DOLE SEnA helps baker claim unpaid wages

A 57-year-old baker received PHP 55,631 in monetary claims after the Department of Labor and Employment helped facilitate a settlement through its Single Entry Approach program.

The requesting party sought DOLE assistance after alleging the nonpayment of minimum wage, 13th month pay, and overtime pay by an employer he had worked for for six years.

The worker filed a Request for Assistance, or RFA, under SEnA, an administrative approach designed to provide a speedy, impartial, inexpensive, and accessible settlement process for labor issues before they become full-blown disputes or actual labor cases.

After two consecutive conciliation-mediation conferences, the requesting and responding parties discussed possible remedies with the assistance of Single Entry Assistance Desk Officer Marlyn Hernandez.

On June 15, 2026, the parties reached an amicable settlement agreement, resulting in the release of PHP 55,631 to the requesting party as full and final settlement of the RFA.

According to the requesting party, he was deeply grateful to the SEnA program for the prompt assistance and immediate action taken to address his concerns.

During the 2026 Labor Day celebration, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. described workers as the “backbone of our Republic” and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a nation where “hard work is rewarded, and opportunity is real.”

In line with the government’s agenda to provide a speedy, impartial, inexpensive, and accessible settlement procedure for labor issues, DOLE acting Secretary Francis N. Tolentino instructed regional offices to maximize the efficiency of labor dispute resolution mechanisms, including the SEnA program.

“Thank you so much, Nong! Nagapangayo gid kami sang pasensya sa imo kag I hope nga makabulig gid sang dako sa imo ang amo ni nga kantidad, (We are asking for apology and we hope that what you received today could help you,)” said the management representative, who encouraged the requesting party to use the amount wisely, either for essential needs or as capital for livelihood and income-generating projects.

Regional Director Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. highlighted the importance of SEnA in promoting industrial peace and providing immediate assistance to both workers and employers.

Rodriguez also commended the responding party for taking swift action to address the worker’s concern.