Strict Application of the Requirements for Appearances of Lawyers or Non-Lawyers

February 6, 2004NLRC MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2-01-04FOR:All Presiding/Commissioners  Executive/Labor Arbiters   SUBJECT:Strict Application of the Requirements for Appearances of Lawyers or Non-Lawyers Article 222 of the Labor Code,as amended, provides that non-lawyers may appear before the Commission or any Labor Arbiter only if they represent themselves or if they represent their organization or members, thereof. Section 8, Rule III of the Rules of Procedure of the National Labor Relations Commission defines the requirements on appearances of lawyers and limits the appearance of non-lawyers only to the following: a) if he represents himself as party to the case; b) if he represents a legitimate labor organization, as defined under Article 222 and 242 of the Labor Code,as amended, or its members, provided, that he shall be made to present a verified certification from said organization that he is properly authorized; or, c) if he is a duly accredited member of any legal aid office duly recognized by the Department of Justice or Integrated Bar of the Philippines. The NLRC Rules also stress that lawyers or non-lawyers appearing...