UNIVERSITY OF SAN AGUSTIN

SCHOOL OF LAW
COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Title: Labor Standards

No. of Units: 2
Semester/ SY: First Semester 2017-2018
Instructor: Atty. Rommel C. Bellones

I. COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

Course Description

The course is one of the topics under Social Legislation and one of the two major fields in
Labor Law. It primarily deals with the study of the basic terms and conditions of work. The
introduction to the course involves a review of the constitutional provisions on labor. It also
will require the identification of the different tests of employer-employee relationship
which is the requisite in the application of the labor law. The different status of employment
will also be taken up to provide students a background on the applicability of the labor
standards to status of employment. Provisions on pre-employment and human resource
development shall also be discussed. Book III of the Labor Code contains all the basic terms
and conditions of employment; wage determination, legitimate job contracting,
administration and enforcement powers of the Secretary of Labor or Regional Directors, the
working conditions of special groups of employees and the recent amendments thereon;
Book IV of the Labor Code contains the health, safety and occupational standards and the
state insurance fund.

Course Coverage

In this course we will examine, among others:

- The tests for determining of the employer-employee relationship;

- The basic terms and conditions of employment;
- The state insurance fund, and;
- How an Augustinian lawyer will ensure compliance with labor standards but at the
same time promote the employers’ right to a reasonable return on investment.

Course Objectives

At the end of the semester, you will have acquired, among others:

- A full understanding of the constitutional provisions on labor;

- A full understanding of the different employer-employee relationships;

- A complete set of knowledge and values that will aid you in understanding labor
standards law, including:

 Problem-solving skills;
 Active, empathic listening;
 Writing skills;
 Discussion and conversation skills;
 Reflection and self-awareness;
 Mindfulness; and
 Selflessness.

Basic Legal Ethics, SY 2017-2018, First Semester 1

Atty. Rommel C. Bellones
Course Methodology

Our class will employ a variety of teaching methods:

- Discussion method;
- Graded recitation;
- Reporting and presentation;
- Problem solving based on hypothetical cases;

II. COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING SYSTEM

Course Requirements

(1) Graded recitations;

(2) Report/Presentation;
(3) Quizzes;
(4) Prelim examination;
(5) Mid-term examination; and
(6) Final examination.

Basis for Grading

Attendance 5%
Graded Recitation/Reporting/Quizzes 5%
Prelim examination 30%
Mid-term examination 30%
Final examination 30%
Total 100%

III. COURSE POLICIES

Class Rules

(1) The class is meant to be a safe space for everyone. Create and hold the space.

(2) Be at all class sessions on time.

(3) For those times that you are late or absent, be fully responsible for getting the full
value of the class session that you have missed.

(4) Be fully engaged in the class sessions. Come to class having done the readings and
assignments and ready to discuss.

(5) Laptops, tablets, cell phones, and other electronic devices will not be used during
class. Keep them on silent mode or turn them off for the duration of the class, and
keep them out of sight.

(6) You may take down notes during the class lecture or discussion but you are not
allowed to open your books/reviewers.

(7) THINK and ask questions.

(8) Keep an open mind, open ears, and an open heart.

(9) Respect the opinion of others.

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IV. COURSE OUTLINE

I. Fundamental Principles and Policies

A. Constitutional provisions
1. Article II, Secs. 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 18, 20.
2. Article III, Secs. 1, 4, 7, 8, 10, 16, 18(2).
3. Article XIII, Secs. 1, 2, 3, 13, 14.

B. Labor Code

1. Article 3
2. Article 4
3. Article 166
4. Article 211
5. Article 212
6. Article 255
7. Article 277

II. Employer-Employee Relationship

1. Existence of Employer-Employee Relationship

a) Control Test
b) Economic Reality Test
c) Two-Tier Test

Suggested Readings:

1. AFP Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. Vs. NLRC G.R. No. 102199, Jan. 28, 1997
2. North Davao Mining Corp. vs. NLRC, 254 SCRA 721
3. Tabas et al. vs California Manufacturing Co. G.R. No. 80680, January 26, 1989
4. PAL vs. PALEA 19 SCRA 483
5. Aurora Land Projects Corp. vs. NLRC G.R. No. 114733, Jan. 2, 1997
6. Tiu vs. NLRC, G.R. No. 95845, Feb. 21, 1996
7. Air Material Wing Savings and Loan Association, Inc. vs NLRC 233 SCRA 592
8. Villuga vs. NLRC 225 SCRA 537
9. Great Pacific Life Assurance Corp vs. Judico 180 SCRA 445
10. Insular Life Assurance Co. vs. NLRC G.R. No. 84484, November 15, 1989
11. Makati Haberdashery vs. NLRC 179 SCRA 448
12. Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes, Inc. vs. Maalat 187 SCRA 108
13. Sara vs Agarado 166 SCRA 625
14. Investment Planning Corp. Vs SSS 21 SCRA924
15. Sampaguita Pictures vs. Philippine Musicians Guild. GR. No. L-12582, 110 Phil 725
16. MAM Realty Corp. vs. NLRC 244 SCRA 797
17. Zanotte Shoes vs. NLRC 241 SCRA 261
18. Sevilla vs. CA G.R. Nos. 44182-3, April 15, 1988
19. Cabalan Pastulan Negrito Labor Association vs. NLRC 241 SCRA 643
20. Continental Marble Corp. vs. NLRC G.R. No. 43825, May 9, 1988
21. Iloilo Chinese Commercial School vs. Fabrigar 3 SCRA 712
22. Filamer Christian Institute vs. IAC, 212 SCRA 637
23. Feati University vs. Bautista G.R. No. L-21278, December 27, 1966
24. FEU vs. CIR, 5 SCRA 1077
25. Dy Keh Beng vs. International Labor and Marine Union of the Phils. G.R. No. L-32245,
May 25, 1979
26. Doce vs. Workmen’s Compensation Commission 104 Phil. 946
27. Ruga vs. NLRC et. al. G.R. No. 72654-61, January 22, 1990
28. Visayan Stevedore Trans. Co. vs. CIR, et al. 19 SCRA 426
29. Felix vs. Buenaseda 240 SCRA 139
30. Philippine American Life Assurance Co. vs. Ansaldo 234 SCRA 509
31. Mafinco Trading Corp. vs. Ople 70 SCRA 139
32. Manila Golf & Country Club Inc. vs. IAC, 237 SCRA 207
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 33. Damasig vs. NLRC G.R. No. 118101, September 16, 1996
34. CEBU METAL CORPORATION, vs. GREGORIO ROBERT SALILING et al. G. R. No.
154463, September 5, 2006.
35. Fransisco vs. NLRC G.R. No. 170087 August 31, 2006
36. Sevilla v. Court of Appeals G.R. Nos. L-41182-3, April 15, 1988, 160 SCRA 171

2. Status of Employment (Art. 280)

a) Regular
b) Project
c) Seasonal
d) Casual
e) Probationary

Suggested Readings:
1. Delos Santos vs. Jebsen Maritime, Inc., Nov. 22, 2005
2. Integrated Contractor and Plumbing Works, Inc. vs. NLRC, Aug. 9, 2005
3. Universal Robina Corp. vs. Catapang, Oct. 14, 2005
4. Mercado vs. NLRC, Sept. 5,1991
5. Abasolo vs. NLRC, G.R. No. 118475, Nov. 29, 2000)
6. Benares vs. Pancho, April 29, 2005
7. Hacienda Fatima case G.r. No. 149440, Jan. 28, 2003
8. Lacuesta vs. Ateneo de Manila University, Dec. 9, 2005
9. Kasapian ng Malayang Manggagawa sa Coca-Col (KASAMMA-CCO)-CFW Local 245
vs. CA , Apr. 19, 2006

II. Recruitment and Placement

A. Recruitment of local and migrant workers

1. Illegal recruitment (Sec. 5, R.A. No. 10022)

a) License vs. authority
b) Essential elements of illegal recruitment
c) Simple illegal recruitment
d) Illegal recruitment in large scale
e) Illegal recruitment as economic sabotage
f) Illegal recruitment vs. estafa

- People vs. Manungas 231 SCRA 1

g) Liabilities
(i) Local recruitment agency
(ii) Foreign employer
(iii) Solidary liability
h) Pre-termination of contract of migrant worker

2. Direct hiring

B. Regulation and enforcement

1. Suspension or cancellation of license or authority (Art. 35, Labor Code)

2. Regulatory and visitorial powers of the DOLE secretary
3. Remittance of foreign exchange earnings
4. Prohibited activities

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Atty. Rommel C. Bellones
III. Labor Standards

A. Hours of work
1. Coverage/Exclusions (Art. 82, Labor Code)
2. Normal hours of work a) Compressed work week
3. Meal break
4. Waiting time
5. Overtime work, overtime pay
6. Night work (R.A. No. 10151), Night shift differential
7. Part-time work
8. Contract for piece work (see Civil Code)

C. Rest Periods
1. Weekly rest day
2. Emergency rest day work

D. Holiday pay/Premium pay

1. Coverage, exclusions
2. Teachers, piece workers, takay, seasonal workers, seafarers

E. Leaves

1. Service Incentive Leave

2. Maternity Leave (R.A. No. 7322)
3. Paternity Leave (R.A. No. 8187)
4. Parental Leave (R.A. No. 8972)
5. Leave for Victims of Violence against Women and Children (R.A. No. 9262)
6. Special leave benefit for women

Suggested Readings:

1. Bernardo v. NLRC G.R. No. 122917, July 12, 1999

2. PNOC vs. NLRC 201 SCRA 487
3. San Miguel v. Democratic Labor Union 8 SCRA 613
4. Union of Filipro Employees v. Vivar 205 SCRA 200
5. Red V Coconut Products v. CIR 17 SCRA 553
6. NASSCO v. CIR 3 SCRA 890
7. Arica v. NLRC 170 SCRA 776
8. Rada v. NLRC 205 SCRA 69
9. Union Carbide Labor Union v. Union Carbide Philippines 215 SCRA 554
10. Durabilt Recapping Plant Company v. NLRC 152 SCRA 328
11. Opulencia Ice Plant v. NLRC 228 SCRA 473
12. National Development Co. v. CIR 6 SCRA 764
13. LUSTEVECO v. Luzon Marine Dept. Union 101 Phil. 257
14. PANAM v. Pan American Employees Association 1 SCRA 527
15. PRISCO v. CIR May 23, 1960
16. Philippine Interfashion vs. NLRC 117 SCRA 659
17. University of Pangasinan Faculty Union 127 SCRA 691

F. WAGES

1. Definition
2. Commission
3. Facilities
4. Supplements
5. Bonus
6. Principles in determining wage
7. Methods of Wage Fixing
8. Wage Distortion
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Atty. Rommel C. Bellones
 9. Non-diminution Rule
10. 13th-month Pay
11. Payment of Wages
12. Prohibition regarding wages
13. Job/Labor Contracting

Suggested Readings:

1. Gaa vs. Court of Appeals GR No. L-44169

2. Songco vs. NLRC GR No. 50999-51000 March 23, 1990
3. Ruga vs. NLRC GR No. 72654-61 January 22, 1990
4. Atok Big Wedge Assn. vs. Atok Big Wedge Co. 97 Phil 294
5. State Marine Corp. vs. Cebu Seamen’s Association G.R. No. L-12444, February 28,
1963
6. Mabeza vs. NLRC GR No. 118506, April 18, 1997
7. Cebu Institute of Technology vs. Ople G.R. No. 58870, December 18, 1987
8. ISAE vs. Quisumbing G.R. No. 128845 June 1, 2000
9. Cebu AutoBus Company vs. United Cebu Autobus Employees Assn. L-9742
October 27, 1955
10. Globe Mackay Cable vs. NLRC G.R. No. 74165, June 29, 1988
11. SNTFM-UWP vs. NLRC G.R. No. 113856, September 7, 1998
12. Traders Royal Bank vs. NLRC GR No. 88168 August 30, 1990
13. Universal Corn Producers vs. NLRC GR No. 60337 August 21, 1987
14. San Miguel Corp vs. Inciong 103 SCRA 139
15. Philippine Duplicators, Inc. vs NLRC and Phil Dup. Employees Union-Tupas GR
No. 110068 February 15, 1995
16. Boie-Takeda vs. De la Serna, GR No. 92174 and 102552 December 10, 1993
17. PACIWU-TUCP vs. NLRC GR No. 107994 August 14, 1995
18. Makati Haberdashery, Inc. vs. NLRC GR No. 83380-81, November 15, 1989
19. Labor Congress of the Philippines vs. NLRC GR No. 123938, May 21, 1998
20. Honda Phils. vs. Samahan ng Malayang Manggagawa sa Honda 460 SCRA 186
21. JPL Marketing vs. CA 463 SCRA 136
22. Heavylift Manila vs. CA 473 SCRA 541
23. ECOP vs. National Wages and Productivity Commission GR No. 96169 September
24, 1991
24. Bankard Employees vs. NLRC 423 SCRA 148
25. Metrobank Employees Union vs. NLRC G.R No. 102636 Sept. 10, 1993
26. National Federation of Labor vs. NLRC 234 SCRA 311

G. Administration/Enforcement/Visitorial Powers

1. R.A. No. 6727

2. D.O. No. 57-04;
3. People’s Broadcasting vs. SOLE G.R. No. 179652, May 8, 2009
4. People’s Broadcasting vs. SOLE G.R. No. 179652, March 6, 2012
5. Meycauayan College vs. Drilon, G.R. No. 81144, May 7, 1990
6. St. Joseph’s College vs. St. Joseph’s College Workers Assoc., Jan. 17, 2005
7. CEUFAWU vs. CA G.R. no. 165486, May 31, 2006
8. Cebu Oxygen & Acetylene Co., Inc. vs. Drilon G.R. No.82849, August 2, 1989

H. Working Conditions for Special Groups of Employees

1. R.A. No. 10151

2. Stipulations against marriage
3. Zialcita vs. PAL Case No. RO4-3-3398-76, February 20, 1977
4. PT&T vs. NLRC G.R. No. 118978, May 23, 1997
5. Employment of Minors, R.A. No. 7610, R.A. No. 7658
6. Employment of Househelpers, R.A. No. 10361
7. Apex Mining Co. Inc. vs. NLRC G.R. No. 94951, April 22, 1991
8. Employment of Homeworkers

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Atty. Rommel C. Bellones
 9. Employment of Night Workers, R.A. No. 10151

Book IV. Health, Safety and Social Welfare Benefits

A. Medical, Dental, Occupational Safety

B. Employees Compensation and State Insurance Fund

1. STREET PERIL PRINCIPLE;

a. Direct Premises Rule;
b. Proximity Rule;
c. Special Errand Rule;
d. Extra-Premises Rule;
2. BUNKHOUSE PRINCIPLE
3. WORK-CONNECTED PRINCIPLE
4. CONSEQUENTIAL INJURIES RULE
5. PERSONAL DOCTRINE
6. INCREASED RISK THEORY
7. NOTORIOUS NEGLIGENCE RULE

NOTE: Other than the suggested readings, additional required readings will be posted
regularly.

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Atty. Rommel C. Bellones