DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 40-03 Series of 2003 AMENDING THE IMPLEMENTING RULES OF BOOK V ‘OF THE LABOR CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES ARTICLE 1. ‘The Rules Implementing Book V of the Labor Code are hereby amended (o read as follows: RULEL DEFINITION OF TERMS Section 1. Definition of Terms. (a) “Affiliate” refers to an independent union affiliated with a federation, national union or a chartered local which was subsequently granted independent registration but did not disaffiliate from its federation, reported to the Regional Office and the Bureau in accordance with Rule Ill, Sections 6 and 7 of these Rules, refers to the elevation by an aggrieved party 10 an agency vested with appellate authority in agency vested with (b) “Appeal of any decision, resolution or order disposing the principal issues of a ease rendered by inal jurisdiction, undertaken by filing a memorandum of appeal. (©) “Audit Examiner” refers to an officer of the Bureau or Labor Relations Division of the Regional Office authorized to conduct an audit or examination of the books of accounts, including all funds, assets and other accountabilities of a legitimate labor organization and workers’ association. (4) “Bargaining Unit” refers to a group of employees sharing mutual interests within a given employer unit, comprised of all or less than all of the entire body of employees in the employer unit or any specific ‘occupational or geographical grouping within such employer uni (€) “Board” refers to the National Conciliation and Mediation Board established under Executive Order No. 126. (0) “Bureau” refers to the Bureau of Labor Relations. (e) "Cancellation Proceedings” refer to the legal process leading to the revocation of the legitimate status oF union or workers" association, (i) “Certification Election” or “Consent Election” refers to the process of determining through secret ballot the sole and exclusive representative of the employees in an appropriate bargaining unit for purposes of collective bargaining or negotiation. A certification election is ordered by the Department, while a consent election is voluntarily agreed upon by the parties, with ar without the intervention by the Department, (i) “Chartered Local” refers to a labor organization in the private sector operating atthe enterprise level that acquired legal personality through registration with the Reajonal Office in accordance with Rule Ill, Section 2-E ofthese Rules” (as amended by Seetion 2, D.O. 40-B-03, 16 February 2004) () “Collective Bargaining Agreement” or “CBA” refers to the contract between a legitimate labor Union and the employer coneerning wages, hours of work, and all other terms and conditions of employment in a bargaining uni (k) *Conciliator Mediator” refers to an officer of the Board whose principal function is to assist in the settlement and disposition of labor-management disputes through conciliation and preventive mediation, including the promotion and encouragement of voluntary approaches to labor disputes prevention and settlement. (1) “Consolidation” refers to the creation or formation af a new union arising from the unification of ‘Wo oF more unions. (my"Deregistration of Agreement” refers to the legal process leading to the revocation of CBA registration, (n) “Department” refers to the Department of Labor and Employmenti vision in the Regional (0) “Election Officer” refers 10 an officer of the Bureau oF Labor Relations Division in t Office authorized to conduct centfication elections, election of union officers and other forms of elections and referenda in accordance with Rule XII, Sections 2-5 of these Rules. (p) “Election Proceedings” refer to the period during a certification election, consent or run-off election and election of union officers, starting From the opening to the closing of the polls, including the counting, tabulation nd consolidation of votes, but excluding the period for the final determination of the challenged vores and the canvass thereof. (q) “Eligible Voter” refers to a voter belonging to the appropriate bargaining unit that isthe subject of a petition For certification election. (@) “Employee” refers to any person working for an employer. It includes one whose work has ceased in connection with any current labor dispute or because of any unfair labor practice and one sho has been dismissed from work but the legality of the dismissal is being contested in a forum of appropriate jurisdiction, (3) “Employer refers 1 any person or entity who employs the services of others. one for whom employees work and sto pays their wages or salaries. An employer includes any person directly or indirectly acting in the interest of an employer. It shall also refer to the enterprise where a labor organization operates oF secks 10 operate, refers to (0, “Exclusive Bargaining Representativ legitinnate Inbor union duly recognized or certified as the sole and exclusive bargaining representative or agent of all the employees in a bargaining unit (u) “Grievance” rel ‘or implementation of any provision of company personnel policies. to any question by either the employer or the union regarding the interpretation collective bargaining agreement or interpretation or enforcement of (¥) “Improved Offer Balloting” refers to s referendum by seeret ballot involving union members on the improved offer of the employer on or before the 30" day of a strike. (s)"Independent Union” refers to a labor organization operating at the enterprise level that acquired legal personality through independent registration under Article 234 of the Labor Code and Rule Ill, Section 2-A of these Rules, (5) “Inter-Union Dispute” refers to any conflict between and among legitimate labor unions involving representation questions for purposes of collective bargaining or to any other conflit or dispute between legitimate Tabor unions. (9) “Interlocutory Order™ refers to any order that does not ultimately resolve the main issuels in a dispute (2) “Interpleader” refers to a proceed claims. compelling the claimants to li ought by a party against (wo or more parties with conflicting xe between and among themselves their respective rights to the claim, thereby relieving the party so filing from suits they may otherwise bring against i (aa). “Intervention” rel whereby a person, labor organization or emtity not a party 10 lly moves to make himselherseltselt'a party thereto (bb) “Intra-Union Dispute” refers to any conflict between and among union members, including vances arising from any violation of the rights and conditions of membership. violation of or disagreement over any provision of the union’s constitution and by-laws, or disputes arising from chartering or ailiation of union, (6c) “Labor Organization” refers to any union or association of employees in the private sector whieh exists in whole or in part for the purpose of collective bargaining, mutual aid, interest, cooperation, protection. or other lawful purposes. (dd) “Labor Relations Division” refers to the (1) Labor Organization and CBA Registration Unit and (2) Med-Arbitration Unit in the Regional Otfice. The Labor Organization and CBA Registration Unit is in charg Processing the applications for registration of independent unions, chartered locals. workers associations collective bargaining agreements. maintaining said records and all other reports and incidents pertaining to labor organizations and workers’ associations. The Med-Arbitration Unit conducts hearings and decides certification election or representation cases, inter/ites-union and other related labor relations disputes. (ee) “Legitimate Labor Organization” refers to any labor organization in the private sector registered or reported with the Department in accordance with Rules II and IV of these Rules(A) “Legitimate Workers’ Association” refers to an association of workers organized for mutual aid and protection ofits members or for any legitimate purpose other than collective bargaining revstered with the Department in accordance with Rule II, Sections -C and 2-D ofthese Rules (ge) “Lockout” refers to the temporary refusal of an employer to furnish work as a result of a labor or industrial dispute (hh) “Managerial Employee" refers to an employee who is vested with powers or prerogatives to lay down and execute maniigement policies or to hire, vansfer, suspend, layorT, recall, discharge. assign or discipline employees. i) “Med-Arbiter” refers to an officer in the Regional Office or in the Bureau authorized to hear and decide representation cases, inter/inira-union disputes and «ther related labor relations disputes, except cancellation of union registration cases. (i) “Merger” refers to a process where « labor organization absorbs another resulting in the cessation of the absorbed labor organization's existence, and the continued existence of the absorbing labor organization, (Kk) “National Union™ or “Federation” refers w a group of legitimate labor unions in a private establishment organized for collective bargaining or for dealing with employers concerning terms and conditions of employment for their member unions or for participating in the formulation of social and employment policies, standards and programs, registered with the Bureau in accordance with Rule Ill, Section 2-B of these Rules. (Il) “Organized Establishment” refers to an enterprise where there exists a recognized or centfied sole and exclusive bargaining agent. (mm) "Preventive Mediation Cases” refer to labor disputes which are the subject ofa formal or informal request for conciliation and mediation assistance sought by either or both parties or upon the initiative of the Board, (on) “Rank-and-File Employee" refers to an employee whose functions are neither managerial nor supervisory in nature, (00) “Regional Director” refers to the Head of the Regional Ontice. gional Office” refers to the office of the Department of Labor and Employment at the nal level (op) * administrative re (aa) “Registration” refers to the process of determining wheter the application for registration of a anion oF workers” asoci ing agreement complies withthe documentary requirements for registration prescribed in Rules Itt IV. and. XVit ofthese Rules (10) “Related Labor Relations Dispute” refers to any conflict between a labor union and the employer or any individual, entity or group that is not a labor union or workers’ assocTation, (5s) “Run-off Election” refers to an election between the labor unions receiving the two (2) highest umber of votes in a certification or consent election with three (3) or more choices, where such a certified or consent results in none of the three (3) or more choices receiving the majority of the valid votes vast; provided that the total number of votes forall contending unions is at least fifty percert (50%) of the number of votes cast. (it) “Secretary” refers othe Head of the Department (uu) “Strike” refers to any temporary stoppage of work by the concerted action of employees as a result of a labor or industrial dispute. (wv) “Strike Area” refers to the establishment, warchouses, depots, plants or offices. including the sites for premises used as run-away shops of the employer. as well as the immediate vieinity actually used by picketing sirikers in moving to and fro before all points of entrance. (vw) “Strike Vote Balloting” refers to the secret balloting undertaken by the members of the union in the bargaining unit concerned fo determine whether or not to declare a strike in meetings of referenda called for that purpose, (sx) “Supervisory Employee" refers to an employee who, in the interest of the employer, effectively recommends managerial actions and the exercise of such aulhority is not merely routinary or clerical but requires the use of independent judgment, (y) “Term of Office” refers to the fixed period of five (5) years drt of a labor organization discharge the functions of their off corganization’s constitution and by-laws. nich the duly elected officers unless a shorter period is stipulated in the(22) “Union” refers to any labor organization in the private sector organized For collective bargaining and for other legitimate purposes. (aaa) “Voluntary Arbitrator” refers to any’ person accredited by the Board as such, or any person named ‘oF designated in the collective bargaining agreement by the parties to act as their voluntary arbitrator. or one chosen by the parties, with or without the assistance of the Beard. pursuant to 1 selection procedure agreed upon in the collective bargaining agreement (bbb) “Voluntary Recognition” refers to the process by which a legitimate labor union is recognized by the employer as the exclusive bargaining representative of ag ining unit, reported with the Regional Office in accordance with Rule Vil, Section 2 of these Rute. (cce) “Workers? Association” refers to an association of workers organized for the rwutual aid and protection of its members or for any legitimate purpose other than collective bargaini RULE HL COVERAGE OF THE RIGHT TO SEL ORGANIZATION Section |. Policy. ~ It is the policy of the State to promote the free and responsible exercise of the right 10 self-organization through the establishment of a simplified mechanism for the speedy’ registration of labor unions and workers associations, determination of representation status and resolution of interfntra-union and other elated labor relations disputes. Only legitimate or registered lnbor unions shall have the right to represent their members for ‘collective bargaining and other purposes. Workers’ associations shall have the right to represent their members for purposes other than collective bargaining, Section 2, Who may join labor unions and workers’ associations. ~ All persons employed in commercial, industrial and agricultural enterprises. including employees of government owned or controlled corporations without original charters establishment under the Corporation Code. as well as employees of religious. charitable, medical or educational institutions whether operating for profit or not, shall have the right to self-organization and to form, join or assist labor unions for purposes of collective bargaining: provided, however, that supervisory employees shall not be cligible for membership in a Tabor tunion of the rank-and-file employees but may form, join or assist separate labor unions of their own Managerial employees shall not be eligible to form, join or assist any labor unions tor purposes of collective bargaining. Alien employees with valid working permits issued by the Department may exercise the right 10 sel-erganization and join of assist labor unions for purposes of collective bargaining if they are nationals ‘of a country which grants the same or similar rights to Filipino workers. as certified by the Department of Foreign Affairs, or which has ratified either IO Convention No. 87 and II.0 Convention No. 98, For purposes of this section, any employee, whether employed for a detinite period or not, shall the First day oF hishher service, be eligible for membership in any labor organization, sini Al other workers, including ambulant, intermittent and other workers, the self-employed, rural workers and those without any definite employers may farm labor organizations for their mutual aid and protection and other legitimate purposes escept collective bargaining.” (as amended by Seetion 2, D.O, 40-C-08, 7 March 2005) RULEM REGISTRATION OF LABOR ORGANIZATIONS, Section 1. Where to file. ~ Applications for registration of independent labor unions, chartered locals, workers’ associations shall be filed with the Regional Office where the applicant principally operates. It shall be processed by the Labor Relations Division at the Regional (fice in accordance with Sections 2-A. 2-C, and 2-E of this Rule, Applications for registration of federations, national unio than one region shall be filed with the Bureau or the Re accordance with Sections 2-13 and 2-D of this Rule. oF workers" associations operating in more nal Offices, but shall be processed by the Tureau in5 istration ofan independent labor union ‘Section 2. Requirements for application. ~ A. The application for r shall be accompanied by the following documents 1) the name of the applicant labor union. its principal address, the name of its officers and their respective addresses, approximate number of employees in the bargaining unit where it seeks 10 operate, with a statement that itis not reported as a chartered local of any federation or national union: 2) the minutes of the organizational mceting(s) and the list of employees who participated in the said meeting(s); 3) the name ofall its members comprising at least 20% of the employees in the bargaining unit: 4) the annual financial reports if the applicant has been in existence for one oF more years, unless it has not collected any amount from the members. in which ease a statement to this effect shall be included in he application: 5) the applicant's constitution and by-laws, minutes of its adoption or ratification, and the list of the members who participated in it. The list of rallying members shall be dispensed with where the constitution and by-laws was ratified or adopted during the organizational meeting, In such a case. the factual circumstances of the ratification shall be recorded in the minutes of the organizational ‘meeting(s), B. The application for registration of federa following documents: jons and national unions shall be accompanied by the 1) a statement indicating the name of the applicant labor union, its principal address, the name of its officers and their respective addresses: 2) the minutes of the organizational meeting(s) and the list of employees who participated in the said meeting(s}: 3) the annual finaneial reports iF the applicant union has heen in existence for one or more years. unless it hhas not collected any amount fram the members. in which case a statement to this effect shall be included in the applica 4) the applicant union's constitution and by-lavss, minutes of its adoption or ratification, and the list of the members who participated in it. The list of ratifying members shall be dispensed with where the constitution and by-laws was ratified or adopted during the organizational meeting(s). In such a case, the factual circumstances of the ratification shall be recorded in the minutes of the organizational mmieeting(s}: 5) the resolution of affiliation of at least ten (10) legitimate labor organizations, whether independent unions or chartered locals, each of which must be a duly certified or recognized bargaining agent in the establishment where it seeks to operate: and 6) the name and addresses of the companies where the alfliates operate and the list of all the members in h company involved. rganizations operating within an identified industry may also apply for registration as a federation ‘oF national union within the specified industry by submiting to the Bureau the same set of documents, C. The application for registration of a workers” association shall be accompanied by the following documents: 1) the name of the applicant association, its principal address, the name of its officers and their respective addresses 2) the minutes of the organizational meeting(s) and the list of members who participated therein 3). the Financial reports of the applicant association if it has been in existence for one or more years, unless it has not collected any amount from the members, in which case a statement (o this elfect shall be ineluded in the application: 4) the applicant's constitution and by-laws to which must be attached the names of ratifying members, the ‘minutes of adoption oF ratification of the constitution and by-laws and the date when ratification was, made, unless ratification was done in the organizational meeting(s). in which case such fact shall be reflected in the minutes of the organizational meeting(s).6 D. Application for registration of 1 workers’ assoviation operating in more than one region shall be accompanied, in addition to the requirements in the preceding subsection, by a resolution of membership of each member association, duly approved by its board of directors. E."A duly-registered federation or national union may directly create a local/chapter by issuing a charter te indicating the establishment of the local/chapter. The local/chapter shall acquire legal personality only for purposes of filing a petition for certification election from the date it was issued a charter certificate The lovalfchapter shall be entitled to all other rights and privileges of a leg upon the submission of the following documents in addition to its charter certificate: imate labor organization only (a) The names of the local/chapter's officers, their addresses, and the principal office of the localchapter: and (b) The chapter's constitution and by-laws provided, that where the chapter's constitution and by-laws are the same as that of the federation or the national union, this fact shall be indicated accordingly ‘The genuiness and due execution of the supporting requirements shall be certified under oath by the Secretary or Treasurer of the local/chapter and altested to by its President.” (as amended by D,O. 40-F-03. 30 October 2008) Section 3. Notice of change of name of labor organizations: Where to file. ~ The notice lor change of name of a registered labor organization shall be filed with the Burcaw or the Regional Office where the concerted labor organization's certificate of registration or certificate of creation ofa chartered local was issued, Section 4. Requirements for notice of change of name, ~ The notice for change of name of a labor organization shall be accompanied by the following dacuments: (a). proof of approval or ratification of change of name: and (b) the amended constitution and by-laws. Section 5. Centticae of Registration/Ceniticae of Creation of Chartered Local for change of name. ~ The centficate of registration and the certificate of ereation of a chartered local issued 10 the labor organization for change of name shall bear the same registration number a5 the original certificate issued in its favor and shall indicate the following: (a) the new name of the labor organization; (b) its former name: (€) its office or business address: and (d) the date wien the Inbor organization sequired legitimate personality as stated in its original ceniticate of egistration/centfieateof creation of chartered local Section 6. Report of Affiliation with federations or national unions: Where to file, ~ The report of affiliation of an independently registered labor union with a Tederation or national union shall be fled with the Regional Office that issued its certificate of registration Section 7. Requirements of affiliation. ~ The report of affiliation of independently registered labor unions With a federation oF national union shall be accompanied by the following documents: (2) resolution of the fabor union’s board of directors approving the aliliation: (b) minutes of the general membership meeting approving the affiliation; (©) the total number of members comprising the labor union and the names of members who approved the afttiation; (4) the contficate of affiliation issued by the federation in favor of the independently registered labor union; and (e) written notice o the employer concerned if the affiliating union isthe incumbent bargaining agent Section 8. Notice of Merger/Consolidation of labor organizations; Where to file. ~ Notice of merger or consolidation of independent labor unions. chartered locals and workers’ associations shall be filed with and recorded by the Regional Office that issued the certificate ofr icate of ereation of chartered local of ratio7 jon of federations or national either the merging or consolidating labor organization, Notice of merger or consol unions shall be Filed with and recorded by’ the Bureau, setion 9, Requirements of notice of merger. ~ The notice of merger of labor organizations shall be ed by the following documents: accompan (a) the minutes of merger convention or general membership meeting(s) of all the mergi ‘organizations, wth the list oftheir respective members who approved the same: and 1g labor (b) the amended constitution and by-laws and minutes of its ratitication, unless ratification transpired in the merger convention, which fact shall be indicated accor Section 10, Certificate of Registration, ~ The certificate of registration issued to merged! labor organizations shall bear the registration number of one of the merging labor organizations as agreed upon by the parties to the The cenificate of registration shall indicate the following: (a) the new name of the merged labor organization; (b) the fact that it is a merger of wo or more labor organizations: (c) the name of the labor ‘organizations that were merged: (d) its office or business address: and (e) the date when each of the merging labor organizations acquired legitimate personality as stated in their respective original certificate of registration. Section 11, Requirements of notice of consolidation. ~ The notice of consolidation of labor organizations, shall be accompanied by the following documents: (a) the minutes of consolidation convention of all the consolidating labor organizations, with the list oF their respective members who approved the same: and, (b) the amended constitution and by-laws, minutes of its ratification transpired in the consolidation convention or inthe same general membership meetinu(s), which act shall be indicated accordingly Section 12, Certificate of Registration. ~ The certificate of registration issued to n consolidated labor organization shall bear the registration number of one of the consolidating labor organizations as agreed upon by the parties tothe consolidation, The certificate of registration shall indicate the following (a) the new name of the consotiated labor organization: (b) the fact that itis a consolidation of two ar more labor organizations: (c) the name of the labor organizations that were consolidated; (@) its office or business address: and (e) the date when each of the consolidating labor organizations acquired legitimate persorality as stated in their respective original certificates of registration RULELY PROVISIONS COMMON TO THE REGISTRATION OF LABOR ORGANIZATIONS AND WORKERS ASSOCIATION Section 1. Anestation requirements. - The application for registration of labor unions and workers? associations, notice for change of name. merger. consolidation and aNlifiation including all the accompanying documents, shall be certified under oath by its Secretary or Treasurer, as the case may be, and attested to by its President Section 2. Payment of registration fee. ~ A labor union and workers’ association shall be issued a certificate of registration upon payment ofthe prescribed registration fe, Section 3. Accompanying documents. ~ One (1) original copy and two (2) duplicate copies of all documents accompanying the application or notice shall be submitted to the Regional Office or the Bureau. Section 4, Action on the application/notic 1 Office or the Bureau, as the ease may be, shall act on all applications for registration or notice of change of name, affiliation, merger and consolidation within one 1-day from receipt thereof, either by: (a) approving the application and issuing the certificate of8 registration/acknowsledging the notice/report: or (b) denying the applicationfuotice for failure of the applicant to comply with the requirements for registration/notice.” (as amended by Section 1, 1.0. 40-D-05, 13 September 2005) Section 5. Denial of Application/etwum of Notice. ~ Where the documents supporting the application for tration/aotice of change of name. affiliation, merger and consolidation are incomplete oF do not contain the required certification and attestation, the Reuional Office or the Bureau shall, within one (1) day from receipt of the application/notice, notify the applicanvlabor organization concerned in writing of the necessary requirements and 10 complete the same within-thirty (30) days from receipt of notize. Where the applican/labor organization concerned fails 10 complete the requirements within the time prescribed, the application fo registration shall be denied, or the notice of change of name. affiliation, merger and consolidation returned, without prejudice to filing @ new application of notice.” (as anvended by Section 1. D.O. 40-D-05, 13 September 2005) Section 6, Form of Denial of Application/Return of Notice; Appeal, ~ The notice of the Regional Office or the Bureau denying the application for registration/returning the notice of change of name. affiliation, merger or consolidation shall be in writing stating in clear terms the reasons For the denial or yetun. The denial may be appealed to the Bureau if denial is made by the Regional Office or to the Secretary if denial is made by the Bureau, ‘within ten (10) days from receipt of such notice, on the ground of grave abuse of discretion or violation of these Rules. Section 7. Procedure on appeal. ~ The memorandum of appeal shall be filed with the Regional Office or the Bureau that issued the denialércturn of notice. The memorandum of appeal together with the complete records of the application for registration/notice of change of name, affiliation, merger or consolidation, shall be transmitted by the Regional Office fo the Bureau or by the Bureau to the Office of the Secretary. within twenty-four (24) hours from receipt of the memorandum of appeal The Bureau or the Oflice of the Secretary shall decide the appeal within twenty (20) days from receipt of the records of the case, Section 8. Effect of registration, ~ The labor union or workers’ association shall be deemed registered and vested with legal personality on the date of issuance of its certificate of registration or certificate of ereation of chartered local Such legal personality may be questioned only through an independent petition for cancellation of union registration in accordance with Rule XIV of these Rules, and not by way of collateral attack in petition for certification election proceedings under Rule VItl Section 9. Effect of change of name. ~ The change of name of a labor organization shall not affect its legal personality. All the rights and obligations of a labor organization under its old name shall continue to be exercised by the labor organization under its new name. Section 10, Effect of merger or consolidation. ~ Where there is a merger of labor organizations, the legal existence of the absorbed labor organization(s) ceases, while the legal existence of the absorbing labor organization subsists, All the rights, interests and obligations of the absocbed labor organizations are transferred to the absorbing organization. Where there is consolidation, the legal existence oF the consolidating labor organizations shall cease and a new labor organization is crested, The newly created labor organization shall acquire all the rights, interests and obligations of the consolidating labor organizations. RULE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS OF LABOR UNIONS, AND WORKERS ASSOCIATIONS, Section 1. Reporting requirements. ~ It shall be the duty of every legitimate labor unions and workers association to submit 10 the Regional Office or the Bureau which issued its certificate of registration or certificate of creation of local/chapter, as the case may be, two (2) copies of each of the following documents: (a) its constitution and by-laws or amendments thereto, the minutes oF adoption or ratification and the list (of members who took part therein, within thity (30) days from its adoption or ratification:9 (b) its list of elected and appoinied officers and agents entrusted with the handling of union funds, the minutes of election of officers, and the list of voters, within thirty (30) days from the date of eleetion or appointment: (©) its annual financial report within thiety (30) days after the clase of every fiscal year: and (2) its list of members atleast once a year or whenever required by the Bureau. The fiscal year of a labor organization shall coincide with the calendar year unless a different period is provided in its constitution and by-laws. (as amended by D.O. 40-F-3, 30 October 2008) RULE VE DETERMINATION OF REPRESENTATION STATUS, Section |, Policy. ~ It is the policy’ of the State 10 promote free trade unionism through expeditious procedures governing the choice of an exclusive bargaining agent, The determination of such exclusive bargaining agent is a non-litigious proceeding and, as Far as practicable, shall be Iree from technicalities of law and procedure. provided only that in every case, the exclusive bargain enjoys the majority support of all the employees in the bargaining unit. Section 2. Determination of representation status: modes. ~ The determination of an exclusive bargainit agent shall be through voluntary recognitoy in cases where there is only one legitimate labor organization operating within the bargaining unit, or through certification, run-off or consent election 3s provided in these Rules. RULEVH VOLUNTARY RECOGNITION Section 1. When andl where to file, ~ In unorganized establishments with only one legitimate labor “organization, the employer may voluntarily recognize the representation status of such a union. Within thirty (30) days from such recognition, the employer and union shall submit a notice of voluntary recognition with the Regional Office which issued the recognized labor union’s certificate of registration or certificate of creation of a chartered local. Section 2, Requirements for voluntary recognition. ~ The notice of voluntary recognition shall be accompanied by the original copy and two (2) duplicate copies of the following documents: a) a joint statement under oath of voluntary recognition attesting to the fact of voluntary recognition: (b) certificate of posting of the joint statement of voluntary recognition for fifteen (15) consecutive days in at least two (2) conspicuotis places in the establishment or bargaining unit where the union seeks t0 operate: (6) the approximate number of employees in the bargaining unit, accompanied by the names of those who support the voluntary recognition comprising atleast a majority of the members of the bargaining unit and (@) a statement that the labor union is the only legitimate labor organization operating within the bargaining unit, All accom employer represer inying documents of the notice for voluntary recognition shall be certified under oath by the ve and president ofthe recognized labor union, Section 3. Action on the Notice. - Where the notice of voluntary recognition is sufficient in form. number and substance and where there is no other registered labor union operating within the bargaining unit concerned. the Regional Office, through the Labor Relations Division shall. within ten (10) clays from receipt of the notice, record the fact of voluntary recognition in its raster of legitimate labor unions and notify the labor union concerned.10 Where the notice of voluntary recognition i insufficient in form, number and substance, the Regional Office shall, within the same period, notify the labor union of its findings andl advise it © comply with the necessary requirements, Where neither the employer nor the labor union failed to complete the requirements for voluntary recognition under Section 2 of this Rule within thiry (30) days from receipt of the advisory, the Regional Office shall retuen the notice for voluntary recognition together with all its accompanying documents without prejudice to its re-submission. Section 4. Effect of recording of fact of voluntary recognition. - From the time of recording of voluntary recognition, the recognized labor union shall enjoy the rights, privileges and obligations of an existing bargaining ent ofall the employees in the bargaining unit, Entry of voluntary recognition shall bar the filing of a petition for certification election by any’ labor organization for a period of one (1) year trum the date of entry of voluntary reeognition. Upon expiration of this one-year period, any legitimate labor organization may file petition tor certification election in the same bargaining unit represented by the voluntarily recognized union, unless a collective bargaining agreement between the employer and voluntarily recognized labor union was executed and registered with the Regional Office in accordance with Rule XVII ofthese Rules, RULE VIL CERTIFICATION ELECTION Section 1. Who may file. ~Any legitimate labor organization, including a national union or federat has issued a charter certificate (0 its local/chapter or the local/chapteritsell, may file a petition for e¢ election A national union or federation filing a petition in behalf uf its local/chapter shall not be required to disclose the names of the local/chapter’s officers and members, but shall attach to the petition the charter certificate it issued to its local/chapter. When requested 10 bar in collectively in a bargaining unit where no registered collective bi san employer may file « petition for eertfieation election with the Regional Offic. In all cases, whether the petition for certification election is filed by an employer or a legitimate labor organization, the employer shall not be considered a party thereto with a concomitant right to oppose a petition for certification election, The employer's participation in such proceedings shall be limited to: (1) being notified or informed of petitions of such nature: and (2) submitting the list of employees during the pre-election conference should the Med-Arbiter act favorably on the petition. Any employee has the r F-03, 30 October 2008) ht to intervene for the protection of his individual right. (as amended by D.O, 40- Section 2. Where to lle. ~ A petition for certification election shall be filed with the Regional Office whieh issued the petitioning union's certificate of registration cerifieate of creation of chartered local ‘The petition shall be heard and resolved by the Med-Arbiter. Where two or more petitions involving the same bargaining unit are filed in one Regional Office. the same shall be automatically consolidated with the Med-Arbiter who first acquired jurisdiction. Where the petitions are filed in different Regional Otices, the Regional Office in which the petition was first filed shall exclude all others: in which ease, the latter shall indorse the petition to the former for consolidation. Section 3. When to file, ~ A petition for certification election may be filed anytime, except: (a) when a fact of voluntary recognition has been entered or a valid certification, consent or run-off election has been conducted within the bargaining unit within one (1) year prior to the filing of the ition for certilication election, Where an appeal has been Tiled from the order of the Med-Arbiter iying the results of the election, the running of the one year period shall be suspended until the decision on the appeal has become final and executory: (b) when the duly certified union has commenced and sustained negotiations in good faith with the employer in accordance with Article 250 of the Labor Code within the one year period referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph;10 Where the notice of voluntary recognition is insufficient in form, number and substance. the Regional Office shall, within the same period, notify the labor union of is findings and advise it to comply with the nevessary requirements. Where neither the employer nor the labor union failed to complete the requirements for voluntary recognition under Section 2 of this Rule within thiny (30) days from receipl of the advisory. the Regional Office shall return the notice for voluntary recognition together with all its accompanying documents without prejudice to its re-submission, Section 4, Effect of recording of fact of voluntary recognition. - From the time of recording of voluntary recognition. the recognized labor union shall enjoy the rights, privileges and obligations of an existing bargaining agent of all the employees in the bargaining uni, Entry of voluntary recognition shall bar the filing of petition for certification election by any labor ‘organization for a period of one (1) year from the date of entry of voluntary recognition. Upon expiration of this one-year period, any legitimate labor organization may file a petition lor certification election in the same bargaining unit represented by the voluntarily recognized union, unless a collective bargaining agreement between the employer and voluntarily recognized labor union was executed and registered with the Regional Office in accordance with Rule XVII ofthese Rules. RULE Vit CERTIFICATION ELECTION Section 1. Who may file, Any legitimate labor orgenization. including a national union or federation that has issued a charter certificate to its local/chapter or the locaV/chapter itself, may file a petition for certfica election A cational union oF federation filing a petition in behalf of its local/chapter shall not be required to disclose the names of the local/chapter’s officers and members, but shall attach to the petition the charter certificate it issued to its localfchapter. When requested to bargain collectively in a bargaining unit where no registered collective bargaining, agreement exists. an employer may file a petition for certification election with the Regional Office. In all cases. whether the petition for certification election is filed by an employer or a legitimate labor organization, the employer shall not be considered a party thereto with a concomitant right to oppose a petition for certification election, The employer's participation in such proceedings shall be limited to: (1) being notified or informed of petitions of such nature: and (2) submitting the list of employees during the pre-election conference should the Med-Arbiter act favorably on the petition. ‘Any employee has the right to intervene for the protection of his individual right, (as amended by D.O. 40- F-03, 30 October 2008) Section 2, Where to file. - A petition for certification election shall be filed with the Regional Office which issued the petitioning union's cerificate of registration/certficate of ereation of chartered local. ‘The petition shall be heard and resolved by the Med-Arbiter. ‘Where two or more petitions involving the same bargaining unit are filed in one Regional Office, the same shall be automatically consolidated with the Med-Arbiter who first acquired jurisdiction, Where the petitions are filed in different Regional Offices, the Regional Office in which the petition was first filed shall exclude all others; in which case, the later shall indorse the petition (o the former for consolida Section 3. When to file, ~ A petition for certification election may be filed anytime, except: (a) when a fact of voluntary recognition has been entered or a valid certification, consent or run-off election has been conducted within the bargaining unit within one (1) year prior to the filing of the petition for certification election. Where an appeal has been filed from the order of the Med-Arbiter certifying the results of the election, the running of the ane year period shall be suspended until the decision on the appeal has become final and executory: (b) when the duly certified union has commenced and sustained negotiations in good faith with the employer in accordance with Article 250 of the Labor Code within the one year period referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph,ul (©) when a bargaining deadlock to which an incumbent or certified bargaining agent is a party had been submitted to conciliation or arbitration or had become the subject of valid notice of strike or lockout (@)_ when a collective bargaining agreement between the employer and a duly recognized or certified bargaining agent has been registered in accordance with Article 231 of the Labor Code. Where such collective bargaining agreement is registered. the petition may be filed only within sisty (60) days prior to its expiry. Section 4. Form and contents of petition. ~ The petition shall be in writing, verified under oath by the president of petitioning labor organization. Where a federation or national union files a petition in behalf of its local or affiliate, the petition shall be verified under oath by the president or duly authorized representative of the federation or national union, In case the employer filed the petition, the owner, president oF any corporate officer, ‘who is authorized by the board of directors. shall verify the petition. The petition shall contain the following: (2) the name of petitioner, its address, and affiliation if appropriate, the date and number of its certificate of registration, IF the petition is filed by a federation oF national union, the national president or his/her duly: authorized representative shall certify under oath as to the existence of its local/chapter in the establishinent and attaching thereto the charter certificate ora certified true copy thereof, If the petition is filed by a localichapter it shall attach its charter centificawe or a certified true copy thereor: (b) the name, address and nature of employer's business; (©) the description of the bargaining unit: (2) the approximate number of employees inthe bargaining unit; (©) the names and addresses of other legitimate labor union in the bargaining unit: (0) a statement indicating any of the following circumstances: 1) that the bargaining unit is unorganized or that there is no registered collective bat cement covering the employees in the bargaining unit: 2) if there exists a duly registered collective bargaining agreement, that the petition is filed within the sixty-day freedom period of such agreement; or 3) if another union had been previously recognized voluntarily or certified ina valid certification, consent oF run-off election, thatthe petition is filed outside the one-year period from date of recording of such voluntary recognition ar conduct of certification oF run-off election and no appeal is pending thereon. (g) in an organized establishment, the signature of at least twenty-five percent (25%) of all employees inthe appropriate bargaining unit shall be attached to the petition atthe time of its filing: and (h) other relevant facts. (as amended by D.O. 40-F-03. 30 October 2008) Section 5. RafMle of the case. ~ The Regional Director oF his/her duly authorized representative upon receipt of the petition shall immediately assign it by raffle to a Mediator-Arbiter. ‘The raffle shall be done in the presence of the petitioner ifthe later so desires, (as amended by D.O, 40-F-03, 30 October 2008) Section 6, Notice of preliminary conference. ~ The petition shall immediately be transmitted to the assigned Mediator-Arbiter who shall immediately prepare and serve a notice of preliminary conference to be held within ten (10) working days from the Mediator-Arbiter's receipt of the petition ‘The service of the petition to the employer and of the notice of preliminary conference 10 the petitioner and, the incumbent bargaining agem (if any) shall be made within three (3) working days from the Mediator-Arbiter’s receipt ofthe petition, The service may be made by personal service, by reyistered mail or by courier service. A copy of the petition and of the notice of preliminary conference shall he posted within the same three (3) day period in at least wo conspicuous places in the establishment, In muiple-location workplaces. the posting shall be made in at least wvo conspicuous places in every lecation. (as amended by DO. 40-F-03, 30 October 2008) Section 7. Forced Intervenor. ~ The incumbent bargaining agent shall automatically be one of the choices in the certification election as forced intervenor.Section 8, Motion for Intervention, ~ When a petition for certification ele: establishment, any legitimate labor union other than the incumbent bargaining agent operating within the ba nit may file a motion for intervention with the Med-Arbiter during the fr ‘agreement, The form and contents of the motion shall be the same as that of a petition for certification election. jon was filed in an In an unorganized establishment, the motion shall be filed at any time prior to the decision of the Med- Acbiter. The form and contents of the motion shall likewise be the same as that of a petition for cenifiation lection, ‘The motion for intervention shall be resolved in the same decision issued in the petition for certification election Section 9. Preliminary Conference; Hearing, - The Med-Arbiter shall conduct a preliminary conference and hnearing within ten (10) days from receipt ofthe petition to determine the Following: (a) the bargaining unit to be represented: (b) contending labor unions; (c) possibility of a consemt election: (@) existence of any of the bars to certification election under Section 3 of this Rule: and (e) such other matters as may’be relevant forthe final disposition of the ease, Section 10. Consent Election: Agreement. ~ The contending unions may'agree to the holding of an election, which case it shall be called a consent election. The Mediator-Arbiter shall forthwith call for the consent election, reflecting the parties’ agreement and the callin the minutes ofthe conference. The Mediator-Arbiter shall, immediately forward the records of the petition to the Regional Director or hisiher authorized representative for the determination of the Election Officer who shall be chosen by raffle in the presence of representatives of the contending unions if they s0 de ‘The first pre-election conference shall be scheduled within ten (10) days from the date of the consent election agreement, Subsequent conferences may be called to expedite and Facilitate the holding of the consent election, To afford an individual employee-voter an informed choice where « local/chapter is the petitioning union, the local/chapter shall secure its certificate of creation at least five working days before the date of the consent election. (as amended by D.O. 40-F-03, 30 October 2008) Section |. Number of Hearings: Pleadings. ~ Ifthe contending unions fail to agree to a consent election during the preliminary conference, the Med-Arbiter may conduct ss many hearings as he/she may deem necessary. but in no case shall the conduct thereof exceed fifteen (15) days from the date of the sclieduled preliminary conference/hearing, after which time the petition shall be considered submitted for decision, The Med-Arbiter shail hhave contral of the proceedings. Postponements or continuances shall be discouraged. Within the same 15-day period within which the petition is heard, the contending Inbor unions may fle such pleadings as they may deem necessary for the immediate resolution of the petition. Extensions of time shall rnot be entertained. All motions shall be resolved by the Me + in the same order or decision granting or denying the petition, Failure to appear despite notice. ~ The failure of any party to appear in the hearing(s) when notified oF to file its pleadings shall be deemed a waiver of its right to be heard. The Med-Arbiter, however, when agreed upon by the parties for meritorious reasons may allow the cancellation of scheduled hearing(s). ‘The cancellation of any scheduled! hearing(s) shall not be used as a basis for extending the 13-day periad within whieh to terminate the same. Section 13, Order/Decision on the petition, ~ Within ten (10) days from the date of the last hearing. the Mediator-Arbiter shall formally issue a ruling granting or denying the petition, except in organized establishments where the grant of the petition ean only be made after the lapse of the freeslom period, “The ruling for the conduct of a certification election shall state the following:stablishment: (a) the name of the employer or (b) a description of the bargaining unit: (© asta ement that none of the grounds for dismissal enumerated in the succeeding paragraph exists; (4) the names of the contending labor unions which shall appear in the following order: the petitioner tunions in the order of the date of filing of their respective petitions: the forced intervenor; and “no (©) to afford an individual employee-voter an informed choice where a localichapler is one of the contending unions, a directive to an unregistered local/ehapler or a federation/national union representing an unregistered local/chapter 10 personally submit to the election officer its cei creation at least five working days before the actual conduct of the certification election. Non-submission of this requirement as certiied by the election officer shall disqualify the local/chapter from participating in the certification election: and (a directive upon the employer and the contending union(s) co submit within ten (10) days from receipt Of the order. the certified list of employees in the bargaining unit, or where necessary. the payrolls covering the members of the bargaining unit for the last three (3) months prior to the issuance of the order. (as amended by D.O, 40-F-03, 30 October 2008) Section [4, Denial of the petition; Grounds, ~ The Mediator-Arbiter may dismiss the pet Following grounds: n on any of the (@) the petitioning union or national union/federation is not listed in the Department's registry of legitimate labor wnions or that its registration certificate has been cancelled with finality in accordance with Rule XIV of these Rules: (b) failure of a locaVchapter or national union/federation to submit a duly issued charter certificate upon filing of the petition lor certifieation election: (©) filing the petition before or after the freedom period of a duly registered collective bargaining agreement; provided that the sisty-day period based on the original collective bargaining agreement shall not be affected by any amendment, extension or renewal of the collective bargaining agreement; (@) filing of a petition within one (1) year from the date of reconling of the voluntary recognition, oF within the same period from a valid certification, consent or run-off election where no appeal on the results ofthe certification, consent or run-off election is pend (e) where a duly certified union has commenced and sustained negotiations with the employer in accordance with Article 250 of the Labor Code within the one-year period referred to in Section 14.4 Of this Rule, or where there exists a bargaining deadlock which has been submitted to conciliation or arbitration or has become the subject of a salid notice of strike oF lockout where an incumbent or certified bare ent is a party (0 in an organized establishment, the failure to submit the twenty-five percent (25%) signature requirement to support the filing of the petition for cettication election: (g) non-appearance of the petitioner for two (2) consecutive scheduled conferences before the Mediator “Arbiter despite due notice: and (hy absence of employer-employee relationship between all the members of the petitioning union and the establishment where the proposed bargaining unit is sought to be represented. (as amended by D.O. 40-£-03. 30 October 2008) Section 15, Prohibited 2round for the denial/suspension of the petition, ~ The inclusion as union members, ‘of employees outside the bargaining unit shall nt be a ground for the cancellation of the registration of the union. Said employees are automatically deemed removed from the list of membership of said unions. (as amended by D.O. 40-F-03, 30 October 2008) Section 16. Ancillary Issues. ~ All issues pertaining to the existence of employer-employee relationship, cligibility or mixture in union membership raised before the Mediator-Arbiter during the hearing(s) and in the pleadings shall be resolved in the same order or decision granting or denying the petition for certification election.4 All issues pertaining 10 the validity of the petitioning union's certificate of registration or its legal personality as a labor organization, validity of registration and execution of collective bargaining agreements shall be heard and resolved by the Regional Director in an indepensient petition for cancellation of is by the Mediator-Arbiter in the petition for certification election, unless the petitioning union is not listed in the Department's roster of legitimate labor organizations, or an existing collective bargaining agreement is: not registered with the Department. (renumbered and amended by D.O, 40-F-N3, 30 October 2008) Section 17, Release of Order/Deeision within ten (10) days trom the lust hearing, ~ The Med-Arbiter shall release hisMner order or decision granting or denying the petition personally to the parties on an agreed date and time. (renumbered purstuant 10 D.O, 40-F-03. 39 October 2008) Section 18. Appeal, - The order granting the conduct of a certification election in an unorganized establishment shall not be subject to appeal. Any issue arising therelrom may be raised by means of protest on the ‘conduct and results of the certification election. ‘The order granting the conduct of a certification election in an organized establishment and the decision dismissing or denying the petition, whether in an organized or unorganized establishment, may be appealed to the Office of the Secretary within ten (10) days from receipt thereot ‘The appeal shall be verified under oath and shall consist of a memorandum of appeal, specifically stating the grounds relied upon by the appellant with the supporting arguments and evidence. (renumbered pursuant 10 D.O. 40-F-03, 30 October 2008) Section 19. Where to file appeal. ~ The memorandum of appeal shall be fled in the Regional Office where the petition originated, copy furnished the contending unions and the employer. as the case may be. Within twenty four (24) hours from receipt of the appeal, the Regional Director shall cause the transmittal thereof together with the entire records of the case tothe Office of the Secretary. (renumbered pursuant 10 D.O, 40-F-03. 30 October 2008) Section 20, Finality of Order/DDecision. ~ Where no appeal is filed within the ten-day period, the Med- Arbiter shall enter the finality ofthe order/decision in the records of the case and cause the transmittal ofthe records (of the petition 1 the Regional Director. (renumbered pursuant to D.O. 40-F-103, 30 October 2008) Section 21, Period to Reply. ~ A reply to the appeal may be filed by any party to the petition within ten (10), days From receipt of the memorandum of appeal. The reply shall be filed directly with the OMlice of the Secretary. (renumbered pursuant to D.O, 40-F-03, 30 October 2008) Section 22. Decision of the Secretary. - The Secretary’ shall have fifteen (15) days from receipt ofthe entire records of the petition within which to decide the appeal. The filing of the memorandum of appeal from the order or decision of the Med-Arbiter siays the holding of any certification election, ‘The decision of the Secretary: shall become final and executory afer ten (10) the parties. No motion for reconsideration of the decision shall be entertained. (renumber 03, 30 October 2008) s from receipt thereof by ed pursuant 10 D.O, 40 Section 23. Transmital of records to the Regional Office. ~ Within forty-eight (48) hours from notice of receipt of decision by the parties and finality of the decision, the entire records of the ease shall be remanded to the Regional Office of origin for implementation. Implementation of the decision shall not be stayed unless restrained by the appropriate court. (renumbered pursuant to D.O. 40-F-03. 30 October 2008) Section 24, Effects of consent election, - Where a petition for certification election had been filed, and upon the intercession of the Med-Arbiter, the parties agree to hold a consent election, the results thereof shall constitute a bar to the holding of a certification election for one (1) year from the holding of such consent election, Where an appeal has been filed from the results of the consent election, the running of the one-year period shall be suspended until the decision on appeal has become final and executory. Where no petition for certification election was filed but the parties themselves agreed 10 hold a consent election with the intercession ofthe Regional Office. the rests thereof shall constitute a bar to another petition for certification election, (renumbered pursuant to D.O. 40-F-03, 30 October15 Section 25, Effects of early agreements, ~ The representation case shall not be adversely affected by a collective bargaining agreement registered before or during the last sixty (60) days of a subsisting agreememt or during the pendency of the representation case. (renumbered pursuant to D.O. 40-F-03, 30 October 2008) Section 26. Non-availability of Med-Arbiter. — Where there is no Med-Arbiter available in the Regional Office by reason of vacancy. prolonged absence, or excessive workload as determined by the Regional Director, hhefshe shall transmit the entire records of the ease to the Bureau, which shall within forty-eight (48) hours from receipt assign the case to any Med-Arbiter Irom any of the Regional Offices or from the Bureau. (renumbered pursuant to D.O, 40-F-03, 30 October 2008) RULE IN, CONDUCT OF CERTIFICATION ELECTION Section 1, Raffle of the case. ~ Within twenty-four (24) hours from receipt of the notice of entry of final judgment granting the conduct of a certification election. the Regional Director shall cause the raffle of the case to an Election Officer who shall have control of the pre-election conference and election proceedings. Section 2. Pre-election conference. ~ Within twenty-four (24) hours from receipt of the assignment for the conduct of a certification election, the Eleetion Officer shall cause the issuance of notice of pre uupon the contending unions, which shall be scheduled within ten (10) calendar days from receipt of the assignment The employer shall be required to submit the certified list of employees in the bargaining unit, or where necessary, the payrolls covering the members of the bargaining unit at the time of the filing of the petition. (as amended by D.O. 40-F-03. 30 October 2008) Section 3. Waiver of right to be heard. ~ Failure of any party to appear during the pre-election conference despite notice shall be considered as a waiver of its right (o be present and to question or object to any of the agreements reached in the pre-election conference. However, this shall not deprive the non-appearing party of the right to be furnished notices of and to attend subsequent pre-election conferences. (as amended by D.O, 40-F-03. 30 October 2008) Section 4. Minutes of pre-election conference. - The Election Officer shall keep the minutes of matters raised and agreed upon during the pre-election conference. The parties shall acknowledge the completeness and correctness ofthe entries in the minutes by affixing their signatures thereon. Where any of the parties refuse to sign the minutes, the Election Officer shall note such fact in the minutes, including the reason for refusal to sign the same, In all cases. the parties shall be furnished a copy of the minutes ‘The pre-election conference shall be completed within thiny (30) days from the date of the first hear Section $. Qualification of voters; inclusion-exclusion. — All employees who are members of the appropriate bargaining unit sought to be represented by the petitioner at the time of the issuance of the order granting the conduct of a certification election shall be eligible o vote. An employee who has been dismissed from ‘work but has contested the legality of the dismissal in a forum of appropriate jurisdiction at the time of the issuance of the order for the conduct of a certification election shall be considered! a qualified voter, unless his/her dismissal was declared valid in a final judgment atthe time ofthe conduct of the certification election, In case of disagreement over the voters” list or over the eligibility of voters, all contested voters shall be allowed to vote, But their votes shall be segregated and sealed in individual envelopes in accordance with Sections 10 and 11 ofthis Rute. Section 6. Posting of Notices. ~ The Election Officer shall cause the posting of notice of election at least ten (10) days before the actual date of the election in to (2) most conspicuous places in the company premises. The notice shall contain: (a) the date and time of the election: (b) names ofall contending unions; (6) the description of the bar ing unit and thelist of el ble and challenged voters.16 The posting of the notive of election, the information required to be included therein and the duration of posting eannot be waived by the contending unions or the employer. Section 7. Secrecy and sanctity of the ballot. ~ To ensure secrecy of the ballot, the Election Officer, together with the authorized representatives of the contending unions and the employer, shall before the start of the actual voting, inspect the polling place, the ballot boxes and the polling booths. Section 8. Preparation of ballots. - The Election Officer shall prepare the ballots in English and Filipino or the local dialect. The number of ballots should correspond to the number of voters in the unit plus a reasonable number ol extra ballots for contingencies. All ballots shall be signed at the back by the Election Officer and an authorized representative each of the contending unions. A party who refuse or fails to sign the ballots ‘waives its right to do so and the Election Otficer shall enter the fact of refusal and the reason therefor in the records, of the case, (as amended by D.O, 40-F-03, 30 October 2008) Section 9. Marking of votes. ~ ‘The voter must put a cross (x )or check ( 7) mark in the square opposite the name of the union of his choice oF “No Union” if he’she does not want to be represented by any union Ia ballot is tom, defaced or left unfilled in such a manner as to ereate doubt or confusion or to identify the voter. it shall be considered spoiled. Ifthe voter inadvertently spoils a ballot, he/she shall return it to the Election Officer who shall destroy it and give himfer another ballot, Section 10. Procedure in the challenge of votes. - The ballot of the voter who has been properly challenged during the pre-election conferences, shall be placed in an envelope which shall be sealed by the Flection Offier in the presence of the voter and the representatives of the contending unions. The Election Officer shall indicate on the ‘envelope the voter's name, the union challenging the voter, and the ground forthe challenge. The sealed envelope shall then be signed by the Election Officer and the representatives of the contending unions. The Election Officer shall note all challenges in the minutes of the election proceedings anu shall have custody of all envelopes containing the challenged votes, The envelopes shall be opened and the question of eligibility shall be passed upon by the Mediator-Arbiter only if the number of segregated votes will materially alter the results of the election, (renumbered and amended by D.O. 40-F-03, 30 October 2008) Section 11. On-the-spot questions. - The Election Officer shall rule on any question relating to and raised 1g the conduct of the election, In nw case, however, shall the election officer rule on any of the grounds For 1¢ specified in the immediately preceding section, (renumbered pursuant to D.O, 40-F-03, 3 October Section 12. Protest; when perfected. ~ Any party-in-interest may’ {ile a protest based on the conduct or mechanics of the election. Stich protests shall be recorded in the minutes of the election proceedings. Protests not so raised are deemed waived. ‘The protesting party must formalize its protest with the Med-Arbiter, with specific grounds, arguments and evidence, within five (5) days after the close of the election proceedings. If not recorded in the minutes and formalized within the prescribed period. the protest shall be deemed dropped. (renumbered pursuant to D.O, 40-F- 03. 30 October 2008) Section 13. Canvassing of votes. - The votes shall be counted and tabulated by the Election Officer in the presence of the representatives of the contending unions, Upon completion oF the canvass, the Election Officer shall give each representative a copy of the minutes of the election proceedings and results of the election, The ballots and the tally sheets shall be sealed in an envelope and signed by the Election Officer and the representatives of the contending unions and transmitted to the Med-Arbiter, together with the minutes and results ofthe election. within twenty-four (24) hours from the completion of the canvass. (renumbered pursuant to D.O, 40-F-03. 30 October 2008) Where the election is conducted in more than one region. consolidation of results shall be made within fifteen (15) days from the conduet thereof. Section 14, Conduct of election and canvass of votes. ~ The election precincts shall open and close on the date and time agreed upon during the pre-election conference. The opening and canvass of votes shall proceed immediately after the precincts have closed. Failure of the representative/s of the contending unions to appear during the election proceedings and canvass of votes shall be considered a waiver of the right to be present and to ‘question the conduct thereof, (renumbered and amended by D.O. 40-F-1)3, 30 October 2008)