How to File a DOLE SENA Complaint Philippines 2026
When your employer withholds your final pay, refuses to pay overtime, or violates any of your labor rights, you don't have to immediately hire a lawyer or go straight to court. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) offers a free, fast, and accessible dispute resolution mechanism called the Single Entry Approach (SENA) — and in 2026, you can initiate it both in person and online.
1. What Is SENA?
SENA stands for Single Entry Approach — a mandatory 30-day conciliation-mediation mechanism that must be exhausted before a labor dispute can be elevated to the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) or other labor tribunals. It is free of charge, non-adversarial, and designed to settle disputes quickly without litigation.
SENA is handled by a Single Entry Assistance Desk (SEAD) officer called a "Desk Officer" who facilitates the discussion between you and your employer.
2. What Types of Disputes Can You File Under SENA?
Unpaid wages, overtime, holiday pay, or night differential
Non-payment or under-payment of final pay / back pay
Illegal deductions from salary
Non-remittance of SSS, PhilHealth, or Pag-IBIG contributions
Constructive dismissal or illegal termination
Harassment, discrimination, or CBA violations
Non-issuance of BIR Form 2316 or Certificate of Employment
3. Step-by-Step: How to File a SENA Request for Assistance (RFA)
Prepare your documents: Gather payslips, employment contract, offer letter, resignation letter (if applicable), and any written communication with your employer about the dispute.
Go to the nearest DOLE Regional/Field Office or visit the DOLE SENA Online Portal (available at dole.gov.ph) to file electronically.
Fill out the Request for Assistance (RFA) Form. Describe your complaint clearly, including the exact amount you believe you are owed.
DOLE sends a summons to your employer within 5 days, scheduling a conciliation-mediation conference.
Attend the conference (usually within 10–15 days of filing). Both parties present their sides to the Desk Officer.
Settlement or referral: If a settlement is reached, a binding agreement is signed. If unresolved within 30 days, DOLE issues a Referral that allows you to elevate the case to the NLRC.
You Do Not Need a Lawyer for SENA. The process is designed to be accessible to ordinary workers. You may bring a representative (union officer, paralegal, or trusted person) but legal representation is not required and often discouraged at this stage to keep the atmosphere collaborative.
4. What Happens If Employer Ignores the Summons?
If the employer fails to appear after two summons, DOLE will issue a Certificate to File Action — which allows you to proceed directly to the NLRC without waiting for the 30-day period to lapse. Non-appearance is taken seriously and noted in the NLRC proceedings.
5. SENA vs NLRC — What's the Difference?
Feature
SENA (DOLE)
NLRC
Cost
Free
Filing fees required
Duration
30 days max
Several months to years
Nature
Conciliation/mediation
Adjudication (like a court)
Lawyer needed
No
Recommended
Binding outcome
Only if both parties agree
Yes (arbitration award)
6. Tips for a Successful SENA Conference
Bring printed copies of all evidence — payslips, bank statements, employment contract
Compute your exact claim amount in advance (use our salary calculator for overtime and contribution amounts)
Stay calm and factual — the Desk Officer is a neutral mediator, not a judge
Be open to a reasonable settlement; going to NLRC takes significantly more time and resources
Need to compute exactly how much overtime, holiday pay, or back wages your employer owes you? Use our calculator to get precise figures before your SENA filing.