Notice to Explain (NTE) Philippines (2024)

How to Respond to a Notice to Explain (NTE)?

Q: I received a Notice to Explain (NTE) at my workplace. How should I respond to it?

A: Responding to a Notice to Explain (NTE), which is typically issued by employers in the context of an administrative investigation or in response to an alleged infraction of company rules, requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly respond to an NTE in the context of Philippine labor laws and regulations:

  1. Understand the Issue: Read the NTE carefully and understand the specific issue(s) or alleged violation(s) raised against you.

  2. Gather Evidence: Collect all necessary documents, messages, or any form of evidence that will support your explanation or defense.

  3. Consult Legal Advice: If possible, consult a lawyer or a legal expert to guide you in crafting your response.

  4. Write a Formal Response:

    • Heading: Address the letter to the appropriate authority, mentioning their designation, and clearly state that the letter is in response to the NTE received with its date.
    • Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and the purpose of the letter.
    • Body:
      • State the Facts: Clearly and chronologically state the facts as you know them, referring to the specific points raised in the NTE.
      • Present Your Defense: Lay down your defenses point by point, correlating them with the evidence you have gathered.
      • Be Respectful: Maintain a respectful tone throughout the letter.
    • Conclusion: Summarize your main points and express your willingness to cooperate further if needed.
    • Signature: End with a closing (e.g., "Sincerely" or "Respectfully") followed by your signature and printed name.
  5. Attach Supporting Documents: Attach copies of all supporting documents as annexes to your letter, referring to them appropriately in the body of your letter.

  6. Submit the Response: Submit your response within the given timeframe, as stipulated in the NTE, to show that you are abiding by the company’s policies and regulations.

  7. Keep a Copy: Ensure to keep a copy of your response and all attached documents for your record.

Responding to an NTE adequately and promptly while presenting a well-structured defense can potentially protect your rights and job. Do this with the utmost professionalism and respect to maintain a good standing in your workplace.

Notice to Explain (NTE) Philippines (2024)

FAQs

How to properly answer an NTE? ›

How to Respond to a Notice to Explain (NTE)?
  1. State the Facts: Clearly and chronologically state the facts as you know them, referring to the specific points raised in the NTE.
  2. Present Your Defense: Lay down your defenses point by point, correlating them with the evidence you have gathered.
Sep 13, 2023

Does NTE mean termination? ›

Within the Philippine employment law landscape, receiving a Notice to Explain (NTE) from an employer signals the initiation of an administrative inquiry or disciplinary action. The purpose of an NTE is to give the employee an opportunity to present their side on a matter involving their conduct or performance.

Can an employer reject a resignation in the Philippines? ›

An employer cannot legally refuse to accept a resignation, immediate or otherwise, as employment is a consensual relationship that either party may terminate. The employer's refusal does not invalidate the resignation.

What is the notice period for resignation in the Philippines? ›

Notice of Resignation

An employee who intends to resign is typically required to provide a written notice to the employer at least 30 days in advance. This notice period allows the employer sufficient time to find a replacement, thus minimizing disruption to the business.

What is the best explanation for NTE? ›

A Notice to Explain (NTE) is a formal document issued by an employer to an employee who is suspected of violating company rules or policies. The NTE serves as an opportunity for the employee to explain their side before any disciplinary action is taken.

How many days to respond to NTE? ›

Terminating an employee during a probationary period

Issue a Notice to Explain (NTE). In this letter you should outline the violations and reasons why an employee is not fulfilling their employment contract. An employee has five days to respond to the Notice to Explain.

What is the notice to explain process in the Philippines? ›

The 1st Written Notice, otherwise known as the Notice to Explain, may also contain a directive for the employee to appear at a scheduled formal administrative hearing, at the discretion of the employer or when necessary as provided for by law.

What are the grounds for termination of employment in the Philippines? ›

The Labor Code outlines specific "just causes" for which an employer may terminate an employee. These include serious misconduct, willful disobedience, gross and habitual neglect of duties, fraud or willful breach of trust, and other similar grounds.

What does NTE mean in HR? ›

The term Notice To Explain is often shortened to NTE by HR personnel but employees may not know what it means and ask for the NTE meaning. It may also be called a Show Cause Memo or Show Cause Order. It is the start of the Admin Hearing Process under Just Cause.

What are the valid reasons for immediate resignation in the Philippines? ›

285 of the Labor Code are considered just causes allowing the employee to resign immediately:
  • Serious insult by the employer or his representative on the honor and person of the employee;
  • Inhuman and unbearable treatment accorded the employee by the employer or his representative;

How do I legally terminate an employee in the Philippines? ›

The best practice to dismiss an employee in the Philippines is to give the employee a notice letter a minimum of 30 days before effective termination. If the dismissal is due to authorized causes such as redundancy, retrenchment, or closure of the business, the employee is entitled to receive separation pay.

What is the illegal dismissal of employees in the Philippines? ›

Illegal dismissal is the termination of employment or separation from employment without complying with due process of law. Illegal dismissal may result in reinstatement, full backwages, moral damages, exemplary damages, nominal damages, and attorney's fees.

What are the benefits of resigning in the Philippines? ›

Benefits Upon Resignation: In the Philippines, employees who voluntarily resign are typically entitled to certain benefits, including: Pro-rated 13th Month Pay: As long as an employee has worked for at least one month within the calendar year, they are entitled to receive this pay.

What is a valid reason for immediate resignation? ›

Health concerns, family emergencies, unsafe work environment and ethical differences are some valid reasons to quit without giving notice.

How many days notice must be given to resign? ›

If you resign your job in California with at least 72 hours notice, you should receive your final paycheck on your last day of work. Otherwise, the employer has 72 hours to pay you after you give notice.

How to write a reply to an explanation letter? ›

How to write an explanation letter in 3 steps
  1. Choose letter format. Clients, team members or students may use print or email for their letters. ...
  2. Explain the situation. To begin writing this type of letter, you might explain the situation or circ*mstance and any contributing factors. ...
  3. Take responsibility and accountability.
Aug 25, 2023

How do you respond to an official warning letter? ›

How to respond to a written warning at work
  1. Remain calm. ...
  2. Understand the warning. ...
  3. Be clear on the goal. ...
  4. Speak up if you dispute the warning. ...
  5. Write a formal refutation. ...
  6. Make amends if your team leader was right to give you the warning. ...
  7. Get an accountability partner. ...
  8. Seek periodic evaluation.
Aug 15, 2023

How do you respond to a notice? ›

Your reply should be well-structured and easy to understand. Stick to the facts, avoid emotional language, and refrain from making speculative statements. Carefully address each claim or allegation made in the legal notice. Respond to them systematically, providing relevant information and evidence where necessary.

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