This paper presents a brief backgrounder on the labor market environment within which the Philippines labor relations system revolves.  It provides some guideposts toward improving the dispute settlement system and discusses current efforts toward that end.  It proposes areas for action in the ASEAN region with regard to improving the industrial relations climate.  The proposals include:  

• The conduct of a regional workshop toward an ASEAN action program on industrial relations
• The conduct of national seminars aimed at providing for a platform upon which transition countries in the ASEAN may further enhance their industrial relations systems.
• Joint researches on national experiences in improving industrial relations systems.