We decide based on the merit of the case,” said executive labor arbiter Emiliano Tiongco Jr.

Dino has called for an investigation into the alleged “mafia” in the labor arbitration process to promote industrial peace. Although it was not specified by Dino, but Tiongco said he will welcome any investigation.

Dino said that he himself had a firsthand experience on the alleged syndicated labor arbitration.

Tiongco, however, clarified that based on his investigation the labor case of Dino’s company sometime in 1995 underwent voluntary arbitration with the National Conciliation and Mediation Board and not with his office. (FREEMAN)