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UST Notes On Labor Laws
UST Notes On Labor Laws
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ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
2
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
4. Assure the rights of workers to self safety and decent living for the
organization, security of tenure, just and laborer.
humane conditions of work, participate in d. Art. 1703 – No contract which
policy and decision‐making processes practically amounts to involuntary
affecting their right and benefits servitude, under any guise
5. Regulate the relations between workers whatsoever, shall be valid.
and employers
2. Revised Penal Code
Q: What are the basic rights of workers Art. 289 – Formation, maintenance and
guaranteed by the Constitution (Sec. 3, Art. XIII)? prohibition of combination of capital or
labor through violence or threats. – Any
A: person who, for the purpose of
1. Security of tenure organizing, maintaining or preventing
2. Receive a living wage coalitions or capital or labor, strike of
3. Humane working conditions laborers or lock‐out of employees, shall
4. Share in the fruits of production employ violence or threats in such a
5. Organize themselves degree as to compel or force the laborers
6. Conduct collective bargaining or or employers in the free and legal
negotiation with management exercise of their industry or work, if the
7. Engage in peaceful concerted activities act shall not constitute a more serious
including strike offense in accordance with the provisions
8. Participate in policy and decision making of the RPC.
processes
3. Special Laws
Q: What is the principle of non‐oppression? a. GSIS Law
th
b. 13 Month Pay Law
A: The principle mandates capital and labor not to c. Retirement Pay Law
act oppressively against each other or impair the d. SSS Law
interest and convenience of the public. The e. Paternity Leave Act
protection to labor clause in the Constitution is not f. Anti – Child Labor Act
designed to oppress or destroy capital. (Capili v. g. Anti – Sexual Harassment Act
NLRC, G.R. No. 117378, Mar. 26, 1997) h. Magna Carta for Public Health
Workers
2.NEW CIVIL CODE AND OTHER LAWS i. Solo Parents Welfare Act of 2000
j. National Health Insurance Act as
Q: What are other related laws to labor? amended by R.A. 9241
k. Migrant Workers and Overseas
A: Filipinos Act of 1995 as amended by
1. Civil Code RA 10022
a. Art. 1700 – The relations between l. PERA Act of 2008
capital and labor are not merely m. Home Development Mutual Fund
contractual. They are so impressed Law of 2009
with public interest that labor n. The Magna Carta of Women
contracts must yield to the common o. Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law
good. Therefore, such contracts are as amended by R.A. 9700
subject to the special laws on labor
unions, collective bargaining, strikes 3.LABOR CODE
and lockouts, closed shop, wages,
working conditions, hours of labor Q: What is the aim of labor laws?
and similar subjects.
b. Art. 1701 – Neither capital nor labor A: The justification of labor laws is social justice.
shall act oppressively against the Social justice is “neither communism, nor
other, or impair the interest or despotism, nor atomism, nor anarchy,” but the
convenience of the public. humanization of laws and the equalization of social
c. Art. 1702 – In case of doubt, all labor and economic force by the State so that justice in
legislation and all labor contracts its rational and objectively secular conception may
shall be construed in favor of the at least be approximated. Social justice means the
promotion of the welfare of all the people, the
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ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
4
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
5
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
A: When it is acting as such in relation to persons or representation of persons in
rendering services under hire, particularly in negotiating, fixing, maintaining or
connection with its activities for profit or gain. changing terms or conditions of
employment.
Note: The mere fact that respondent is a labor union
does not mean that it cannot be considered an Er for
persons who work for it. Much less should it be Q: What are the kinds of labor disputes?
exempted from labor laws. (Bautista v. Inciong, G.R.
No. L‐52824, Mar. 16, 1988) A:
1. Labor standard disputes
Q: Who is an employee (Ee)? a. Compensation – E.g. Underpayment
of minimum wage; stringent output
A: quota; illegal pay deductions
1. Any person in the employ of the Er b. Benefits – E.g. Non‐payment of
2. Any individual whose work has ceased as holiday pay, OT pay or other benefits
a result of or in connection with any c. Working Conditions – E.g. Unrectified
current labor dispute or because of any work hazards
unfair labor practice if he has not
obtained any other substantially 2. Labor relations disputes
equivalent and regular employment
3. One who has been dismissed from work a. Organizational right disputes/ULP –
but the legality of dismissal is being E.g. Coercion, restraint or
contested in a forum of appropriate interference in unionization efforts;
jurisdiction. (D.O. No. 40‐03, Mar. 15, reprisal or discrimination due to
2003) union activities; company unionism;
Note: The term shall not be limited to the Ees of a
ULP, strike or lockout; union
particular Er unless the LC explicitly states.
members’ complaint against union
Any Ee, whether employed for a definite period or not, officers
shall, beginning on the first day of service, be b. Representation disputes – E.g.
considered an Ee for purposes of membership in any Uncertainty as to which is the
labor union. (Art. 277[c], LC) majority union; determination of
appropriate CB unit; contests for
Q: What is a labor dispute? recognition by different sets of
officers in the same union
A: Includes any controversy or matter concerning: c. Bargaining disputes – E.g. Refusal to
bargain; bargaining in bad faith;
1. Terms and conditions of employment, or bargaining deadlock; economic strike
2. The association or representation of or lockout
persons in negotiating, fixing, d. Contract administration or personnel
maintaining, changing or arranging the policy disputes – E.g. Non‐
terms and conditions of employment compliance with CBA provision (ULP
3. Regardless of whether the disputants if gross non compliance with
stand in the proximate relation of Er and economic provisions); disregard of
Ee. (Art.212[l]) grievance machinery; non
observance of unwarranted use of
union security clause; illegal or
Q: What are the tests on whether a controversy unreasonable personnel
falls within the definition of a labor dispute? management policies; violation of
no‐strike/no‐lockout agreement
A: e. Employment tenure disputes – E.g.
Non‐regularization of Ees; non‐
1. As to nature – It depends on whether the absorption of labor only contracting
dispute arises from Er‐Ee relationship, staff; illegal termination; non‐
although disputants need not be issuance of employment contract
proximately “Er” or “Ee” of another.
Q: Who are the parties to a dispute?
2. As to subject matter – The test depends
on whether it concerns terms or
conditions of employment or association
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LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES
7
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
8
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
RECRUITMENT AND PLACEMENT
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ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
10
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
RECRUITMENT AND PLACEMENT
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ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
licensees or non‐ Added to the following in the believed that her application for the renewal of
holders of authority. list of prohibited acts: her license would be approved. She adduced in
1. Failure to actually deploy evidence the Affidavits of Desistance which the
without valid reason; four private complainants had executed after the
2. Failure to reimburse prosecution rested its case. In the said affidavits,
expenses incurred by the they acknowledge receipt of the refund by
worker in connection with Maryrose of the total amount of P120,000.00 and
his/her documentation
indicated that they were no longer interested to
and processing for
pursue the case against her. Resolve the case with
purposes of deployment;
reasons.
3. To allow a non‐Filipino
citizen to head or
manage a licensed A: Illegal recruitment is defined by law as any
recruitment/ manning recruitment activities undertaken by non‐licenses
agency. or non‐holders of authority. (People v. Senoron,
G.R. No. 119160, Jan. 30,1997) And it is large scale
Q: How does one prove illegal recruitment? illegal recruitment when the offense is committed
against 3 or more persons, individually or as a
A: It must be shown that the accused gave the group. (Art. 38[b], LC) In view of the above,
distinct impression that he had the power or ability Maryrose is guilty of large scale illegal recruitment.
to send complainants abroad for work such that the Her defense of GF and the Affidavit of Desistance as
latter were convinced to part with their money in well as the refund given will not save her because
order to be deployed. R.A. No. 8042 is a special law, and illegal
recruitment is malum prohibitum. (People v. Saulo,
Q: May a licensee or holder of authority be held G.R. No. 125903, Nov. 15, 2000). (2005 Bar
liable for illegal recruitment? Question)
A: Yes, any person (whether non‐licensee, non‐ Q: Sometime in the month of March 1997, in the
holder of authority, licensee or holder of authority) City of Las Piñas, Bugo by means of false pretenses
who commits any of the prohibited acts, shall be and fraudulent representation convinced Dado to
liable for Illegal recruitment. (R.A. 8042) give the amount of P 120,000.00 for processing of
his papers so that he can be deployed to Japan.
Q: When is illegal recruitment considered as Dado later on found out that Bugo had
economic sabotage? misappropriated, misapplied and converted the
money to her own personal use and benefit. Can
A: When it is committed: Dado file the cases of illegal recruitment and
estafa simultaneously?
1. By a syndicate – carried out by 3 or more
persons conspiring/confederating with A: Yes, illegal recruitment and estafa cases may be
one another or filed simultaneously or separately. The filing of
2. In large scale – committed against 3 or charges for illegal recruitment does not bar the
more persons individually or as a group. filing of estafa, and vice versa. Bugo’s acquittal in
(Sec. 6, 10022) the illegal recruitment case does not prove that she
is not guilty of estafa. Illegal recruitment and estafa
Q: While her application for renewal of her license are entirely different offenses and neither one
to recruit workers for overseas employment was necessarily includes or is necessarily included in the
still pending Maryrose Ganda recruited Alma and other. A person who is convicted of illegal
her 3 sisters, Ana, Joan, and Mavic, for recruitment may, in addition, be convicted of estafa
employment as housemates in Saudi Arabia. under Article 315, par. 2(a) of the RPC. In the same
Maryrose represented to the sisters that she had a manner, a person acquitted of illegal recruitment
license to recruit workers for overseas may be held liable for estafa. Double jeopardy will
employment and demanded and received not set in because illegal recruitment is malum
P30,000.00 from each of them for her services. prohibitum, in which there is no necessity to prove
However, her application for the renewal of her criminal intent, whereas estafa is malum in se, in
license was denied, and consequently failed to the prosecution of which, proof of criminal intent is
employ the 4 sisters in Saudi Arabia. The sisters necessary. (Sy v. People, G.R. No. 183879, April 14,
charged Maryrose with large scale illegal 2010)
recruitment. Testifying in her defense, she
declared that she acted in good faith because she Q: Distinguish Illegal Recruitment from Estafa
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LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
RECRUITMENT AND PLACEMENT
agent at the time of the transaction or acquired by
A: him before its completion, is deemed to be the
ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT ESTAFA knowledge of the principal, at least so far as the
Malum in se, transaction is concerned, even though in fact the
thus: knowledge is not communicated to the principal at
Malum prohibitum, thus:
1. criminal intent is all. (Leonor v. Filipinas Compania, 48 OG 243)
1. Criminal intent is NOT
necessary
necessary
2. crime which Q: Sunace International Management Services
2. it is a crime which involves
involves moral (Sunace), deployed to Taiwan Montehermozo as a
moral turpitude
turpitude domestic helper under a 12‐month contract
effective Feb. 1, 1997. The deployment was with
Accused defrauded the assistance of a Taiwanese broker, Edmund
another by abuse of Wang, President of Jet Crown International Co.,
It is not required that it be
confidence, or by
shown that the recruiter Ltd. After her 12‐month contract expired on Feb.
means of deceit
wrongfully represented 1, 1998, Montehermozo continued working for her
himself as a licensed Taiwanese employer for two more years, after
NOTE: It is essential
recruiter which she returned to the Philippines on Feb. 4,
that the false
statement or 2000. Shortly after her return she file before the
NOTE: It is enough that the fraudulent NLRC against Sunace, one Perez, the Taiwanese
victims were deceived as they representation broker, and the employer‐foreign principal alleging
relied on the constitutes the very
misrepresentation and scheme that she was jailed for three months and that she
cause or the only was underpaid. Should Sunace be held liable for
that caused them to entrust motive which induces
their money in exchange of the underpayment for the additional two years
the complainant to part
what they later discovered was with the thing of value that she worked for her Taiwanese employer
a vain hope of obtaining under the theory of imputed knowledge?
employment abroad
A: No, the theory of imputed knowledge ascribes
Illegal recruitment and estafa cases may be filed the knowledge of the agent, Sunace, to the
simultaneously or separately. The filing of charges for principal Taiwanese employer, not the other way
illegal recruitment does not bar the filing of estafa, and around. The knowledge of the principal‐foreign
vice versa. employer cannot, therefore, be imputed to its
Double jeopardy will not set agent Sunace.
(c) Liabilities There being no substantial proof that Sunace knew
of and consented to be bound under the 2‐year
Q: What is the liability of the private employment employment contract extension, it cannot be said
agency and the principal or foreign‐based to be privy thereto. As such, it and its owner
employer? cannot be held solidarily liable for and of
Montehermozo’s claims arising from the 2‐year
A: They are jointly and severally liable for any employment extension. (Sunace v. NLRC, G.R. No.
violation of the recruitment agreement and the 161757, Jan. 25, 2006)
contracts of employment.
(d)Pretemination of contract of migrant worker
Note: This joint and solidary liability imposed by law
against recruitment agencies and foreign Ers is meant Q: Serrano, a seafarer, was hired by Gallant
to assure the aggrieved worker of immediate and Maritime and Marlow Navigation Co. for 12
sufficient payment of what is due him. If the months as Chief Officer. On the date of his
recruitment/placement agency is a juridical being, the departure, he was constrained to accept a
corporate officers and directors and partners as the downgraded employment contract for the position
case may be, shall themselves be jointly and solidarily of Second Officer, upon the assurance that he
liable with the corporation or partnership for the would be made Chief Officer after a month. It was
claims and damages. (Becmen Service Exporter and not done; hence, he refused to stay on as Second
Promotion v. Cuaresma, G.R. Nos. 182978‐79, April 7,
Officer and was repatriated to the Phils. He had
2009)
served only 2 months & 7 days of his contract,
leaving an unexpired portion of 9 months & 23
Q: What is the theory of imputed knowledge?
days.
A: A rule in insurance law that any information
Serrano filed with the LA a Complaint against
material to the transaction, either possessed by the
Gallant Maritime and Marlow for constructive
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ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
14
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
RECRUITMENT AND PLACEMENT
2. Employers – Will be excluded from the processing of pending workers'
overseas employment program. Private applications; and
employment agencies shall face 15. For a recruitment/manning agency or a
cancellation or revocation of their foreign principal/ Er to pass on the OFW
licenses or authority to recruit. (Sec. 9, or deduct from his or her salary the
E.O. 857) payment of the cost of insurance fees,
premium or other insurance related
b. Prohibited Activities charges, as provided under the
compulsory worker's insurance coverage
Q: What are prohibited practices in 16. Imposing a compulsory and exclusive
recruitment/placement (Art. 34.)? arrangement whereby an OFW is required
to:
A: a. Avail a loan only from specifically
1. Furnishing or publishing any false designated institutions, entities or
notice/information/document related to persons
recruitment/employment b. To undergo health examinations only
2. Failure to file reports required by SLE from specifically designated medical,
3. Inducing or attempting to induce a worker entities or persons, except seafarers
already employed to quit his employment whose medical examination cost is
in order to offer him another unless the shouldered by the shipowner
transfer is designed to liberate a worker c. To undergo training of any kind only
from oppressive terms and conditions from designated institutions, entities
4. Recruitment/placement of workers in or persons, except for
jobs harmful to public health or morality recommendatory trainings
or to the dignity of the country mandated by principals/shipowners.
5. Engaging directly or indirectly in the (Sec. 6, R.A. 10022)
management of a travel agency
6. Substituting or altering employment c. Regulatory and Visitorial Powers of the Labor
contracts without approval of DOLE Secretary
7. Charging or accepting any amount greater
than that specified by DOLE or make a Q: What are the regulatory powers of the
worker pay any amount greater than Secretary of Labor and Employment (SLE)?
actually received by him
8. Committing any act of misrepresentation A:
to secure a license or authority 1. Restrict and regulate the recruitment and
9. Influencing or attempting to influence any placement activities of all agencies
person/entity not to employ any worker 2. Issue orders and promulgate rules and
who has not applied of employment regulations
through his agency
10. Obstructing or attempting to obstruct Q: What constitute visitorial power?
inspection by SLE or by his
representatives A:
11. Withholding or denying travel documents 1. Access to employer’s records and
from applicant workers before departure premises at any time of the day or night,
for monetary considerations other than whenever work is being undertaken
authorized by law 2. To copy from said records
12. Granting a loan to an OFW which will be 3. Question any employee and investigate
used for payment of legal and allowable any fact, condition or matter which may
placement fees be necessary to determine violations or
13. Refusing to condone or renegotiate a loan which may aid in the enforcement of the
incurred by an OFW after his employment Labor Code and of any labor law, wage
contract has been prematurely order, or rules and regulation issued
terminated through no fault of his or her pursuant thereto.
own
14. For a suspended recruitment/manning Q: Give 4 instances where the visitorial power of
agency to engage in any kind of the SLE may be exercised under the Labor Code.
recruitment activity including the
A: Power to:
15
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
provisions or both
1. Inspect books of accounts and records of
any person or entity engaged in Non‐licensee/non‐ 4‐8 yrs imprisonment; or
holder of authority Fine: P20K ‐ P100K
recruitment and placement, require it to
violates provisions or both
submit reports regularly on prescribed
Corporation, Penalty imposed upon
forms and act in violations of any
partnership, officer/s responsible for
provisions of the LC on recruitment and association, or entity violation
placement. (Art. 37) Penalties prescribed under RA
2. Have access to employer’s records and 10022,
premises to determine violations of any Alien +
provisions of the LC on recruitment and Deportation without further
placement. (Art. 128) proceedings
3. Conduct industrial safety inspections of Automatic revocation of
establishments. (Art. 165) license or authority and all
4. Inquire into the financial activities of permits and privileges of the
In every case
legitimate labor organizations (LLO) and recruitment or manning
examine their books of accounts upon the agency, lending institutions,
filing of the complaint under oath and training school or medical
duly supported by the written consent of clinic
at least 20% of the total membership of
the LO concerned. Q: What are the remedies under the Migrant
Workers Act and how may they be enforced?
Q: Can SLE issue search warrants or warrants of
arrest? A:
CRIMINAL ACTIONS
A: No. Only a judge may issue search and arrest
RTC
warrants. Art 38 (c) of the Labor Code is
unconstitutional inasmuch as it gives the SLE the Province or city:
power to issue search or arrest warrants. The labor 1. Where the offense was committed or
authorities must go through the judicial process. 2. Where the offended party actually resides at the
same time of the commission of the offense
d. Penalties for Illegal Recruitment MONEY CLAIMS
NLRC
Q: What is the consequence of conviction of illegal Original and exclusive jurisdiction to hear and decide
recruitment (IR)? claims arising out of an Er‐Ee relationship or by virtue
of any law or contract involving Filipino workers for
A: overseas deployment including claims for actual,
PENALTIES (under R.A. 10022) moral, exemplary and other forms of damages.
• The liability of the principal/ Er and the recruitment/
Offender / Offense Penalty
placement agency for any and all claims shall be
IR as economic joint and several.
sabotage Life imprisonment + • The performance bond to de filed by the
fine of P2M‐P5M recruitment/ placement agency shall be answerable
Provided: for all money claims or damages that may be
1. If person illegally awarded to the workers.
recruited is below • If the recruitment/placement agency is a juridical
18 years of age or being, the corporate officers and directors and
2. Illegal Maximum penalty shall partners as the case may be, shall themselves be
recruitment is be imposed jointly and solidarily liable with the corporation or
committed by a partnership for the claims and damages.
non‐licensee/non‐
holder ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS
Any person found 12 yrs and 1 day ‐ 20 yrs POEA
guilty of illegal imprisonment; or
recruitment Fine: P1M‐P2M
Any person found 6 yrs and 1 day ‐ 12 yrs
guilty of the imprisonment; or
prohibited acts Fine of P500K ‐ P1M
Licensee/holder of 2‐5 yrs imprisonment; or
authority violates Fine: P10K ‐ P50K;
16
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
RECRUITMENT AND PLACEMENT
Original and exclusive jurisdiction to hear and decide: Do OT and leave pay form part of the salary basis
1. All cases which are administrative in character, in the computation of the monetary award?
involving or arising out of violations of rules and
regulations relating to licensing and registration of A: No. The word “salaries” in Sec. 10(5) does not
recruitment and employment agencies or entities include overtime and leave pay. For seafarers,
and DOLE Department Order No. 33, series 1996,
2. Disciplinary action (DA) cases and other special cases provides a Standard Employment Contract of
which are administrative in character, involving Ers,
Seafarers, in which salary is understood as the basic
principals, contracting partners and Filipino migrant
wage, exclusive of OT, leave pay and other bonuses;
workers.
whereas OT pay is compensation for all work
a. It may be filed with the POEA Adjudication Office
or the DOLE/POEA regional office of the place “performed” in excess of the regular 8 hours, and
where the complaint applied or was recruited at holiday pay is compensation for any work
the option of the complainant. The office with “performed” on designated rest days and holidays.
which the complaint was first filed shall take (Serrano v. Gallant Maritime Services & Marlow
cognizance of the case. Navigation Co., Inc., G.R. No. 167614, Mar. 24,
b. DA cases and other special cases, as mentioned 2009)
in the preceding Section, shall be filed with
POEA Adjudication Office. 3.OTHER RELATED TOPICS
PERIODS
Philippine Overseas Employment Administration
Mandatory Period for Resolution of Illegal
Recruitment Cases
Q: What are the principal functions of the POEA?
The preliminary investigations (PI) of cases under R.A.
10022 shall be terminated within a period of 30
calendar days from the date of their filing. A:
If the PI is conducted by a If the PI is conducted by 1. Protection of the right of Filipino workers
prosecution officer and a a judge and a prima to fair and equitable employment
prima facie case is facie case is found to practices
established exist 2. Regulation of private sector participation
Prosecution officer in the recruitment and overseas
Information shall be filed
within 48 hours from the placement of workers by setting up a
in court within 24 hours
date of receipt of the licensing and registration system
from the termination of
records of the case. (Sec. 3. Deployment of Filipino workers through
the investigation
11) gov’t to gov’t hiring
Prescriptive Period for Illegal Recruitment Cases 4. Formulation, implementation, and
monitoring of overseas employment of
Simple Illegal Recruitment Economic Sabotage Filipino workers taking into consideration
Within 20 yrs from the their welfare and domestic manpower
Within 5 yrs from the time
time illegal recruitment requirements
illegal recruitment has
has happened. (Sec. 5. Shall inform migrant workers not only of
happened
12,R.A. 8042) their rights as workers but also of their
rights as human beings, instruct and guide
Q: Is compromise agreement on money claims the workers how to assert their rights and
allowed? provide the available mechanism to
redress violation of their rights. (Sec. 14,
A: Yes. Consistent with the policy encouraging R.A. 10022)
amicable settlement of labor disputes, Sec. 10 of 6. Implementation, in partnership with
R.A. 8042 allows resolution by compromise of cases other law‐enforcement agencies, of an
filed with the NLRC. intensified program against illegal
recruitment activities. (Sec. 14, R.A.
Q: When shall compromise agreements on money 10022)
claims be paid?
Q: May the POEA, at any time terminate or impose
A: Any compromise/amicable settlement or a ban on employment of migrant workers?
voluntary agreement on money claims inclusive of
damages shall be paid within 4 months from the A: Yes, in consultation with the DFA based on the
approval of the settlement by the appropriate ff. grounds:
authority.
2. In pursuit of the National Interest or
17
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
18
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
RECRUITMENT AND PLACEMENT
of not less than P500,000 but not more than JURISDICTION
P1,000,000. (Sec. 9, R.A. 10022) Labor Arbiter POEA
Original and exclusive
Q: What are the regulatory and adjudicatory Original and exclusive jurisdiction over:
functions of the POEA? jurisdiction over all 1. All cases which are
claims arising out of administrative in character
A: Er‐Ee relationship or relating to licensing and
1. Regulatory – It regulates the private by virtue of any law or registration of recruitment
sector participation in the recruitment contract involving and employment agencies
OFWs including claims
and overseas placement of workers
for: 2. Disciplinary Action cases
through its licensing and registration
1. Actual and other special cases,
system.
2. Moral which are administrative in
2. Adjudicatory 3. Exemplary character, involving Ees,
a. Administrative cases involving 4.Other forms of principals, contracting
violations of licensing rules and damages. (Sec. 10, partners and Filipino migrant
regulations and registration of R.A. 8042) workers. (Rule VII, Book VII,
recruitment and employment POEA Rules)
agencies or entities
b. Disciplinary action cases and other Q: A seafarer was prevented from leaving the
special cases which are port of Manila and refused deployment without
administrative in character involving valid reason. His POEA‐approved employment
employers, principals, contracting contract provides that the employer‐employee
partners and Filipino migrants. relationship shall commence only upon the
seafarer’s actual departure from the port in the
Q: What are the grounds for disciplinary action of point of hire. Is the seafarer entitled to relief
OFW’s? under the Migrant Workers’ Act, in the absence of
an employer‐employee relationship?
A: Under R.A. 8042, these are:
1. Prostitution A: Yes. Despite the absence of an employer‐
2. Unjust refusal to depart for the worksite employee relationship, the NLRC has jurisdiction
3. Gunrunning or possession of deadly over the seafarer’s complaint. The jurisdiction of
weapons labor arbiters is not limited to claims arising from
4. Vandalism or destroying company Er‐Ee relationships. Sec. 10 of the Migrant Workers
property Act provides that the labor arbiters shall have
5. Violation of the laws and sacred practices jurisdiction over claims arising out of an Er‐Ee
of the host country and unjustified breach relationship or by virtue of any law or contract
of employment contract involving Filipino workers for overseas deployment
6. Embezzlement of funds of the company including claims for actual, moral, exemplary and
or fellow worker entrusted for delivery to other forms of damages. Since the present case
relatives in the Phils. involves the employment contract entered into by
7. Creating trouble at the worksite or in the petitioner for overseas employment, his claims are
vessel cognizable by the labor arbiters of the NLRC.
8. Gambling (Santiago v. CF Sharp Crew Management,G.R. No.
9. Initiating or joining a strike or work 162419, July 10, 2007)
stoppage where the laws of the host
country prohibits strikes or similar actions Q: What matters fall outside the jurisdiction of the
10. Commission of felony punishable by POEA?
Philippine laws or by the host country
11. Theft or robbery A:
12. Drunkenness 1. Foreign judgments – such claim must be
13. Drug addiction or possession or trafficking brought before regular courts. POEA is
of prohibited drugs not a court; it is an administrative agency,
14. Desertion or abandonment exercising adjudicatory or quasi‐judicial
functions.
Q: What is the distinction between the jurisdiction 2. Torts – falls under the provisions of the
of the LA and POEA? Civil Code.
A:
19
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
Employment of Non‐Resident Aliens XPNS:
1. Diplomatic services and foreign gov’t
Q: What is required in the employment of non‐ officials
resident aliens? 2. Officers and staff of int’l organizations
and their legitimate spouses
A: Any alien seeking admission to the Phil. for 3. Members of governing board who has
employment purposes and any domestic or foreign voting rights only
employer (Er) who desires to engage an alien for 4. Those exempted by special laws
employment in the Philippines: 5. Owners and representatives of foreign
1. Shall obtain an employment permit from principals who interview Filipino
the DOLE applicants for employment abroad
2. The permit may be issued to a non‐ 6. Aliens whose purpose is to teach, present
resident alien or to the applicant Er after and/or conduct research studies
a determination of the non‐availability of 7. Resident aliens. (D.O. 75‐06, May 31,
a person in the Phil. who is competent, 2006)
able and willing at the time of application
to perform the services for which the Q: May the non‐resident alien transfer
alien is desired employment after issuance of the employment
3. For an enterprise registered in preferred permit?
areas of investments, said permit may be
issued upon recommendation of the gov’t A: After the issuance of an employment permit, the
agency charged with the supervision of alien shall not transfer to another job or change his
said registered enterprise employer without prior approval of the Secretary of
Labor.
Q: The DOLE issued an alien employment permit
for Earl Cone, a U.S. citizen, as sports consultant Q: What is required for immigrants and resident
and assistant coach for GMC. Later, the Board of aliens?
Special Inquiry of the Commission on Immigration
and Deportation approved Cone’s application for a A: An Alien Employment Registration Certificate.
change of admission status from temporary visitor
to pre‐arranged employee. A month later, GMC Q: What is the duration of the employment
requested that it be allowed to employ Cone as permit?
full‐fledged coach. The Dole Regional Director
granted the request. The Basketball Association of A: GR: Minimum of 1 year
the Phils. appealed the issuance of said permit to
the SLE who cancelled Cone’s employment permit XPN: Unless revoked and subject to renewal
because GMC failed to show that there is no
person in the Philippines who is competent and Q: May aliens be employed in entities engaged in
willing to do the services nor that the hiring of nationalized activities?
Cone would redound to the national interest. Is
the act of SLE valid? A: GR: No.
A: Yes. GMC’s claim that hiring of a foreign coach is XPNs:
an Er’s prerogative has no legal basis. Under Art. 40 1. Sec. of Justice specifically authorizes the
of the LC, an Er seeking employment of an alien employment of technical personnel
must first obtain an employment permit from the 2. Aliens are elected members of the board
DOLE. GMC’s right to choose whom to employ is of directors or governing body of
limited by the statutory requirement of an corporations or associations or
employment permit. (GMC v. Torres, G.R. No. 9366, 3. Enterprises registered under the Omnibus
April 22, 1991) Investment Code in case of technical,
supervisory or advisory positions, but for
Art. 41. Prohibition Against Transfer of Employment a limited period.
Q: Who are required to obtain an employment
permit?
A: GR: Only non‐resident aliens;
20
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
RECRUITMENT AND PLACEMENT
21
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
22
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
C. LABOR STANDARDS Q: Who are managerial Ees?
1. HOURS OF WORK A: Those whose primary duty consists of the
management of the establishment in which they
a. Coverage/ Exclusions are employed or a department or subdivision
thereof, and other officers or members of the
Q: Who determines working conditions? managerial staff.
A: Generally, they are determined by the employer, They must meet all of the ff. conditions, namely:
as he is usually free to regulate, according to his
discretion, all aspects of employment. 1. Primary duty: management of the
establishment in which they are
Q: What is the limitation on the employer’s power employed or of a department or sub‐
to regulate working conditions? division thereof;
2. Customarily or regularly direct the work
A: It must be done in good faith and not for the of 2 or more Ees
purpose of defeating or circumventing the rights of 3. Has the authority to hire or fire other Ees
the employees. Such are not always absolute and of lower rank; or their suggestions and
must be exercised with due regard to the rights of recommendations as to the hiring and
labor. firing and as to the promotion or any
change of status of other Ees are given
Note: One’s employment, profession, trade or calling particular weight.
is a property right and the wrongful interference 4. Execute under general supervision work
therewith is an actionable wrong. along specialized or technical lines
requiring special training, experience, or
Q: When does the condition on employment under knowledge
the Labor Code apply? 5. Execute under general supervision special
assignment and tasks; and
A: Only if an Er‐Ee relationship exists. 6. Do not devote more than 20% of their
hours worked to activities which are not
Q: Who are the employees that are covered by the directly and closely related to
conditions of employment? performance of the work described. (Art.
82[2])
A: GR: It applies to all Ee’s in all establishments.
Q: Why are managerial Ees not covered?
XPN:
1. Gov’t employees A: They are employed by reason of their special
2. Managerial employees training, expertise or knowledge and for positions
3. Field personnel requiring the exercise of discretion and
4. The employers family members who independent judgment. Value of work cannot be
depend on him for support measured in terms of hours.
5. Domestic helpers and persons in the
personal service of another, and Q: Who are field personnel?
6. Workers who are paid by results as
determined under DOLE regulations A: They are:
Q: Who are government employees (Ees)? 1. non‐agricultural employees
2. who regularly perform their duties
A: They are Ees of the: 3. away from the principal place of business
or branch office of the employer; and
1. National Government 4. whose actual hours of work in the field
2. Any of its political subdivisions cannot be determined with reasonable
3. Including those employed in GOCCs with certainty.
original charters.
Q: Who are workers paid by results?
Q: What law governs government Ees?
A: They are:
A: The Civil Service Law, rules and regulations.
23
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
1. paid based on the work completed; and A:
2. not on the time spent in working 1. All time during which an Ee is required to
3. including those who are paid on piece‐ be:
work, “takay”, “pakiaw”, or task basis if a. On duty, or
their output rates are in accordance with b. At the Ers premises, or
the standards prescribed. c. At a prescribed workplace
Q: Who are domestic helpers and persons in the 2. All time during which an Ee is suffered or
personal service of another? permitted to work. (Sec. 3, Rule I, Book III,
IRR)
A: Those who:
Q: What are the principles in determining hours
1. perform services in the employers (Er) worked?
home which are usually necessary or
desirable for the maintenance or A:
enjoyment thereof; or 1. All hours which the Ee is required to give
2. minister to the personal comfort, to his Er regardless of whether or not
convenience or safety of the Er as well as such hours are spent in productive labor
the members of his Ers household. or involve physical or mental exertion.
2. Rest period is excluded from hours
Q: A house personnel was hired by a ranking worked, even if Ee does not leave his
company official to maintain a staff house workplace, it being enough that:
provided for the official. The personnel is being a. He stops working
paid by the company itself. Is the house personnel b. May rest completely
a domestic servant of the company official? c. May leave his workplace, to go
elsewhere, whether within or
A: No, the personnel is not a domestic helper but a outside the premises of the
regular employee of the company. workplace
3. All time spent for work is considered
Q: What are the 3 groups of employees (Ees) hours worked if:
under the LC? a. The work performed was
necessary
A: b. If it benefited the Er
1. Managerial Ee ‐ One who is vested with c. Or the Ee could not abandon his
the powers or prerogatives to lay down work at the end of his normal
and execute management policies and/or working hours because he had
to hire, transfer, suspend, lay‐off, recall, no replacement
discharge, assign or discipline Ees. d. Provided, the work was with the
2. Supervisory Ee ‐ those who in the interest knowledge of his Er or
of the Er, effectively recommend such immediate supervisor
managerial actions if the exercise of such 4. The time during which an Ee is inactive by
authority is not merely routinary or reasons of interruptions in his work
clerical in nature but requires the use of beyond his control shall be considered
independent judgment. working time:
3. Rank‐and‐File Ee ‐ all Ees not falling within a. If the imminence of the
any of the above definitions. (Art. 212[m]) resumption of the work
requires the Ees presence at
b. Normal hours of work the place of work or
b. If the interval is too brief to be
Q: What are the normal hours of work of an Ee? utilized effectively and gainfully
in the Ees own interest. (Sec. 4,
A: It should not exceed 8 hours in a general working Rule I, Book III, IRR)
day.
Note: Normal hours of work may be shortened or
compressed.
Q: What are considered hours worked?
24
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
25
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
A: Rest periods or coffee breaks running from 5 to 20
1. Brownouts of short duration but not minutes shall be considered as compensable working
exceeding 20 minutes shall be treated as time. (Sec. 7, Rule I, Book III, IRR)
worked or compensable hours whether
used productively by the employees (Ees) Q: Are meal periods provided during OT work
or not. compensable?
2. Brownouts running for more than 20 A: Yes, since the 1 hour meal period (non‐
minutes may not be treated as hours compensable) is not given during OT work because
worked provided any of the following the latter is usually for a short period and to deduct
conditions are present: from the same would reduce to nothing the Ees OT
a. The Ees can leave their workplace or work. Thus, the 1 hour break for meals during OT
go elsewhere within or without the should be treated as compensable.
work premises; or
Q: What are the instances where meal periods
b. The Ees can use the time effectively
shortened to not less than 20 minutes is
for their own interest.
compensable or not compensable?
3. In each case, the Er may extend the
A:
working hours of his Ees outside the
1. Compensable – At the instance of
regular schedules to compensate for the
Employer, when:
loss of productive man‐hours without
a. Work is non‐manual in nature or
being liable for OT pay.
does not involve strenuous physical
exertion;
4. Industrial enterprises with one or two
b. Establishment regularly operates less
work shifts may adopt any of the work
than 16 hours a day;
shift prescribed for enterprises with 3
c. Work is necessary to prevent serious
work shifts to prevent serious loss or
loss of perishable goods.
damage to materials, machineries, or
d. Actual or impending emergency or
equipment that may result case of power
there is urgent work to be performed
interruptions. (Policy Instruction No. 36)
on machineries and equipment to
avoid serious loss which the Er would
d. Meal Break
otherwise suffer. (Sec. 7, Rule I, Book
III, IRR)
Q: What is the duration of the meal period?
2. Not Compensable – Ee requested for the
A: Every Er shall give his Ees not less than 60
shorter meal time so that he can leave
minutes or 1 hour time‐off for regular meals.
work earlier than the previously
Q: Is the meal period compensable? established schedule. Requisites:
a. Ees voluntarily agree in writing and
A: Being time‐off, it is not compensable. Employee are willing to waive OT pay for the
must be completely relieved from duty. shortened meal period;
b. No diminution in the salary and
Q: When is the meal period considered other fringe benefits of the Ees
compensable? which are existing before the
effectivity of the shortened meal
A: It is compensable where the lunch period or period;
meal time: c. Work of the Ees does not involve
strenuous physical exertion and they
1. Is predominantly spent for the employers are provided with adequate coffee
benefit; or breaks in the morning and
2. Where it is less than 20 minutes afternoon;
26
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
d. Value of the benefits derived by the to travel to his regular place of
Ees from the proposed work business or some other work site.
arrangements is equal to or b. Done through a conveyance
commensurate with the provided by the employer (Er).
compensation due them for the c. Done under the supervision and
shortened meal period as well as the control of the Er.
OT pay for 30 minutes as determined d. Done under vexing and dangerous
by the Ees concerned; circumstance.
e. OT pay will become due and
demandable after the new time 2. Travel that is all in a day’s work – time
schedule spent in travel as part of the employees
f. Arrangement is of temporary (Ees) principal activity
duration. e.g. travel from job site to job site during
the work day, must be counted as
e. Idle time, waiting time, commuting time/ travel working hours.
time, whether part of hours of work or not
3. Travel away from home
Q: When is an Ee considered working while on GR:
call? a. Travel that requires an overnight
stay on the part of the Ee when it
A: When Ee is required to remain on call in the Ers cuts across the Ees workday is clearly
premises or so close thereto that he cannot use the working time.
time effectively and gainfully for his own purpose. b. The time is not only hours worked on
regular workdays but also during
Q: When idle time is considered working time? corresponding working hours on
non‐working days. Outside of these
A: When the employee is idle or inactive by reason regular working hours, travel away
of interruptions beyond his control shall be from home is not considered
considered working time. working time.
Q: When is waiting time considered working time? XPN: During meal period or when Ee is
permitted to sleep in adequate facilities
A: furnished by the Er.
1. If waiting is an integral part of his work, or
2. The Ee is required or engaged by the Er to Q: What are the conditions in order for lectures,
wait (engaged to wait) meetings and training programs to be not
considered as working time?
Note: The controlling factor is whether waiting time
spent in idleness is so spent predominantly for the Er’s A: All of the ff. conditions must be present:
benefit or for the Ee. 1. Attendance is outside of the employers
regular working hours
Q: When is waiting time not considered working 2. Attendance is in fact voluntary and
time? 3. The employee does not perform any
productive work during such attendance.
A: When the Ee is waiting to be engaged: idle time
is not working time; it is not compensable. f. Overtime work: Undertime offset by overtime,
Waiver of overtime
Q: When is travel time considered working time?
Q: What is overtime work (OT)?
A:
1. Travel from home to work
A: Work performed beyond 8 hours within the
worker’s 24 hour workday.
GR: Normal travel from home to work is
not working time. Note: Express instruction from the employer (Er) to
the employee (Ee) to render OT work is not required
XPNS: for the Ee to be entitled to OT pay; it is sufficient that
a. Emergency call outside his regular the Ee is permitted or suffered to work. However,
working hours where he is required written authority after office hours during rest days
27
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
28
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
29
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
Q: Who are entitled to NSD? 1. For work done or to be done, or for
services rendered or to be rendered; and
A: GR: NSD applies to all employees (Ees). includes
30
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
31
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
provided and indeed constituted facilities, such A: The Er and the union shall negotiate to correct
facilities could not be deducted without the Er the distortions. If there is no union, the Er and the
complying first with certain legal requirements. workers shall endeavor to correct such distinctions.
(Mabeza v. NLRC, G.R. No. 118506, April 18, 1997)
Q: What are the basic principles in WD?
d.Wages v. Salaries
A:
Q: Distinguish between wage and salary? 1. The concept of WD assumes an existing
group or classification of Ees which
A: establishes distinctions among such Ees
WAGE SALARY on some relevant or legitimate basis. This
(Gaa vs.CA, G.R. No. 44169, Dec. 3, 1985) classification is reflected in a differing
Compensation for manual Paid to “white collared wage rate for each of the classes of Ees
labor (skilled or unskilled) workers” and denotes 2. Often results from gov’t decreed
also known as “blue higher degree of
increases in minimum wages.
collared workers”, paid at employment or a
3. Should a WD exist, there is no legal
stated times and superior grade of services
requirement that, in the rectification of
measured by the day, and implies a position in
week, month or season. office. that distortion by re‐adjustment of the
Considerable pay for a wage rates of the differing classes of Ees,
Out gesture of a larger the gap which had previously or
lower and less
and more important historically existed be restored in
responsible character of
service precisely the same amount. In other
employment.
GR: Not subject to words, correction of a WD may be done
execution by reestablishing a substantial or
significant gap (as distinguished from the
Subject to execution.
XPN: Debts incurred for historical gap) between the wage rates of
food, shelter, clothing and the differing classes of Ees.
medical attendance. 4. The re‐establishment of a significant
difference in wage rates may be the result
e.Wage Distortion of resort to grievance procedures or
collective bargaining negotiations. (Metro
Q: What is wage distortion (WD)? Transit Org., Inc. v. NLRC, G.R. No.
116008, July 11, 1995)
A: A situation where an increase in wage results in
the elimination or severe contraction of intentional Q: Distinguish the process for correction of WD of
quantitative differences in wage or salary rates organized establishments and unorganized
between and among the Ee‐groups in an establishments?
establishment as to effectively obliterate the
distinctions embodied in such wage structure based A:
on skills, length of service or other logical bases of Organized Unorganized
differentiation. Establishment Establishments
(with union) (without union)
Q: What are the elements of WD? The Er and the union The Er and the workers
shall negotiate to shall endeavor to correct
A: correct distortion. the distortion.
1. An existing hierarchy of positions with Any dispute shall be
corresponding salary rates. resolved through a Any dispute shall be
2. A significant change or increase in the grievance procedure settled through the NCMB.
salary rate of a lower pay class without a under the CBA.
corresponding increase in the salary rate If it remains unresolved,
If it remains unresolved
of a higher one; it shall be dealt with
within 10 days it shall be
through voluntary
3. The elimination of the distinction referred to the NLRC.
arbitration.
between the 2 groups or classes; and
The dispute will be The NLRC shall conduct
4. The WD exists in the same region of the
resolved within 10 days continuous hearings and
country. (Alliance Trade Unions v. NLRC,
from the time the decide the dispute within
G.R. No. 140689, Feb. 17, 2004) dispute was referred to 20 days from the time the
voluntary arbitration. same was referred.
Q: Is the Er legally obliged to correct WD?
32
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
Q: Can the issue of WD be raised in a notice of Moreover, compliance with a collective bargaining
strike? agreement is mandated by the expressed policy to
give protection to labor. Unless otherwise provided
A: No. WD is non‐strikeable. (Ilaw at Buklod ng by law, said policy should be given paramount
Manggagawa v. NLRC, G.R. No. 91980, June 27, consideration. (Meycauayan College v. DRILON, G.R.
1991.) WD is neither a deadlock in collective No. 81144, My 7, 1990).
bargaining nor ULP.
g.Non‐ diminution of benefits
f.CBA provision vis‐à‐vis Wage Order CBA Credibility
Q: What is the concept of non‐diminution (ND) of
Q: Distinguish CBA and Wage Order. benefits?
A: A: GR: Benefits being given to employees (Ees)
CBA WAGE ORDER cannot be taken back or reduced unilaterally by
Not an ordinary Administrative issuance the employer (Er) because the benefit has
contract. It can be which results from a become part of the employment contract,
entered into only by an statute (RA 6727) whether written or unwritten.
exclusive bargaining
agent or unit. XPN: To correct an error, otherwise, if the error is
If the CBA provides Only sets the minimum not corrected for a reasonable time, it ripens into
better benefits then the a company policy and Ees can demand it as a
employees shall be matter of right.
entitled to the same.
Q: When is ND of benefits applicable?
Q: Can a CBA provision regarding wages prevail
over a Wage Order? A: It is applicable if it is shown that the grant of
benefit:
A: Yes, where the CBA provides a wage or salary to
be received by the employees which is more than 1. Is based on an express policy of the law;
the amount set by the Wage Order, whether issued or
prior to or after the conclusion of the CBA, it is 2. Has ripened into practice over a long
incumbent upon the employer to compensate the period of time and the practice is
employees according to the provisions of the CBA consistent and deliberate and is not due
with respect to wages. to an error in the construction/
application of a doubtful or difficult
question of law.
Q: Meycauayan College Faculty and Personnel
Association as the employees union in
h.Worker’s preference in case of bankruptcy
Meycauayan College, admits that its members
were paid all the increases in pay as mandated
Q: What is bankruptcy?
law. It appears however that in 1987, shortly after
union President Joy Bugo turned over the
A: “Bankruptcy” is referred to in the Philippines as
presidency, she discovered that Art. IV of the CBA,
“Insolvency”. It denotes the state of an entity or
which provides for higher salary increase was not
person that has liabilities greater than its assets.
implemented. May the union claim the difference
between their old salaries and those provided by
Q: What happens if the Er business experiences
said CBA provision?
bankruptcy or liquidation?
A: Yes, the terms and conditions of a collective A: His workers shall enjoy first preference as
bargaining contract constitute the law between the regards their wages and monetary claims, any
parties. Beneficiaries thereof are therefore, by provision of the law to the contrary
right, entitled to the fulfillment of the obligation notwithstanding.
prescribed therein. Consequently, to deny binding
force to the CBA would place a premium on a Q: What are the principles underlying the
refusal by a party thereto to comply with the terms preference?
of the agreement. Such refusal would constitute an
unfair labor practice. A:
33
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
1. Declaration of bankruptcy or judicial mortgagee of property. Was the Labor Arbiter
liquidation before enforcement of the correct in his decision?
worker’s preferential right;
2. Filing of claims by workers; A: No. The preference of credits established in Art.
3. The right does not constitute a lien to the 110 of the LC cannot be invoked in the absence of
property of the insolvent debtor in favor any insolvency proceedings, declaration of
of workers. (DBP vs. NLRC, G.R. No. 82763 bankruptcy, or judicial liquidation. (DBP v.
Mar. 19, 1990 and G.R. No. 97176, Mar. Santos, G.R. No. 75801, March 20, 1991). (2003 Bar
18, 1993); Question)
4. The preference in favor of the Ees applies
to discharge of funds. The preference Q: Distinguish the mortgage created under the
does not only cover unpaid wages, it also Civil Code from the right of 1st preference created
extends to termination pay and other by the LC as regards the unpaid wages of workers.
monetary claims; Explain.
Note: Termination pay, after all, is
considered as additional remuneration for A: A mortgage directly subjects the property upon
services rendered to the employer for a which it is imposed, whoever the possessor may be,
certain period of time; it is computed on the to the fulfillment of the obligation for which it was
basis of length of service. (PNB vs. Cruz, G.R. constituted. It creates a real right which is
No. 80593, Dec. 18, 1989) enforceable against the whole world. It is therefore
5. Applicable only to ordinary preferred a lien on an identified real property.
credit, hence, must yield to special
preferred credits. Mortgage credit is a special preferred credit under
the Civil Code in the classification of credits. The
Q: Are workers preferred than the tax claims of preference given by the LC when not attached to
the Gov’t? any specific property is an ordinary preferred credit.
(1995 Bar Question)
A: No. Art. 110 did not sweep away the overriding
preference accorded under the scheme of the Civil i.Labor Code provisions for wage protection
Code to tax claims of the government.
Q: What are the Labor Code provisions for wage
Q: Is worker preference applicable if the Er protection
corporation is under rehabilitation?
A:
A: No. Suspension of payments order by the SEC Art. 112. Non‐Interference in Disposal of Wages‐No
mandates the holding in abeyance the filing or the employer shall limit or otherwise interfere with the
proceedings on labor cases against an Er who is freedom of any employee to dispose of his wages.
under rehabilitation to give the Er the chance to He shall not in any manner force, compel or oblige
concentrate on how to revive his business and not his employees to purchase merchandise,
be distracted in trying to defend itself in labor cases commodities or other properties from the employer
filed against it. (Rubberworld, Inc. v. NLRC, G.R. No. or from any other person, or otherwise make use of
126773, April 14, 1999) any store or service of such employer or any other
person.
Q: Premiere Bank, being the creditor‐mortgagee of
XYZ & Co., a garment firm, foreclosed the Art. 113 Wage Deduction‐No employer in his own
hypothecated assets of the latter. Despite the behalf or in behalf of any person, shall make any
foreclosure, XYZ & Co. continued its business deduction from the wages of his employees,
operations. A year later, the bank took possession except:
of the foreclosed property. The garment firm's
business operations ceased without a declaration (a) In cases where the worker is insured with
of bankruptcy. Caspar, an employee of XYZ & Co., his consent by the employer, and the
was dismissed from employment due to the deduction is to recompense the employer
cessation of business of the firm. He filed a for the amount paid by him as premium
complaint against XYZ & Co. and the bank. The on the insurance;
Labor Arbiter, after hearing, so found the company (b) For union dues, in cases where the right
liable, as claimed by Caspar, for separation pay. of the worker or his union to check‐ off
Premiere Bank was additionally found subsidiarily has been recognized by the employer or
liable upon the thesis that the satisfaction of labor authorized in writing by the individual
benefits due to the Ee is superior to the right of a worker concerned; and
34
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
35
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
A: It is the reasonable compensation paid to a Q: When can attorney’s fees and damages be
lawyer by his client for the legal services he has awarded in an illegal dismissal case?
rendered.
A: For attorney’s fees, moral and exemplary
Q: What is extraordinary attorney’s fee? damages to be granted, the plaintiff must prove
that the facts of his case fall within the enumerated
A: It is the indemnity for damages ordered by the instances in the Civil Code. Thus, moral damages
court to be paid by the losing party in litigation and may only be recovered where the dismissal or
is not to be paid to the lawyer but to the client, suspension of the employee was attended by bad
unless they have agreed that the award shall faith or fraud, or constituted an act oppressive to
pertain to the lawyer as an additional labor, or was done in a manner contrary to morals,
compensation or as a part thereof. (Traders Royal good customs or public policy. In other words, the
Bank Ee’s Union‐Independent v. NLRC, G.R. No. act must be a conscious and intentional design to
120592, Mar. 14, 1997) do a wrongful act for a dishonest purpose or some
moral obliquity. Exemplary damages, on the other
Note: Art.111 of the LC deals with the extraordinary hand, may only be awarded where the act of
concept of attorney’s fees. It may not be used as the dismissal was effected in a wanton, oppressive or
standard in fixing the amount payable to the lawyer by malevolent manner. (Chaves v. NLRC,G.R. No.
his client for the legal services he rendered. (Masmud 166382, June 27, 2006)
v. NLRC, G.R. No. 183385, Feb. 13, 2009)
Q: What is union service fee?
Q: Santiago, a project worker, was being assigned
by his Er, Bagsak Builders, to Laoag, Ilocos Norte.
A: The appearance of labor federations and local
Santiago refused to comply with the transfer
unions as counsel in labor proceedings has been
claiming that it, in effect, constituted a
given legal sanction under Art.222 of the LC, which
constructive dismissal because it would take him
allows non‐lawyers to represent their organization
away from his family and his usual work
thereof. The said labor federations and local unions
assignments in Metro Manila. The Labor Arbiter
have a valid claim to atty’s fees which is called the
(LA) found that there was no constructive
Union Service Fee.
dismissal but ordered the payment of separation
pay due to strained relations between Santiago l.Criteria/ Factors for Wage Setting
and Bagsak Builders plus atty’s fees equivalent to
10% of the value of Santiago's separation pay. Q: What are the standards or criteria for minimum
wage setting?
Is the award of atty's fees valid? State the reasons
for your answer. A: In the determination of such regional minimum
wages, the Regional Board shall, among other
A: No, the award of atty’s fees is not valid. relevant factors consider the following:
According to the LC (Art. 111 [a]), atty’s fees may be
assessed in cases of unlawful withholding of wages a)The demand for living wages
which does not exist in the case. The worker b)Wage adjustment vis‐a‐vis the consumer
refused to comply with a lawful transfer order, and price index
hence, a refusal to work. Given this fact, there can c) The cost of living and changes or
be no basis for the payment of atty's fees. increases therein
d) The needs of workers and their families
Could the LA have validly awarded moral and e) The need to induce industries to invest in
exemplary damages to Santiago instead of atty's the countryside
fees? Why? f) Improvements in standards of living
g) The prevailing wage levels
A: No, moral and exemplary damages can be
h) Fair return of the capital invested and
awarded only if the worker was illegally terminated
capacity to pay of employers
in an arbitrary or capricious manner. (Nueva Ecija
i) Effects on employment generation and
Electric Cooperative Inc., Ees’ Ass’n., vs. NLRC, G.R.
family income
No. 116066, Jan. 24, 2000; Cruz vs. NLRC, G.R. No.
j) The equitable distribution of income and
116384, Feb. 7, 2000; Phil. Aeolus etc., vs. NLRC,
wealth along the imperatives of economic
G.R. No. 124617, April 28, 2000). (2001 Bar
and social development
Question)
Q: What is salary ceiling method?
36
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
37
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
38
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
39
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
40
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
Q: Distinguish between monthly paid and daily cleaning of machineries compensated.
paid Ees. is undertaken
Due to business reverses
RH may not be paid
A: (cessation as authorized by
by the Er
Monthly Paid Ees Daily Paid Ees the Sec. of Labor)
One who is paid his wage or One who is paid his
salary for everyday of the wage or salary only
month, including rest days, on those days he (3)Holiday Pay of Teachers, Piece workers,
Sundays, regular or special actually worked, seafarers, seasonal workers
days, although he does not except in cases of
regularly work on these days. regular or special Q: What are the HPs of certain employees?
days, although he
Not excluded from benefit of does not regularly A:
HP. work on these days. EMPLOYEES RULE
1. RH during semestral
Private school
Q: What is the effect if a legal holiday falls on a vacations
teachers (Faculty
Sunday? - Not entitled to HP
members of
2. RH during Christmas
colleges and
A: A legal holiday falling on a Sunday creates no vacation
universities)
legal obligation for the Er to pay extra to the Ee - Shall be paid HP
who does not work on that day, aside from the HP shall not be less than his
usual HP to its monthly paid Ee. (Wellington v. Ee paid by: average daily earnings for the
Trajano, G.R. 114698, July 3, 1995) 1. results or last 7 actual work days
2. output preceding the RH.
(1)In Case of Absences (Piece work Provided: HP shall not be less
payment) than the statutory minimum
Q: Discuss the concept of absences. wage rate.
May not be paid the required HP
A: Seasonal Workers during offseason where they are
ABSENCES not at work.
LOA with pay on the day LOA without pay on the Workers having no
Shall be entitled to HP
immediatley preceding day immediately regular work days
RH. preceding a RH. Seafarers Shall be entitled to HP
GR: An Ee may not be
paid the required HP Q: Are the school faculty who according to their
if he has not worked contracts are paid per lecture hour entitled to
on such RH. unworked HP?
XPN: Where the day
immediately A:
GR: All covered Ees are
preceding the 1. If during regular holiday – No. Art. 94 of
entitled to HP.
holiday is a: LC is silent with respect to faculty members
1. Non‐working day paid by the hour who because of their teaching
(NWD) in the contracts are obliged to work and consent to
establishment or be paid only for work actually done (except
2. The scheduled rest
when an emergency or a fortuitous event or a
day (RD) of the Ee.
national need calls for the declaration of
special holidays). RH specified as such by law
are known to both school and faculty members
(2)In Case of Temporary Cessation of Work
as "no class days" certainly the latter do not
Q: What is the effect in case there is a temporary expect payment for said unworked days, and
or periodic shutdown and temporary cessation of this was clearly in their minds when they
work? entered into the teaching contracts. (Jose Rizal
College v. NLRC, G.R. No. 65482, Dec. 1, 1987)
A:
TEMPORARY OR PERIODIC SHUTDOWN and 2. If during special public holidays – Yes. The
TEMPORARY CESSATION OF WORK law and the IRR governing HP are silent as to
(Sec. 7, Rule IV, Book III, IRR) payment on Special Public Holidays. It is
Instances Rule: readily apparent that the declared purpose of
1. Yearly inventory or RH falling within the the HP which is the prevention of diminution
2. When the repair or period shall be of the monthly income of the Ees on account
41
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
42
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
43
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
44
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
A: No. Jemuel is not entitled to paternity he/she is entrusted with the custody
leave because the facts of the case only show that of the children;
he is only cohabiting with Paula. The law expressly e. Nullity or annulment of marriage as
provides that the male must be legally married to decreed by a court or by a church as
the woman with whom he is cohabiting as a long as he/she is entrusted with the
condition for entitlement of paternity leave. Even custody of the children;
assuming that Jemuel is legally married to Paula, he f. Abandonment of spouse for at least 1
cannot avail also of the paternity leave because the yr;
law limits the deliveries only to four which include 3. Unmarried mother/father who has
childbirth or miscarriage. Based on the facts, it is preferred to keep and rear his or her
already the fifth delivery of the woman. child/children instead of:
a. having others care for them or
d.Parental Leave b. give them up to a welfare institution;
4. Any other person who solely provides:
Q: What is parental leave? a. parental care and
b. support to a child or children;
A: Leave benefits granted to a solo parent to enable 5. Any family member who assumes the
him/her to perform parental duties and responsibility of head of family as a result
responsibilities ‐ where physical presence is of the:
required. a. death,
b. abandonment,
In addition to leave privileges under existing laws, c. disappearance or
parental leave of not more than 7 working days d. prolonged absence of the parents or
every year shall be granted to any solo parent Ee solo parent.
who has rendered service of at least 1 year. (Sec. 8)
Note: A change in the status or circumstance of the
Q: What are the conditions for entitlement of parent claiming benefits under this Act, such that
parental leave? he/she is no longer left alone with the responsibility of
parenthood, shall terminate his/her eligibility for these
A: benefits. (Sec.3)
1. He or she must fall among those referred to as
solo parent e.Leaves for victims of violence against women
2. Must have the actual and physical custody of
the child or children Q: What is the leave for victims of violence against
3. Must have at least rendered service of one women or otherwise known as battered woman
year to his or her employer leave?
4. He or she must remain a solo parent
A: A female employee who is a victim of violence
Q: Who are those referred to as solo parent (physical, sexual, or psychological) is entitled to a
entitled to parental leave? paid leave of 10 days in addition to other paid
leaves. (R.A. 9262, Anti‐ VAWC Act)
A: Any individual who falls under any of the ff.
categories: 6.SERVICE CHARGES
1. A woman who gives birth as a result of rape a.Coverage and Exclusion
and other crimes against chastity even
without a final conviction of the offender, Q: What are service charges (SC)?
provided, That the mother keeps and
raises the child; A: These are charges collected by hotels,
2. Parent left solo or alone with the restaurants and similar establishments and shall be
responsibility of parenthood due to: distributed at the rate of:
a. Death of spouse;
b. Detention or service of sentence of COVERED Ees MANAGEMENT
spouse for a criminal conviction for at
least 1 yr; 85% 15%
c. Physical and/or mental incapacity of
spouse 1. To answer for losses and
Equally
d. Legal separation or de facto separation breakages and
distributed
2. Distributed to Ees receiving
from spouse for at least 1 yr as long as
45
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
among them more than P2000 a month at Provided, that they have worked for at least 1
the discretion of the month, during a calendar year. (Revised
th
management. Guidelines on the Implementation of the 13
Month Pay Law)
Q: Who are covered Ees?
XPN:
A: GR: All Ees are covered, regardless of their 1. Government Ees
position, designation, employment status, 2. Household helpers
irrespective of the method by which their wages are 3. Ees paid purely on commission basis
paid. 4. Ees already receiving 13th month pay
Note: Applies only to hotels, restaurants and similar Q: What would be your advice to your client, a
establishment collecting service charges. manufacturing company, who asks for your legal
opinion on whether or not the 13th Month Pay
XPN: Managerial Ees. (Sec. 2, Rule VI, Book III, IRR) Law covers a casual Ee who is paid a daily wage?
b.Distribution A: I will advise the manufacturing company to pay
the casual Ee 13th Month Pay if such casual Ee has
Q: When is the share of employee distributed and worked for at least 1 month during a calendar year.
paid to them? The law on the 13th Month Pay provides that Ees
are entitled to the benefit of said law regardless of
A: Not less than once every 2 weeks or twice a their designation or employment status.
month at intervals not exceeding 16 days.
The SC ruled in Jackson Building‐Condominium
c.Integration Corp. v. NLRC, G.R. No. 112546, March 13, 1996,
interpreting P.D.851, as follows: Ees are entitled to
Q: What happens if the Service Charge is the 13th month pay benefits regardless of their
abolished? designation and irrespective of the method by
which their wages are paid. (1998 Bar Question)
A: The share of the covered Ees shall be considered
integrated in their wages on the basis of the Note: An Er, may give to his Ees ½ of the required 13th
average monthly share of each Ees for the past 12 Month pay before the opening of the regular school yr.
months immediately preceding the abolition. and the other half on or before the Dec. 24.
Note: Service charges form part of the award in illegal Q: Is 13th Month Pay legally demandable?
dismissal cases.
A: Yes. It is a statutory obligation, granted to
7.13th MONTH PAY AND OTHER BONUSES covered Ees, hence, demandable as a matter of
right. (Sec 1, P.D. 851)
a.Coverage, Exclusion/ exemptions from coverage
b.Nature of 13th Month Pay
Q: What is 13th month pay or its equivalent?
Q: In what form is the 13th month pay paid or
A: Additional income based on wage required by given?
P.D. 851 Requiring all Employers to pay their
Employees a 13th month pay which is equivalent to A: It is given in the form of:
1/12 of the total basic salary earned by an
employee (Ee) within a calendar year. 1. Christmas Bonus
2. Midyear Bonus
Q: Who are covered by P.D. 851? 3. Profit Sharing Scheme
4. Other Cash bonuses amounting to not
A: GR: All rank‐and‐file Ees regardless of the less than 1/12 of its basic salary
amount of basic salary that they receive in a
month, if their employers (Er) are not otherwise Note: It must always be in the form of a legal tender.
exempted from paying the 13th month pay. Such
th
Ees are entitled to the 13 month pay Q: What are not proper substitutes for 13th Month
regardless of said designation of employment pay?
status, and irrespective of the method by which
their wages are paid. A:
1. Free rice
46
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
2. Electricity last 2 years, subject to the provision
3. Cash and stock dividends of Sec. 7 of P.D. 851;
4. COLA (Sec. 3)
2. The Government and any of its political
Q: Concepcion Textile Co. included the OT pay, subdivisions, including GOCCs, except
night‐shift differential pay, and the like in the those corporations operating essentially
computation of its Ees’ 13th‐month pay. as private subsidiaries of the
Subsequently, with the promulgation of the Government;
decision of the SC in the case of SMC vs. Inciong 3. Ers already paying their Ees 13‐month pay
(103 SCRA 139) holding that these other monetary or more in a calendar year of its
claims should not be included in the computation equivalent at the time of this issuance:
of the 13th month pay, Concepcion Textile Co.
sought to recover under the principle of solutio 4. Its equivalent shall include:
indebiti the overpayment of the Ees’ 13th‐month a. Christmas bonus
pay, by debiting against future 13th‐month b. Mid‐year bonus
payments whatever excess amounts it had c. Profit‐sharing payments
previously made. and
d. Other cash bonuses
(1) Is the Company's action tenable? amounting to not less than
1/12th of the basic salary
(2) With respect to the payment of the 13th‐ but
month pay after the SMC ruling, what
arrangement, if any, must the Company make in 5. It shall not include:
order to exclude from the 13th‐month pay all a. cash and stock dividends,
earnings and remunerations other than the basic b. COLA
pay? c. all other allowances
regularly enjoyed by the
A: The Company's action is not tenable. The Ee, as well as non‐
principle of solutio indebiti which is a civil law monetary benefits.
concept is not applicable in labor law. (Davao Fruits
Corp. vs. NLRC, et al., G.R. No. 85073 August 24, 6. Ers of household helpers and persons in
1993). After the 1981 SMC ruling, the High Court the personal service of another in relation
decided the case of Philippine Duplicators Inc. vs. to such workers; and
NLRC, GR 110068, Nov. 11, 1993. Accordingly,
management may undertake to exclude sick leave, 7. Ers of those who are paid on purely
vacation leave, maternity leave, premium pay for commission, boundary, or task basis, and
regular holiday, night differential pay and cost of those who are paid a fixed amount for
living allowance. Sales commissions, however, performing a specific work, irrespective of
should be included based on the settled rule as the time consumed in the performance
earlier enunciated in Songco vs. NLRC, G.R. No. L‐ thereof, except where the workers are
50999, March 23, 1990. (1994 Bar Question) paid on piece‐rate basis in which case the
employer shall be covered by this
Q: Are all Ers required to pay 13th Month Pay issuance insofar as such workers are
under P.D. 851? concerned.(Sec 3, P.D. 851)
A:
Q: What are the options of covered Ers?
GR: Yes. It applies to all Ers,
A:
XPN: 1. Pay one‐half of the 13th‐month pay
1. Distressed Ers: required before the opening of the
a. Currently incurring substantial losses regular school year and the other half on
or or before the 24th day of December of
b. In the case of non‐profit institutions every year.
and organizations, where their 2. In any establishment where a union has
income, whether from donations, been recognized or certified as the
contributions, grants and other collective bargaining agent of the Ee, the
earnings from any source, has periodicity or frequency of payment of
consistently declined by more than the 13th month pay may be the subject of
40% of their normal income for the agreement.
47
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
48
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
Q: What are the unlawful acts against women Ee? Under Sec. 2 of R.A. 9710 or the Magna Carta of
Women, the State condemns discrimination against
A: women in all its forms and pursues by all appropriate
1. Discrimination with respect to the terms means and without delay the policy of eliminating
and conditions of employment solely on discrimination against women in keeping with the
account of sex Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
a. Payment of lesser compensation to a Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and other
female Ee as against a male Ee for international instruments consistent with Philippine
law. The State shall accord women the rights,
work of equal value
protection, and opportunities available to every
b. Favoring a male Ee with respect to
member of society.
promotion, training opportunities,
study and scholarship grants on The State shall take steps to review and, when
account of gender. (Art. 135) necessary, amend and/or repeal existing laws that are
c. Favoring a male applicant with discriminatory to women within three (3) years from
respect to hiring where the the effectivity of this Act. (Sec. 12, R.A. 9710)
particular job can equally be handled
by a woman Q: Can an individual, the sole proprietor of a
d. Favoring a male Ee over a female Ee business enterprise, be said to have violated the
with respect to dismissal of Anti‐Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 if he clearly
personnel. discriminates against women in the adoption of
2. Stipulating, whether as a condition for policy standards for employment and promotions
employment or continuation of in the enterprise? Explain.
employment:
a. That a woman Ee shall not get A: When an employer (Er) discriminates against
married, or women in the adoption of policy standards for
b. That upon marriage, such woman Ee employment and promotion in his enterprise, he is
shall be deemed resigned or not guilty of sexual harassment. Instead, the Er is
separated. (Art. 136) guilty of discrimination against women Ees which is
Note: A woman worker may not be declared to be unlawful by the LC.
dismissed on the ground of dishonesty for
having written ‘’single” on the space for civil For an Er to commit sexual harassment, he – as a
status on the application sheet, contrary to
person of authority, influence or moral ascendancy
the fact that she was married. (PT&T Co. v.
– should have demanded, requested or otherwise
NLRC, G.R. No. 118978, May 23, 1997)
required a sexual favor from his Ee whether the
3. Dismissing, discriminating or otherwise
demand, request or requirement for submission is
prejudice a woman Ee by reason of her
accepted by the object of said act. (2003 Bar
being married. (Art. 136)
Question)
4. Denying any woman Ee benefits provided
by law. (Art. 137)
Q: At any given time, approximately 90% of the
5. Discharge any woman for the purpose of
production workforce of a semiconductor
preventing her from enjoying any of the
company are females. 75% of the female workers
benefits provided by law. (Art. 137)
are married and of child‐bearing years. It is
6. Discharging such woman on account of
imperative that the Company must operate with a
her pregnancy, or while on leave or in
minimum number of absences to meet strict
confinement due to her pregnancy. (Art.
delivery schedules. In view of the very high
137)
number of lost working hours due to absences for
7. Discharging or refusing the admission of
family reasons and maternity leaves, the company
such woman upon returning to her work
adopted a policy that it will employ married
for fear that she may again be pregnant.
women as production workers only if they are at
(Art. 137)
least 35 yrs of age. Is the policy violative of any
law?
Note: Discrimination in any form from pre‐
employment to post employment, including hiring,
promotion or assignment, based on the actual,
A: Yes, it is violative of Art. 140 of the LC which
perceived or suspected HIV status of an individual is provides that no employer shall discriminate
unlawful. (Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act against any person in respect to terms and
of 1998, [R.A. 8504]) conditions of employment on account of his age.
(1998 Bar Question)
b.Stipulation Against Marriage (Art. 136, LC)
49
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
A: There must be a finding of any BFOQ to justify an Q: Who are covered under this Title?
Ers no spouse rule. There must be a compelling
business necessity for which no alternative exist A: Any women who is permitted or suffered to
other than the discriminating practice. work:
50
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
51
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
hostile or unfriendly to the applicant's chances for a
2. Create a committee on decorum and job if she turns down the invitation. [Sec. 3(a)(3),
investigation of cases on sexual R.A. No. 7877, Anti‐Sexual Harassment Act]. (2000
harassment. Bar Question)
3. The Er or head of office, education or
training institution shall disseminate or Q: In the course of an interview, another female
post a copy of this R.A. 7877 for the applicant inquired from the same Personnel
information of all concerned Manager if she had the physical attributes
required for the position she applied for. The
Q: What is the liability of the Er, head of office, Personnel Manager replied: "You will be more
educational or training institution? attractive if you will wear micro‐mini dresses
without the undergarments that ladies normally
A: Ee shall be solidarily liable for damages arising wear." Did the Personnel Manager, by the above
from the acts of sexual harassment committed in reply, commit an act of sexual harassment?
the employment, education or training Reason.
environment provided:
A: Yes. The remarks would result in an offensive or
1. The Er or head of office, educational or hostile environment for the Ee. Moreover, the
training institution is informed of such remarks did not give due regard to the applicant’s
acts by the offended party; and feelings and it is a chauvinistic disdain of her honor,
2. No immediate action is taken thereon. justifying the finding of sexual harassment
(Sec. 5) (Villarama v. NLRC, G.R. No. 106341, Sep. 2, 1994)
Q: Can an independent action for damages be Q: Pedrito Masculado, a college graduate from the
filed? province, tried his luck in the city and landed a job
as utility/maintenance man at the warehouse of a
A: Yes. Nothing under R.A. 7877 shall preclude the big shopping mall. After working as a casual Ee for
victim of work, education or training‐related sexual 6 months, he signed a contract for probationary
harassment from instituting a separate and employment for 6 months. Being well‐built and
independent action for damages and other physically attractive, his supervisor, Mr. Hercules
affirmative relief. (Sec. 6) Barak, took special interest to befriend him. When
his probationary period was about to expire, he
Q: What is the three‐fold liability rule in sexual was surprised when one afternoon after working
harassment cases? hours, Mr. Barak followed him to the men’s
comfort room. After seeing that no one else was
A: An act of sexual harassment may give rise to civil, around, Mr. Barak placed his arm over Pedrito’s
criminal and administrative liability on the part of shoulder and softly said: “You have great potential
the offender, each proceeding independently of the to become a regular Ee and I think I can give you a
others. favorable recommendation. Can you come over to
my condo unit on Saturday evening so we can
Q: When does the action prescribe? have a little drink? I’m alone, and I’m sure you
want to stay longer with the company.” Is Mr.
A: Any action shall prescribe in 3 years. Barak liable for sexual harassment committed in a
work‐related or employment environment?
Q: A Personnel Manager, while interviewing an
attractive female applicant for employment, A: Yes, the elements of sexual harassment are all
stared directly at her for prolonged periods, albeit present. The act of Mr. Barak was committed in a
in a friendly manner. After the interview, the workplace. Mr. Barak, as supervisor of Pedrito
manager accompanied the applicant to the door, Masculado, has authority, influence and moral
shook her hand and patted her on the shoulder. ascendancy over Masculado.
He also asked the applicant if he could invite her
for dinner and dancing at some future time. Did Given the specific circumstances mentioned in the
the Personnel Manager, by the above acts, commit question like Mr. Barak following Masculado to the
sexual harassment? Reason. comfort room, etc. Mr. Barak was requesting a
sexual favor from Masculado for a favorable
A: Yes, because the Personnel Manager, is in a recommendation regarding the latter's
position to grant or not to grant a favor (a job) to employment. It is not impossible for a male, who is
the applicant. Under the circumstances, inviting the a homosexual, to ask for a sexual favor from
applicant for dinner or dancing creates a situation another male. (2000 Bar Question)
52
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
A: GR: A: The Er shall first secure a work permit from the
1. No person under 18 years of age will be DOLE which shall ensure observance of the
allowed to be employed in an undertaking requirements. (Sec. 12, R.A. 7160)
which is hazardous or deleterious in
nature. Q: What is the rule regarding the issuance of work
2. No Er shall discriminate against any certificates/ permits for children at least 15 but
person in respect to terms and conditions below 18 years of age?
of employment on account of his age.
A: The issuance of a DOLE Certificate to youth aged
XPN: 15 to below 18 years of age is not required by law.
A. Below 15 yrs. Old No employer shall deny opportunity to any such
1. The child works directly under the youth applying for employment merely on the basis
sole responsibility of his parents, or of lack of work permit or certificate of eligibility for
guardians who employ members of employment. Any young person aged 15 to below
his family, subject to the following 18 years of age may present copy of this DOLE
conditions: advisory to any employer, job provider, government
a. Employment does not endanger authority, or his/her representative when seeking
the child’s safety, health and employment or anytime during employment. (DOLE
morals Department Advisory No. 01‐08)
b. Employment does not impair
the child’s normal dev’t Q: What is a non‐hazardous work?
c. Er‐parent or legal guardian
provides the child with the A: It is any work or activity in which the Ee is not
primary and/or secondary exposed to any risk which constitutes an imminent
education prescribed by the danger to his safety and health.
Dept. of Education
2. The child’s employment or Q: What are hazardous workplaces?
participation in public entertainment
or information through cinema, A:
theater, radio or television is 1. Nature of work exposes the workers to
essential provided: dangerous environmental elements,
a. Employment contract is contaminants or work conditions
concluded by the child’s parents 2. Workers are engaged in construction work,
or legal guardian, logging, fire‐fighting, mining, quarrying,
b. With the express agreement of blasting, stevedoring, dock work, deep‐sea
the child concerned, if possible, fishing, and mechanized farming
and 3. Workers are engaged in the manufacture or
c. The approval of DOLE, the handling of explosives and other pyrotechnic
following must be complied products
with: 4. Workers use or are exposed to heavy or
i. The employment does not power‐driven tools
involve advertisement or
commercials promoting Q: You were asked by a paint manufacturing
alcoholic beverages, company regarding the possible employment as a
intoxicating drinks, tobacco mixer of a person, aged 17, who shall be directly
and its by‐products or under the care of the section supervisor. What
exhibiting violence advice would you give? Explain briefly.
ii. there is a written contract
approved by DOLE A: I will advise the paint manufacturing company
that it cannot hire a person who is aged 17. Art 139
53
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
(c) of the LC provides that a person below 18 yrs of the employment of persons below 18 years of age
age shall not be allowed to work in an undertaking in an undertaking which is hazardous or deleterious
which is hazardous or deleterious in nature as in nature as determined by the SLE.
determined by the SLE. Paint manufacturing has
been classified by the SLE as a hazardous work. 2. An 11‐year old boy who is an accomplished
(2002 Bar Question) singer and performer in different parts of the
country.
Q: What are the prohibitions on the employment
of children in certain advertisements? A: No, he should not be prohibited from being hired
and from performing as a singer. Under Art. VIII Sec.
A: No employment of child models in all 12 par. 2 of R.A. 7619 as amended by R.A. 7658, this
commercial advertisements promoting: constitutes an exception to the general prohibition
against the employment of children below 15 years
1. Violence of age, provided that the following requirements
2. Alcoholic beverages are strictly complied with:
3. Intoxicating drinks
4. Tobacco and its by products 1. The Er shall ensure the protection, health
safety and morals of the child
Q: A spinster school teacher took pity on one of 2. The Er shall institute measures to prevent
her pupils, a robust and precocious 12‐year old the child’s exploitation or discrimination
boy whose poor family could barely afford the cost taking into account the system and level
of his schooling. She lives alone at her house near of remuneration, and the duration and
the school after her housemaid left. In the arrangement of working time; and
afternoon, she lets the boy do various chores as 3. The Er shall formulate and implement,
cleaning, fetching water and all kinds of errands subject to the approval and supervision of
after school hours. She gives him rice and P30.00 competent authorities, a continuing
before the boy goes home at 7:00 every night. The program for training and skill acquisition
school principal learned about it and charged her of the child. Moreover, the child must be
with violating the law which prohibits the directly under the sole responsibility of
employment of children below 15 years of age. In his parents or guardian and his
her defense, the teacher stated that the work employment should not in any way
performed by her pupil is not hazardous, and she interfere with his schooling.
invoked the exception provided in the Department
Order of DOLE for the engagement of persons in 3. A 15‐year old girl working as a library assistant
domestic and household service. Is her defense in a girls' high school.
tenable? Reason?
A: No, she should not be prohibited from working
A: No, her defense is not tenable. Under Art. 139 of as a library assistant because the prohibition in the
the LC on “minimum employable age”, no child LC against employment of persons below 18 years
below 15 years of age shall be employed except of age merely pertains to employment in an
when he works directly under the sole undertaking which is hazardous or deleterious in
responsibility of his parents or guardian, the nature as identified in the guidelines issued by the
provisions of the alleged DO of DOLE to the SLE working as a library assistant is not one of
contrary notwithstanding. A mere DO cannot undertakings identified to be hazardous under D.O.
prevail over the express prohibitory provisions of No 04 Series of 1999.
the LC. (2004 Bar Question)
4. A 16‐year old girl working as model promoting
Q: Determine whether the following minors alcoholic beverages.
should be prohibited from being hired and from
performing their respective duties indicated A: Yes, she should be prohibited from working as a
hereunder: model promoting alcoholic beverages. R.A. 7610
categorically prohibits the employment of child
1. A 17‐year old boy working as miner at the models in all commercials or advertisements
Walwadi Mining Corporation. promoting alcoholic beverages and intoxicating
drinks, among other things.
A: Yes, he should be prohibited from being hired
and from performing the duties of a miner because 5. A 17‐year old boy working as a dealer in a
such constitutes hazardous work under D.O. No. 04 casino.
Series of 1999. Art. 139 (c) of LC expressly prohibits
54
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
A: Yes, he should be prohibited from working as a - Not allowed to work between 8:00
dealer in casino, because Art. 140 of the LC pm – 6:00 am
prohibits the employment of persons below 18
years of age in an undertaking which is hazardous 2. At least 15 years of age but below 18
or deleterious in nature identified in the guidelines years of age – will not exceed 8 hours a
issued by the SLE. Working as a dealer in a casino is day or 40 hours a week
classified as hazardous under D.O. No. 04 Series of - Not allowed to work between 10:00
1999 as it exposes children to physical, pm – 6:00 am
psychological or sexual abuses. (2006 Bar Question)
Q: What are the worst forms of labor?
b.Act Against Child Labor (RA 9231) and Child Abuse
Law (RA 7610) A:
1. All forms of slavery (Anti‐Trafficking of
Q: What is child labor? Persons Act of 2003) or practices similar
to slavery such as sale and trafficking of
A: Any work or economic activity performed by a children, debt bondage and serfdom and
child that subjects him or her to any form of forced or compulsory labor, including
exploitation or is harmful to his or her health and recruitment of children for use in armed
safety or physical, mental or psychosocial conflict;
development. 2. The use, procuring, offering or exposing
of a child pornography or for
Q: Who is a working child? pornographic performances;
3. The use, procuring, offering or exposing
A: Any child engaged as follows: of a child for illegal or illicit activities,
including the production and trafficking of
1. When the child is below 18 years of age in dangerous drugs and volatile substances
a work or economic activity that is not prohibited under existing laws;
child labor; or 4. Employing child models in all commercials
2. When the child is below 15 years of age: or advertisements promoting alcoholic
a. In work where he/she is directly beverages, intoxicating drinks, tobacco
under the responsibility of his/her and its byproducts and violence; and
parents or legal guardian and where 5. Work which, by its nature or
only members of the child’s family circumstances in which it is carried out, is
are employed; or hazardous or likely to be harmful to the
b. In public entertainment or health, safety or morals of children.
information
Q: Who can file a complaint for unlawful acts
Q: When may the State intervene in behalf of the committed against children?
child?
A:
A: 1. Offended party
1. The parent, guardian, teacher or person 2. Parents or guardians
having care or custody of the child fails or 3. Ascendants or collateral relatives within
rd
is unable to protect the child against the 3 degree of consanguinity
abuse, exploitation and discrimination; or 4. Officer, social worker or representative of
2. When such acts are committed against a licensed child‐caring institution
the child by the said parent, guardian, 5. Officer or social worker of DSWD
teacher or person having care and 6. Barangay chairman of the place where
custody over the child the violation occurred, where the child is
residing or employed
Q: What is the limitation on the hours of work of a 7. At least 3 concerned, responsible citizens
working child? where the violation occurred
A: If the child is: Q: Which courts have jurisdiction over offenses
punishable under R.A. 9231?
1. Below 15 years of age – not more than 20
hours a week and not more than 4 hours A: The Family Courts shall have original jurisdiction
a day over all cases involving offenses punishable under
this Act
55
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
56
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
57
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
58
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
Q: What are highly technical industries? Q: What is the employment status of apprentices?
A: Those which are engaged in the application of A: They are contractual workers whose length of
advanced technology. service depends on the term provided for in the
apprenticeship agreement. Thus, the employer is
Q: What are related theoretical instructions? not obliged to employ the apprentice after the
completion of his training.
A: Technical information based on apprenticeship
standards approved by the Bureau. Q: What is the period of apprenticeship?
Note: Prior approval by TESDA (formerly DOLE) of the A: Must not exceed 6 months:
proposed apprenticeship program is a condition sine
qua non. Otherwise, apprentice becomes a regular Ee. 1. 2 months/400 hours: Trades or occupations
(Nitto Enterprises v. NLRC, G.R. No. 114337, Sep. 29, which normally require 1 year or more for
1995). proficiency
2. 1 month/200 hours: Occupations and jobs
Q: What are the qualifications of an apprentice? which require more than 3 months but less
than 1 year for proficiency. (Sec. 19, Rule VI,
A: Book II, IRR)
1. At least 15 years of age
Note: Those below 18 years of age shall not Q: What is the status of an apprentice hired after
work in hazardous occupations such term?
2. Physically fit for the occupation
3. Possess vocational aptitude and capacity A: He is deemed a regular Ee. He cannot be hired as a
4. Possess: probationary Ee since the apprenticeship is deemed
a. The ability to comprehend, and the probationary period.
b. Follow oral and written instructions
5. The company must have an Q: What is the wage rate of an apprentice?
apprenticeship program duly approved by
the DOLE. A: Start at not less than 75% of the statutory
minimum wage for the 1st 6 months (except OJT);
Note: Trade and industry associations may thereafter, shall be paid in full minimum wage,
recommend to the SLE appropriate educational including the full COLA.
requirements for different occupations.
Note: GR: Apprenticeship programs shall be primarily
Q: When is an occupation deemed hazardous? voluntary
A: XPN: Compulsory apprenticeship:
1. Nature of work exposes worker to 1. National security or economic
dangerous environmental elemental development so demand, the President
contaminants or work conditions may require compulsory training
2. Workers are engaged in construction 2. Services of foreign technicians are
work, logging, firefighting, mining, utilized by private companies in
quarrying, blasting, stevedoring, deep‐sea apprenticeable trades.
fishing, and mechanized farming
3. Workers are engaged in the manufacture Q: What are the rules regarding apprenticeship
or handling of explosives and other agreements?
pyrotechnic products
4. Workers use, or are exposed to heavy or A: Apprenticeship agreements, including the wage
power‐driven machinery or equipment. rates of apprentices, shall:
Q: Who may employ apprentices? 1. Conform to the rules issued by SLE.
2. The period of apprenticeship shall not
A: exceed 6 months.
1. Only employers in highly technical 3. Apprenticeship agreements providing for
industries and wage rates below the legal minimum
2. Only in apprenticeable occupations wage, which in no case shall start below
approved by SLE 75% of the applicable min. wage, may be
entered into only in accordance with
59
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
apprenticeship programs duly approved A: Gomburza College is not liable for the acts of
by the SLE. Padilla because there is no Er‐Ee relationship
4. The DOLE shall develop standard model between them. As provided in the Rules and
programs of apprenticeship. (Sec. 18, Rule Regulations Implementing the LC "there is no Er‐Ee
VI, Book II, IRR) relationship between students on one hand, and
schools, colleges, or universities on the other,
Q: Who signs the apprenticeship agreement? where students work with the latter in exchange for
the privilege to study free of charge, provided the
A: Every apprenticeship agreement shall be signed students are given real opportunity, including such
by: facilities as may be reasonable and necessary to
finish their chosen courses under such
1. The employer or his agent, or arrangement." (1997 Bar Question)
2. An authorized representative of any of
the recognized organizations, associations Q: Who may terminate an apprenticeship
or groups, and agreement?
3. The apprentice.
A:
Q: Who will sign if the apprentice is a minor? 1. Either party may terminate an agreement
after the probationary period but only for
A: An apprenticeship agreement with a minor shall a valid cause.
be signed in his behalf by: 2. It may be initiated by either party upon
filing a complaint or upon DOLE’s own
1. His parent or guardian, or if the latter is initiative.
not available,
2. An authorized representative of the Q: Who may appeal the decision of the authorized
DOLE. agency of the DOLE?
Q: May apprentices be hired without A: It may be appealed by any aggrieved person to
compensation? the SLE within 5 days from receipt of the decision.
A: Required: Note: The decision of the SLE shall be final and
executory.
1. By school
2. By the training program curriculum Q: What is Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies
3. For Graduation (EAR)?
4. For board examinations
A: It is a condition precedent to the institution of
Q: What are the rules on working scholars? action. (Sec. 32b, Rule VI, Book II, IRR)
60
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
61
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
Q: Who are handicapped workers (HW)? b.Rights of disabled workers
A: Those whose earning capacity is impaired by: Q: What are the rights and privileges of disabled
workers?
1. Physical deficiency
2. Age A:
3. Injury 1. Equal opportunity for employment
4. Disease 2. Sheltered employment (the gov’t shall
5. Mental deficiency endeavour to provide them work if suitable
6. Illness employment for disabled persons cannot
be found through open employment)
Q: What is the duration of the employment period 3. Apprenticeship
of handicapped workers? 4. Vocational rehabilitation (means to develop
the skills and potentials of disabled workers
A: There is no minimum or maximum duration. It and enable them to compete in the labor
depends on the agreement but it is necessary that market)
there is a specific duration stated. 5. Vocational guidance and counselling
Q: When can handicapped workers be employed? d.Incentives for employers
62
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR STANDARDS
Q: Distinguish handicapped from disabled?
A:
Disabled
Handicapped
(Differently Abled)
Refers to all suffering from
restriction of different abilities
Earning capacity is as a result of mental, physical
impaired by age, or or sensory impairment to
physical or mental perform an activity in the
deficiency or injury. manner or within range
considered normal for a
human being.
Covers all activities or
Covers only workers.
endeavors.
Basis: range of activity which
Basis: loss/impairment
is normal for a human
of earning capacity.
being.
Loss due to injury or Restriction due to impairment
physical or mental of mental/physical/ sensory
defect or age. defect .
If hired, entitled to 75%
of minimum wage.
If qualified, entitled to all
terms and conditions as
Subject to definite
qualified able‐bodied person.
periods of
employment.
Employable only when No restrictions on
necessary to prevent employment.
curtailment of
employment Must get equal opportunity
opportunity. and no unfair competition.
63
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
64
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
the Lastimoso family. The 3 corporations were 4. Power of control. (The Labor Code with
engaged in the same line of business, under one Comments and Cases 2007, Azucena, Vol
management, and used the same equipment I, p.158)
including manpower services. Lacson and his co‐
Ees filed a complaint with the Labor Arbiter Q: What is control test?
against LBM, RL Realty and Lastimoso Construction
to hold them jointly and severally liable for A: The person for whom the services are performed
backwages and separation pay. Lastimoso reserves a right to control not only the end to be
Construction, Inc. RL Realty & Development achieved but also the means to be used in reaching
Corporation interposed a Motion to Dismiss such end.
contending that they are juridical entitles with
distinct and separate personalities from LBM Note: However, in certain cases the control test is not
Construction Corporation and therefore, they sufficient to give a complete picture of the relationship
cannot be held jointly and severally liable for the between the parties, owing to the complexity of such a
money claims of workers who are not their Ees. relationship where several positions have been held by
Rule on the motion to dismiss. Should it be the worker. The better approach is to adopt the two‐
tiered test. (Francisco vs. NLRC, G.R. No. 170087, Aug.
granted or denied? Why?
31, 2006)
A: It is very clear that even if LBM Construction
Q: Genesis entered into a Career’s Agent
company, Lastimoso Construction Company, Inc.
Agreement with EmoLife Insurance Company, a
and RL Realty & Dev’t Corp. all belong to the
domestic corporation engaged in insurance
Lastimoso family and are engaged in the same line
business. In the Agreement, it provides that the
of business under one management and used the
agent is an independent contractor and nothing
same equipment including manpower services,
therein shall be construed or interpreted as
these corporations were separate juridical entities.
creating an employer‐ employee relationship. It
Thus, only the LBM Construction Corp. is the Er of
further provides that the agent must comply with
Teofilo Lacson. The other corporation do not have
three requirements: (1) compliance with the
any Er‐Ee relations with Lacson. The case in
regulations and requirements of the company; (2)
question does not include any fact that would
maintenance of a level of knowledge of the
justify piercing the veil of corporate fiction of the
company's products that is satisfactory to the
other corporations in order to protect the rights of
company; and (3) compliance with a quota of new
workers. In a case (Concept Builders, Inc. v. NLRC,
businesses. However, EmoLife insurance company
G.R. No. 108734, May 29, 1996) the SC ruled that it
terminated Genesis’ services. Genesis filed an
is a fundamental principle of corporation law that a
illegal dismissal complaint alleging therein that an
corporation is an entity separate and distinct from
employer‐employee relationship exists and that he
its stockholders and from other corporations to
was illegally dismissed. Is he an employee of the
which it may be connected. But this separate and
insurance company?
distinct personality of a corporation is merely a
fiction created by law for convenience and to A: Genesis is not an employee of EmoLife Insurance
promote justice. So, when the notion of separate Company. Generally, the determinative element is
juridical personality is used to defeat public the control exercised over the one rendereing the
convenience, justify wrong, protect fraud or defend service. The concept of “control” in Labor Code has
crime, or is used as a device to defeat the labor to be compared and distinguished with “control”
laws, this separate personality of the corporation that must necessarily exist in a principal‐agent
maybe disregarded or the veil of corporate fiction relationship. The employer controls the employee
pierced. (1999 Bar Question) both in the results and in the means and manner of
achieving this result. The principal in an agency
a.Four‐ fold test relationship, e.g. insurance agent, on the other
hand, also has the prerogative to exercise control
Q: What factors determine the existence of an Er‐ over the agent in undertaking the assigned task
Ee relationship? based on the parameters outlined in the pertinent
laws. In the present case, the Agreement fully
A: The “four–fold test”: serves as grant of authority to Genesis as EmoLife’s
insurance agent. This agreement is supplemented
1. Selection and engagement of the
by the company’s agency practices and usages, duly
employee;
accepted by the agent in carrying out the agency.
2. Payment of wages;
Foremost among these are the directives that the
3. Power of dismissal; and
principal may impose on the agent to achieve the
65
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
assigned tasks, to the extent that they do not just cause, when he fails to qualify as a regular Ee in
involve the means and manner of undertaking accordance with reasonable standards prescribed
these tasks. The law likewise obligates the agent to by the Er.
render an account; in this sense, the principal may
impose on the agent specific instructions on how an Q: Michelle Miclat was employed on a
account shall be made, particularly on the matter of probationary basis as marketing assistant by
expenses and reimbursements. To these extents, Clarion Printing House but during her employment
control can be imposed through rules and she was not informed of the standards that would
regulations without intruding into the labor law qualify her as a regular employee (Ee). 30 days
concept of control for purposes of employment. after, Clarion informed Miclat that her
(Gregorio Tongko v. ManuLife Insurance Company, employment contract had been terminated
G.R. No. 167622, Jun. 29, 2010) without any reason. Miclat was informed that her
termination was part of Clarion’s cost‐cutting
b.Two‐ tiered Test measures. Is Miclat considered as a regular Ee and
hence entitled to its benefits?
Q: What is the two‐tiered test?
A: Yes. Probationary employment shall be governed
A: by the following rules: (d) In all cases of
1. The putative Er’s power to control the Ee probationary employment, the Er shall make known
with respect to the means and methods to the Ee the standards under which he will qualify
by which the work is to be accomplished; as a regular Ee at the time of his
and engagement. Where no standards are made known
2. The underlying economic realities of the to the Ee at that time, he shall be deemed a regular
activity or relationship. Ee”. In the case at bar, she was deemed to have
been hired from day one as a regular Ee. (Clarion
Note: This two‐tiered test would provide us with a Printing House Inc., vs. NLRC, G.R. No. 148372, June
framework of analysis, which would take into 27, 2005)
consideration the totality of circumstances
surrounding the true nature of the relationship
Q: What are the characteristics of probationary
between the parties. This is especially appropriate in
employment?
this case where there is no written agreement or
terms of reference to base the relationship on and due
to the complexity of the relationship based on the A:
various positions and responsibilities given to the 1. It is an employment for a trial period;
worker over the period of the latter’s employment. 2. It is a temporary employment status prior
(Francisco vs. NLRC, G.R. No. 170087, Aug. 31, 2006) to regular employment;
3. It arises through a contract with the
Q: What is the proper standard for economic following elements:
dependence? a. The employee (Ee) must learn and
work at a particular type of work
A: The proper standard is whether the worker is b. Such work calls for certain
dependent on the alleged employer for his qualifications
continued employment in that line of business c. The probation is fixed
d. The Er reserves the power to
c.Probationary employment terminate during or at the end of the
trial period
Q: What is probationary employment? e. And if the Ee has learned the job to
the satisfaction of the Er, he
A: Employment where the employee (Ee), upon his becomes a regular Ee.
engagement:
Q: What is the period of probationary
1. Is made to undergo a trial period employment?
2. During which the Er determines his fitness
to qualify for regular employment, A: GR: It shall not exceed 6 months.
3. Based on reasonable standards made
known to the Ee at the time of XPNs:
engagement. (Sec 6, Rule I, Book VI, IRR) 1. Covered by an apprenticeship or
learnership agreement stipulating a
Note: The services of an Ee who has been engaged different period
on probationary basis may be terminated only for
66
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
67
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
2. If no standards, under which he will A: Yes, there is no dispute that as a probationary
qualify as a regular Ee, are made known employee (Ee), Cruz had but limited tenure.
to him at the time of his engagement. Although on probationary basis, however, Cruz still
(Sec. 6 [d], Rule I, Book VI, IRR) enjoys the constitutional protection on security of
tenure. During his tenure of employment, therefore,
Q: What are the grounds for terminating or before his contract expires, Cruz cannot be
probationary employment? removed except for cause as provided for by law.
A: What makes Cruz’ dismissal highly suspicious is that
1. Just/authorized causes it took place at a time when he needs only but a
2. When he fails to qualify as a regular Ee in day to be eligible as a regular Ee. That he is
accordance with reasonable standards competent finds support in his being promoted to a
made known by the employer (Er) to the lead gardener in so short span of less than 6
Ee at the time of his engagement (ICMC v. months. By terminating his employment or
NLRC, G.R. No. 72222, Jan. 30, 1989) abolishing his position with but only one day
remaining in his probationary appointment, the
Note: While probationary Ees do not enjoy permanent hotel deprived Cruz of qualifying as a regular Ee
status, they are afforded the security of tenure with its concomitant rights and privileges. (Manila
protection of the Constitution. Consequently, they Hotel Corp. v. NLRC, G.R. No. L‐53453, Jan. 22,
cannot be removed from their positions unless for 1986)
cause. Such constitutional protection, however, ends
upon the expiration of the period stated in their
Q: Colegio San Agustin (CSA) hired the Gela Jose as
probationary contract of employment. Thereafter, the
a grade school classroom teacher on a
parties are free to renew the contract or not. (CSA v.
probationary basis for SY ‘84 – ‘85. Her contract
NLRC, G.R. No. 87333, Sep. 6, 1991)
was renewed for SY’s ‘85‐‘86 and ‘86‐‘87. On Mar.
Q: What are the limitations on the employer’s 24, ‘87, the CSA wrote the Gela that "it would be
(Er’s) power to terminate a probationary in the best interest of the students and their
employment contract? families that she seek employment in another
school or business concern for next school year".
A: Notwithstanding the said notice, the CSA still paid
1. The power must be exercised in Gela her salary for April 15 to May 15, 1987. On
accordance with the specific req’ts of the April 6, ‘87, Gela wrote the CSA and sought
contract reconsideration but she received no reply.
2. If a particular time is prescribed, the Thereafter, she filed a complaint for illegal
termination must be within such time and dismissal. Was Gela illegally dismissed?
if formal notice is required, then that
form must be used A: No. The Faculty Manual of CSA underscores the
3. The Er’s dissatisfaction must be real and completion of 3 years of continuous service at CSA
in good faith, not feigned so as to before a probationary teacher acquires tenure.
circumvent the contract or the law Hence, the Gela cannot claim any vested right to a
4. There must be no unlawful discrimination permanent appointment since she had not yet
in the dismissal achieved the prerequisite 3‐year period under the
Manual of Regulation for Private Schools and the
Note: The probationary employee is entitled to Faculty Manual of CSA.
procedural due process prior to dismissal from service.
In the instant case where the CSA did not wish to
Q: R.L. Cruz was employed as gardener by Manila renew the contract of employment for the next
Hotel on “probation status” effective Sep. 22, ‘76. school year, the Gela has no ground to protest. She
The appointment signed by Cruz provided for a 6 was not illegally dismissed. Her contract merely
month probationary period. On Mar. 20, ‘77, or a expired. (CSA v. NLRC, G.R No. 87333, Sep. 6, 1991)
day before the expiration of the probationary
period, Cruz’s was promoted to lead gardener Q: During their probationary employment, 8 Ees
position. On the same day Cruz’ position was were berated and insulted by their supervisor. In
“abolished” by Manila Hotel allegedly due to protest, they walked out. The supervisor shouted
economic reverses or business recession, and to at them to go home and never to report back to
salvage the enterprise from imminent danger of work. Later, the personnel manager required
collapse. Was Cruz illegally dismissed? them to explain why they should not be dismissed
from employment for abandonment and failure
to qualify for the positions applied for. They filed
68
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
a complaint for illegal dismissal against their Er. Regular employment does not mean permanent
As a LA, how will you resolve the case? employment. A probationary Ee becomes a regular Ee
after 6 months. A regular Ee may only be terminated
A: As a LA I will resolve the case in favor of the 8 for just/authorized causes.
probationary Ees due to the ff::
The practice of entering into employment contracts
1. Probationary Ees also enjoy security of which would prevent the workers from becoming
tenure. (Biboso v. Victoria Milling, G.R. regular should be struck down as contrary to public
No. L‐44360, Mar. 31, 1977) policy and morals. (Universal Robina Corp. v.
2. In all cases involving Ees on probationary Catapang, G.R. No. 164736, Oct. 14, 2005)
status, the Er shall make known to the
Ee at the time he is hired, the standards (a)Reasonable connection rule
by which he will qualify for the
positions applied for. Q: What is the test to determine regular
3. The filing of the complaint for illegal employment?
dismissal effectively negates the Ers
A:
theory of abandonment. (Rizada v.
1. The primary standard of determining
NLRC, G.R. No. 96982, Sep. 21, 1999)
regular employment is the reasonable
4. The order to go home and not to return
connection between the particular
to work constitutes dismissal from
activity performed by the employee (Ee)
employment.
to the usual trade or business of the
5. The 8 probationary Ees were terminated
employer. The test is whether the former
without just cause and without due
is usually necessary or desirable in the
process
usual business or trade of the Er. (De Leon
v. NLRC, G.R. No. 70705, Aug. 21, 1989)
In view of the foregoing, I will order
reinstatement to their former positions without
Note: The connection can be determined by
loss of seniority rights with full backwages, plus
considering the nature of the work
damages and atty’s fees. (2006 Bar Question) performed and its relation to the scheme of
the particular business or trade in its
d.Kinds of employment entirety. (Highway Copra Traders v. NLRC,
G.R. No. 108889, July 30, 1998)
(1)Regular employment
Q: What is regular employment? 2. Also, the performance of a job for at least
A: a year is sufficient evidence of the job’s
1. An employment shall be deemed to be necessity if not indispensability to the
regular where the Ee has been engaged to business. This is the rule even if its
perform activities which are usually performance is not continuous and
necessary or desirable in the usual merely intermittent. The employment is
business or trade of the Er, the provisions considered regular, but only with respect
of written agreements to the contrary to such activity and while such activity
notwithstanding and regardless of the exists. (Universal Robina Corp. v.
oral agreements of the parties. (Sec. 5 [a], Catapang, G.R. No. 164736, Oct. 14,
Rule I, Book VI, IRR) 2005).
2. Any Ee who has rendered at least one Note: The status of regular employment attaches to
year of service, whether such service is the casual Ee on the day immediately after the end of
continuous or broken, shall be considered his first year of service. The law does not provide the
a regular Ee with respect to the activity in qualification that the Ee must first be issued a regular
which he is employed and his appointment or must first be formally declared as such
employment shall continue while such before he can acquire a regular status. (Aurora Land
activity exists. (Sec. 5 [b], Rule I, Book VI, Projects Corp. v. NLRC, G.R. No. 114733, Jan. 2, 1997)
IRR)
Q: Is the mode of compensation determinative of
Note: Regularization is not a management prerogative; regular employment?
rather, it is the nature of employment that determines
it. It is a mandate of the law. (PAL v. Pascua, G.R. No. A: No, while the Ees mode of compensation was on
143258, Aug. 15, 2003) a “per piece basis” the status and nature of their
employment was that of regular Ees. (Labor
69
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
70
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
71
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
e. The termination of his employment in the projects. These facts are the basis in considering them
particular project/undertaking is reported as regular Ees of the company. (Maraguinot v. NLRC,
to the Department of Labor and G.R. No. 120969, Jan. 22, 1998)
Employment Regional Office having
jurisdiction over the workplace within 30 Members of a work pool from which a construction
days following the date of his separation company draws its project Ees, if considered Ees of the
construction company while in the work pool, are non‐
from work, using the prescribed form on
project Ees or Ees for an indefinite period. If they are
employees’
employed in a particular project, the completion of the
termination/dismissal/suspensions
project or any phase thereof will not mean severance
of Er‐Ee relationship. Unless the workers in the work
f. An undertaking in the employment pool are free to leave any time and offer their services
contract by the employer to pay to other Ers. (L.T. Datu & Co., Inc. v. NLRC, G.R. No.
completion bonus to the project 113162, Feb. 9, 1996)
employee as practiced by most
construction companies Q: What is the “day certain” rule?
Q: What are the requisites in determining whether A: It states that a project employment that ends on
an employee (Ee) is a project Ee? a certain date does not end on an exact date but
upon the completion of the project.
A:
1. The project Ee was assigned to carry out a Q: Are project Ees entitled to separation pay?
specific project or undertaking, and
2. The duration and scope of which were A: GR: Project Ees are not entitled to separation
specified at the time the Ee was engaged pay if they are terminated as a result of the
for that project. (Imbuido v. NLRC, G.R. completion project.
No. 114734, Mar. 31, 2000)
3. The Ee must have been dismissed every XPN: If the projects they are working on have
after completion of his project or phase not yet been completed when their services are
4. Report to the DOLE of Ee’s dismissal on terminated; project Ees also enjoy security of
account of completion of contract (Policy tenure during the limited time of their
Inst. No. 20; D.O. 19 [1997]) employment. (De Ocampo v. NLRC, G.R. No.
81077, June 6, 1990)
Q: What is a project?
Q: Roger Puente was hired by Filsystems, Inc.,
A: A "project" has reference to a particular job or initially as an installer and eventually promoted to
undertaking that may or may not be within the mobile crane operator, and was stationed at the
regular or usual business of the Er. In either case, company’s premises. Puente claimed in his
the project must be distinct, separate and complaint for illegal dismissal, that his work was
identifiable from the main business of the Er, and continuous and without interruption for 10 years,
its duration must be determined or determinable and that he was dismissed from his employment
(PAL v. NLRC, G.R. No. 125792, Nov. 9, 1998). without any cause. Filsystems on its part averred
that Puente was a project Ee in the company’s
Q: Can a project employee (Ee) or a member of a various projects, and that after the completion of
work pool acquire the status of a regular Ee? each project, his employment was terminated, and
such was reported to the DOLE. Is Roger Puente a
A: Yes, when the following concur: regular Ee?
1. There is a continuous rehiring of project A: No, Puente is a project Ee. The contracts of
Ee’s even after cessation of a project; and employment of Puente attest to the fact that he
2. The tasks performed by the alleged was hired for specific projects. His employment was
“project Ee” are vital, necessary and coterminous with the completion of the projects for
indispensable to the usual business or which he had been hired. Those contracts expressly
trade of the employer (Er). provided that his tenure of employment depended
on the duration of any phase of the project or on
Note: The length of time during which the Ee was the completion of the construction projects.
continuously re‐hired is not controlling, but merely Furthermore, the company regularly submitted to
serves as a badge of regular employment. Enero and the labor dep’t reports of the termination of
Maraguinot have been employed for a period of not services of project workers. Such compliance with
less than 2 years and have been involved in at least 18
72
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
the reportorial req’t confirms that Puente was a duration of the season does not detract from
project Ee. considering them in regular employment. Seasonal
workers who are called to work from time to time
The mere rehiring of Puente on a project‐to‐project and are temporarily laid off during off‐season are
basis did not confer upon him regular employment not separated from service in that period, but
status. “The practice was dictated by the practical merely considered on leave until re‐employed.
consideration that experienced construction
workers are more preferred.” It did not change his If the Ee has been performing the job for at least a
status as a project Ee. (Filipinas Pre‐Fabricated year, even if the performance is not continuous and
Building Systems (FILSYSTEMS), Inc. v. Puente, G.R. merely intermittent, the law deems repeated and
No. 153832, Mar. 18, 2005) continuing need for its performance as sufficient
evidence of the necessity if not indispensability of
(3)Seasonal employment that activity to the business. Hence, the
employment is considered regular, but only with
Q: What is seasonal employment? respect to such activity and while such activity
exists. (Benares v. Pancho, G.R. No. 151827, April
A: Employment where the job, work or service to 29, 2005)
be performed is seasonal in nature and the
employment is for the duration of the season. Q: Carlito Codilan and Maximo Docena had been
(Sec.5 [a], Rule I, Book VI, IRR) working for the rice mill for 25 years, while
Eugenio Go, Teofilo Trangria and Reynaldo Tulin
An employment arrangement where an employee have been working for 22, 15, and 6 years
(Ee) is engaged to work during a particular season respectively. The operations of the rice mill
on an activity that is usually necessary or desirable continue to operate and do business throughout
in the usual business or trade of the employer (Er). the year even if there are only two or three
harvest seasons within the year. This seasonal
Note: For seasonal Ees, their employment legally ends harvesting is the reason why the company
upon completion of the project or the season. The considers the workers as seasonal Ees. Is the
termination of their employment cannot and should
company correct in considering the Ees as seasonal
not constitute an illegal dismissal. (Mercado v. NLRC,
Ees?
G.R. No. 79869, Sept. 5, 1991)
One year duration on the job is pertinent in deciding A: No, the fact is that big rice mills such as the one
whether a casual Ee has become regular or not, but it owned by the company continue to operate and do
is not pertinent to a seasonal or project Ee. Passage of business throughout the year even if there are only
time does not make a seasonal worker regular or two or three harvest seasons within the year. It is a
permanent. (Mercado v. NLRC, G.R. No. 78969, Sep. 5, common practice among farmers and rice dealers
1991) to store their palay and to have the same milled as
the need arises. Thus, the milling operations are
During off‐season, the relationship of Er‐Ee is not not seasonal. Finally, considering the number of
severed; the seasonal Ee is merely considered on LOA years that they have worked, the lowest being 6
without pay. Seasonal workers who are repeatedly years, the workers have long attained the status of
engaged from season to season performing the same regular Ees as defined under Art. 280. (Tacloban
tasks are deemed to have acquired regular Sagkahan Rice Mill v. NLRC, G.R. No. 73806, Mar. 21,
employment. (Hacienda Fatima v. National Federation 1990)
of Sugarcane Workers‐Food and General Trade, G.R.
No. 149440, Jan. 28, 2003)
(4)Casual employment
Q: Are seasonal Ees entitled to separation pay? Q: What is casual employment?
A: When the business establishment is sold which A:
effectively terminates the employment of the 1. It is an employment where the Ee is engaged in
seasonal Ees, the latter would be entitled to an activity which is not usually necessary or
separation pay. desirable in the usual business or trade of the Er,
provided: such employment is not project nor
Q: Can seasonal employees (Ees) be considered as seasonal (Art. 281).
regular Ees?
Note: But despite the distinction between regular
A: Yes. The fact that seasonal Ees do not work and casual employment, every Ee shall be
continuously for one whole year but only for the entitled to the same rights and privileges, and
73
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
shall be subject to the same duties as may be A:
granted by law to regular Ees during the period of CASUAL or
their actual employment. PROJECT WORKER CONTRACTUAL
WORKER
2.An Ee is engaged to perform a job, work or service Used to designate
which is merely incidental to the business of the Er, workers in the
and such job, work or service is for a definite period construction industry,
Generic term used to
made known to the Ee at the time of engagement hired to perform a
designate any worker
(Sec. 5 [b], Rule I, Book VI, IRR) specific undertaking for
covered by a wrtitten
a fixed period, co‐
contract to perform a
Note: If he has rendered at least 1 year of service, terminus with a project
specific undertaking for
whether such service is continuous or broken, he or phase thereof
a fixed period
is considered as regular Ee with respect to the determined at the time
activity in which he is employed and his of the engagement of
employment shall continue while such activity the Ee
exists. To be considered a true
project worker, it is
A Casual Ee is only casual for 1 year, and it is the required that a
passage of time that gives him a regular status. termination report be
(KASAMMA‐CCO v. CA, G.R. No. 159828, April 19, submitted to the
There is no such
2006) nearest public
requirement for an
employment office
ordinary contractual
The purpose is to give meaning to the upon the completion of
worker
constitutional guarantee of security of tenure and the construciton
right to self‐organization. (Mercado v. NLRC, G.R. project. (Aurora Land
No. 79868, Sep. 5, 1991) Projects Corp. v. NLRC,
G.R. No. 114733, Jan.
Q: Yakult Phils. is engaged in the manufacture of 2, 1997)
cultured milk. The workers were hired to cut
cogon grass and weeds at the back of the factory
building used by Yakult. They were not required (5)Fixed term employment; Requisites for validity
to work on fixed schedule and they worked on any
day of the week on their own discretion and Q: What is the nature of term employment?
convenience. The services of the workers were
A: A contract of employment for a definite period
terminated by Yakult on less than 1‐year after.
terminates by its own terms at the end of such
May casual or temporary Ees be dismissed by the
period. (Brent School v. Zamora, G.R. No. L‐48494,
Er before the expiration of the 1‐year period of
Feb. 5, 1990)
employment?
A: Yes, the usual business or trade of Yakult Phils. is Q: What is the decisive determinant in term
the manufacture of cultured milk. The cutting of employment?
the cogon grasses in the premises of its factory is
hardly necessary or desirable in the usual business A: It is the day certain agreed upon by the parties
of the Yakult. for the commencement and the termination of
their employment relation.
The workers are casual Ees. Nevertheless, they may
be considered regular Ees if they have rendered Q: What is a fixed‐term employment?
services for at least 1 year. When, as in this case,
they were dismissed from their employment before A: It is an employment where a fixed period of
the expiration of the 1‐year period they cannot employment was agreed upon:
lawfully claim that their dismissal was illegal.
(Capule, et al. v. NLRC, G.R. No. 90653, Nov. 12, 1. Knowingly and voluntarily by the parties,
1990) 2. Without any force, duress or improper
pressure being brought to bear upon the
Q: How is the project worker different from a employee (Ee) and
casual or contractual worker? Briefly explain your 3. Absent any other circumstances vitiating
answers. his consent, or
4. Where it satisfactorily appears that the Er
and Ee dealt with each other on more or
less equal terms with no moral
74
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
75
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
76
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
A: They shall be entitled to all the rights and A: The principal shall be solidarily liable with the
privileges due to a regular Ee as provided in the LC, contractor in the event of any violation of any
as amended to include the ff: provision of the LC, including the failure to pay
wages. This will not prevent the principal from
1. Safe and healthful working conditions claiming reimbursement from the contractor.
2. Service Incentive Leave, rest days, OT pay,
holiday pay, 13th month pay and Q: What does substantial capital or investment
separation pay mean?
3. Social security and welfare benefits;
4. Self‐organization, CBA and peaceful A: It refers to the capital stocks and subscribed
concerted actions capitalization in case of corporations, tools,
5. Security of tenure (Sec. 8, DO 18‐02) equipments, implement, machineries and work
premises, actually and directly used by the
Q: What are the effects of termination of CEe to contractor or subcontractor in the performance or
separation pay and other benefits? completion of the job, work or service contracted
out. (D.O. 18‐02)
A:
1. If prior to the expiration of the Note: The law does not require both substantial capital
employment contract between the and investment in the form of tools, equipments,
principal and the contractor or machineries, etc. This is clear from the use of
conjunction “or”. If the contention was to require the
subcontractor – The right of CEe to
contractor to prove that he has both capital and
separation pay or other related benefits
requisite investment, then the conjunction “and”
shall be governed by the applicable laws
should have been used. (Virginia Neri v. NLRC, G.R.
and jurisprudence on termination of No. 97008, July 21, 1993)
employment
Q: What does the right to control mean?
2. If the termination results from the
expiration of the contract between the A: It refers to the right reserved to the person for
principal and the contractor or whom the services of the contractual workers are
subcontractor – The Ee shall not be performed, to determine not only the end to be
entitled to separation pay. However, this achieved, but also the manner and means to be
is w/o prejudice to completion bonuses or used in reaching that end. (D.O. 18‐02)
other emoluments including retirement
pay as may be provided by law or in the Q: SMC and Sunflower Cooperative entered into a
contract between the principal and the 1‐yr Contract of Services, to be renewed on a
contractor. month to month basis until terminated by either
party. Pursuant to the contract, Sunflower
Q: When is the principal deemed the employer of engaged private respondents to render services at
the contractual employee? SMC’s Bacolod Shrimp Processing Plant. The
contract was deemed renewed by the parties
A: Where: every month after its expiration on Jan. 1, ‘94 and
respondents continued to perform their tasks until
1. There is labor‐only contracting Sep. 11, ‘95. In July ‘95, private respondents filed a
2. The contracting arrangement falls within complaint before the NLRC, praying to be declared
the prohibited acts as regular Ees of SMC, with claims for recovery of
all benefits and privileges enjoyed by SMC rank
Q: May the Er or indirect Er require the contractor and file Ees. Respondents subsequently filed an
or subcontractor to furnish a bond equal to the Amended Complaint to include illegal dismissal as
cost of labor under contract to answer for the additional cause of action following SMC’s closure
wages due to Ees in case the contractor or of its Bacolod Shrimp Processing Plant on which
subcontractor fails to pay the same? resulted in the termination of their services. SMC
filed a Motion for Leave to File Attached Third
rd
A: Yes. The Er or indirect Er may require the Party Complaint to implead Sunflower as 3 ‐Party
contractor or subcontractor to furnish a bond that Defendant. Are private respondents Ees of the
will answer for the wages due to the Ees. independent cooperative contractor (Sunflower)
or of the SMC?
Q: What is the liability of the principal?
77
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
A: The contention of SMC holds no basis. Using the
“substantial capital” doctrine and the “right of A: It gives rise to confusion as to who is the real Er
control test”, the Court found that the Sunflower of the workers and who is liable to their claims. It
had no substantial capital in the form of tools, also deprives workers of the opportunity to become
equipment, machineries, work premises and other regular Ees.
materials to qualify itself as an independent
contractor. The lot, building, machineries and all Q: How do we determine if one is engaged in
other working tools utilized by private respondents labor/job only contracting?
in carrying out their tasks were owned and
provided by SMC. In addition, the shrimp A: The test to determine whether one is a job/labor
processing company was found to have control of only contracting is to look into the elements of a job
the manner and method on how the work was contractor. If all the elements of a job contractor
done. Thus, the complainants were deemed Ees not are present, then he is a job contractor. Absent one
of the cooperative but of the shrimp processing of the elements for a job contractor, then the
company. Since respondents who were engaged in person is a labor‐only contractor.
shrimp processing performed tasks usually
necessary or desirable in the aquaculture business Note: It is the opinion of Dean Antonio H. Abad, Jr.
of SMC, they should be deemed regular Ees of the that the decisive determinant in job contracting should
not be the fact that the contracted workers are
latter and as such are entitled to all the benefits
“performing activities which are directly related to the
and rights appurtenant to regular employment.
main business of the principal,” but that the principal
(SMC vs. Prospero Aballa, et al., G.R. No. 149011, has no right to control the conduct of the employees
June 28, 2005, J. Carpio‐Morales) as to the means employed to achieve an end; not the
character of the activities as being “usually necessary
Q: What are the conditions before permitting job or desirable in the usual business of the employer.”
contracting?
It cannot be gainsaid that the activities of the
A: contracted workers are always necessary or desirable;
1. The labor contractor must be duly even that they are directly related to the main
licensed by the appropriate Regional business of the principal. The primordial consideration
Office of the DOLE should be the “control test.” Hence, if the
2. There should be a written contract arrangement passes the control test, it is “job‐
between the labor contractor and his contracting.” If it fails, it is “labor‐only contracting.”
client‐Er that will assure the Ees at least
the minimum labor standards and Q: Distinguish between job contracting and labor
benefits provided by existing laws. only contracting
Note: The Ees of the contractor or subcontractor shall A:
be paid in accordance with the provisions of the LC. LABOR‐ONLY
JOB CONTRACTING
(Art. 106) CONTRACTING
Liability is limited (shall be
Q: What is labor‐only contracting? solidarily liable with Er
Liability extends to all
only when the Er fails to
those provided under
A: It refers to an arrangement where the following comply with req’ts as to
the Labor Standards law
conditions concur: unpaid wages and other
labor standards violations)
1. The person supplying workers to an Er Permissible, subject only
Prohibited by Law
does not have substantial capital or to certain conditions
investment in the form of tools, The contractor has
Has no substantial
equipment, machineries, work, premises, substantial capital or
capital or investment
investment
among others, or
2. Even if such person has substantial assets,
the same are not actually or directly used Q: SMPC entered into a contract with Arnold for
by the Ees contracted out; the milling of lumber as well as the hauling of
3. The workers recruited and placed by such waste wood products. The company provided the
person are performing activities which are equipment and tools because Arnold had neither
directly related to the principal business tools and equipment nor capital for the job.
of such Er. Arnold, on the other hand, hired his friends,
relatives and neighbors for the job. Their wages
Q: Why is labor only contracting prohibited? were paid by SMPC to Arnold, based on their
78
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
production or the number of workers and the time A: Substantive Due Process provides the ground for
used in certain areas of work. All work activities disciplinary action, i.e. corrective or retributive
and schedules were fixed by the company.
(a)Just causes
1. Is Arnold a job contractor? Explain briefly
Q: What are the just causes for termination (Art.
2. Who is liable for the claims of the workers hired 282, LC)?
by Arnold? Explain briefly.
A:
A: 1. Serious misconduct or willful
1. No. In the problem given, Arnold did not disobedience by the employee (Ee) of the
have sufficient capital or investment for lawful orders of his employer (Er) or
one. For another, Arnold was not free representative in connection with his
from the control and direction of SMPC work
because all work activities and schedules 2. Gross and habitual neglect by the Ee of
were fixed by the company. Therefore, his duties
Arnold is not a job contractor. He is 3. Fraud or willful breach by the Ee of the
engaged in labor‐only contracting. trust reposed in him by his Er or duly
2. SMPC is liable for the claims of the organized representative
workers hired by Arnold. A finding that 4. Commission of a crime or offense by the
Arnold is a labor only contractor is Ee against the person of his Er or any
equivalent to declaring that there exist an immediate member of his family or his
Er‐Ee relationship between SMPC and duly authorized representative.
workers hired by Arnold. This is so 5. Other causes analogous to the foregoing
because Arnold is considered a mere
agent of SMPC (Lim v. NLRC, G.R. No. Note: The burden of proving that the termination was
124630, Feb. 19, 1999); 2002 Bar for a valid or authorized cause shall rest on the Er. (Art.
Question) 277[b])
Q: What are the grounds for delisting of 1.Serious Misconduct
contractors or subcontractors?
Q: What is serious misconduct?
A:
1. Non‐submission of contracts between the A: It is an improper or wrong conduct; the
principal and the contractor or transgression of some established and definite rule
subcontractor when required to do so; of action, a forbidden act, a dereliction of duty,
2. Non‐submission of annual report; willful in character, and implies wrongful intent and
3. Findings through arbitration that the not mere error in judgment. To be serious within
contractor or subcontractor has engaged the meaning and intendment of the law, the
in labor‐only contracting and other misconduct must be of such grave and aggravated
prohibited activities; character and not merely trivial or unimportant.
4. Non‐compliance with labor standards and (Villamor Golf Club v. Pehid, G.R. No. 166152, Oct.
working conditions. (Sec. 16, D.O. 18‐02) 4, 2005)
Q: What are the effects of finding that there is Q: What are the elements of serious misconduct?
labor‐only contracting?
A:
A: A finding that a contractor is a “labor‐only” 1. It must be serious or of such a grave and
contractor is equivalent to declaring that there is an aggravated character;
employer‐employee relationship between the 2. Must relate to the performance of the
principal and the employees of the “labor‐only” employees (Ee) duties;
contractor. (Assoc. Anglo‐American Tobacco Corp. 3. Ee has become unfit to continue working
v. Clave, G.R. No. 50915, Aug. 30, 1990) for the employer. (Philippine Aeolus
Automotive United Corp. v. NLRC, G.R.
2.TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT No. 124617, April 28, 2000)
a.Substantive due process Q: Give some examples of serious misconduct.
Q: What is Substantive due process? A:
79
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
80
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
Q: When is there Habitual Neglect of duties? A: Sleeping on the job as a valid ground for
dismissal only applies to security guards whose duty
A: Habitual Neglect implies repeated failure to necessitates that they be awake and watchful at all
perform one’s duties over a period of time, times. Gambido’s single act of sleeping further
depending upon the circumstance. (JGB and shows that the alleged negligence or neglect of
Associates v. NLRC, GR No. 10939, Mar. 7, 1996) duty was neither gross nor habitual. (VH
Manufacturing v. NLRC, G.R. No. 130957, Jan. 19,
Q: Antiola, as assorter of baby infant dress as for
2000)
Judy Phils. erroneously assorted and packaged
2,680 dozens of infant wear. Antiola was Q: Give some forms of neglect of duty.
dismissed from employment for this infraction.
Does the single act of misassortment constitute A:
gross negligence? 1. Habitual tardiness and absenteeism
2. Abandonment:
A: No. Such neglect must not only be gross but also a. Failure to report for work or absence
habitual in character. Hence, the penalty of without justifiable reason
dismissal is quite severe considering that Antiola b. Clear intention to sever Er‐Ee
committed the infraction for the first time. (Judy relationship manifested by some
Phils. v. NLRC, G.R. No. 111934. April 29, 1998) overt acts. (Labor et. al v. NLRC, GR
No. 110388, Sep.14, 1995)
Q: Does the failure in performance evaluations
amount to gross and habitual neglect of duties?
4.Abandonment
A: As a general concept “poor performance” is
Q: What is abandonment as a just cause for
equivalent to inefficiency and incompetence in the
termination?
performance of official duties. The fact that an
employee’s (Ee’s) performance is found to be poor A: It means the deliberate, unjustified refusal of an
or unsatisfactory does not necessarily mean that employee to resume his employment.
the Ee is grossly and habitually negligent of his
duties. Gross negligence implies a want or absence Q: What are the requirements for a valid finding of
of or failure to exercise slight care of diligence or abandonment?
the entire absence or care. He evinces a thoughtless
disregard of consequences without exerting any A: For a valid finding of abandonment, 2 factors
effort to avoid them. (Eastern Overseas must be present:
Employment Center Inc. v. Bea, G.R. 143023, 1. The failure to report for work, or absence
Nov.29, 2005) without valid or justifiable reason; and
2. A clear intention to sever Er‐Ee
Q: Is inefficiency a just cause for dismissal? relationship, with the 2nd element as the
81
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
more determinative factor, being money or property – to this class
manifested by some overt acts. (Sta. belong cashiers, auditors, property
Catalina College s. NLRC, G.R. No. custodians, etc., or those who, in the
144483, Nov. 19, 2003) normal and routine exercise of their
functions, regularly handle
Q: How to prove abandonment? significant amounts of money or
property. (Mabeza v. NLRC, G.R. No.
A: To prove abandonment, the Er must show that 118506 April 18, 1997)
the Ee deliberately and unjustifiably refused to
resume his employment without any intention of 2. The loss of trust and confidence must be
returning. There must be a concurrence of the based on willful breach.
intention to abandon and some overt acts from
which an Ee may be deduced as having no more Note: A breach is willful if it is done
intention to work. The law, however, does not intentionally, knowingly, and purposely
enumerate what specific overt acts can be without justifiable excuse, as distinguished
considered as strong evidence of the intention to from an act done carelessly, thoughtlessly,
sever the Ee‐Er relationship. (Sta. Catalina College heedlessly, or inadvertently (De la Cruz v.
v. NLRC, G.R. No. 144483. Nov. 19, 2003) NLRC, G.R. No. 119536, Feb. 17, 1997)
Q: Mejila a barber at Windfield Barber Shop, had 3. The act constituting the breach must be
an altercation with a fellow barber which resulted “work‐related” such as would show the
in his subsequent turning over the duplicate keys Ee concerned to be unfit to continue
of the shop to the cashier and took away all his working for the Er. (Gonzales V. NLRC,
belongings there from and worked at different G.R. No. 131653, Mar. 26, 2001)
barbershop. Mejila then filed an illegal dismissal
case but did not seek reinstatement as a relief. Did 4. It must be substantial and founded on
Mejila commit abandonment? clearly established facts sufficient to
warrant the Ee’s separation from
A: Mejila’s acts such as surrendering the shop’s employment. (Sulpicio Lines Inc. V. Gulde,
keys, not reporting to the shop anymore without G.R. No. 149930, Feb. 22, 2002)
any justifiable reason, his employment in another
barber shop, and the filing of a complaint for illegal 5. Fraud must be committed against the Er
dismissal without praying for reinstatement clearly or his representatives, e.g.:
show that there was a concurrence of the intention a. Falsification of time cards
to abandon and some overt acts from which it may b. Theft of company property
be inferred that the Ee concerned has no more c. Unauthorized use of company
interest in working. (Jo v. NLRC, G.R. No. 121605, vehicle
Feb. 2, 2000)
Note: The treatment of rank and file personnel and
5.Fraud; Breach of Trust / Loss of Confidence managerial Ees in so far as the application of the
doctrine of loss of trust and confidence is concerned is
Q: When is breach of trust/loss of confidence a different. As regards managerial Ees, such as Caoile,
mere existence of a basis for believing that such Ee has
just cause for termination?
breached the trust of his Er would suffice for his
dismissal. (Caoile v. NLRC, G.R. No. 115491, Nov. 24,
A:
1998)
1. It applies only to cases involving:
a. Employees (Ees) occupying positions
Q: What are the guidelines for the doctrine of loss
of trust and confidence (confidential
of confidence to apply?
and managerial Ee’s) – to this class
belong managerial Ees, i.e., those A:
vested with the powers or 1. Loss of confidence should not be
prerogatives to lay down simulated (reasonable basis for loss of
management policies and/or to hire, trust and confidence)
transfer, suspend, lay‐off, recall, 2. Not used for subterfuge for causes which
discharge, assign or discipline Ees or are improper and/or illegal and
effectively recommend such unjustified
managerial actions 3. Not arbitrarily asserted in the face of
b. Ees routinely charged with the care overwhelming evidence to the contrary
and custody of the employer’s (Er’s)
82
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
4. Must be genuine, not a mere An investigation was promptly launched by the
afterthought to justify earlier action taken company’s officers. Abel attended the meetings
in bad faith and but claimed that he was neither asked if he
5. The Ee involved holds a position of trust needed the assistance of counsel nor allowed to
and confidence properly present his side. By memo, the company
found Abel guilty of (1) fraud resulting in loss of
Note: The breach of trust must rest on substantial trust and confidence and (2) gross neglect of duty,
grounds and not on the Er’s arbitrariness, whims, and was meted out the penalty of dismissal from
caprices, or suspicion; otherwise, the Ee would employment. Was Abel validly dismissed for any
eternally remain at the mercy of the Er. It should be of the causes provided for in Art. 282 of the LC?
genuine and not simulated, nor should it appear as a
mere afterthought to justify earlier action taken in bad A: No. The 1st requisite for dismissal on the ground
faith of a subterfuge for causes which are improper, of loss of trust and confidence is that the Ee
illegal, or unjustified. It has never been intended to concerned must be holding a position of trust and
afford and occasion for abuse because of its subjective
confidence. Abel was a contract claims assistant at
nature. There must, therefore, be an actual breach of
the time he allegedly committed the acts which led
dully committed by the employee which must be
to its loss of trust and confidence. It is not the job
established by substantial evidence. (Dela Cruz v.
NLRC, G.R. No. 119536, Feb. 17, 1997) title but the actual work that the Ee performs. It
was part of Abel’s responsibilities to monitor the
Q: Mabeza a chambermaid at Hotel Supreme was performance of the company’s contractors in
terminated from employment because of her relation to the scope of work contracted out to
refusal to sign an affidavit attesting to their them.
employer’s (Er’s) compliance with minimum wage
and other labor standards. Mabeza filed a The 2nd requisite is that there must be an act that
complaint for illegal dismissal against Hotel would justify the loss of trust and confidence. Loss
Supreme. As a defense, Hotel Supreme claimed of trust and confidence, to be a valid cause for
that she abandoned her work and belatedly dismissal, must be based on a willful breach of trust
claimed loss of confidence as the ground for the and founded on clearly established facts. The basis
dismissal of Mabeza because she stole some of the for the dismissal must be clearly and convincingly
properties of her Er. Is loss of confidence a valid established but proof beyond reasonable doubt is
ground for dismissal of a hotel chambermaid? not necessary. The company’s evidence against
Abel fails to meet this standard. Its lone witness,
A: No. Loss of confidence as a just cause for Lupega, did not support his affidavit and testimony
dismissal was never intended to provide Ers with a during the company investigation with any piece of
blank check for terminating their Ees. Evidently, an evidence at all. It could hardly be considered
ordinary chambermaid who has to sign out for linen substantial evidence. (Abel v. Philex Mining Corp.,
and other hotel property from the property G.R. No. 178976, July 31, 2009, J. Carpio‐Morales)
custodian each day and who has to account for
each and every towel or bed sheet utilized by the 6.Termination of Employment pursuant to Union
hotel's guests at the end of her shift would not fall Security Clause
under any of these two classes of Ees for which loss
Q: MSMG was a local union affiliated with ULGWP
of confidence, if ably supported by evidence, would
a national federation. MSMG had a dispute with
normally apply. (Mabeza v. NLRC, G.R. No. 118506,
ULGWP over an imposition of a fine prompting
April 18, 1997)
MSMG to declare independence from ULGWP.
Q: Abelardo Abel was first hired by Philex Mining Because of the dispute, ULGWP asked for the
Corp. in Jan. ’88. He was later assigned to the dismissal from employment of the officers of
company’s Legal Dep’t as a Contract Claims Asst., MDMG from the company by virtue of a union
and held the position for 5 yrs prior to his transfer security clause in the CBA. The company dismissed
to the Mine Eng’g and Draw Control Dep’t wherein the officers. Does a union security clause absolve
he was appointed Unit Head. In ‘02, he was the company form observing the requirement of
implicated in an irregularity occurring in the due process?
subsidence area of the company’s mine site at
A: Although union security clauses embodied in the
Benguet. His co‐worker Danilo, executed an
CBA may be validly enforced and dismissals
affidavit known as the “Subsidence Area
pursuant thereto may likewise be valid, this does
Anomaly”. The incidents in Lupega’s affidavit
not erase the fundamental requirement of due
supposedly took place when Abel was still a
process. An employer cannot merely rely upon a
Contract Claims Asst. at the company’s legal dep’t.
labor federation’s allegations in terminating union
83
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
84
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
4. Retrenchment – cutting of expenses and Purpose: To enable it to ascertain the
includes the reduction of personnel; It is a verity of the cause of termination.
management prerogative, a means to
protect and preserve the Er’s viability and 2. Written notice to Ee concerned 30 days
ensure his survival. To be an authorized prior the intended date of termination.
cause it must be affected in good faith
(GF) and for the retrenchment, which is 3. Payment of separation pay ‐ Serious
after all a drastic recourse with serious business losses do not excuse the Er from
consequences for the livelihood of the complying with the clearance or report
Ee’s or otherwise laid‐off. required in Art. 283 of the LC and its IRR
before terminating the employment of its
Note: The phrase “to prevent losses” means workers. In the absence of justifying
that retrenchment or termination from the circumstances, the failure of the Er to
service of some Ees is authorized to be observe the procedural req’ts under Art.
undertaken by the Er sometime before the 284 taints their actuations with bad faith
anticipated losses are actually sustained or if the lay‐off was temporary but then
realized. Evidently, actual losses need not serious business losses prevented the
set in prior to retrenchment. (Cajucom VII v. reinstatement of respondents, the Er’s
TP Phils Cement Corp., et al, G.R. No.
should have complied with the req’ts of
149090, Feb. 11, 2005)
written notice.
5. Closing or cessation of operation of the
Redundancy
establishment or undertaking – must be
done in good faith and not for the
Q: What are the requisites of a valid redundancy?
purpose of circumventing pertinent labor
laws.
A:
1. Written notice served on both the
6. Disease – must be incurable within 6
employees (Ees) and the DOLE at least 1
months and the continued employment is
month prior to separation from work
prohibited by law or prejudicial to his
2. Payment of separation pay equivalent to
health as well as to the health of his co‐
at least 1 month pay or at least 1 month
Ees with a certification from the public
pay for every year of service, whichever is
health officer that the disease is incurable
higher
within 6 months despite due to
3. Good faith in abolishing redundant
medication and treatment
position
4. Fair and reasonable criteria in
Q: What are other authorized causes?
ascertaining what positions are to be
declared redundant:
A:
a. Less preferred status, e.g. temporary
1. Total and permanent disability of Ee
Ee
2. Valid application of union security clause
b. Efficiency and
3. Expiration of period in term of
c. Seniority
employment
4. Completion of project in project
Q: Ong, a Sales Manager of Wiltshire File Co., Inc.,
employment
was informed of the termination of his
5. Failure in probation
employment due to redundancy upon returning
6. Relocation of business to a distant place
from a trip abroad. Ong maintains that there can
7. Defiance of return‐to work‐order
be no redundancy since he was the only person
8. Commission of Illegal acts in strike
occupying his position in the company.
9. Violation of contractual agreement
10. Retirement
Is there redundancy even though Ong was the only
one occupying his position.
Q: What are the procedural steps required in
termination of an employee for authorized A: Redundancy in an employer’s (Er’s) personnel
causes? does not necessarily or even ordinarily refer to
duplication of work. The characterization ofOng’s
A: services as no longer necessary or sustainable and
1. Written Notice to DOLE 30 days prior to therefore properly terminable, was an exercise of
the intended day of termination. business judgment on the part of Wiltshire.
85
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
86
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
87
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
(Galaxie Steel Workers Union v. NLRC, G.R. No. damages and claim for employment benefits.
165757, Oct. 17, 2006) Were the losses incurred by the company enough
to justify closure of its operations?
Are Ees entitled to separation pay?
A: The determination to cease operations is a
A: No. Galaxie had been experiencing serious prerogative of management that is usually not
financial losses at the time it closed business interfered with by the State as no business can be
operations. Art. 283 of the LC governs the grant of required to continue operating at a loss simply to
separation benefits "in case of closures or cessation maintain the workers in employment. That would
of operation" of business establishments "not due be a taking of property without due process of law
to serious business losses or financial reverses." which the employer has a right to resist. But where
Where, the closure then is due to serious business it is manifest that the closure is motivated not by a
losses, the LC does not impose any obligation upon desire to avoid further losses but to discourage the
the employer to pay separation benefits. (Galaxie workers from organizing themselves into a union
Steel Workers Unin v. NLRC, G.R. No. 165757, Oct. for more effective negotiations with management,
17, 2006) the State is bound to intervene. The losses of less
than P2,000 for a corporation capitalized at P3
Q: Rank‐and‐file workers of SIMEX filed a petition million cannot be considered serious enough to call
for direct certification and affiliated with Union of for the closure of the company. (Carmelcraft Corp.
Filipino Workers (UFW). Subsequently, 36 workers v. NLRC, G.R. No. 90634‐35, June 6, 1990)
of the company’s “lumpia” dep’t and 16 other
workers from other dep’ts were effectively locked Q: Is the transferee of the closed corporation
out when their working areas were cleaned out. required to absorb the employees (Ees) of the old
The workers through UFW filed a complaint for corporation?
unfair labor practices against the company. SIMEX
then filed a notice of permanent shutdown/total A:
closure of all units of operation in the GR: There is no law requiring a bona fide purchaser
establishment with the DOLE allegedly due to of assets of an on‐going concern to absorb in its
business reverses brought about by the enormous employ the Ee’s of the latter except when the
rejection of their products for export to the United transaction between the parties is colored or
States. clothed with bad faith (BF). (Sundowner Dev’t Corp.
v. Drilon, G.R. No. 82341, Dec. 6, 1989)
Was the closure warranted by the alleged business
reverses? XPNs:
1. Where the transferee was found to be
A: The closure of a business establishment is a merely an alter ego of the different
ground for the termination of the services of any merging firms. (Filipinas Port Services, Inc.
employee unless the closing is for the purpose of v. NLRC, G.R. No. 97237, Aug. 16, 1991)
circumventing the provisions of the law. But, while 2. Where the transferee voluntarily agrees
business reverses can be a just cause for to do so. (Marina Port Services, Inc. v.
terminating employees, they must be sufficiently Iniego, G.R. No. 77853, Jan. 22, 1990)
proved. In this case, the audited financial statement
of SIMEX clearly indicates that they actually derived Q: Marikina Dairy Industries, Inc. decided to sell its
earnings. Although the rejections may have reduced assets and close operations on the ground of
their earnings they were not suffering losses. There heavy losses. The unions alleged that the financial
is no question that an employer may reduce its losses were imaginary and the dissolution was a
work force to prevent losses but it must be serious, scheme maliciously designed to evade its legal and
actual and real otherwise this ground for social obligations to its employees (Ees). The
termination would be susceptible to abuse by unions want the buyers of the corporations assets
scheming employers who might be merely feigning restrained to operate unless the members of the
business losses or reverses in their business unions were the ones hired to operate the plant
ventures to ease out employees. (Union of Filipino under the terms and conditions specified in the
Workers v. NLRC, G.R. No. 90519, Mar. 23, 1992) collective bargaining agreements.
Q: Carmelcraft Corporation closed it business Is the buyer of a company’s assets required to
operations allegedly due to losses of P1, 603.88 absorb the Ees of the seller?
after the Carmelcraft Ees Union filed a petition for
certification election. Carmelcraft Union filed a A: There is no law requiring that the purchaser of a
complaint for illegal lockout and ULP with company’s assets should absorb its Ees and the
88
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
most that can be done for reasons of public policy 2. With a certification by competent public
and social justice was to direct that buyers of such health authority that the disease is
assets to give preference to the qualified separated incurable within 6 months despite due
Ees in the filling up of vacancies in the facilities of medication and treatment. (Solis v. NLRC,
the buyer. (MDII Supervisors & Confidential Ees GR No. 116175, Oct. 28,1996)
Ass’n (FFW) v. residential Assistant on Legal Affairs,
G.R. Nos. L‐45421‐23, Sep. 9, 1977) Note: The req’t for a medical certification cannot
be dispensed with; otherwise, it would sanction
Q: What is the difference between closure and the unilateral and arbitrary determination by the
retrenchment? Er of the gravity or extent of the Ee’s illness and
thus defeat the public policy on the protection of
A: labor. (Manly Express v Payong, G.R. No. 167462,
CLOSURE RETRENCHMENT Oct.25, 2005)
Is the reversal of Is the reduction of
fortune of the Er personnel for the purpose Termination of services for health reasons must
whereby there is a of cutting down on costs of be effected only upon compliance with the above
complete cessation of operations in terms of requisites. The req’t for a medical certificate
business operations to salaries and wages under Art. 284 of the LC cannot be dispensed
prevent further financial resorted to by an Er with; otherwise, it would sanction the unilateral
drain upon an Er who because of losses in and arbitrary determination by the Er of the
cannot pay anymore his operation of a business gravity or extent of the Ee’s illness and thus
Ees since business has occasioned by lack of work defeat the public policy on the protection of
already stopped. and considerable reduction labor. (Sy et. al v. CA, G.R. No. 142293, Feb. 27,
in the volume of business. 2003)
As in the case of
retrenchment, however, Q: What is the procedure in terminating an
for the closure of a employee (Ee) on the ground of disease?
One of the prerogatives
business or a department
of management is the A:
due to serious business
decision to close the
losses to be regarded as an 1. The employer (Er) shall not terminate his
entire establishment or
authorized cause for employment unless:
to close or abolish a
terminating Ees, it must be a. There is a certification by a
department or section
proven that the losses competent public health authority
thereof for economic
incurred are substantial b. That the disease is of such nature or
reasons, such as to
and actual or reasonably at such a stage that it cannot be
minimize expenses and
imminent; that the same cured within a period of 6 months
reduce capitalization.
increased through a period even with proper medical treatment.
of time; and that the
condition of the company
2. If the disease or ailment can be cured
is not likely to improve in
within the period, the Er shall not
the near future.
terminate the Ee but shall ask the Ee to
LC provides for the
Does not obligate the Er take a leave. The Er shall reinstate such Ee
payment of separation
for the payment of to his former position immediately upon
package in case of
separation package if the restoration of his normal health. (Sec.
retrenchment to prevent
there is closure of 8, Rule I, Book VI, IRR)
losses.
business due to serious
losses. Q: Is an employee suffering from a disease entitled
to reinstatement?
Disease A: Yes, provided he presents a certification by a
competent public health authority that he is fit to
Q: When is disease a ground for dismissal? return to work. (Cebu Royal Plant v. Deputy
Minister, G.R. No. L‐58639, Aug. 12, 1987)
A: Where the Ee suffers from a disease, and:
1. His continued employment is prohibited Q: Is the requirements of a medical certificate
by law or prejudicial to his health or to mandatory?
the health of his co‐Ees. (Sec.8, Rule I,
Book VI, IRR) A: Yes, it is only where there is a prior certification
from a competent public authority that the disease
89
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
Q: Discuss the rules on separation pay with regard Q: DAP Corp. ceased its operation due to the
to each cause of termination. termination of its distribution agreement with Int’l
Distributors Corp. which resulted in its need to
A: cease its business operations and to terminate the
employment of its Ees. Marcial et al. filed a
CAUSE OF complaint for illegal dismissal and for failure to
SEPARATION PAY
TERMINATION give the Ees written notices regarding the
Equivalent to at least 1 month termination of their employment. On the other
pay or at least 1 month pay hand, DAP claims that their Ees actually knew of
Automation for every year of service, the termination therefore the written notices
whichever is higher were no longer required. Are written notices
Equivalent to at least 1 month dispensed with when the Ees have actual
pay or at least 1 month pay knowledge of the redundancy?
Redundancy for every year of service,
whichever is higher A: The Ees’ actual knowledge of the termination of
Equivalent to 1 month pay or a company’s distributorship agreement with
at least ½ month pay for another company is not sufficient to replace the
Retrenchment
every year or service formal and written notice required by law. In the
90
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
91
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
in the implementing rules and opportunity to explain his side and (2) another
regulations. (Perez v. PT&T, G.R. No. written notice indicating that, upon due
152048, Apr. 7, 2009) consideration of all circumstances, grounds have
been established to justify the Er's decision to
Q: Who has the burden of proof? dismiss the Ee.
92
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
A: No, In Agabon v. NLRC, G.R. No. 158693, Nov. Note: An order of reinstatement by the LA is not the
17, 2004, it was held that when dismissal is for just same as actual reinstatement of a dismissed or
or authorized cause but due process was not separated Ee. Thus, until the Er continuously fails to
observed, the dismissal should be upheld. actually implement the reinstatement aspect of the
decision of the LA, their obligation to the illegally
However, the employer (Er) should be held liable dismissed Ee, insofar as accrued backwages and other
for non‐compliance with the procedural req’ts of benefits are concerned, continues to accumulate. It is
only when the illegally dismissed Ee receives the
due process (e.g. damages). The Agabon ruling was
separation pay (in case of strained relations) that it
modified by JAKA Food Processing v. Pacot (G.R. No.
could be claimed with certainty that the Er‐Ee
515378, Mar. 28, 2005) where it was held that: realtionship has formally ceased thereby precluding
the possibility of reinstatement. In the meantime, the
1. If based on just cause (Art. 282) but the Er illegally dismissed Ees entitlement to backwages, 13th
failed to comply with the notice req’t, the month pay, and other benefits subsists. Until the
sanction to be imposed upon him should payment of separation pay is carried out, the Er should
be tempered because the dismissal not be allowed to remain unpunished for the delay, if
process was, in effect, initiated by an act not outright refusal, to immediately execute the
imputable to the Ee; and reinstatement aspect of the LA’s decision.
2. If based on authorized causes (Art. 283)
but the Er failed to comply with the notice Further, the Er cannot refuse to reinstate the illegally
req’t, the sanction should be stiffer dismissed Ee by claiming that the latter had already
because the dismissal process was found a job elsewhere. Minimum wage earners are left
initiated by Er’s exercise of his with no choice after they are illegally dismissed from
management prerogative. their employment, but to seek new employment in
order to earn a decent living. Surely, we could not fault
them for their perseverance in looking for and
c.Reliefs for illegal dismissal
eventually securing new employment opportunities
instead of remaining idle and waiting the outcome of
(1)Reinstatement aspect the case. (Triad Security & Allied Services, Inc. et al v.
Ortega, G.R. No. 160871, Feb. 6, 2006).
Q: What are the remedies available to an illegally
dismissed employee (Ee)? Q: Distinguish Arts. 223 from 279 of the LC?
A: An Ee who is unjustly dismissed from work shall A:
by entitled to: Art. 279 Art. 223
1. Reinstatement without loss of seniority Presupposes that the May be availed of as soon
rights and judgment has already as the labor arbiter
2. Full backwages. (Sec. 3, Rule I, Book VI, become final and renders a judgment
IRR) executory. declaring that the
3. Separation pay in lieu of reinstatement, if dismissal of the Ee is
the latter is no longer feasible Consequently, there is illegal and ordering said
nothing left to be done reinstatement. It may be
Q: What is reinstatement? except the execution availed of even pending
thereof. appeal
A: It is the restoration of the employee to the state
from which he has been unjustly removed or Note: An award or order for reinstatement is self‐
separated without loss of seniority rights and other executory. It does not require the issuance of a writ of
privileges. execution. (Pioneer Texturizing Corp. v. NLRC, G.R. No.
118651, Oct. 16, 1997)
(a)Immediately executory: actual reinstatement and
Q: PAL dismissed Garcia, for violating PAL’s Code
payroll reinstatement
of Discipline for allegedly sniffing shabu in PAL’s
Technical Center Toolroom Section. Garcia then
Q: What are the forms of reinstatement?
filed for illegal dismissal and damages where the
A: Labor Arbiter (LA) ordered PAL to immediately
1. Actual or physical – the employee (Ee) is reinstate Garcia. On appeal, the NLRC reversed
admitted back to work the decision and dismissed Garcia’s complaint for
2. Payroll – the Ee is merely reinstated in the lack of merit. Garcia’s motion for reconsideration
payroll was denied by the NLRC. It affirmed the validity of
the writ and the notice issued by the LA but
suspended and referred the action to the
93
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
Rehabilitation Receiver for appropriate action. not include a prayer for reinstatement, unless, of
Whether Garcia may collect their wages during the course the Ee has waived his right to reinstatement.
period between the LA’s order of reinstatement By law, an Ee who is unjustly dismissed is entitled to
pending appeal and the NLRC decision overturning reinstatement among others. The mere fact that
that of the LA? the complaint did not pray for reinstatement will
not prejudice the Ee, because technicalities of law
A: Par. 3 of Art. 223 of the LC provides that the and procedure are frowned upon in labor
decision of the LA reinstating a dismissed or proceedings (Pheschem Industrial Corp. v. Moldez,
separated Ee, insofar as the reinstatement aspect is G.R. No. 1161158, May 9, 2005).
concerned, shall immediately be executory,
pending appeal. Q: What happens if there is an Order of
Reinstatement but the position is no longer
Even if the order of reinstatement of the LA is available?
reversed on appeal, it is obligatory on the part of
the Er to reinstate and pay the wages of the A: The employee (Ee) should be given a
dismissed Ee during the period of appeal until substantially equivalent position. If no substantially
reversal by the higher court. On the other hand, if equivalent position is available, reinstatement
the Ee has been reinstated during the appeal period should not be ordered because that would in effect
and such reinstatement order is reversed with compel the employer to do the impossible. In such
finality, the Ee is not required to reimburse a situation, the Ee should merely be given a
whatever salary he received for he is entitled to separation pay consisting of 1‐month salary for
such, more so if he actually rendered services every year of service (Grolier Int’l Inc. v. ELA, G.R.
during the period. No. 83523, Aug. 31, 1989)
94
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
3. When it will not serve the best interest of as that provided under Art. 283 of the LC in case of
the parties involved. retrenchment to prevent losses?
4. Company will be prejudiced by
reinstatement. A: No. The separation pay awarded to employees
5. When it will not serve a prudent purpose. due to illegal dismissal is different from the amount
6. When there is resultant strained relation of separation pay provided for in Art. 283 of the LC.
(applies to both confidential and Prescinding from the above, Phil. Tobacco is liable
managerial employees (Ees) only). for illegal dismissal and should be responsible for
7. When the position has been abolished the reinstatement of the Lubat group and the
(applies to both managerial, supervisory payment of their backwages. However, since
and rank‐and‐file Ees). reinstatement is no longer possible as Phil. Tobacco
have already closed its Balintawak plant, members
Note: In such cases, it would be more prudent to order of the said group should instead be awarded
payment of separation pay instead of reinstatement. normal separation pay (in lieu of reinstatement)
(Quijano v. Mercury Drug Corporation, G.R. No. equivalent to at least one month pay, or one month
126561, July 8, 1998) pay for every year of service, whichever is higher. It
must be stressed that the separation pay being
Q: Respondents are licensed drivers of public awarded to the Lubat group is due to illegal
utility jeepneys owned by Moises Capili. When dismissal; hence, it is different from the amount of
Capili assumed ownership and operation of the separation pay provided for in Article 283 in case of
jeepneys, the drivers were required to sign retrenchment to prevent losses or in case of closure
individual contracts of lease of the jeepneys. The or cessation of the Er’s business, in either of which
drivers gathered the impression that signing the the separation pay is equivalent to at least one (1)
contract was a condition precedent before they month or one‐half (1/2) month pay for every year
could continue driving. The drivers stopped plying of service, whichever is higher. (Phil. Tobacco Flue‐
their assigned routes and a week later filed with Curing & Redrying Corp. v. NLRC, G.R. No. 127395,
the Labor Arbiter a complaint for illegal dismissal Dec. 10, 1998)
praying not for reinstatement but for separation
pay. Are the respondents entitled to separation (a)Strained relation rule
pay?
Q: What is the doctrine of strained relations?
A: No. When drivers voluntarily chose not to return
to work anymore, they must be considered as A: When the Er can no longer trust the Ee and vice
having resigned from their employment. The versa, or there were imputations of bad faith to
common denominator of those instances where each other, reinstatement could not effectively
payment of separation pay is warranted is that the serve as a remedy. This doctrine applies only to
employee was dismissed by the employer. (Capili v. positions which require trust and confidence (Globe
NLRC, G.R. 117378, Mar. 26, 1997) Mackay v. NLRC, G.R. No. 82511, March 3, 1992).
Q: Two groups of seasonal workers claimed Note: Under the circumstances where the
separation benefits after the closure of Phil. employment relationship has become so strained to
Tobacco processing plant in Balintawak and the preclude a harmonious working relationship and that
transfer of its tobacco operations to Candon, all hopes at reconciliation are naught after
Ilocos Sur. Phil. Tobacco refused to grant reinstatement, it would be more beneficial to accord
separation pay to the workers belonging to the the Ee backwages and separation pay.
first batch (Lubat group), because they had not
been given work during the preceding year and, Q: What must be proven before the principle of
hence, were no longer in its employ at the time it strained relations can be applied to a particular
closed its Balintawak plant. Likewise, it claims case?
exemption from awarding separation pay to the
second batch (Luris group), because the closure of A:
its plant was due to "serious business losses," as 1. The Ee concerned occupies a position
defined in Art. 283 of the LC. Both labor agencies where he enjoys the trust and confidence
held that the Luris and Lubat groups were entitled of his Er; and
to separation pay equivalent to 1/2 month salary 2. That it is likely that if reinstated, an
for every of service, provided that the Ee worked atmosphere of antipathy and antagonism
at least 1 month in a given year. Is the separation may be generated as to adversely affect
pay granted to an illegally dismissed Ee the same the efficiency and productivity of the Ee
concerned. (Globe Mackay Cable & Wire
95
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
Corp. v. NLRC G.R. No. 82511, Mar. 3, A: The payment of backwages is generally granted
1992) on the ground of equity. It is a form of relief that
restores the income that was lost by reason of the
Q: Does the doctrine of strained relationship unlawful dismissal; the grant thereof is intended to
always bar reinstatement in all cases? restore the earnings that would have accrued to the
dismissed Ee during the period of dismissal until it is
A: No. The doctrine should be applied on a case to determined that the termination of employment is
case basis, based on each case’s peculiar conditions for a just cause. It is not private compensation or
and not universally. Otherwise, reinstatement can damages but is awarded in furtherance and
never be possible simply because some hostility is effectuation of the public objective of the LC. Nor is
invariably engendered between the parties as a it a redress of a private right but rather in the
result of litigation. That is human nature. (Anscor nature of a command to the employer to make
Transport v. NLRC, G.R. No. 85894, Sept. 28, 1990) public reparation for dismissing an Ee either due to
the former’s unlawful act or bad faith. (Tomas
Besides, no strained relations should arise from a Claudio Memorial College Inc., v. CA, G.R. No.
valid and legal act of asserting one's right; 152568, Feb. 16, 2004)
otherwise an Ee who shall assert his right could be
easily separated from the service, by merely paying Q: What is the period covered by the payment of
his separation pay on the pretext that his backwages?
relationship with his employer (Er) had already
become strained. (Globe Mackay Cable & Wire A: The backwages shall cover the period from the
Corp. v. NLRC, G.R. No. 82511, Mar. 3, 1992) date of dismissal of the employee up to the date of:
Q: Differentiate Art. 279 of the LC from Sec. 7 of 1. Actual reinstatement, or if reinstatement
R.A. 10022. is no longer feasible
2. Finality of judgment awarding backwages
A: (Buhain v. CA, G.R. 143709, July 2, 2002)
Art. 279, LC (Local Sec. 7, RA 10022 Note: The backwages to be awarded should not be
Workers) (Migrant Workers) diminished or reduced by earnings elsewhere during
Reinstatement the period of his illegal dismissal. The reason is that
the Ee while litigating the illegality of his dismissal
Full Reimbursement of his must earn a living to support himself and his family.
Full backwages from the
placement fee with (Bustamante v. NLRC, G.R. No. 111651, Mar. 15, 1996;
time of his compensation
interest of 12% per Buenviaje v. CA, G.R. No. 147806, Nov. 2002)
was withheld from him
annum.
up to the time of his
actual reinstatement. (a)Components of the amount of backwages
Q: What is included in the computation of
(3)Backwages backwages?
Q: What are backwages? A: They cover the following:
A: It is the relief given to an employee (Ee) to 1. Transportation and emergency
compensate him for the lost earnings during the allowances
period of his dismissal. It presupposes illegal 2. Vacation or service incentive leave and
termination. sick leave
th
3. 13 month pay
Note: Entitlement to backwages of the illegally
dismissed Ee flows from law. Even if he does not ask Note: Facilities such as uniforms, shoes, helmets and
for it, it may be given. The failure to claim backwages ponchos should not be included in the computation of
in the complaint for illegal dismissal is a mere backwages because said items are given for free, to be
procedural lapse which cannot defeat a right granted use only during official tour of duty not for private or
under substantive law. (St. Michael’s Institute v. personal use.
Santos, G.R. No. 145280, Dec. 4, 2001)
The award of backwages is computed on the basis of
Q: What is the basis of awarding backwages to an 30‐day month. (JAM Trans Co. v. Flores, G.R. No. L‐
illegally dismissed employee (Ee)? 63555, Mar. 19, 1993)
Q: What does the term “full backwages” mean?
96
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
97
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
dismissal due to constructive dismissal. Did the This period is intended only for the purpose of
transfer of Quinanola amount to constructive investigating the offense to determine whether he
dismissal? is to be dismissed or not. It is not a penalty.
A: No. Quinanola’s transfer was not unreasonable Note: The Er may continue the period of preventive
since it did not involve a demotion in rank nor a suspension provided that he pays the salary of the Ee.
change in her place of work nor a diminution in pay,
benefits and privileges. It did not constitute a If more than 1 month, the Ee must actually be
constructive dismissal. Furthermore, an employee’s reinstated or reinstated in the payroll. Officers are
security of tenure does not give him a vested right liable only if done with malice.
in his position as would deprive the company of its
Q: Cantor and Pepito were preventively suspended
prerogative to change his assignment or transfer
pending application for their dismissal by Manila
him where he will be most useful. (Philippine Japan
Doctor’s Hospital after being implicated by one
Active Carbon Corp. v. NLRC, G.R. No. 83239, Mar.
Macatubal when they refused to help him when
8, 1989)
he was caught stealing x‐ray films from the
Q: Sangil was a utility man/assistant steward of hospital. Was the preventive suspension of Cantor
the passenger cruise vessel Crown odyssey under a and Pepito proper?
one‐year contract. Sangil suffered head injuries
A: Where the continued employment of an Ee
after an altercation with a Greek member of the
poses a serious and imminent threat to the life and
crew. He informed the captain that he no longer
property of the employer or on his co‐Ees, the Ees’
intends to return aboard the vessel for fear that
preventive suspension is proper. In this case, no
further trouble may erupt between him and the
such threat to the life and property of the Er or of
other Greek crewmembers of the ship. Was Sangil
their co‐Ee’s is present and they were merely
constructively dismissed?
implicated by the Macatubal. (Manila Doctors
A: Yes. There is constructive dismissal where the act Hospital v. NLRC, G.R. No 64897, Feb. 28, 1985)
of a seaman in leaving ship was not voluntary but
(6)Quitclaim
was impelled by a legitimate desire for self‐
preservation or because of fear for his life
Q: What is a quitclaim?
Constructive dismissal does not always involve
diminution in pay or rank but may be inferred from A: It is a document executed by an employee in
an act of clear discrimination, insensibility or favor of the employer preventing the former from
disdain by an Er may become unbearable on the filing any further money claim against the latter
part of the Ee that it could foreclose any choice by arising from employment.
him except to forego his continued employment.
(Sunga Ship Management Phils., Inc. v. NLRC, G.R. Q: What are the elements of a valid quitclaim?
No. 119080, April 14, 1998)
A:
(5)Preventive Suspension 1.Voluntarily entered into with full
understanding of what the employee is
Q: What is preventive suspension? doing
2. Represents a reasonable settlement
A: During the pendency of the investigation, the Er
may place the Ee under preventive suspension
Q: What constitutes reasonable settlement?
leading to termination when there is an imminent
threat or a reasonable possibility of a threat to the A: Reasonable settlement requires that the
lives and properties of the Er, his family and consideration for the quitclaim is credible and
representatives as well as the offender’s co‐workers reasonable. (Periquet v. NLRC, G.R. No. 91298, June
by the continued service of the Ee. 22, 1990)
Q: What is the duration of preventive suspension? Q: Is “dire necessity” a ground to nullify a
quitclaim?
A: It should not last for more than 30 days. The Ee
should be made to resume his work after 30 days. It A: Dire necessity is not an acceptable ground for
can be extended provided the Ee’s wages are paid annulling the releases, especially since it has not
after the 30‐day period. been shown that the employees had been forced to
execute them. It has not even been proven that the
considerations for the quitclaims were
98
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
99
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
100
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
years of service, whichever comes first. Rivera Q: In ‘55, Hilaria was hired as a grade school
completed 30 years of service and UNILAB retired teacher at the Sta. Catalina College. In ‘70, she
her pursuant to the terms of the plan, she received applied for and was granted a 1 yr LOA without
the benefits in ‘88. At Rivera's request, UNILAB pay due to the illness of her mother. After the
allowed her to continue working for the company. expiration in ‘71 of her LOA, she had not been
She continued working beyond the compulsory heard from by Sta. Catalina. In the meantime, she
separation from service that resulted from her was employed as a teacher at the San Pedro
retirement. From 1993 to 1994, Rivera served as a Parochial School during SY ‘80‐‘81 and at the Liceo
personal consultant under contract for UNILAB’s de San Pedro, during SY ’81‐‘82. In ‘82, she applied
sister companies which assigned Rivera to render anew at Sta. Catalina which hired her. On Mar 22,
st
service involving UNILAB. In 1992, the company ‘97, during the 51 Commencement Exercises of
amended its retirement plan, providing, among Sta. Catalina, Hilaria was awarded a Plaque of
others, for an increase in retirement benefits. Appreciation for 30 yrs of service and P12,000 as
Rivera asked that her retirement benefits be gratuity pay. On May 31, ‘97, Hilaria reached the
increased in accordance with the amended compulsory retirement age of 65. Sta. Catalina
retirement program. Whether Rivera is entitled to pegged her retirement benefits at
the additional retirement benefits of the amended P59,038.35. Deducted was the amount of P12,000
retirement plan? representing the gratuity pay which was given to
her.
A: No. Whether these terms included renewed
coverage in the retirement plan is an evidentiary Should the gratuity pay be deducted from the
gap that could have been conclusively shown by retirement benefits?
evidence of deductions of contributions to the plan
after 1988. Two indicators, however, tell us that no A: No. As for the ruling of the CA affirming that of
such coverage took place. The first is that the terms the NLRC that the P12,000 gratuity pay earlier
of the retirement plan, before and after its 1992 awarded to Hilaria should not be deducted from the
amendment, continued to exclude those who have retirement benefits due her, the same is in order.
rendered 30 years of service or have reached 60 Gratuity pay is separate and distinct from
years of age. Therefore, the plan could not have retirement benefits. It is paid purely out of
covered her. The second is the absence of evidence generosity.
of, or of any demand for, any reimbursement of
what Rivera would have paid as contributions to the Q: What is the difference between gratuity pay
plan had her coverage and deductions continued and retirement benefits?
after 1988. Thus, the Court concludes that her
renewed service did not have the benefit of any A:
retirement plan coverage. (Rivera v. United GRATUITY PAY RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Laboratories, Inc., G.R. No. 155639, April 22, 2009) It is paid to the
beneficiary for the past Are intended to help the
Q: Is a special retirement plan different from those services or favor Ee enjoy the remaining
contemplated under the LC as agreed upon by the rendered purely out of years of his life, releasing
parties valid? the generosity of the him from the burden of
giver or grantor. It is not worrying for his financial
A: Yes. A pilot who retires after 20 years of service intended to pay a worker support, and are a form of
or after flying 20,000 hours would still be in the for actual services reward for his loyalty to
prime of his life and at the peak of his career, rendered or for actual the Er. (Sta. Catalina
performance. It is a College and Sr. Loreta
compared to one who retires at the age of 60 years
money benefit or bounty Oranza, vs. NLRC and
old. Based on this peculiar circumstance that PAL
given to the worker, the Hilaria Tercera, G.R. No.
pilots are in, the parties provided for a special purpose of which is to 144483. November 19,
scheme of retirement different from that reward Ee’s who have 2003, J. Carpio‐Morales)
contemplated in the LC. Conversely, the provisions rendered satisfactory
of Art. 287 of the LC could not have contemplated service to the company.
the situation of PAL's pilots. Rather, it was intended
for those who have no more plans of employment
after retirement, and are thus in need of financial b. Retirement pay under RA 7641 vis‐à‐vis retireent
assistance and reward for the years that they have benefits under SSS and GSIS laws
rendered service. (PAL v. Airline Pilots Ass’n of the
Phils., G.R. No. 143686, Jan.15, 2002) Q: What is retirement pay under the LC in relation
to retirement benefits under SSS and GSIS laws?
101
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
A:
Revised
Employees
Social Government
Compensation
Security Law Service
Act
Insurance Act
Compulsory
upon all E e s
n o t o v e r 6 0 Compulsory for
years of age all permanent
and their Ers. Ees below 60 Compulsory upon
years of age all Ers and their
1.Filipinos upon Ees not over 60
recruited in appointment to years of age;
the Phils. by permanent Provided, that an
foreign ‐ based status, and for Ee who is over 60
Ers for all elective years of age and
employment officials for the paying
abroad may be duration of their contributions to
covered by the tenure. qualify for the
SSS on a retirement or life
voluntary 1. Any person, insurance benefit
basis. whether elected administered by
or appointed, in the System shall
2. the service of an be subject to
Compulsory Er is a covered compulsory
upon all self‐ Ee if he receives coverage.
employed compensation
persons for such service.
earning P1,800
or more per
annum.
Note: The Ees Compensation Commission shall ensure
adequate coverage of Filipino Ees employed abroad,
subject to regulations as it may prescribe. (Art. 170)
Any person compulsorily covered by the GSIS
including the members of the AFP, and any person
employed as casual, emergency, temporary, substitute
or contractual, or any person compulsorily covered by
the SSS are covered by the Ee’s Compensation Program.
(1997 Bar Question)
102
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
MANAGEMENT PREROGATIVE
103
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
(PLDT vs. Teves, G.R. No. 143511, November 10, or a reward, which a person has a right to refuse.
2010) When an Ee refused to accept his promotion, he
was exercising his right and cannot be punished for
Q: May the Er be compelled to share with its Ees it. While it may be true that the right to transfer or
the prerogative of formulating a code of reassign an Ee is an Er’s exclusive right and the
discipline? Is a code of discipline unilaterally prerogative of management, such right is not
formulated by the Er enforceable? absolute. (Dosch vs. NLRC and Northwest Airlines,
G.R. No. 51182, July 5, 1983)
A: The Er has the obligation to share with its Ees its
prerogative of formulating a code of discipline. This Q: Who has the burden of proving that the
is in compliance with the State’s policy stated in transfer was reasonable?
Article 211 of the Labor Code, to ensure the
participation of workers in decision and policy‐ A: The Er must be able to show that the transfer is
making processes affecting their rights, duties and not unreasonable, inconvenient or prejudicial to the
welfare. The exercise of management prerogatives Ee; nor does it involve a demotion in rank or a
has, furthermore, never been considered to be diminution of his salaries, privileges and other
boundless. This obligation is not dispensed with by benefits. Should the Er fail to overcome this burden
a provision in the collective bargaining agreement of proof, the Ee’s transfer shall be tantamount to
recognizing the exclusive right of the Er to make constructive dismissal. (Blue Dairy Corporation v.
and enforce company rules and regulations to carry NLRC, 314 SCRA 401 [1999])
out the functions of management without having to
discuss the same with the union and much less 3.PRODUCTIVITY STANDARD
obtain the latter’s conformity thereto. A code of
discipline unilaterally formulated and promulgated Q: May an Er impose productivity standards for its
by the Er would be unenforceable. (Philippine workers?
Airlines, Inc. vs. NLRC et al., G.R. No. August 13,
1993.) A: Yes. An Er is entitled to impose productivity
standards for its workers, and in fact, non‐
2.TRANSFER OF EMPLOYEES compliance may be visited with a penalty even
more severe than demotion. The practice of a
Q: Discuss briefly the Er’s right to transfer and company in laying off workers because they failed
reassign Ees. to make the work quota has been recognized in this
jurisdiction. Failure to meet the sales quota
A: In the pursuit of its legitimate business interests, assigned to each of them constitute a just cause of
especially during adverse business conditions, their dismissal, regardless of the permanent or
management has the prerogative to transfer or probationary status of their employment. Failure to
assign Ees from one office or area of operation to observe prescribed standards of work, or to fulfill
another provided there is no demotion in rank or reasonable work assignments due to inefficiency
diminution of salary, benefits and other privileges may constitute just cause for dismissal. Such
and the action is not motivated by discrimination, inefficiency is understood to mean failure to attain
bad faith, or effected as a form of punishment or work goals or work quotas, either by failing to
demotion without sufficient cause. This privilege is complete the same within the allotted reasonable
inherent in the right of Ers to control and manage period, or by producing unsatisfactory results. This
their enterprises effectively. management prerogative of requiring standards
may be availed of so long as they are exercised in
Note: The right of Ees to security of tenure does not good faith for the advancement of the Er’s interest.
give them vested rights to their positions to the extent (Leonardo vs. NLRC, G.R. No. 125303, June 16, 2000)
of depriving management of its prerogative to change
their assignments or to transfer them. (Endico v. 4.GRANT OF BONUS
Quantum Foods Distribution Center, G.R. No. 161615,
Jan. 30, 2009) Q: What is a bonus?
Q: May the Er exercise his right to transfer an Ee A: It is an amount granted and paid to an Ee for his
and compel the latter to accept the same if said industry and loyalty which contributed to the
transfer is coupled with or is in the nature of success of the Ers business and made possible the
promotion? realization of profits.
A: No. There is no law that compels an Ee to accept Q: Can bonus be demanded?
promotion, as a promotion is in the nature of a gift
104
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
MANAGEMENT PREROGATIVE
of time has been paying his Ees wages due for eight
A: hours work although the work shift less than eight
GR: Bonus is not demandable as a matter of hours (e.g. seven) it cannot later on increase the
right. It is a management prerogative given in working hours without an increase in the pay of the
addition to what is ordinarily received by or employees affected. An Er is not allowed to
strictly due to recipient. (Producers Bank of the withdraw a benefit which he has voluntarily given.
Phil. v. NLRC, G.R. No. 100701, March 28, 2001) An Er is not allowed to withdraw a benefit which he
has voluntarily given.
XPNs: Given for a long period of time
1. Consistent and deliberate – Er continued 6.MARITAL DISCRIMINATION
giving benefit without any condition
imposed for its payment Q: Is a company policy prohibiting marriage
2. Er knew he was not required to give between co‐workers valid?
benefit
3. Nature of benefit is not dependent on A: There must be a finding of a bona fide
profit occupational qualification (BFOQ) to justify an Er’s
4. Made part of the wage or compensation No Spouse Rule. There must be a compelling
agreed and stated in the employment business necessity for which no alternative exists
contract. other than the discriminating practice. (Star Paper
vs. Simbol, G.R. No. 164774, April 12, 2006)
Q: The projected bonus for the Ees of Suerte Co.
was 50% of their monthly compensation. Q: What are the factors that the Er must prove
Unfortunately, due to the slump in the business, inorder to justify BFOQ?
the president reduced the bonus to 5% of their
compensation. Can the company unilaterally A: The Er must prove 2 factors:
reduce the amount of bonus? Explain briefly. 1. That the employment qualification is
reasonably related to the essential
A: Yes. The granting of a bonus is a management operation of the job involved; and
prerogative, something given in addition to what is 2. That there is a factual basis for believing
ordinarily received by or strictly due the recipient. that all or substantially all persons
An Er cannot be forced to distribute bonuses when meeting the qualification would be
it can no longer afford to pay. To hold otherwise unable to properly perform the duties of
would be to penalize the Er for his past generosity. the job. (Star Paper et al. vs. Simbol, G.R.
(Producers Bank of the Phil. v NLRC, G.R. No. No. 164774, April 12, 2006)
100701, March 28, 2001). (2002 Bar Question)
Q: Peds was employed by Glaxo as medical
5.CHANGE OF WORKING HOURS representative who has a policy against Ees having
relationships against competitor’s Ees. Peds
Q: Discuss briefly the Er’s right to change working married Jali, a Branch coordinator of Astra, Glaxo’s
hours. competitor. Peds was transferred to another area.
Peds did not accept such transfer. Is the policy of
A: Well‐settled is the rule that management retains Glaxo valid and reasonable so as to constitute the
the prerogative, whenever exigencies of the service act of Peds as willful disobedience?
so require, to change the working hours of its Ees.
A: The prohibition against personal or marital
Q: May the normal hours fixed in Article 83 be relationships with Ees of competitors‐companies
reduced by the Er? Explain. upon Glaxo’s Ees is reasonable under the
circumstances because relationships of that nature
A: The present article provides that the normal might compromise the interest of the company.
hours of work of an Ee shall not exceed eight (8) Glaxo does not impose an absolute prohibition
hours a day. This implies that the Er, in the exercise against relationships between its Ees and those of
of its management prerogatives, may schedule a competitor companies. Its Ees are free to cultivate
work shift consisting of less than eight hours. And relationships with and marry persons of their own
following the principle of “a fair day’s wage for a choosing. What the company merely seeks to avoid
fair day’s labor”, the Er is not obliged to pay an Ee, is a conflict of interest between the Ee and the
working for less than eight hours a day, the wages company that may arise out of such relationships.
due for eight hours. Nonetheless, if by voluntary Furthermore, the prohibition forms part of the
practice or policy, the Ee for a considerable period employment contract and Peds was aware of such
105
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
106
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
SOCIAL LEGISLATION
F. SOCIAL LEGISLATION A:
DISPUTE SETTLEMENT
Q: What is Social Legislation? Disputes involving:
1. Coverage
A: It consists of statutes, regulations and 2. Benefits
jurisprudence that afford protection to labor, 3. Contributions
especially to working women and minors, and is in 4. Penalties
full accord with the constitutional provisions on the Social 5. Any other matter related
promotion of social justice to insure the well being Security thereto.
Commission
and economic security of all the people.
(SSC) Note: Disputes within the mandatory
period of 20 days after the submission of
1.SOCIAL SECURITY LAW evidence. (Sec. 5a)
(RA 8282)
Decision, in the absence of appeal, shall
Q: What is the policy objective in the enactment of be final and executory 15 days after date
(SSS) Law? of notification. (Sec. 5b)
Decisions of SSC shall be appealable to:
A: It is the policy of the State to establish, develop, 1. CA – questions of law and fact (Sec.
CA / SC
promote and perfect a sound and viable tax‐exempt 5c)
SSS suitable to the needs of the people throughout 2. SC – questions of law. (Sec. 5c)
the Phils., which shall promote social justice and SSC may, motu proprio or on motion of
any interested party, issue a writ of
provide meaningful protection to members and Execution
execution to enforce any of its
their beneficiaries against the hazards of disability, of decision
decisions or awards, after it has
sickness, maternity, old age, death, and other
become final and executory. (Sec. 5d)
contingencies resulting in loss of income or financial
burden. (Sec. 2)
Q: Can the SSC validly re‐evaluate the findings of
the RTC, and on its own, declare the latter’s
The enactment of SSS law is a legitimate exercise of
decision to be bereft of any basis?
the police power. It affords protection to labor and
is in full accord with the constitutional mandate on
A: No. It cannot review, much less reverse,
the promotion of social justice. (Roman Catholic
decisions rendered by courts of law as it did in the
Archbishop of Manila v. SSS, G.R. No. 15045 Jan. 20,
case at bar when it declared that the CFI Order was
1961)
obtained through fraud and subsequently
disregarded the same, making its own findings with
Q: Are the premiums considered as taxes?
respect to the validity of Bailon and Alice’s marriage
on the one hand and the invalidity of Bailon and
A: No. The funds contributed to the System belong
Teresita’s marriage on the other. In interfering with
to the members who will receive benefits, as a
and passing upon the CFI Order, the SSC virtually
matter of right, whenever the hazards provided by
acted as an appellate court. The law does not give
the law occur. (CMS Estate, Inc., v. SSS, G.R. No.
the SSC unfettered discretion to trifle with orders of
26298 Sep.28, 1984)
regular courts in the exercise of its authority to
determine the beneficiaries of the SSS. (SSS vs.
Q: Are benefits received under SSS Law part of the
Teresita Jarque Vda. De Bailon, G.R. No. 165545,
estate of a member?
Mar. 24, 2006, J. Carpio‐Morales)
A: No. Benefits receivable under the SSS Law are in
Q: Who is an employer (Er)?
the nature of a special privilege or an arrangement
secured by the law pursuant to the policy of the
A: Any person, natural or juridical, domestic or
State to provide social security to the workingman.
foreign, who carries into the Phils. any trade,
The benefits are specifically declared not
business, industry, undertaking or activity of any
transferable and exempt from tax, legal processes
kind and uses the services of another person who is
and liens. (SSS v. Davac, et. al., G.R. No.21642, July
under his orders as regards the employment,
30, 1966)
except the Government and any of its political
subdivisions, branches or instrumentalities,
Q: How are disputes settled?
including corporations owned or controlled by the
Government: Provided, That a self‐employed
person shall be both Ee and Er at the same time.
(Sec 8[c])
107
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
108
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
SOCIAL LEGISLATION
instrumentality employing workers in the A: No. It is not necessary, for the enjoyment of
Phils., may enter into an agreement with benefits under the SSS Law that the injury is work‐
the Phil. government for the inclusion of connected. What is important is membership in the
such Ees in the SSS except those already SSS and not the causal connection of the work of
covered by their respective civil service the Ee to his injury or sickness.
retirement systems.
Claims based on work‐connected injuries or
Q: When is the compulsory coverage deemed occupational diseases are covered by the State
effective? Insurance Fund.
A: b.Exclusions from coverage
1. Employer – on the first day of operation
2. Employee – on the day of his employment Q: Enumerate the kinds of employment which are
3. Compulsory coverage of self‐employed – excepted from compulsory coverage under the SSS
upon his registration with the SSS Law.
Q: What is the effect of separation of an employee A: Under Section 8(j) of R.A. 1161, as amended, the
from his employment under compulsory coverage? following services or employments are excepted
from coverage:
A:
1. His Ers obligation to contribute arising 1. Employment purely casual and not for the
from that employment shall cease at the purpose of occupation or business of the
end of the month of separation, employer;
2. But said Ee shall be credited with all
contributions paid on his behalf and 2. Service performed on or in connection
entitled to benefits according to the with an alien vessel by an employee if he
provisions of R.A. 9282. is employed when such vessel is outside
3. He may, however, continue to pay the the Philippines;
total contributions to maintain his right to
full benefit. (Sec. 11) 3. Service performed in the employ of the
Philippine Government or instrumentality
Note: The above provision recognizes the “once a or agency thereof;
member, always a member” rule.
4. Service performed in the employ of a
Q: What is the effect of interruption of business or foreign government or international
professional income? organization, or their wholly‐owned
instrumentality:
A: If the self‐employed member realizes no income
in any given month: Provided, however, That this exemption
notwithstanding, any foreign government,
1. He shall not be required to pay international organization or their wholly‐
contributions for that month. owned instrumentality employing
2. He may, however, be allowed to continue workers in the Philippines or employing
paying contributions under the same rules Filipinos outside of the Philippines, may
and regulations applicable to a separated enter into an agreement with the
Ee member: Philippine Government for the inclusion
3. Provided, that no retroactive payment of of such employees in the SSS except those
contributions shall be allowed other than already covered by their respective civil
as prescribed under Sec.22‐A. (Sec. 11‐A) service retirement systems:Provided,
further, That the terms of such agreement
Q: On her way home from work, Asteria shall conform with the provisions of this
Benedicta, a machine operator in a sash factory, Act on coverage and amount of payment
enters a movie house to relax. But she is stabbed of contributions and benefits: Provided,
by an unknown assailant. Her claim for benefits finally, That the provisions of this Act shall
under the SSS Law is denied on the ground that be supplementary to any such agreement;
her injury is not work‐connected. Is the denial and
legal? Why?
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ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
5. Such other services performed by iv. 2% of the average monthly
temporary and other employees which salary credit for each credited
may be excluded by regulation of the year of service in excess of 10
Commission. Employees of bona years; or
fide independent contractors shall not be b. 40% of the average monthly salary
deemed employees of the employer credit; or
engaging the service of said contractors. c. P1,000.00, provided that the
monthly pension shall in no case be
c.Benefits paid for an aggregate amount of less
than sixty (60) months (Sec. 12 [a])
Q: What are the benefits under the SSS Act? 2. Minimum Pension
a. P1,200.00 ‐ members with at least
A: 10 credited years of service
1. Monthly Pension b. P2,400.00 for those with 20 credited
2. Retirement Benefits years of service. (Sec. [b])
3. Death Benefits
4. Disability Benefits Q: What will happen to the monthly pension of a
5. Funeral Benefits retiree in case of death?
6. Sickness Benefits
7. Maternity Benefits A:
1. Upon the death of the retired member,
Q: Are the benefits provided for in the SSS Law his primary beneficiaries as of the date of
transferable? his retirement will get 100% of his
monthly pension plus the dependent's
A: Benefits provided for in the SSS Law are not pension for each child.
transferable and no power of attorney or other
document executed by those entitled thereto in Note: The above phrase “primary
favor of any agent, attorney or any other person for beneficiaries (as of the date of his
the collection thereof on their behalf shall be retirement) was declared unconstitutional
recognized, except when they are physically unable by the SC in Dycaico v. SSS and SSC (G.R. No.
to collect personally such benefits. (Sec.15, R.A. 16137, June 6, 2006) because it is in
1161, as amended) violation of the equal protection, due
process and social justice.
Q: What are the reportorial requirements of the Er
and self‐employed? 2. If he dies within 60 months from the start
of his pension and he has no primary
A: beneficiaries, his secondary beneficiaries
1. Er ‐ Report immediately to SSS the names, will receive a lump sum benefit equivalent
ages, civil status, occupations, salaries and to the difference of 60 multiplied by the
dependents of all his covered Ees monthly pension and the total monthly
pensions paid by the SSS excluding the
2. Self‐employed ‐ Report to SSS within 30 days dependent's pension. (Sec. 12‐B [d])
from the first day of his operation, his name,
age, civil status, occupation, average Q: Bonifacio and Elena are living together as
monthly net income and his dependents husband and wife without the benefit of
marriage. Bonifacio declared Elena and their
Monthly Pension children as his primary beneficiaries in his self‐
employed data record in SSS. A few months prior
Q: How much is the monthly pension? to his death, Bonifacio married Elena.Is Elena
entitled to the survivor’s pension?
A:
1. The monthly pension shall be the highest A: Yes, she is considered primary beneficiary of
of the following amounts: Bonifacio. The phrase “Upon the death of the
a. The sum of the following: retired member, his primary beneficiaries as of the
ii. P300.00; plus date of his retirement will get 100 per cent of his
iii. 20% of the average monthly monthly pension xxx” of Sec. 12‐B d of RA 8282 is
salary credit; plus unconstitutional because it violates the: (1) equal
protection clause because it impermissibly
discriminates against dependent spouses whose
110
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
SOCIAL LEGISLATION
111
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
112
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
SOCIAL LEGISLATION
113
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
any gainful occupation for
A: a continuous period
1. Exclude the semester of contingency exceeding 120 days
(delivery or miscarriage). regardless of whether he
loses the use of any of his
Note: Semester refers to two consecutive body parts.
quarters ending in the quarter of
contingency. Quarter refers to three d.Beneficiaries
consecutive months ending March, June,
September or December. Q: Who are primary beneficiaries?
2. Count 12 months backwards starting from A:
the month immediately before the 1. The dependent spouse until he or she
semester of contingency. remarries
3. Identify the six highest monthly salary 2. The dependent legitimate, legitimated or
credits within the 12‐month period. legally adopted, and illegitimate children,:
Provided, That the dependent illegitimate
Note: Monthly salary credit means the children shall be entitled to 50% of the
compensation base for contributions share of the legitimate, legitimated or
benefits related to the total earnings for the legally adopted children.
month.
Q: Who are secondary beneficiaries?
4. Add the six highest monthly salary credits
to get the total monthly salary credit. A: In the absence of primary beneficiaries, the
dependent parents.
5. Divide the total monthly salary credit by
180 days to get the average daily salary In the absence of all the foregoing, any other
credit. This is equivalent to the daily person designated by the member as his or her
maternity allowance. secondary beneficiary. (Sec. 8[k])
6. Multiply the daily maternity allowance by Q: Who are considered dependents?
60 (for normal delivery or miscarriage) or
78 days (for caesarean section delivery) to A:
get the total amount of maternity benefit. 1. The legal spouse entitled by law to
receive support from the member;
Q: What is the difference of compensability under 2. The legitimate, legitimated, or legally
the Labor Law and the Social Security Law? adopted, and illegitimate child who:
a. Is unmarried,
A: The claims are different as to their nature and b. Not gainfully employed, and
purpose. (Ortega vs. Social Security Commission, c. Has not reached 21 years of age, or if
G.R. No. 176150, June 25, 2008) over 21 years of age, he is
congenitally or while still a minor has
LABOR LAW SOCIAL SECURITY LAW been permanently incapacitated and
Purpose incapable of self‐support, physically
Governs compensability Benefits are intended to or mentally.
of : provide insurance or
3. The parent who is receiving regular
1. work‐related protection against the
support from the member.
disabilities hazards or risks of
2. when there is loss disability, sickness, old
of income due to age or death, inter alia, Q: What is meant by “dependent for support”?
work‐connected irrespective of whether
or work‐ they arose from or in the A: The entitlement to benefits as a primary
aggravated injury course of the beneficiary requires not only legitimacy but also
or illness. employment. dependence upon the member Ee. (Gil v. SSC CA‐
Nature GR SP. 37150, May 8, 1996)
A disability is total and Disability may be
permanent if as a result of permanent total or If a wife who is already separated de facto from her
the injury or sickness the permanent partial. husband cannot be said to be "dependent for
Ee is unable to perform support" upon the husband, absent any showing to
114
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
SOCIAL LEGISLATION
the contrary. Conversely, if it is proved that the performed by these 50 people is not in connection
husband and wife were still living together at the with the purpose of the business of the factory.
time of his death, it would be safe to presume that Hence, the employment of these 50 persons is
she was dependent on the husband for support, purely casual. They are, therefore, excepted from
unless it is shown that she is capable of providing the compulsory coverage of the SSS law. (2000 Bar
for herself. (SSS v. Aguas, G.R. No. 165546, Feb. 27, Question)
2006)
2.GSIS
Q: Who is entitled to the benefits of an SSS (R.A. 8291)
member who was survived not only by his legal
wife, who is not dependent upon the member, but Q: What are the purposes behind the enactment
also by two common‐law wives with whom he had of the GSIS Act?
illegitimate minor children?
A: To provide and administer the following social
A: The illegitimate minor children shall be entitled security benefits for government employees (Ee):
to the death benefits as primary beneficiaries
because the legal wife is not dependent upon the 1. Compulsory life insurance
member. The SSS Law is clear that for a minor child 2. Optional life insurance
to qualify as a “dependent” the only requirements 3. Retirement benefits
are that he/she must be below 21 yrs. of age, not 4. Disability benefits to work‐related
married nor gainfully employed. (Signey v. SSS, G.R. contingencies; and
No. 173582, Jan.28, 2008) 5. Death benefits
Q: What is compensation? Q: Who are considered employers (Er) under the
GSIS Act?
A: All actual remuneration for employment,
including the mandated cost of living allowance, as A:
well as the cash value of any remuneration paid in 1. National Government
any medium other than cash except that part of the 2. Its political subdivisions, branches,
remuneration received during the month in excess agencies, instrumentalities
of the maximum salary. 3. GOCCs, and financial institutions with
original charters
Q: The owners of FALCON Factory, a company 4. Constitutional Commissions and the
engaged in the assembling of automotive Judiciary (Sec. 2[c])
components, decided to have their building
renovated. (50) persons, composed of Q: Can SSS Ees be covered by GSIS?
engineers, architects and other construction
workers, were hired by the company for this A: Yes.
purpose. The work was estimated to be
completed in 3 years. The Ees contended that Q: Who is an Employee or member?
since the work would be completed after more
than 1 year, they should be subject to compulsory A: Any person, receiving compensation while in the
coverage under the Social Security Law. Do you service of an Er, whether by election or
agree with their contention? Explain your answer appointment, irrespective of status of appointment,
fully. including barangay and sanggunian officials. (Sec.
2[d])
A: No. Under Sec. 8 (j) of R.A. 1161, as amended,
employment of purely casual and not for the Q: What is compensation?
purpose of the occupation or business of the
employer are excepted from compulsory coverage. A: The basic pay or salary received by an Ee,
An employment is purely casual if it is not for the pursuant to his or her election or appointment,
purpose of occupation or business of the Er. excluding per diems, bonuses, OT pay, honoraria,
allowances and any other emoluments received in
In the problem given, Falcon Factory is a company addition to the basic pay which are not integrated
engaged in the assembly of automotive into the basic pay under existing laws. (Sec. 2[i])
components. The 50 persons (engineers, architects
and construction workers) were hired by Falcon Q: Baradero is a member of the Sangguniang
Factory to renovate its building. The work to be Bayan of the Municipality of La Castellana, Negros
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ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
Occ. and is paid on a per diem basis. On the other a.Coverage
hand, Belo a Vice‐Governor of Capiz is in a hold
over capacity and is paid on a per diem basis. Are Q: What government Ees are subject to coverage
the services rendered by Baradero and Belo on a under the GSIS?
per diem basis creditable in computing the length
of service for retirement purposes? A:
GR: All Ees receiving compensation who have
A: Yes. The traditional meaning of per diem is a not reached the compulsory retirement age,
reimbursement for extra expenses incurred by the irrespective of employment status.
public official in the performance of his duties.
Under this definition the per diem is intended to XPNs:
cover the cost of lodging and subsistence of officers 1. Uniformed members of the:
and employees when the latter are on a duty a. AFP; and
outside of their permanent station. On the other b. PNP.
hand, a per diem could rightfully be considered a 2. Contractuals who have no Er and Ee
compensation or remuneration attached to an relationship with the agencies they serve.
office.
Q: Who are covered by life insurance, retirement
The per diems paid to Baradero and Belo were in and other social security protection?
the nature of compensation or remuneration for
their services as Sangguniang Bayan and Vice‐ A:
Governor, respectively, rather than a GR: All members of the GSIS shall have life
reimbursement for incidental expenses incurred insurance, retirement, and all other social
while away from their home base. security protections such as disability,
survivorship, separation, and unemployment
If the remuneration received by a public official in benefits. (Sec. 3)
the performance of his duties does not constitute a
mere “allowance for expenses” but appears to be XPNs: Members of:
his actual base pay, then no amount of categorizing 1. The judiciary; and
the salary as a “per diem” would take the 2. Constitutional commissions who shall
allowances received from the term service with have life insurance only.
compensation for the purpose of computing the
number of years of service in government. (GSIS v. b.Exclusions from coverage
CSC, G. R. Nos. 98395 and 102449, June 19, 1995)
Q: Who, under the GSIS, are excluded from the
Q: What are the sources of funds of the GSIS? coverage?
A: It comes from the monthly contributions of the A:
covered Ees and Ers. (Sec. 5) 1. Ees who have separate retirement
schemes (members of the Judiciary,
The contributions of the Ees are deducted and Constitutional Commissions and others
withheld by the Er each month from the monthly similarly situated)
salary of the former and are remitted by the latter, 2. Contractual Ees who have no Er‐Ee with
together with its own share, to the System within the agencies they serve
the first 10 days of each calendar month following 3. Uniformed members of the AFP, BJMP,
the month to which the contributions apply. (Sec. 6) whose coverage by the GSIS has ceased
effective June 24, 1997
Q: What is the penalty in case of delayed 4. Uniformed members of the PNP whose
remittance or non‐remittance of contributions? coverage by the GSIS has ceased effective
February 1, 1996. (Sec. 2.4, Rule II, IRR)
A: The unremitted contributions shall be charged
interests as prescribed by the GSIS Board of Q: For the purpose of benefit entitlement, how are
Trustees but shall not be less than 2% simple the members classified?
interest per month from due date to the date of
payment by the employers concerned. A:
1. Active members
a. Still in the service and are paying
integrated premiums.
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LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
SOCIAL LEGISLATION
117
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
118
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
SOCIAL LEGISLATION
Q: What are the two types of permanent contribution prior
disability? his disability
e. He is not receiving
A: old‐age retirement
1. Permanent total disability (PTD) ‐ accrues pension benefits
or arises when recovery from any loss or
impairment of the normal functions of 2. If the member does not
satisfy the conditions
the physical and/or mental faculty of a
above but has rendered at
member which reduces or eliminates his
least 3 years service, he
capacity to continue with his current
shall be advanced the cash
gainful occupation or engage in any other payment equivalent to
gainful occupation is medically remote. 100% of his average
[Section 2 (q) and (s)] monthly compensation for
each year of service he
2. Permanent partial disability (PPD) ‐ has pad contributions but
accrues or arises upon the irrevocable not less than P12,000.00
loss or impairment of certain portion/s of which should have been
the physical faculties, despite which the his separation benefit (he
member is able to pursue a gainful shall no longer receive
occupation. (Sec. 2[u]) separation benefits)
PTD PPD Q: When will the payment of these benefits be
Causes suspended?
1. Complete loss of sight Complete and
of both eyes permanent loss of the A:
2. Loss of 2 limbs at or use of: 1. In case a member is re‐employed; or
above the ankle or 2. Member recovers from disability as
wrist 1. Any finger determined by the GSIS; or
3. Permanent complete 2. Any toe 3. Fails to present himself for medical
paralysis of 2 limbs 3. One arm examination when required by the GSIS.
4. Brain injury resulting 4. One hand (Sec. 16 [c])
in incurable imbecility 5. One foot
or insanity 6. One leg
Q: Manioso was suffering from several diseases
5. Such other cases as 7. One or both ears
from 1959 to 1994 when he worked as Accounting
may be determined 8. Hearing of one or both
by the GSIS ears Clerk I at the Budget Commission up to the time he
9. Sight of one eye was transferred and promoted to the DENR as
Senior Bookkeeper. On ‘95, he was
Such other causes as hospitalized. The results of his examinations
determined by GSIS showed that he was suffering from Acute
Benefits Myocardial Infarction and Hypertensive Vascular
1. A member is entitled to A member is entitled to Disease. From Jan‐ May ‘95 when he compulsory
the monthly income cash payment in retired from government service and after serving
benefit for life equivalent accordance with the for 36 yrs, he no longer reported for work. His sick
to the BMP when: schedule of disabilities to leave covering said period was duly approved. In
a. He is in the service be prescribed by GSIS, if the meantime, Manioso filed a claim for income
at the time of the he satisfies the given benefits with the GSIS which found his ailments
disability or conditions of either (1) work‐related. He was granted Temporary Total
b. If separated from or (2) of Sec. 16(a). Disability benefits for 2 months. He was later
service granted Permanent Partial Disability benefits for 8
c. He has paid at months. It appears that he appealed for more
least 36 monthly
disability benefits with the GSIS which subjected
contributions
him to a series of medical tests. In ‘97, he was
within 5 years
brought to the PGH several times due to Chronic
immediately
preceding his Renal Infection 2˚ to Obstructive Uropathy 2˚ to
disability Staghorn Calculi (L) and Benign Prostatic
d. He has paid a total Hypertrophy; Diabetes Mellitus Neprophaty, Stage
of at least 180 IV, and Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis. He then
monthly filed a request with the GSIS for additional
disability benefits, claiming that the ailments for
119
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
120
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
SOCIAL LEGISLATION
his death with at least 3 years of service; P12,000.00: Provided, That the member is
OR in the service at the time of his death and
has at least 3 years of service; or
3. A cash payment equivalent to 100% of his 2. In the absence of secondary beneficiaries,
average monthly compensation for each the benefits under this par. shall be paid
year of service he paid contributions, but to his legal heirs. (Sec. 21[c])
not less than P12,000.00: Provided, That
the deceased has rendered at least 3 Q: What are the benefits that the beneficiaries are
years of service prior to his death but entitled to upon the death of the pensioner?
does not qualify for the benefits under
item (1) or (2) of this paragraph. [Sec. 21 A:
(a)] 1. Upon the death of an old‐age pensioner
or a member receiving the monthly
Q: After the end of the guaranteed 30 months, are income benefit for permanent disability,
the beneficiaries still entitled to any survivorship the qualified beneficiaries shall be
benefits? entitled to the survivorship pension
defined in Sec. 20 of this Act, subject to
A: Yes. The survivorship pension shall be paid as the provisions of par. (b) of Sec.21.
follows: 2. When the pensioner dies within the
period covered by the lump sum, the
1. When the dependent spouse is the only survivorship pension shall be paid only
survivor, he/she shall receive the basic after the expiration of the said period.
survivorship pension for life or until he or
she remarries; Q: Gary Leseng was employed as a public school
teacher at the Marinduque High. On April 27, 1997,
2. When only dependent children are the a memorandum was issued by the school principal
survivors, they shall be entitled to the designating Gary to prepare the model dam
basic survivorship pension for as long as project, which will be the official entry of the
they are qualified, plus the dependent school in the search for Outstanding Improvised
children’s pension equivalent to 10% of Secondary Science Equipment for Teachers. Gary
the basic monthly pension for every complied with his superior's instruction and took
dependent child not exceeding 5, counted home the project to enable him to finish before
from the youngest and without the deadline. While working on the model dam
substitution; project, he came to contact with a live wire and
was electrocuted. The death certificate showed
3. When the survivors are the dependent that he died of cardiac arrest due to accidental
spouse and the dependent children, the electrocution.
dependent spouse shall receive the basic
survivorship pension for life or until Bella (Gary’s common‐law wife) and Jobo (his
he/she remarries, and the dependent only son) filed a claim for death benefits with the
children shall receive the dependent GSIS which was denied on the ground that Gary’s
children’s pension. (Sec. 21[b]) death did not arise out of and in the course of
employment and therefore not compensable
Note: The dependent children shall be entitled to the because the accident occurred in his house and
survivorship pension as long as there are dependent not in the school premises. Is Bella entitled to
children and, thereafter, the surviving spouse shall file a claim for death benefits with the GSIS?
receive the basic survivorship pension for life or until Why?
he or she remarries.
A: The beneficiaries of a member of the GSIS are
Q: When are secondary beneficiaries entitled to entitled to the benefits arising from the death
survivorship benefits? of said member. Death benefits are called
survivorship benefits under the GSIS Law. Not
A: In the absence of primary beneficiaries, the being a beneficiary, Bella is not entitled to receive
secondary beneficiaries shall be entitled to: survivorship benefits. She is not a beneficiary
because she is a common‐law wife and not a legal
1. The cash payment equivalent to 100% of dependent spouse. (1991 Bar Question)
his average monthly compensation for
each year of service he paid Q: Is the cause of death of Gary (cardiac arrest
contributions, but not less than
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ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
122
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
SOCIAL LEGISLATION
3. For those without any life insurance as of 2. Within 15 days from receipt of the notice
the effectivity of this Act, their insurance of decision or award, the aggrieved party
shall take effect following said effectivity. may appeal the decision of the GSIS Board
of Trustees to the CA. Appeal shall be
Q: When may a member obtain optional life taken by filling a verified petition for
insurance coverage? review with the CA. (Sec 1 to 5, Rule 43,
Rules of Court)
A: 3. When no appeal is perfected and there is
1. A member may at any time apply for no order to stay by the Board, by the CA
himself and/or his dependents an or by the SC, any decision or award of the
insurance and/or pre‐need coverage Board shall be enforced and executed in
embracing: the same manner as decisions of the RTC.
a. Life Note: The social security benefits shall be
b. Memorial plans exempt from attachment, garnishment,
c. Health execution, levy or other processes issued
d. Education by the courts, quasi‐judicial bodies or
e. Hospitalization administrative agencies including the
f. Other plans as maybe designed by Commission on Audit, disallowances, and
GSIS from all financial obligations of the
members.
2. Any employer may apply for group
insurance coverage for its employees. Q: May a member enjoy the benefits provided for
in the Revised GSIS Act simultaneous with similar
Q: Where can GSIS loans be invested in? benefits provided under other laws for the same
contingency?
A:
1. In direct housing loans to members and A: Whenever other laws provide similar benefits for
group housing projects secured by first the same contingencies covered by this Act, the
mortgage giving priority to the low member who qualifies to the benefits shall have the
income groups option to choose which benefits will be paid to him.
2. In short and medium term loans to However, if the benefits provided by the law chosen
members such as salary, policy, are less than the benefits provided under this Act,
educational, emergency stock purchase the GSIS shall pay only the difference. (Sec. 55)
plan, and other similar loans
d.Beneficiaries
Q: What is the prescriptive period to claim the
benefits? Q: Who are the considered beneficiaries?
A: A:
GR: 4 Years from the date of contingency 1. Primary beneficiaries
a. The legal dependent spouse until
XPN: Life insurance and retirement (Sec. 28) he/she remarries and
b. The dependent children. (Sec. 2[g])
Q: What is the process for the adjudication of 2. Secondary beneficiaries
claims and disputes regarding the GSIS benefits? a. The dependent parents and
b. Subject to the restrictions on
A: The quasi‐judicial functions of the GSIS shall be dependent children, the legitimate
vested in its Board of Trustees. descendants. (Sec. 2[h])
1. The GSIS, in appropriate cases, or any Q: Who are considered dependents?
person whose rights are or may be
prejudiced by the operations or A:
enforcement of R.A. 8291 and other laws 1. Legitimate spouse dependent for support
administered by the GSIS, may file a upon the member or pensioner;
petition before the GSIS either personally 2. Legitimate, legitimated, legally adopted
or through counsel. child, including the illegitimate child,
a. who is unmarried,
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ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
b. not gainfully employed, 4.EMPLOYEES’S COMPENSATION
c. not over the age of majority, or if
over the age of majority, Q: Discuss briefly the Employee’s Compensation
incapacitated and incapable of self‐ Program (ECP).
support due to a mental or physical
defect acquired prior to age of A: It is the program provided for in Article 166 to
majority; and 208 of the Labor Code whereby a fund known as
3. Parents dependent upon the member for the State Insurance Fund (SIF) is established
support. (Sec. 2[f]) through premium payments exacted from Ers and
from which the Ees and their dependents in the
3.LIMITED PORTABILITY LAW event of work‐connected disability or death, may
(RA 7699) promptly secure adequate income benefit, and
medical or related benefits.
Q: What is the Limited Portability Rule?
Coverage
A: A covered worker who transfers employment
from one sector to another or is employed on both Q: Who are subject to coverage under the ECP?
sectors, shall have creditable services or
contributions on both Systems credited to his A: Ers and their Ees not over sixty (60) years of age
service or contribution record in each of the are subject to compulsory coverage under this
Systems and shall be totalized for purposes of old‐ program.
age, disability, survivorship, and other benefits in
either or both Systems. (Sec. 3) The Er may belong to either the:
All contributions paid by such member personally, 1. Public sector covered by the GSIS, comprising
and those that were paid by his employers to both the National Government, including GOCCs,
Systems shall be considered in the processing of Philippine Tuberculoses Society, the Philippine
benefits which he can claim from either or both National Red Cros, and the Philippine Veterans
Systems. (Sec. 4) Bank; and
2. Private sector covered by the SSS, comprising
Q: How are the "portability" provisions of R.A. No. all Ers other than those defined in the
7699 beneficial or advantageous to SSS and GSIS immediately preceding paragraph.
members in terms of their creditable employment
services in the private sector or the government, as The Ee may belong to either the:
the case may be, for purposes of death, disability
or retirement? 1. Public sector comprising the employed
workers who are covered by the GSIS,
A: Portability provisions of R.A. No. 7699 shall including the members of the AFP, elective
benefit a covered worker whose creditable officials who are receiving regular salary and
services or contributions in both systems credited any person employed as casual emergency,
to his service or contribution record in each of the temporary, substitute or contractual;
system and shall be totalized for purposes of old‐ 2. Private sector comprising the employed
age, disability, survivorship and other benefits. workers who are covered by the SSS.
(Sec. 3)
Q: When does compulsory coverage take effect?
The "portability" provisions of R.A. 7699 allow the
transfer of funds for the account and benefit of the A:
worker who transfers from one system to another. 1. Employer – on the first day of operation
This is advantageous to the SSS and GSIS members 2. Employee – on the day of his employment
for purposes of death, disability or retirement
benefits. In the event the employees transfer from Q: What is an Occupational Disease?
the private sector to the public sector, or vice‐versa,
their creditable employment services and A: One which results from the nature of the
contributions are carried over and transferred as employment, and by nature is meant conditions
well. (2005 Bar Question) which all Ees of a class are subject and which
produce the disease as a natural incident of a
particular occupation, and attach to that
124
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
SOCIAL LEGISLATION
125
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
1. Where the Ee is proceeding to or from his 2. Disability Benefits
work on the premises of the Er; 3. Death Benefits
2. Proximity Rule—where the Ee is about to 4. Funeral Benefits
enter or about to leave the premises of
his Er by way of exclusive or customary Medical Benefit
means of ingress and egress;
3. Ee is charged, while on his way to or from Q: What are the conditions of entitlement to
his place of employment or at his home, Medical Services?
or during this employment with some
duty or special errand connected with his A: For an Ee to be entitled to medical services, the
employment; and following conditions must be satisfied:
4. Where the Er as an incident of the 1. He has been duly reported to the System
employment provides the means of (SSS or GSIS);
transportation to and from the place of 2. He sustains a permanent disability as a
employment. result of an injury or sickness; and
3. The System has been notified of the injury
Q: Who are entitled to benefits under the ECP? or sickness which caused his disability.
A: The covered Ee, his dependents, and in case of Disability Benefit
his death, his beneficiaries.
Q: What are disability benefits?
Q: Who are the dependents of the Ee?
A: They are income benefits in case of temporary
A: total disability, permanent total disability and
1. Legitimate, legitimated, legally adopted permanent partial disability
or acknowledged natural child who is
unmarried, not gainfully employed, and Q: What are the disabilities that are considered
not over twenty‐one (21) years of age or total and permanent?
over twenty‐one (21) years of age
provided he is incapacitated and A: The following disabilities shall be deemed total
incapable of self‐support due to a physical and permanent:
or mental defect which is congenital or 1. Temporary total disability lasting
acquired during minority; continuously for more than one hundred
2. Legitimate spouse living with the Ee; and twenty days, except as otherwise
3. Parents of said Ee wholly dependent upon provided for in the Rules;
him for regular support. (Art.167(i), LC, as 3. Complete loss of sight of both eyes;
amended by P.D. 1921) 4. Loss of two limbs at or above the ankle or
wrist;
Q: Who are included in the term beneficiaries? 5. Permanent complete paralysis of two
limbs;
A: "Beneficiaries" means the dependent spouse 6. Brain injury resulting in incurable
until he remarries and dependent children, who are imbecility or insanity; and
the primary beneficiaries. In their absence, the 7. Such cases as determined by the Medical
dependent parents and subject to the restrictions Director of the System and approved by
imposed on dependent children, the illegitimate the Commission. (Art.192(c), LC)
children and legitimate descendants who are the
secondary beneficiaries; Provided, that the Q: May a permanent partial disability be
dependent acknowledged natural child shall be converted to permanent total disability after the
considered as a primary beneficiary when there are Ee’s retirement? Why?
no other dependent children who are qualified and
eligible for monthly income benefit. (Art. 167, LC, as A: Yes. This is in line with the social justice provision
amended by Sec. I, P.D. 1921) in the Constitution. A person’s disability may not
manifest itself fully at one precise moment in time
Q: What are the benefits which may be enjoyed but rather over a period of time. And disability
under the SIF? should not be understood more on its medical
significance but on the loss of earning capacity.
A:
1. Medical Benefits
126
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
SOCIAL LEGISLATION
Q: May permanent total disability arise although A: In case the employee's injury or death was due
the Ees does not lose the use of any part of his to the failure of the employer to comply with any
body? law, or to install and maintain safety devices, or
take other precautions for the prevention of injury,
A: Yes. Where the Ee is unable, by reason of the said employer shall pay to the State Insurance Fund
injury or sickness, to perform his customary job for a penalty of twenty‐five percent of the lump sum
more than 120 days, permanent total disability equivalent of the income benefit payable by the
arises. (Ijares vs. CA, G.R. No. 105854, August 26, System to the employee. All employers, especially
1999) those who should have been paying a rate of
contribution higher than required of them under
Death Benefit this Title, are enjoined to undertake and strengthen
measures for the occupational health and safety of
Q: What are the conditions for entitlement to their employee. (Art.200, LC)
death benefits?
Q: Who are required to make contributions to the
A: The beneficiaries of a deceased Ee shall be SIF?
entitled to an income benefit if all of the following
conditions are satisfied: A: Contributions under this Title shall be paid in
their entirety by the employer and any contract or
1. The Ee has been duly reported to the device for the deduction of any portion thereof
System; from the wages or salaries of the employees shall
2. He died as a result of an injury or be null and void. (Art.183(c), LC)
sickness; and
3. The System has been duly notified of his The Republic of the Philippines guarantees the
death, as well as the injury or sickness benefits prescribed under this Title, and accepts
which caused his death. general responsibility for the solvency of the State
Insurance Fund. In case of any deficiency, the same
Q: For how long are the primary beneficiaries shall be covered by supplemental appropriation
entitled to the death benefits? from the national government. (Art.184, LC)
A: Q: When does the right to compensation or
1. Dependent Spouse—until he or she benefit for loss or impairment of an Ee’s earning
remarries. capacity due to work‐related illness or injury
2. Dependent Children—until they get arise?
married, or find gainful employment, or
reach twenty‐one (21) years of age. A: It arises or accrues upon, and not before, the
3. Dependent Child suffering from physical happening of the contingency. Hence, an Ee
or mental defect—until such defect acquires no vested right to a program of
disappears. compensation benefits simply because it was
operative at the time he became employed. (San
Q: If an Ee suffers disability or dies before he is Miguel Corporation vs. NLRC, G.R. No. 57473,
duly reported for coverage to the System (SSS or August 15, 1988)
GSIS), who will be liable for the benefits?
Q: Does recovery from the SIF bar a claim for
A: The Er (Sec.1, Rule X; Sec.1, Rule XI; Sec. 1, Rule benefits under the SSS Law? Why?
XII; Sec. 1, Rule XIII; ECC Rules )
A: No, as expressly provided for in Article 173 of the
Funeral Benefit Labor Code, payment of compensation under the
SIF shall not bar the recovery of benefits under the
Q: What is the funeral benefit? SSS Law, Republic Act No. 1161, as amended.
Benefits under the SIF accrue to the Ees concerned
A: A funeral benefit of P10, 000.00 shall be paid due to hazards involved and are made a burden on
upon the death of a covered Ee or permanently the employment itself. On the other hand, social
totally disabled pensioner. security benefits are paid to SSS members by
reason of their membership therein for which they
Q: When is an Er liable to pay a penalty to the contribute their money to a general fund. (Maao
State Insurance Fund (SIF)? Sugar Central Co., Inc. vs. CA, G.R. No. 83491,
August 27, 1990)
127
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
128
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
2. Affinity and unity of the Ees interest, such A: No. While the existence of a bargaining history is
as substantial similarity of work and a factor that may be reckoned with in determining
duties, or similarity of compensation and the appropriate bargaining unit, the same is not
working conditions. (Substantial Mutual decisive or conclusive. Other factors must be
Interest Rule) considered. The test of grouping is community or
3. Prior collective bargaining history mutuality of interests. This is so because the basic
4. Similarity of employment status. (SMC v. test of an asserted bargaining unit’s acceptability is
Laguesma, G.R. No. 100485, Sep. 21, whether or not it is fundamentally the combination
1994) which will best assure to all Ees the exercise of their
CB rights. (Democratic Labor Ass’n v. Cebu
Q: What are the factors considered in determining Stevedoring Company, Inc., G.R. No. L‐10321, Feb.
the substantial mutual interest doctrine? 28, 1958)
A: 1. Similarity in the scale and manner of Q: What is “one‐union, one‐company” policy?
determining earnings
2. Similarity in employment benefits, hours A: GR: It is the proliferation of unions in an Er unit.
of work, and other terms and conditions Such is discouraged as a matter of policy unless
of employment there are compelling reasons which would deny
3. Similarity in the kinds of work performed a certain class of Ees to the right to self‐
4. Similarity in the qualifications, skills and organization for purposes of collective
training of Ees bargaining (CB).
5. Frequency of contract or interchange
among the Ees XPNs:
6. Geographical proximity 1. Supervisory Ees who are allowed to form
7. Continuity and integration of production their own unions apart from the rank‐
processes and‐file Ees and
8. Common supervision and determination 2. The policy should yield to the right of Ees
of labor‐relations policy to form union for purposes not contrary
9. History of CB to law, self‐organization and to enter into
10. Desires of the affected Ees or CB negotiations.
11. Extent of union organization
Note: Two companies cannot be treated into a single
Q: A registered labor union in UP, ONAPUP, filed a bargaining unit even if their businesses are related.
petition for certification election (PCE) among the
Subsidiaries or corporations formed out of former
non‐academic Ees. The university did not oppose,
divisions of a mother company following a re‐
however, another labor union, the All UP Workers
organization may constitute a separate bargaining
Union assents that it represents both academic
unit.
and non‐academic personnel and seeks to unite all
workers in 1 union. Do Ees performing academic
Q: Union filed a PCE among the rank and file Ees
functions need to comprise a bargaining unit
of three security agencies including the Veterans
distinct from that of the non‐academic Ees?
Security. The latter opposed alleging that the three
security agencies have separate and distinct
A: Yes. The mutuality of interest test should be
corporate personalities. May a single PCE filed by a
taken into consideration. There are two classes of
labor union in the three corporations instead of
rank and file Ees in the university that is, those who
filing 3 separate petitions?
perform academic functions such as the professors
and instructors, and those whose function are non‐
A: Yes. The following are indications that the 3
academic who are the janitors, messengers, clerks
agencies do not exist and operate separately and
etc. Thus, not much reflection is needed to perceive
distinctly from each other with different corporate
that the mutuality of interest which justifies the
direction and goals: 1) Veterans Security failed to
formation of a single bargaining unit is lacking
rebut the fact that they are managed through the
between the two classes of Ees. (U.P. v. Ferrer‐
Utilities Management Corp with all their Ees
Calleja, G.R. No.96189, July 14, 1992)
drawing their salaries and wages from the said
entity; 2) that the agencies have common and
Q: Is the bargaining history a decisive factor in the
interlocking incorporators and officers; 3) that they
determination of appropriateness of bargaining
have a single mutual benefit system and followed a
unit?
single system of compulsory retirement. 4) they
could easily transfer security guards of one agency
129
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
to another and back again by simply filling‐up a through the Labor Relations Division shall, within 10
common pro‐forma slip; 5) they always hold joint days from receipt of the notice, record the fact of VR in
yearly ceremonies such as the PGA Annual Awards its roster of legitimate labor unions and notify the
Ceremony; and 6) they continue to be represented labor union concerned.
by one counsel.
Q: What are the three (3) conditions to voluntary
Hence, the veil of corporate fiction of the 3 recognition (VR)?
agencies should be lifted for the purpose of
allowing the Ees of the 3 agencies to form single A: VR requires 3 concurrent conditions:
union. As a single bargaining unit, the Ees need not
file 3 separate PCE. (Philippine Scout Veterans 1. VR is possible only in an unorganized
Security and Investigation Agency v. SLE, G.R. No. establishment.
92357, July 21, 1993)
2. Only one union must ask for recognition. If
(2)Voluntary Recognition there 2 or more unions asking to be
recognized, the Er cannot recognize any
Q: What are the 3 methods of determining the of them; the rivalry must be resolved
bargaining representative? through an election.
A:
1. Voluntary recognition
2. Certification election with or without run‐ 3. The union voluntarily recognized should
off be the majority union as indicated by the
3. Consent election fact that members of the bargaining unit
did not object to the projected
Q: What is voluntary recognition (VR)? recognition. If no objection is raised, the
recognition will proceed, the DOLE will be
A: The process by which a legitimate labor union is informed and CBA recognition will
recognized by the employer (Er) as the exclusive commence. If objection is raised, the
bargaining representative or agent in a bargaining recognition is barred and a certification
unit, reported with the Regional Office. (Sec. 1 election or consent election will have to
[bbb], Rule I, Book V, IRR) take place.
Q: What are the requirements for VR? Note: In an organized establishment, voluntary
recognition is not possible. A petition to hold a CE has
A: The notice of VR shall be accompanied by the to be filed within the freedom period which means the
original copy and 2 duplicate copies of the following last 60 days of the 5th year of the expiring CBA. The
req’ts: petition may be filed by any Legitimate Labor
Organization (LLO), but the petition must have written
1. Joint statement under oath of VR support of at least 25% of the Ees in the bargaining
unit.
2. Certificate of posting of joint statement
for 15 consecutive days in at least 2 Q: Where and when to file the petition for VR?
conspicuous places in the establishment
of the bargaining unit A: Within 30 days from such recognition, Er shall
submit a notice of VR with the Regional Office
3. Certificate of posting which issued the recognized labor union’s
certificate of registration or certificate of creation
4. Approximate number of Ees in the of a chartered local.
bargaining unit and the names of those
who supported the recognition Q: What are the effects of recording of fact of
voluntary recognition (VR)?
5. Statement that the labor union is the only
A:
LLO operating within the bargaining unit.
1. The recognized labor union shall enjoy
Note: Where the notice of voluntary recognition is
the rights, privileges and obligations of an
sufficient in form, number and substance and where existing bargaining agent of all the
there is no registered labor union operating within the employees (Ees) in the bargaining unit.
bargaining unit concerned, the Regional Office, 2. It shall also bar the filing of a petition for
certification election by any labor
130
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
A: It is the process of determining through secret Q: Distinguish the requisites for a petition for
ballot the sole and exclusive representative of the certification election between an organized and an
Ees in an appropriate bargaining unit, for purposes unorganized establishment.
of CB or negotiation. (Sec. 1 [h], Rule I, Book V, IRR)
A:
Note: The process is called CE because it serves as the Art.256. ORGANIZED Art.257. UNORGANIZED
official, reliable and democratic basis for the BLR to Bargaining agent
determine and certify the union that shall be the Present None
exclusive bargaining representative of the Ees for the Petition filed
purpose of bargaining with the Er. Has to be a verified
No need to be verified
petition
Q: What is the nature of certification election? Freedom Period
No petition for CE except
Not applicable. No
A: A certification election is not a litigation but within 60 days before the
freedom period. Petition
merely an investigation of a non‐adversarial fact‐ expiration of the CBA.
can be filed anytime.
finding character in which BLR plays a part of a (See Art. 253 & 253‐A)
disinterested investigator seeking merely to Substantial support rule
ascertain the desire of the employees as to the Must be duly supported
No substantial support
matter of their representation. (Airline Pilots Ass’n by 25% of all the
rule.
members of the
of the Philippines v. CIR, G.R. No. L‐33705, April 15,
appropriate bargaining
1977) Why? Intention of law is
unit (ABU).
to bring in the union, to
Q: What is the purpose of a certification election? implement policy behind
Percentage base: all
Art. 211(a).
members of an ABU.
A: It is a means of determining the worker’s choice
of: Note: The approval of the PCE in an unorganized
bargaining unit is NEVER appealable, the reason being
1. Whether they want a union to represent that the law wants the ununionized to be unionized.
them for collective bargaining or if they
want no union to represent them at all. Q: Should the consent signatures of at least 25%
2. And if they choose to have a union to of the Ees in the bargaining unit be submitted
represent them, they will choose which simultaneously with the filing of the petition for
among the contending unions will be the certification election (PCE)?
sole and exclusive bargaining
representative of the employees in the A: No, the administrative rule requiring the
appropriate bargaining unit. simultaneous submission of the 25% consent
signatures upon the filing of PCE should not be
Q: What are the issues involved in a certification strictly applied to frustrate the determination of the
proceeding? legitimate representative of the workers.
Accordingly, the Court held that the mere filing of a
A: Certification proceedings directly involve two PCE within the freedom period is sufficient basis for
issues: the issuance of an order for the holding of a CE,
subject to the submission of the consent signatures
1. Proper composition and constituency of within a reasonable period from such filing. (Port
the bargaining unit; and Workers Union of the Phils. v. Laguesma, G.R. Nos.
2. The veracity of majority membership 94929‐30, Mar. 18, 1992)
claims of the competing unions so as to
identity the one union that will serve as Q: Who may file a petition for certification
the bargaining representative of the election (PCE)?
entire bargaining unit.
A:
1. Any legitimate labor organization (LLO)
131
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
132
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
freedom period of the old CBA which is outside the A: Yes, it is now well‐settled that Ees who have
freedom period of the new CBA that had been been improperly laid off but who have at present
prematurely entered into. an unabandoned right to or expectation of re‐
employment, are eligible to vote in CE’s. Thus, and
Q: Are probationary employees (Ees) entitled to to repeat, if the dismissal is under question, as in
vote in a CE? Why? the case now at bar whereby a case of illegal
dismissal and/or ULP was filed, the Ee’s concerned
A: Yes, in a CE, all rank‐and‐file Ees in the could still qualify to vote in the elections. (Phil.
appropriate bargaining unit (ABU) are entitled to Fruits & Vegetables Industries v. Torres, G.R. No.
vote. This principle is clearly stated in Art. 255 of 92391, July 3, 1992)
the LC which states that the "labor organization
designated or selected by the majority of the Ees in Q: Is direct certification (DC) still allowed?
such unit shall be the exclusive representative of
the Ees in such unit for the purpose of collective A: No. Even in a case where a union has filed a
bargaining (CB)." petition for CE, the mere fact that there was no
opposition does not warrant a DC. More so in a
CB covers all aspects of the employment relation case when the required proof is not presented in an
and the resultant CBA negotiated by the certified appropriate proceeding and the basis of the DC is
union binds all Ees in the bargaining unit. Hence, all the union’s self‐serving assertion that it enjoys the
rank‐ and‐file Ees, probationary or permanent, have support of the majority of the Ees, without
a substantial interest in the selection of the subjecting such assertion to the test of competing
bargaining representative. The LC makes no claims. (Samahang Manggagawa sa Permex v.
distinction as to their employment status as basis Secretary, G.R. No. 107792, Mar. 2, 1998)
for eligibility to vote in the petition for CE. The
law refers to "all" the Ees in the bargaining unit. Q: What are the grounds for denying the PCE?
All they need to be eligible to vote is to belong
to the "bargaining unit" (Airtime Specialists, Inc. v. A:
Ferrer‐Calleja, G.R. No. 80612‐16, Dec. 29, 1989). 1. The petitioning union or federation is not
(1999 Bar Question) listed in the DOLE’s registry of legitimate
labor unions or that its registration
Q: What is direct certification? certificate legal personality has been
revoked or cancelled with finality
A: It is the process whereby the Med‐Arbiter 2. Failure of a local chapter or national
directly certifies a labor organization of an union/federation to submit a duly issued
appropriate bargaining unit (ABU) of a company charter certificate upon filing of the
after a showing that such petition is supported by petition
at least a majority of the Ees in the bargaining unit. 3. The petition was filed before or after the
FREEDOM PERIOD of a duly registered
Q: Does the failure of SAMAFIL (an independent CBA; provided that the 60‐day period
union) to prove its affiliation with NAFLU‐KMU based on the original CBA shall not be
federation affect its right to file a PCE as an affected by any amendment, extension or
independent union? renewal of the CBA; (contract bar rule)
4. The petition was filed within 1 year from
A: No, as a LLO, it has the right to file a PCE on its entry of voluntary recognition or within
own beyond question. Its failure to prove its the same period from a valid certification,
affiliation with the NAFLU‐KMU cannot affect its consent or run‐off election and no appeal
right to file said PCE as an independent union. At on the results of the certification, consent
the most, its failure will result in an ineffective or run‐off election is pending; (12‐month
affiliation with NAFLU‐KMU. Despite affiliation, the bar; certification year bar rule)
local union remains the basic unit free to serve the 5. A duly certified union has commenced
common interest of all its members and pursue its and sustained negotiations with the Er in
own interests independently of the federation. accordance with Art. 250 of the LC within
(Samahan ng mga Manggagawa sa Filsystems v. the 1‐year period. (negotiation bar rule)
SLE, G.R. No. 128067, June 5, 1998) 6. There exists a bargaining deadlock which
had been submitted to conciliation or
Q: May illegally dismissed Ees of the company arbitration or had become the subject of
participate in the certification election (CE)? a valid notice of strike or lockout to which
an incumbent or certified bargaining
agent is a party. (deadlock bar rule)
133
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
7. In case of an organized establishment, ng Manggagawa sa Pacific Plastic vs. Laguesma,
failure to submit the 25% support req’t G.R. No. 111245, Jan. 31, 1997) and that the law is
for the filing of the PCE. indisputably partial to the holding of a CE. (Western
8. Non‐appearance of the petitioner for 2 Agusan vs. Trajano G.R. No. 65833, May 6, 1991)
consecutive scheduled conferences
before the med‐arbiter despite due At any rate, UNIDAD completed all the req’ts for
notice, and union registration on July 14, 2001, and legitimate
9. Absence of Er‐Ee relationship between all union status was accorded on July 15, 2000, or at
the members of the petitioning union and least 10 days before the scheduled date for holding
the owner of the establishment where the CE. (2001 Bar Question)
the proposed bargaining unit is sought to
be represented. (Sec.14[a], Rule VIII, Book Q: What is meant by “contract‐bar rule”?
V, IRR, as amended by D.O. 40‐F‐03)
A: Contract‐bar rule means that while a valid and
Q: What is a prohibited ground for the registered CBA is subsisting, the BLR is not allowed
denial/suspension of the petition for certification to hold an election contesting the majority status of
election? the incumbent union except during the 60‐day
period immediately prior to its expiration, which
A: The inclusion as union members of Ees outside period is called the freedom period.
the bargaining unit. Said Ees are automatically
deemed removed from the list of membership of Note: In the absence of such timely notice or filing of
said unions. petition, the contract executed during the automatic
renewal period is a bar to CE.
Q: Does the filing of a petition to cancel the
There shall be no amendment, alteration, or
petitioner’s registration cause the suspension or
termination of any of the provisions of the CBA except
dismissal of the petition for certification election? to give notice of one party’s intention to amend, alter
and terminate the provisions within the freedom
A: No. To serve as a ground for dismissal of a PCE, period.
the legal personality of the petitioner should have
been revoked or cancelled “with finality”. Q: What are the requirements in order to invoke
the contract bar rule?
Q: UNIDAD, a labor organization claiming to
represent the majority of the rank and file A: The existing CBA must:
workers of BAGSAK Toyo Manufacturing Corp.
(BMTC), filed a petition for CE during the 1. Be in writing and signed by all contracting
freedom period obtaining in said corp. parties
Despite the opposition thereto by SIGAW 2. Contain the terms and conditions of
Federation on the ground that UNIDAD was not employment
possessed with all the attributes of a duly 3. Cover employees in an appropriate
registered union, the Med‐Arbiter issued an order bargaining unit
calling for a CE on July 25, 2001. This order was 4. Be for a reasonable period or duration
promulgated and served on the parties on July 5. Be ratified
12, 2001. On July 14, 2001, UNIDAD submitted 6. Be registered with the BLR; and
and served the required documents for its 7. The violation of the contract bar rule or
registration as an independent union, which the existence of a duly registered CBA
documents were approved by the DOLE on July 15, must be specially pleaded as a defense.
2001.
Q: What is the effect of an invalid or unregistered
During the elections, UNIDAD won over SIGAW. CBA?
SIGAW questioned UNIDAD's victory on the
ground that UNIDAD was not a duly registered A: There is no bar and therefore a certification
union when it filed the petition for a CE. Shall election may be held.
SIGAW’s case prosper or not? Why?
Note: Registration of CBA only puts into effect the
A: No, SIGAW's case will not prosper. The contract‐bar rule but the CBA itself is valid and binding
application of technicalities of procedural req’ts even if unregistered.
in CE disputes will serve no lawful objective or
purpose. It is a statutory policy that no obstacles Q: What are the exceptions to the contract bar
should be placed on the holding of a CE, (Samahang rule?
134
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
A: bargaining which, despite noble intentions, did not
1. The CBA is unregistered conclude in an agreement between the parties.
2. The CBA is inadequate and incomplete
3. The CBA was hastily entered into Q: What is deadlock bar rule?
(Doctrine of premature extension)
4. Withdrawal of affiliation from the A: A petition for certification election (PCE) cannot
contracting union brought about by be entertained if, before the filing of the PCE, a
schism or mass disaffiliation bargaining deadlock to which an incumbent or
5. Contract where the identity of the certified bargaining agent is a party, had been
representative is in doubt. (ALU v. Ferrer submitted to conciliation or arbitration or had
Calleja, G.R. No. 85085, Nov. 6, 1989) become the subject of a valid strike or lockout.
6. CBA entered into between the Er and the
union during the pendency of a petition Q: What are the indications of a genuine
for CE (Vassar Industries Ees Union v. deadlock?
Estrella, G.R. No. L‐46562, Mar. 31, 1978)
7. CBA conducted between the Er and the A:
union is not bar to a certification election 1. The submission of the deadlock to a third
filed by another union and said CBA can party conciliator or arbitrator; and
be renegotiated at the option of the new 2. The deadlock is the subject of a valid
bargaining agent. (ATU v. Hon. Noriel, G.R. notice strike or lockout.
No. L‐48367, Jan. 16, 1979)
8. A CBA registered with falsified supporting Q: Capitol Medical Center Ees’ Association‐Alliance
documents of Filipino Workers (CMCEA‐AFW) emerged as the
9. CBA was concluded in violation of an certified representative of the rank‐and‐file Ees at
order enjoining the parties from entering Capitol Medical Center (CMC). Due to CMC’s
into a CBA until the issue of refusal to bargain collectively, CMCEA‐AFW filed a
representation is resolved notice of strike and later on staged the strike after
10. Petition is filed during the 60‐day complying with the other legal req’ts. The SLE
freedom period. assumed jurisdiction over the case and issued an
order certifying the same to the NLRC for
Note: Basic to the contract bar rule is the proposition compulsory arbitration. During all of these events
that the delay of the right to select representatives can Capitol Medical Center Alliance of Concerned
be justified only where stability is deemed paramount. employees (Ees)‐Unified Filipino Service Workers
Excepted from the contract bar rule are certain types filed a petition for CE among the regular rank‐and‐
of contracts which do not foster industrial stability, file Ees of CMC. The petition for CE was dismissed
such as contracts where the identity of the and the CMC was directed to negotiate with
representative is in doubt. Any stability derived from CMCEA‐AFW. Was the dismissal of the PCE proper?
such contracts must be subordinated to the Ees’
freedom of choice because it does not establish the A: Yes, if the law proscribes the conduct of a CE
type of industrial peace contemplated by law. when there is a bargaining deadlock submitted to
(Firestone Tire & Rubber Company Ee’s Union v. conciliation or arbitration, with more reason should
Estrella, G.R. No. L‐45513‐14, Jan. 6, 1978) it not be conducted if, despite attempts to bring an
Er to the negotiation table by the certified
Q: Can the BLR certify a union as the exclusive bargaining agent, there was "no reasonable effort
bargaining representative after showing proof of in good faith" on the Er to bargain collectively.
majority representation thru union membership
cards without conducting an election? The circumstances in this case should be considered
as similar in nature to a "bargaining deadlock"
A: No. The LC (In Arts. 256, 257 and 258) provides when no CE could be held. This is also to make sure
only for a CE as the mode for determining that no floodgates will be opened for the
the exclusive collective bargaining representative circumvention of the law by unscrupulous Ers to
if there is a question of representation in an prevent any certified bargaining agent from
appropriate bargaining unit. (1998 Bar Question) negotiating a CBA. Sec. 3, (Rule VIII), Book V of the
IRR should be interpreted liberally so as to include a
Q: When does deadlock arise?
circumstance where a CBA could not be concluded
due to the failure of one party to willingly perform
A: It arises when there is an impasse, which
its duty to bargain collectively. (Capitol Medical
presupposes reasonable effort at good faith
Center Alliance of Concerned Ees v. Laguesma, G.R.
No. 118915, Feb. 4, 1997)
135
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
1. An election which provides for 3 or more A:
choices results in none of the contending 1. Majority of the eligible voters cast their
unions receiving a majority of the valid votes.
votes cast, and 2. Majority of the valid votes cast is for such
2. There are no objections or challenges union.
which if sustained can materially alter the
results, provided Q: How to determine the double majority rule?
3. The total number of votes for all the
contending unions is at least 50% of the A:
number of votes cast. (Sec. 1, Rule X, Book 1. In determining the eligible votes cast (first
V, IRR) majority) include spoiled ballots
4. Not one of the choices obtained the 2. In determining valid votes (second
majority of the valid votes cast (50%+ 1 majority), eliminate spoiled ballots but
second majority); included the challenged votes.
5. The two choices which garnered the
highest votes will be voted and the one
which garners the highest number of
136
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
137
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
votes. processed by the Labor Relations Division
at the RO.
In both instances, the no
union is also a choice. 2. Federations, national unions or worker’s
association operating in more than one
Note: Petition for cancellation of registration is not a region – It is filed with the BLR of the RO,
bar to a PCE. No prejudicial question shall be but shall be processed by the BLR.
entertained in a petition for certification election.
(D.O. 40‐03) Q: What is the duty of the BLR after a LO had filed
the necessary papers and documents for
(7)Affiliation and Disaffiliation of the Local Union
registration?
from the Mother Union
A: It becomes mandatory for the BLR to check if the
Q: How is a local chapter created?
req’ts under Art. 234 of the LC have been
sedulously complied with. If its application for
A: A duly registered federation or national union
registration is vitiated by falsification and serious
may directly create a local/ chapter by issuing a
irregularities, especially those appearing on the face
charter certificate indicating the establishment of a
of the application and the supporting documents, a
local/chapter.
LO should be denied recognition as a LLO.
(Progressive Dev’t Corp.‐Pizza Hut v. Laguesma, G.R.
1. The chapter shall acquire legal personality
No. 115077, April 18, 1997)
only for purposes of filing a petition for
certification election from the date it was
Q: Within what period should the BLR act on the
issued a charter certificate
applications submitted before it?
2. The chapter shall be entitled to all other
rights and privileges of a legitimate labor A: It shall act on all applications for registration
organization (LLO) only upon the within 10m days from receipt either by:
submission of the following documents in
addition to its charter certificate: 1. Approving the application and issuing the
a. Names of the chapter’s officers, certificate of registration/acknowledging
their addresses, and the principal the notice/report; or
office of the chapter 2. Denying the application/notice for failure
b. Chapter’s constitution and by‐laws of the applicant to comply with the
c. Where the chapter’s constitution requirements for registration/notice (D.O.
and by‐laws are the same as that of 40‐03, Rule IV, Sec.4, series of 2003)
the federation or the national union,
this fact shall be indicated Note: All requisite documents shall be:
accordingly 1. Certified under oath by the secretary or
3. The genuineness and due execution of treasurer of the organization, as the case
the supporting requirements shall be: may be and
a. Certified under oath by the secretary 2. Attested to it by its President.
or treasurer of the local/chapter, and
b. Attested to by its president (Sec.2[e], Q: May the BLR review the issuance of a certificate
Rule III, Book V, IRR, as amended by of registration?
D.O. 40‐F‐03)
A: No. The BLR has the duty to review the
Note: Under the LC and the rules, the power granted application for registration not the issuance of a
to LOs to directly create a chapter or local through certificate of registration.
chartering is given to a federation or national union
only, not to a trade union center. (SMCEU v. San Q: Why is a lesser requirement imposed for a
Miguel Packaging Products Ees Union, G.R. No. chartered local?
171153, Sep. 12, 2007)
A: The intent of the law in imposing lesser req’ts in
Q: Where is the application for registration filed?
the case of branch or local of a registered
federation or national union is to encourage the
A:
affiliation of a local union in order to increase the
1. Independent labor unions, chartered
local union’s bargaining power respecting terms
locals or worker’s associations – It is filed
and conditions of labor. (Progressive Dev’t Corp v.
with the Regional Office (RO). where the
SLE, G.R. No. 96425, Feb. 4, 1992)
applicant principally operates. It shall be
138
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
Q: What are the requirements before a federation 3. The total number of members comprising
can be issued a certificate of registration? the labor union and the names of
members who approved the affiliation;
A: The application for registration of federations 4. The certificate of affiliation issued by the
and national unions shall be accompanied by the federation in favor of the independently
following documents: registered labor union; and
5. Written notice to the employer
1. A statement indicating the name of the concerned if the affiliating union is the
applicant labor union, its principal incumbent bargaining agent. (D.O. 40‐03,
address, the name of its officers and their Rule, III, Sec. 7, series of 2003)
respective addresses;
Q: What is the effect of affiliation?
2. The minutes of the organizational
meeting(s) and the list of Ees who A: The labor union that affiliates with a federation is
participated in the said meeting(s); subject to the laws of the parent body under whose
authority the local union functions. The
3. The annual financial reports if the constitution, by‐laws and rules of the mother
applicant union has been in existence for federation, together with the charter it issues to the
1 or more years, unless it has not local union, constitutes an enforceable contract
collected any amount from the members, between them and between the members of the
in which case a statement to this effect subordinate union inter se. Thus, pursuant to the
shall be included in the application; constitution and by‐laws, the federation has the
right to investigate and expel members of the local
4. The applicant union's constitution and by‐ union. (Villar v. Inciong, G.R. No. L‐50283‐84, April
laws, minutes of its adoption or 20, 1983)
ratification, and the list of the members
who participated in it. The list of ratifying Q: May a local union disaffiliate from the
members shall be dispensed with where federation?
the constitution and by‐laws was ratified
or adopted during the organizational A:
meeting(s). In such a case, the factual GR: A labor union may disaffiliate from the
circumstances of the ratification shall be mother union to form an independent union
recorded in the minutes of the only during the 60‐day freedom period
organizational meeting(s); immediately preceding the expiration of the
CBA.
5. The resolution of affiliation of at least 10
LLOs, whether independent unions or XPN: Even before the onset of the freedom
chartered locals, each of which must be a period, disaffiliation may still be carried out, but
duly certified or recognized bargaining such disaffiliation must be effected by the
agent in the establishment where it seeks majority of the union members in the
to operate; and bargaining unit.
6. The name and addresses of the Note: This happens when there is a substantial shift in
companies where the affiliates operate allegiance on the part of the majority of the members
and the list of all the members in each of the union. In such a case, however, the CBA
company involved. (D.O. 40‐03, Rule, III, continues to bind the members of the new or
Sec. 2‐B, series of 2003) disaffiliated and independent union up to determine
the union which shall administer the CBA may be
conducted. (ANGLO‐KMU v. Samahan ng
Q: What are the requirements for affiliation?
Manggagawang Nagkakaisa sa Manila Bay Spinning
Mills at J.P. Coats, G.R. No.118562, July 5, 1996)
A: The report of affiliation of independently
registered labor unions with a federation or Q: What is the limitation to disaffiliation?
national union shall be accompanied by the
following documents: A: Disaffiliation should be in accordance with the
1. Resolution of the labor union's board of rules and procedures stated in the constitution and
directors approving the affiliation; by‐laws of the federation. A local union may
2. Minutes of the general membership disaffiliate with its mother federation provided that
meeting approving the affiliation; there is no enforceable provision in the federation’s
139
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
140
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
Q: How is appeal taken with regard to denial or a. Failure to comply with any of the
cancellation of registration? req’ts under Art. 234, 237 and 238 of
the LC.
A: b. Violation of any provision under Art.
DENIAL OR CANCELLATION OF REGISTRATION 239, LC.
By Regional office By BLR
Transmit records within 24 hours 2. For federations, national or industry
from receipt of the Memo of Appeal unions, trade union centers – Only
BLR will decide on the members of the labor organization (LO)
SLE decides on the matter
matter within 20 days concerned may file if the grounds are
within 20 days from
from receipt of the actions involving violations of Art. 241,
receipt of records
records subject to the 30% rule.
Appeal to CA via Rule 65
Q: What is the effect of cancellation of registration
Note: Appeal is by memo of appeal within 10 days
if the cancellation is made in the course of the
from receipt of notice.
proceedings?
Q: Who cancels the certificate of registration?
A: Where a labor union is a party in a proceeding
and later it loses its registration permit in the
A: The certificate of registration of any LLO,
course or during the pendency of the case, such
whether national or local, may be cancelled by the
union may continue as party without need of
BLR, after due hearing, only on the grounds
substitution of parties, subject however to the
specified in Art. 239. (as amended by R.A. 9481)
understanding that whatever decision may be
Q: What is the effect of a petition for cancellation rendered will be binding only upon those members
or of union registration? of the union who have not signified their desire to
withdraw from the case before its trial and decision
A: It shall not suspend the proceedings for on the merits.
certification election (CE) nor shall it prevent the
filing of CE. Note: Rationale: Principle of agency is applied – the
Ees are the principals, and the LO is merely an agent of
the former, consequently, the cancellation of the
In case of cancellation, nothing herein shall restrict
union’s registration would not deprive the consenting
the right of the union to seek just and equitable
member‐Ees of their right to continue the case as they
remedies in the appropriate courts.
are considered as the principals.
Q: Where is a petition for cancellation of
Q: What are the grounds for cancellation of union
registration or application for voluntary
registration?
dissolution filed?
A:
A:
1. Misrepresentation, false statement or
1. For legitimate independent labor unions,
fraud in connection with the:
local/chapter and worker’s association –
a. Adoption or application of the
It shall be filed with the Regional Office
constitution and by‐laws or
which issued its certificate of registration
amendments thereto
or creation.
b. Minutes of ratification and
2. For federations, national or industry and
c. List of members who took part in the
trade union centers – It shall be filed with
ratification;
the BLR. (Sec. 1, Rule XIV, Book V, IRR as
d. Election of officers
amended by D.O. 40‐F‐03)
e. Minutes of the election of officers
and
Q: Who may file a petition for cancellation of
f. List of voters (Art. 239 as amended)
registration?
A: 2. Voluntary dissolution by the members.
1. For legitimate individual labor union, (as amended by R.A. 9481)
chartered local and worker’s association –
Note: A pronouncement as to the legality of the strike
Any party‐in‐interest may file a petition
is not within the meaning of Art. 239 of the LC.
for cancellation of registration if the
ground is:
141
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
Q: What are the prohibited grounds for Rule V, Book V, IRR, as amended by D.O.
cancellation of union registration? 40‐F‐03)
A:
1. The inclusion as union member of Ees who Note: Failure to submit reportorial requirements is no
are outside the bargaining unit shall not longer a ground for cancellation but shall subject the
be a ground to cancel the union erring officers or members to suspension, expulsion
registration. The ineligible Ees are from membership, or any appropriate penalty (Art.
automatically deemd removed from the 242‐A, as inserted by R.A. 9481).
list of membership of the union as.(Art.
245‐A as amended by RA 9481) Q: What is the successor‐ in‐interest doctrine?
2. The affiliation of the rank‐and‐file and
A:
supervisory unions operating within the
GR: It is when an Er with an existing CBA is
same establishment to the same
succeeded by another Er, the successor‐in‐
federation or national union shall not be a
interest who is the buyer in good faith has no
ground to cancel registration of either
liability to the Ees in continuing employment
union. (Sec. 6, Rule XIV, Book V, as
and the bargaining agreement because these
inserted by D.O. 40‐F‐03)
contracts are in personam.
Q: How is voluntary cancellation of registration
XPNs:
made?
1. When the successor‐in‐interest expressly
assumes an obligation;
A: Registration may be cancelled by the
2. The sale is a device to circumvent the
organization itself provided:
obligation; or
3. The sale or transfer is made in bad faith.
1. At least ⅔ of its general membership
votes to dissolve the organization, in a
(a)Substitutionary Doctrine
meeting duly called for that purpose; and
Q: What is the substitutionary doctrine?
2. An application to cancel registration is
thereafter submitted by the board of the A: It is where there occurs a shift in the Ees union
organization, attested by its president. allegiance after the execution of a collective
bargaining (CB) contract with the Er, the Ees can
Q: What are the “reportorial requirements” change their agent (labor union) but the CB
required to be submitted by a legitimate labor contract which is still subsisting continues to bind
organization (LLO) ? the Ees up to its expiration date. They may
however, bargain for the shortening of said
A: The following documents are required to be expiration date.
submitted to BLR by the LLO concerned:
Note: The Er cannot revoke the validly executed CB
1. Within 30 days from adoption or contract with their Er by the simple expedient of
ratification of the constitution and by changing their bargaining agent. The new agent must
laws (CBL) or amendments thereto: respect the contract. (Benguet Consolidated Inc. v. BCI
a. CBL or amendments thereto Ees and Worker’s Union‐PAFLU, G.R. No. L‐24711, April
b. Minutes of ratification 30, 1968)
c. List of members who took part in the
ratification of the constitution and It cannot be invoked to support the contention that a
by‐laws; newly certified CB agent automatically assumes all the
2. Within 30 days from date of election or personal undertakings of the former agent‐like the “no
appointment: strike clause” in the CBA executed by the latter.
a. List of elected and appointed officers
(8)Union Dues and Special Assessments
and agents entrusted with the
handing of union funds
(a) Union Dues
b. Minutes of election of officers
c. List of voters
Q: What are union dues?
3. Annual financial report within 30 days
after the close of every fiscal year
A: These are regular monthly contributions paid by
4. List of members at least once a year or
the members to the union in exchange for the
whenever required by the Bureau. (Sec. 1,
142
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
benefits given to them by the CBA and to finance Q: What are the requisites for a valid levy of
the activities of the union in representing the union. special assessment or extraordinary fees?
Q: What is check‐off?
A:
A: It is a method of deducting from an Ee’s pay at a 1. Authorization by a written resolution of
prescribed period, the amounts due the union for the majority of all members at the general
fees, fines and assessments. membership meeting duly called for that
purpose;
Deductions for union service fees are authorized by 2. Secretary’s record of the minutes of the
law and do not require individual check‐off meeting, which must include the:
authorizations. a. List of members present
b. Votes cast
Q: What is the nature and purpose of check‐off? c. Purpose of the special assessments
d. Recipient of such assessments;
A: Union dues are the lifeblood of the union.
3. Individual written authorization to check‐
off duly signed by the Ee concerned – to
All unions are authorized to collect reasonable
levy such assessments.
membership fees, union dues, assessments and
fines and other contributions for labor education
Q: What is the effect of failure to strictly comply
and research, mutual death and hospitalization
the requirements set by law?
benefits, welfare fund, strike fund and credit and
cooperative undertakings.(Art. 277[a])
A: It shall invalidate the questioned special
Q: What are the requisites of a valid check‐off? assessments. Substantial compliance of the
requirements is not enough in view of the fact that
A: the special assessment will diminish the
GR: No special assessments, atty’s fees, compensation of union members. (Palacol v. Ferrer‐
negotiation fees or any other extraordinary fees Calleja, G.R. No. 85333, Feb. 26, 1990)
may be checked off from any amount due to an
employee (Ee) without individual written Q: Who has jurisdiction over check‐off disputes?
authorization duly signed by the Ee.
A: Being an intra‐union dispute, the Regional
The authorization should specifically state the: Director of DOLE has jurisdiction over check off
1. Amount disputes.
2. Purpose &
Q: Distinguish check‐off from special assessments.
3. Beneficiary of the deduction.
A:
XPNs:
Check‐off Special Assessment
1. For mandatory activities under the LC
How approved
2. For agency fees
(Union Dues)
3. When non‐members of the union avail of By obtaining the individual By written resolution
the benefits of the CBA: written authorization duly approved by majority of
a. Non‐members may be assessed signed by the Ee which all the members at the
union dues equivalent to that paid by must specify: meeting called for that
union members; 1. Amount purpose.
b. Only by board resolution approved 2. Purpose
by majority of the members in 3. Beneficiary
general meeting called for the Exception to such requirement
purpose.
(b) Special Assessments
Q: What are special assessments or extraordinary
fees?
A: These are assessments for any purpose or object
other than those expressly provided by the labor
organization’s constitution and by‐laws.
143
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
144
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
Q: What is the purpose behind this rule? Note: The certification of the CBA by the BLR is not
required to make such contract valid. Once it is duly
A: It is to encourage a truly democratic method of entered into and signed by the parties, a CBA becomes
regulating the relations between the employers and effective as between the parties whether or not it has
employees by means of agreements freely entered been certified by the BLR. (Liberty Flour Mills Ee’s
into through CB. Association v. Liberty Flour Mills, G.R. Nos. 58768‐70,
Dec. 29, 1989)
Q: Who are the parties to a CB?
Q: What is a zipper clause?
A:
A: It is a stipulation in a CBA indicating that issues
1. Employer
that could have been negotiated upon but not
2. Employees, represented by the exclusive
contained in the CBA cannot be raised for
bargaining agent
negotiation when the CBA is already in effect.
Q: What are the jurisdictional preconditions in
A CBA is not an ordinary contract but one impressed
collective bargaining?
with public interest, only provisions embodied in the
CBA should be so interpreted and complied with.
A: Where a proposal raised by a contracting party does
1. Possession of the status of majority not find print in the CBA, it is not a part thereof and
representation of the employees the proponent has no claim whatsoever to its
representative in accordance with any of implementation. (SMTFM‐UWP v. NLRC , G.R. No.
the means of selection or designation 113856, Sept. 7, 1998)
provided for the Labor Code
2. Proof of majority representation Q: When shall bargaining commence?
3. A demand to bargain under Art. 250 (a) of
the LC. (Kiok Loy v. NLRC, G.R. No. L‐ A: It commences within 12 months after the
54334, Jan.22, 1986) determination and certification of the Ees exclusive
bargaining representative. (certification year)
a.Duty to Bargain Collectively
Q: What is the procedure in CB?
Q: When does the duty of the employer (Er) to
bargain collectively arise? A: When a party desires to negotiate an agreement:
A: Only after the union requests the Er to bargain. If 1. It shall serve a written notice upon the
there is no demand, the Er cannot be in default. other party with a statement of proposals
2. Reply by the other party shall be made
Note: Where a majority representative has been within 10 days with counter proposals
designated, it is an ULP for the Er, as a refusal to 3. In case of differences, either party may
collectively bargain, to deal and negotiate with the request for a conference which must be
minority representative to the exclusion of the held within 10 calendar days from receipt
majority representative. of request
4. If not settled, NCMB may intervene and
Where there is a legitimate representation issue, there
encourage the parties to submit the
is no duty to bargain collectively on the part of the Er
(Lakas ng mga Manggagawang Makabayan v. Marcelo
dispute to a voluntary arbitrator
Enterprises, G.R. No. L‐38258, Nov. 19, 1982) 5. If not resolved, the parties may resort to
any other lawful means (either to settle
Q: What is a collective bargaining agreement the dispute or submit it to a voluntary
(CBA)? arbitrator).
A: It is a contract executed upon request of either Note: During the conciliation proceeding in the NCMB,
the parties are prohibited from doing any act which
the Er or the exclusive bargaining representative of
may disrupt or impede the early settlement of
the Ees incorporating the agreement reached after
disputes. (Art.250[d], LC)
negotiations with respect to wages, hours of work,
terms and conditions of employment, including
Q: What are the stages in CB?
proposals for adjusting any grievance or questions
under the agreement.
A:
145
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
146
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
agreement. While the law makes it an obligation of the existing agreement during the 60‐
for the Er and the Ees to bargain collectively with day period and/or until a new agreement
each other, such compulsion does not include the is reached by the parties. (Art. 253, LC)
commitment to precipitately accept or agree to the
proposals of the other. All it contemplates is that Q: What is the automatic renewal clause of CBAs?
both parties should approach the negotiation with
an open mind and make reasonable effort to reach A: Although a CBA has expired, it continues to have
a common ground of agreement. (Union of Filipro legal effects as between the parties until a new CBA
Ees v. Nestle Phils., G.R. Nos. 158930‐31, Mar. 3, has been entered into (Pier & Arrastre Stevedoring
2008) Services, Inc. v. Confessor, G.R. No. 110854,
February 13, 1995). This is so because the law
Q: What is a deadlock? makes it a duty of the parties to keep the status
quo and to continue in full effect the terms and
A: It is synonymous with impasse or a standstill conditions of the existing agreement until a new
which presupposes reasonable effort at GF agreement is reached by the parties. (Art. 253, LC).
bargaining but despite noble intentions does not (2008 Bar Question)
conclude an agreement between the parties.
Q: What may be done during the 60‐day freedom
Q: In case of deadlock in the renegotiation of the period?
CBA, what are the actions that may be taken by
the parties? A:
1. A labor union may disaffiliate from the
A: The parties may: mother union to form a local or
independent union only during the 60‐day
1. Call upon the NCMB to intervene for the freedom period immediately preceding
purpose of conducting conciliation or the expiration of the CBA.
preventive mediation; 2. Either party can serve a written notice to
2. Refer the matter for voluntary arbitration terminate or modify agreement at least
or compulsory arbitration; 60‐days prior to its expiration period.
3. Declare a strike or lockout upon 3. A petition for certification election may
compliance with the legal req’ts (This be filed.
remedy is a remedy of last resort).
Q: When to file CBA?
Q: May economic exigencies justify refusal to
bargain? A: Within 30 days from execution of CBA.
A: No. An employer is not guilty of refusal to Q: What are the requirements for registration?
bargain by adamantly rejecting the union’s
economic demands where he is operating at a loss, A: The application for CBA registration shall be
on a low profit margin, or in a depressed industry, accompanied by the original and 2 duplicate copies
as long as he continues to negotiate. But financial of the following req’ts:
hardship constitutes no excuse for refusing to
bargain collectively. 1. CBA
2. A statement that the CBA was posted in
Q: What is the duty to bargain collectively when at least 2 conspicuous places in the
there is a CBA? establishment concerned for at least 5
days before its ratification
A: 3. Statement that the CBA was ratified by
1. When there is a CBA the duty to bargain the majority of the Ees in the bargaining
collectively shall also mean that neither unit.
party shall terminate nor modify such
agreement during its lifetime. Note: The following documents must be certified
2. Either party can serve a written notice to under oath by the representative of the Er and the
terminate or modify the agreement at labor union. No other document shall be required in
least 60 days prior to its expiration date. the registration of the CBA.
3. It shall be the duty of both parties to keep
the status quo and to continue in full Q: What is a single enterprise bargaining?
force and effect the terms and conditions
147
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
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148
LABOR LAW TEAM:
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MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
149
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VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
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MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
151
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VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
Q: When does boulwarism occur? 1. The circumstances under which they were
uttered
A: It occurs when employer (Er) directly bargains 2. The history of the particular Er’s labor
with the employee (Ee) disregarding the union; the relations or anti‐union bias
aim was to deal with the labor union through Ees 3. Their connection with an established
rather than with the Ees thru the union. Er submits collateral plan of coercion or interference.
its proposals and adopts a take‐it‐or‐leave‐it stand. (The Insular Life Assurance‐NATU v. The
Insular Life Co. Ltd, G.R. No.L‐25291, Jan.
d.Unfair Labor Practice 30, 1971)
(1)ULP of Employers Q: Phil. Marine Officers Guild (PMOG) is a union
representing some of Philsteam’s officers and
Q: What are the ULP that may be committed by Cebu Seamen’s Association (CSA) is another union
Ers? representing some of Philsteam’s officers. PMOG
sent a letter to Philsteam requesting for CB but the
A: company asked the former to first prove it
1. Interference represents the majority. Simultaneously,
2. Yellow dog condition Philsteam interrogated its captains, deck officers
3. Contracting out and engineers while CSA likewise sent its demands
4. Company unionism to Philsteam. The company recognized CSA as
5. Discrimination for or against union representing the majority and entered into a CBA.
membership Hence PMOG declared a strike. PMOG was
6. Discrimination because of testimony subjected to vilification and Philsteam’s pier
7. Violation of duty to bargain superintendent participated in the solicitation of
8. Paid negotiation membership for CSA. Is the company guilty of
9. Gross violation of CBA ULP?
(a)Interference A: Yes. Although the company is free to make
interrogations as to its Ees’ union, the same should
Q: What is meant by interference? be for a legitimate purpose and must not interfere
with the exercise of self‐organization otherwise it is
A: The act of Er to interfere with, restrain or coerce considered as ULP. Moreover, Philsteam’s
Ees in the exercise of their right to self organization. supervisory Ees’ statement that PMOG is a “money‐
making” union, which is made to appear to be said
Q: What is the test of interference? in behalf of the union and the participation of the
company’s pier superintendent in soliciting
A: Whether the Er has engaged in conduct which, it membership for the competing union, is ULP for
may reasonably be said, tends to interfere with the interfering with the exercise of the right to self‐
free exercise of the Ees right to self‐organization. organization. (Philsteam and Navigation v.
Philippine Marine Officers Guild, G.R. Nos. L‐20667
Note: Direct evidence that an Ee was in fact intended and L‐20669, Oct. 29, 1965)
or coerced by the statements of threats of the Er is not
necessary if there is a reasonable interference that the Q: What is a lockout?
anti‐union conduct of the Er does have an adverse
effect on self‐organization and CB. (The Insular Life
A: It means any temporary refusal of an Er to
Assurance‐NATU v. The Insular Life Co. Ltd, G.R. No.L‐
furnish work as a result of an industrial or labor
25291, Jan. 30, 1971)
dispute. (Art.212[p])
Q: What is the totality of conduct doctrine?
Q: When does lockout or closure amount to ULP?
A: It states that the culpability of Er’s remarks is to
A: A lockout, actual or threatened, as a means of
be evaluated not only on the basis of their
dissuading the Ees from exercising their rights is
implications, but against the background of and in
clearly an ULP. However, to hold an Er guilty, the
conjunction with collateral circumstances.
evidence must establish that the purpose was to
interfere with the Ees exercise of their rights.
Under this doctrine, expressions of opinion by an
Er, though innocent in themselves, frequently were
Q: What are other examples of acts of
held to be ULP because of:
interference?
152
LABOR LAW TEAM:
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MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
A: Q: What are the 3 usual provisions under a yellow
1. Outright and unconcealed intimidation dog contract?
2. In order that interrogation would not be
deemed coercive: A:
a. The Er must communicate to the Ee 1. A representation by the Ee that he is not a
the purpose of questioning member of a labor union.
b. Assure him that no reprisal would 2. A promise by the Ee not to join a labor
take place union.
c. Obtain Ee participation voluntarily 3. A promise by the Ee that upon joining a
d. Must be free from Er hostility to labor union, he will quit his employment.
union organization
e. Must not be coercive in nature (c)Contracting Out
3. Intimidating expressions of opinion by Er
Q: What is “contracting out” as a form of ULP?
Note: An Er who interfered with the right to self‐
organization before a union is registered can be held A: It is to contract out services or functions being
guilty of ULP. (Samahan ng mga Manggagawa sa performed by union members when such will
Bandolino‐LMLC v. NLRC, G.R. No. 125195, July 17, interfere with, restrain or coerce Ees in the exercise
1997) of their rights to self‐organization.
It is the prerogative of the company to promote, Q: Does it mean that an Er cannot contract out
transfer or even demote its Ees to other positions work?
when the interests of the company reasonably
demand it. Unless there are circumstances which
A:
directly point to interference by the company with the
GR: Contracting out services is not ULP per se.
Ees right to self‐organization, the transfer of an Ee
should be considered as within the bounds allowed by
law. (Rubberworld Phils. v. NLRC, G.R. No. 75704, July XPNs: It is ULP only when the ff. exists:
19, 1989) 1. The services contracted out are being
performed by union members; and
(b)Yellow Dog 2. Such contracting out interferes with,
restrains, or coerce Ees in the exercise of
Q: What is a yellow dog condition? their right to self‐organization.
A: It is to require as a condition of employment that Note: When the contracting out is being done for
business reasons such as decline in business,
a person or an Ee shall not join a labor organization
inadequacy of equipment or to reduce cost, then it is a
or shall withdraw from one to which he belongs.
valid exercise of management prerogative.
Q: What is a yellow dog contract?
Q: Company "A" contracts out its clerical and
janitorial services. In the negotiations of its
A: It is a promise exacted from workers as condition
CBA, the union insisted that the company may no
of employment that they are not to belong to or
longer engage in contracting out these types of
attempt to foster a union during their period of
services, which services the union claims to be
employment.
necessary in the company's business, without
prior consultation. Is the union's stand valid or
Q: Is yellow dog contract valid?
not? For what reason(s)?
A: No. It is null and void because:
A: The union's stand is not valid. It is part of
1. It is contrary to public policy for it is
management prerogative to contract out any
tantamount to involuntary servitude.
work, task, job or project except that it is an ULP to
2. It is entered into without consideration
contract out services or functions performed
for Ees in waiving their right to self‐
by union members when such will interfere
organization.
with, restrain or coerce Ees in the exercise of their
3. Ees are coerced to sign contracts
rights to self‐organization. (Art. 248[c] of the LC).
disadvantageous to their family.
(2001 Bar Question)
Note: This is one of the cases of ULP that may be
Q: What is a run‐away shop?
committed in the absence of an Er‐Ee relationship.
153
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
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A: It is an industrial plant moved by its owners from or other support to it or its organizers or
one location to another to escape labor regulations supporters.
or State laws or to discriminate against Ees at the
old plant because of their union activities. Q: Why is company unionism/captive unionism a
form of ULP?
Q: Is resorting to run‐away shop ULP?
A: It is considered ULP because the officers will be
A: Yes. Where a plant removal is for business beholden to the Ers and they will not look after the
reasons but the relocation is hastened by anti‐union interest of whom they represent.
motivation, the early removal is ULP. It is
immaterial that the relocation is accompanied by a (e)Discrimination for or against union membership
transfer of title to a new employer (Er) who is an
alter ego of the original Er. Q: What is meant by discrimination as a form of
ULP?
(d)Company Unionism
A: It is to discriminate in regard to wages, hours of
Q: What is a company union? work and other terms and conditions of
employment in order to encourage or discourage
A: Any labor organization whose formation, membership in any labor organization.
function or administration has been assisted by any
act defined as ULP. (Art. 212[i]) Q: When is a discharge of an Ee discriminatory?
Q: What are the forms of company unionism? A: For the test of determining whether or not a
discharge is discriminatory, it is necessary that the
A: underlying reason for the discharge be established.
1. Initiation of the company union idea by:
a. Outright formation by Er or his The fact that a lawful cause for discharge is
representatives available is not a defense where the Ee is actually
b. Ee formation on outright demand or discharged because of his union activities. If the
influence by Er and discharge is actually motivated by lawful reason,
c. Managerially motivated formation by the fact that the Ee is engaged in union activities at
Ees the time will lie against the Er and prevent him from
the exercise of business judgment to discharge an
2. Financial support to the union by: Ee for cause. (Phil. Metal Foundries Inc. v. CIR, G.R.
a. Er defrays union expenses Nos. L‐34948‐49, May 15, 1979)
b. Pays atty’s fees to the attorney who
drafted the Constitution or by‐laws Q: Jobo has 3 hotels, the Taal Vista Lodge, Manila
of the union. Hotel and the Pines Hotel. Among the 3, Pines
Hotel had more Ees and the only one with a labor
3. Er encouragement assistance ‐ organization (LO). When the bonus was distributed
Immediately granting of exclusive among the 3 hotels, Pines Hotel Ees received the
recognition as bargaining agent without least amount compared to the Ees of Manila Hotel
determining whether the union and Taal Vista Lodge. Did the company commit
represents the majority of the employees ULP?
4. Supervisory assistance‐ Soliciting A: Yes. The sharing of the bonuses is discriminatory
membership, permitting union activities and such constitute ULP. The Pines Hotel Ees would
during work time or coercing Ees to join be receiving fewer bonuses compared to the Ees of
the union by threats of dismissal or Taal Vista Lodge and Manila Hotel where neither
demotion has a LO nor does the complainant union has a
member. Taking into account that Pines Hotel is
Q: What is meant by the act of company‐ realizing profit compared to that of Taal Vista. Same
domination of union? analogy applies in the salary increase. (Manila Hotel
Co. v. Pines Hotel Ees’ Ass’n, G.R. No.L‐30139, Sep.
A: This is to initiate, dominate, assist or otherwise 28, 1972)
interfere with the formation or administration of
any labor organization including giving of financial Q: When can there be a valid discrimination?
154
LABOR LAW TEAM:
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MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
A: The employer is not guilty of ULP if it merely Notwithstanding the fact that the dismissal was at
complies in good faith with the request of the the instance of the federation and that it undertook
certified union for the dismissal of employees to hold the company free from any liability resulting
expelled from the union pursuant to the union from such dismissal, the company may still be held
security clause in the CBA. (Soriano v. Atienza, G.R. liable if it was remiss in its duty to accord the
No. L‐68619, Mar. 16, 1989) would‐be dismissed Ees their right to be heard on
the matter.
Q: A profit sharing scheme was introduced by the
company for its managers and supervisors who are Q: Mabeza and her co‐Ees were asked by the
not members of the union, hence do not enjoy the company to sign an affidavit attesting to the
benefits of the CBA. The respondent union wanted latter’s compliance with pertinent labor laws.
to participate with the scheme but was denied by Mabeza signed the affidavit but refused to swear
the company due to the CBA. Subsequently the to its veracity before the City prosecutor. Mabeza
company distributed the profit sharing to the then filed a LOA which was denied by
manager, supervisors and other non‐union management. After sometime, she attempted to
member Ees. As a result the union filed a notice of return to work but the company informed her not
strike alleging ULP. Is the non‐extension of the to report for work and continue with her unofficial
profit sharing scheme to union members leave. Did the company commit ULP?
discriminatory and an ULP?
A: Yes. The act of compelling an Ee to sign an
A: No. There can be no discrimination when the instrument indicating the Er’s compliance with
Ees are not similarly situated. The situation of union Labor laws which the company might have violated
members is different and distinct from non‐union together with the act of terminating or coercing
members because only union members enjoy the those Ees to cooperate is an act of ULP. This is
benefit under the CBA. The profit sharing scheme analogous with Art. 248 (f) of the LC which
was extended to those who do not enjoy the provides: “to dismiss, discharge or otherwise
benefits of the CBA. Hence, there is no prejudice or discriminate against an Ee for having
discrimination and ULP is not committed. (Wise and given or being about to give testimony under this
Co., Inc. v. NLRC, G.R. No. L‐87672, Oct. 13, 1989) Code”. For in not giving a positive testimony in
favor of the Er, Mabeza reserved not only her right
Q: Is dismissal of an Ee pursuant to a union to dispute the claim but also to work for better
security clause a form of ULP? terms and condition. (Mabeza v. NLRC, G.R No.
118506, April 18, 1997)
A: No. Union security clauses in the CBA, if freely
and voluntarily entered into, are valid and binding. (f)Violation of Duty to Bargain
Thus, the dismissal of an Ee by the company
pursuant to a labor union’s demand in accordance Q: What is violation of the duty to bargain as a
with a union security agreement does not kind of ULP?
constitute ULP. (Malayang Samahan ng mga
Manggagawa sa M. Greenfield v. Ramos, G.R. No. A: This is the act of violating the duty to bargain
113907, Feb. 28, 2000) collectively as prescribed in the LC.
155
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
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Q: What are the examples of ULP in bargaining? being a majority union. (1997 Bar Question)
A: Q: What is surface bargaining?
1. Delaying negotiations by discussing
unrelated matters A: It is the act of going through the motions of
2. Refusal to accept request to bargain negotiating without any legal intent to reach an
3. Rejecting a union’s offer to prove its agreement. It involves the question of whether or
majority claim not the Ers conduct demonstrates an unwillingness
4. Shutdown to avoid bargaining to bargain in good faith or is merely hard
5. Engaging in surface bargaining bargaining. (Standard Chartered Bank v. Confessor,
G.R. No. 114974, June 16, 2004)
Q: Balmar Farms Ees Association (BFEA) is
affiliated with Associated Labor Union (ALU). ALU Note: Occurs when the Er constantly changes its
won in the certification election held in the position over the agreement.
company. Thus, ALU sent its proposal for a CBA,
(g)Paid Negotiation
but the company refused to act on it alleging that
BEA is the sole and exclusive bargaining
Q: What is meant by paid negotiation as a form of
representative and that BFEA through its president
ULP?
had sent a letter informing the company of its
disaffiliation with ALU. Is the company guilty of A: It is the act of the employer to pay negotiation or
ULP for refusing to bargain collectively? atty’s fees to the union or its officers or agents as
part of the settlement of any issue in collective
A: Yes. ALU is the certified exclusive bargaining bargaining or any other dispute.
representative after winning the certification
election. The company merely relied on the letter (h)Gross Violation of CBA
of disaffiliation by BFEA’s president without proof
and consequently refusing to bargain collectively Q: When is the violation of CBA considered as
constitutes ULP. Such refusal by the company to ULP?
bargain collectively with the certified exclusive
bargaining representative is a violation of its duty to A: Only when the violation is gross – There must be
collectively bargain which constitutes ULP. (Balmar a flagrant and/or malicious refusal to comply with
Farms v. NLRC, G.R. No.73504, Oct. 15, 1991) the economic provision of the CBA.
156
LABOR LAW TEAM:
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LABOR RELATIONS LAW
157
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VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
and impetuous reasons or for causes foreign to the
closed shop agreement. (Manila Mandarin Ees A: Yes, assuming that they acted in their individual
Union v. NLRC, G.R. No. 76989, Sep. 29, 1987) capacities when they wrote the letter, they were
nonetheless protected, for they were engaged in a
Labor unions are not entitled to arbitrarily exclude concerted activity, in their right of self‐organization
qualified applicants for membership and a closed‐ that includes concerted activity for mutual aid and
shop applicants provision will not justify the protection. Any interference made by the company
employer in discharging, or a union in insisting upon will constitute as ULP.
the discharge of an employee whom the union thus
refuses to admit to membership without any The joining in protests or demands, even by a small
reasonable ground thereof. (Salunga v. CIR, G.R. group of Ees, if in furtherance of their interests as
No. L‐22456, Sep. 27, 1967) such is a concerted activity protected by the
Industrial Peace Act. It is not necessary that union
Q: When is there refusal to bargain? activity be involved or that collective bargaining be
contemplated. (Republic Savings Bank v. CIR, G.R.
A: A union violates its duty to bargain collectively by No. L‐20303, Oct. 31, 1967)
entering negotiations with a fixed purpose of not
reaching an agreement or signing a contract. Q: What is a strike?
3.RIGHT TO PEACEFUL CONCERTED ACTIVITIES A: It means any temporary stoppage of work by the
concerted action of employees as a result of an
Q: What is the constitutional basis of strikes,
industrial or labor dispute. (Sec.1 [uu], Rule I, Book
lockouts and other concerted activities?
V, IRR)
A: The State shall guarantee the rights of all
It shall comprise not only concerted work
workers to self‐organization, collective bargaining
stoppages, but also slowdowns, mass leaves,
and negotiations, and peaceful concerted activities,
sitdowns, attempt to damage, destroy or sabotage
including the right to strike in accordance with law
plant equipment and facilities, and similar activities.
(Sec. 3, Art. XIII, 1987 Constitution).
(Samahang Manggagawa sa Sulpicion Lines v.
Note: The law does not look with favor upon strikes Sulpicio Lines, Inc., G.R. No. 140992, Mar. 25, 2004)
and lockouts because of their disturbing and
pernicious effects upon the social order and the public Q: What is the purpose of a strike?
interests; to prevent or avert them and to implement
Sec. 6, Art. XIV of the Constitution, the law has created A: A strike is a coercive measure resorted to by
several agencies, namely: the BLR, the DOLE, the Labor laborers to enforce their demands. The idea behind
Management Advisory Board, and the CIR. (Luzon a strike is that a company engaged in a profitable
Marine Dev’t Union v. Roldan, G.R. No. L‐2660, May business cannot afford to have its production or
30, 1950) activities interrupted, much less, paralyzed. (Phil.
Can Co. v. CIR, G.R. No. L‐3021, July 13, 1950)
Q: What is a concerted action?
Q: What is a lockout?
A: It is an activity undertaken by 2 or more
employees, by one on behalf of the others. A: It means any temporary refusal of an employer
to furnish work as a result of an industrial or labor
Q: Are all concerted actions strikes? dispute. (Art. 212 [p])
A: Not all concerted activities are strikes. They may
Q: What is picketing?
only be protest actions – they do not necessarily
cause work stoppage by the protesters. A strike in
A: It is the act of marching to and fro the employers
contrast is always a group action accompanied by
premises which is usually accompanied by the
work stoppage.
display of placard and other signs, making known
the facts involved in a labor dispute.
Q: The Ees wrote and published a letter to the
bank president, demanding his resignation on the
The right to picket as a means of communicating
grounds of immorality, nepotism, favoritism and
the facts of a labor dispute is a phase of the
discrimination in the appointment and promotion
freedom of speech guaranteed by the Constitution.
of bank Ees. The bank dismissed the 8 Ees on the
If peacefully carried out, it can not be curtailed
alleged libelous letter. Were the Ees engaged in a
concerted activity?
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LABOR RELATIONS LAW
even in the absence of Er‐Ee relationship. (PAFLU v. Q: What is a slowdown?
Cloribel, G.R. No. L‐25878, Mar. 28, 1969)
A: It is a method by which one’s employees,
Q: Is the right to picket an absolute right? without seeking a complete stoppage of work,
retard production and distribution in an effort to
A: No, while peaceful picketing is entitled to compel compliance by the employer with the labor
protection as an exercise of free speech, the courts demands made upon him.
are not without power to confine or localize the
sphere of communication or the demonstration to Q: Does an “overtime boycott” or “work
the parties to the labor dispute, including those slowdown” by the employees constitute a strike
with related interests, and to insulate and hence a violation of the CBA’s “No strike, no
establishments or persons with no industrial lockout” clause?
connection or having interest totally foreign to the
context of the dispute. (Liwayway Pub., Inc. v. A: Yes, the concept of a slowdown is a "strike on
Permanent Concrete Workers Union, G.R. No. L‐ the installment plan." It is a willful reduction in the
25003, Oct. 23, 1981) rate of work by concerted action of workers for the
purpose of restricting the output of the employer
The right to peaceful picketing shall be exercised by (Er), in relation to a labor dispute; as an activity by
the workers with due respect for the rights of which workers, without a complete stoppage of
others. No person engaged in picketing shall work, retard production or their performance of
commit any act of violence, coercion or duties and functions to compel management to
intimidation. Stationary picket, the use of means grant their demands.
like placing of objects to constitute permanent
blockade or to effectively close points of entry or Such a slowdown is generally condemned as
exit in company premises are prohibited by law. inherently illicit and unjustifiable, because while the
employees (Ees) "continue to work and remain at
Q: Who is a strike‐breaker? their positions and accept the wages paid to them,"
they at the same time "select what part of their
A: Any person who obstructs, impedes, or allotted tasks they care to perform of their own
interferes with by force, violence, coercion, threats, volition or refuse openly or secretly, to the Er's
or intimidation any peaceful picketing affecting damage, to do other work;" in other words, they
wages, hours or conditions of work or in the "work on their own terms." (Interphil Laboratories
exercise of the right of self‐organization or Ees Union‐FFW v. Interphil Laboratories, Inc., G.R.
collective bargaining. (Art. 212 [r]) No. 142824, Dec. 19, 2001)
Q: What is a strike area? Q: What are the characteristics of a strike?
A:
A: It means the establishment, warehouses, depots, 1. Existence of an Er‐Ee relationship
plants or offices, including the sites or premises 2. Existence of a labor dispute
used as runaway shops, of the Er struck against, as 3. Employment relation is deemed to
well as the immediate vicinity actually used by continue although in a state of belligerent
picketing strikers in moving to and fro before all suspension
points of entrance to and exit from said 4. Temporary work stoppage
establishment. (Sec. 1 [vv], Rule I, Book V, IRR) 5. Work stoppage is done through concerted
action
Q: What is an internal union dispute? 6. The striking group is a legitimate labor
organization; in case of a bargaining
A: It includes all disputes or grievances arising from deadlock, it must be the employees’ sole
any violation of or disagreement over any provision bargaining representative
of the constitution and by laws of a union, including
any violation of the rights and conditions of union Q: PAL dismissed strike leader Capt. Gaston as a
membership provided for in this LC. (Art. 212 [q]) result of which the Union resolved to undertake
the grounding of all PAL planes and the filing of
Q: What is a boycott? applications for “protest retirement” of members
who had completed 5 years of continuous service,
A: It is an attempt, by arousing a fear of loss, to and “protest resignation” for those who had
coerce others, against their will to withhold from rendered less than 5 years of service in the
one denominated “unfriendly to labor” their company. PAL acknowledged receipt of said
beneficial business intercourse. letters and among the pilots whose “protest
159
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
160
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
A: Yes, the concerted efforts of the members of the existence of the union is
union and its supporters caused a temporary work threatened. It must still observe
stoppage. The allegation that there can be no work the mandatory 7‐day strike ban
stoppage because the operation in the division had period before it can stage a
been shut down is of no consequence. It bears valid strike
stressing that the other divisions were fully
operational. (Bukluran ng Manggagawa sa Q: What are the different forms of strike?
Clothman Knitting Corp. v. CA, G.R. No. 158158,
Jan.17, 2005)
A:
1. Legal Strike‐one called for a valid purpose
a.Forms of Concerted Activities
and conducted through means allowed by
Q: What are the types of strike? law.
2. Illegal Strike‐one staged for a purpose not
A: recognized by law, or if for a valid purpose,
1. Economic strike – used to secure the conducted through means not sanctioned
economic demands such as higher wages by law.
and better working conditions for the 3. Economic Strike‐ one staged by workers to
workers force wage or other economic concessions
2. ULP strike – protest against ULP of from the employer which he is not
management required by law to grant
(Consolidated Labor Association
Q: Distinguish between an economic strike and an of the Phil. vs. Marsman, G.R. No. L‐
ULP strike. 17038, July 31, 1964)
4. ULP Strike‐one called to protest against the
A: employer’s acts of unfair practice
ECONOMIC STRIKE ULP STRIKE enumerated in Article 248 of the Labor
As to nature Code, as amended, including gross
Involuntary strike; the LO is violation of the collective bargaining
Voluntary strike forced to go on strike because agreement (CBA) and union busting.
because the Ee will of the ULP committed against 5. Slow Down Strike‐one staged without the
declare a strike to them by the Er. It is an act of workers quitting their work but by merely
compel self‐defense since the Ee’s are slackening or by reducing their normal
management to being pushed to the wall and work output.
grant its demands their only remedy is to stage a 6. Wild‐Cat Strike‐one declared and staged
strike without filing the required notice of strike
Who will initiate and without the majority approval of the
The CB agent of recognized bargaining agent.
the appropriate 7. Sit Down Strike‐one where the workers
Either the CB agent or the LLO in
bargaining unit can stop working but do not leave their place
behalf of its members
declare an of work.
economic strike
As to the cooling‐off period b.Who may declare a strike or lockout
30 days from Q: Who may declare a strike or lockout?
notice of strike
before the A:
15 days from the filing of the
intended date of 1. Any certified or duly recognized
notice of strike
actual strike bargaining representative may declare a
subject to the 7‐
strike in cases of bargaining deadlock
day strike ban
and unfair labor practice. Likewise, the
As to the exception to the cooling‐off period
employer may declare a lockout in the
No exception – The cooling‐off period may be
same cases.
mandatory dispensed with, and the union
may take immediate action in
2. In the absence of a certified or duly
Note: notice of case of dismissal from recognized bargaining representative,
strike and strike employment of their officers any legitimate labor organization in the
vote may be duly elected in accordance with establishment may declare a strike but
dispensed with; the union’s constitution and by‐ only on the ground of unfair labor
they may strike laws, which may constitute practice. (Section 2, Rule XIII Book V,
immediately union busting where the
161
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
162
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
163
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
4. After assumption of jurisdiction by the its own initiative or upon request of
SLE any party.
5. After certification or submission of
dispute to compulsory or voluntary 4. Furnish the regional branch of the NCMB
arbitration or during the pendency of with a notice to conduct a strike vote, at
cases involving the same grounds for least 24‐hours before the meeting for
strike or lockout such purpose (Sec. 10, Rule XXII of the
6. Labor standards cases such as wage Omnibus Rules of the NLRC).
orders. (Guidelines governing Labor
Relations [Oct. 19, 1987] issued by Sec. 5. 7‐Day strike ban – a 7‐day waiting period
Drilon. See also Art. 261, LC) before the date of the purported strike
(within which the union intending to
conduct a strike must at least submit a
Q: What are the procedural and substantive report to DOLE as to the result of the
requisites before a strike may be declared? strike vote)
A: Note: To give DOLE an opportunity to verify
1. Notice of strike – filed with the NCMB whether the projected strike really carries
taking into consideration the cooling‐off the imprimatur of the majority of the union
period members in addition to the cooling‐off
period before the actual strike. (Lapanday
Note: The failure of the union to serve the Workers’ Union, et.al. v. NLRC, G.R. Nos.
company a copy of the notice of strike is a 95494‐97, Sep. 7, 1995)
clear violation of Section 3, Rule XXII, Book V
of the Rules Implementing the LC. The Q: What is a cooling‐off period?
Constitutional precepts of due process
mandate that the other party be notified of A: It is the period of time given the NCMB to
the adverse action of the opposing party. mediate and conciliate the parties. It is the span of
(Filipino Pipe and Foundry Corp. v. NLRC, time allotted by law for parties to settle their
G.R. No. 115180, Nov.r 16, 1999) disputes in a peaceful manner before staging a
strike or lockout.
2. 30/15 day Cooling‐off period before the
intended date of actual strike – notice of Note: Cooling‐off and waiting period may be done
strike is filed with the NCMB taking into simultaneously.
consideration the cooling‐off period, at
least: Q: What is the effect of non‐compliance with the
requisites of a strike?
a. 30 days before the intended strike
for bargaining deadlocks; A: The strike may be declared illegal.
b. 15 days before the intended strike
for ULP Q: What is the purpose of giving notice of the
conduct of a strike vote to the NCMB at least 24
3. Strike vote hours before the meeting for the said purpose?
a. The decision to declare a strike must
be approved by a majority of the A:
total union membership in the 1. Inform the NCMB of the intent of the
bargaining unit concerned. union to conduct a strike vote;
b. It must be obtained by secret ballot 2. Give the NCMB ample time to decide on
through meetings or referenda called whether or not there is a need to
for the purpose. supervise the conduct of the strike vote
c. Its purpose is to ensure that the to prevent any acts of violence and or
intended strike is a majority decision. irregularities;
The report on the strike vote must 3. Ample time to prepare for the
be submitted to DOLE at least 7 days deployment of the requisite personnel.
before the intended strike subject to (Capitol Medical Center v. NLRC, G.R. No.
the cooling‐off period. 147080, April 26, 2005)
d. The regional branch may supervise
the conduct of the secret balloting at Q: Is a no strike/lockout clause legal?
164
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
165
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
166
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
b. May assume jurisdiction or certify it to A: No, the mere issuance of an assumption order
the NLRC for compulsory arbitration automatically carries with it a return‐to‐work order
c. Duty of striking union or locking out Er although not expressly stated therein. (TSEU‐FFW v.
to provide and maintain an effective CA, G.R. Nos. 143013‐14, Dec.18, 2000)
skeletal workforce of medical and
other health personnel, where Q: What is the extent of the powers of the
movement and service shall be President during strikes/lockouts?
unhampered and unrestricted as are
necessary to insure the proper and A:
adequate protection of the life and 1. May determine the industries, which are
health of its patients most especially in his opinion indispensable to national
emergency cases for the duration of interest
the strike or lockout (Art. 263 [g]) 2. May intervene at any time and assume
jurisdiction over any such labor dispute in
Q: What does the phrase “under the same terms order to settle or terminate the same.
and conditions” contemplate? (Art. 263[g])
A: Note: The decision of the President/SLE is final and
GR: It contemplates only actual reinstatement. executory after receipt thereof by the parties.
This is in keeping with the rationale that any
work stoppage or slowdown in that particular Q: May a return to work order be validly issued
industry can be inimical to the national pending determination of the legality of the
economy. strike?
XPN: Payroll reinstatement in lieu of actual A: Yes. Where the return to work order is issued
reinstatement but there must be showing of pending the determination of the legality of the
special circumstances rendering actual strike, it is not correct to say that it may be
reinstatement impracticable, or otherwise not enforced only if the strike is legal and may be
conducive to attaining the purpose of the law in disregarded if illegal. Precisely, the purpose of the
providing for assumption of jurisdiction by the return to work order is to maintain the status quo
SLE in a labor dispute that affects the national while the determination is being made. (Sarmiento
interest. (Manila Diamond Hotel Ees Union v. v. Tuico, G.R. Nos. 75271‐73, June 27, 1988)
SLE, G.R. No. 140518, Dec. 16, 2004)
e.Nature of Assumption Order or Certification
Q: What are issues that the SLE may resolve when Order
he assumes jurisdiction over a labor dispute?
Q: What is the nature of the power of SLE under
A: Art. 263(g)?
1. Issues submitted to the SLE for resolution
and such issues involved in the labor A: The assumption of jurisdiction is in the nature of
dispute itself. (St. Scholastica’s College v. a police power measure. This is done for the
Torres, G.R. No. 100158, June 2, 1992) promotion of the common good considering that a
2. SLE may subsume pending labor cases prolonged strike or lockout can be inimical to the
before LAs which are involved in the national economy. The SLE acts to maintain
dispute and decide even issues falling industrial peace. Thus, his certification for
under the exclusive and original compulsory arbitration is not intended to impede
jurisdiction of LAs such as the declaration the worker’s right to strike but to obtain a speedy
of legality or illegality of strike (Int’l. settlement of the dispute. (Philtread Workers Union
Pharmaceuticals v. SLE, G.R. Nos. 92981‐ v. Confesor, G.R. No. 117169, Mar. 12, 1997)
83, Jan. 9, 1992)
Art. 263(g) does not interfere with the workers right
Note: Power of SLE is plenary and discretionary. (St. to strike but merely regulates it, when in the
Luke’s Medical Center v. Torres, G.R. No. 99395, June exercise of such right national interest will be
29, 1993) affected. The LC vests upon the SLE the discretion
to determine what industries are indispensable to
Q: Is it necessary for the SLE to issue a return‐to‐ national interest.
work order in an assumption order?
Q: What is the nature of assumption and
certification orders of the Secretary of Labor?
167
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
168
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
3. Declared for an unlawful purpose, such as Q: What is the rule on reinstatement of striking
inducing the employer (Er) to commit ULP workers?
against non‐union Ees;
4. Employs unlawful means in the pursuit of A: Striking employees are entitled to reinstatement,
its objective, such as widespread regardless of whether or not the strike was the
terrorism of non‐strikers; consequence of the employers ULP because while
5. Declared in violation of an existing out on strike, the strikers are not considered to
injunction; have abandoned their employment, but rather have
6. Contrary to an existing agreement, such only ceased from their labor; the declaration of a
as a no strike clause or conclusive strike is not a renunciation of employment relation.
arbitration clause
Q: Who are not entitled to reinstatement?
Q: What is “good faith (GF) strike” doctrine?
A:
A: A strike may be considered legal where the union 1. Union officers who knowingly participate
believed that the company committed ULP and the in the illegal strike
circumstances warranted such belief in GF, 2. Any striker or union who knowingly
although subsequently such allegations of ULP are participates in the commission of illegal
found out as not true. (Bacus v. Ople, GR No. L‐ acts during the strike
56856, Oct. 23, 1984, People’s Industrial and
Commercial Ees and Organization (FFW) v. People’s Note: Those union members who have joined an illegal
Industrial and Commercial Corp., G.R. No.37687, strike but have not committed any illegal act shall be
Mar. 15, 1982) reinstated but without back wages.
Q: What is the effect of the GF of strikers on the The responsibility for the illegal acts committed during
legality of strike? the strike must be on an individual and not on a
collective basis. (First City Interlink Transportation Co.,
Inc. v. Confesor, G.R. No. 106316, May 5, 1997)
A:
GR: A strike grounded on ULP is illegal if no such
Q: Are strikers entitled to their backwages or
acts actually exist.
strike duration pay?
XPN: Even if no ULP acts are committed by the
A:
Er, if the Ees believe in GF that ULP acts exist so
GR: No, even if such strike was legal.
as to constitute a valid ground to strike, then
the strike held pursuant to such belief may be
XPN:
legal. Where the union believed that the Er
1. Where the strikers voluntarily and
committed ULP and the circumstances
unconditionally offered to return to work,
warranted such belief in GF, the resulting strike
but the employer refused to accept the
may be considered legal although,
offer – workers are entitled to back wages
subsequently, such allegations of ULP were
from the date their offer was made
found to be groundless. (NUWHRAIN‐Interim
2. When there is a return‐to‐work order and
Junta v. NLRC, G.R. No. 125561, Mar. 6, 1998)
the Ees are discriminated against other
(1)Liability of Officers of the Union and Ordinary Ees, workers are entitled to back wages
Workers from the date of discrimination
3. In case of a ULP strike, in the discretion of
Q: Should separation pay and backwages be the authority deciding the case
awarded to the participants of an illegal strike?
Q: What is the rule in strikes in hospitals?
A: No backwages will be awarded to union
members as a penalty for their participation in the A:
illegal strike. As for the union officers, for knowingly 1. It shall be the duty of the striking
participating in an illegal strike, the law mandates employees or locking‐out employer to
that a union officer may be terminated from provide and maintain an effective skeletal
employment and they are not entitled to any relief. workforce of medical and health
(Gold City Integrated Port Services, Inc. v. NLRC, G.R. personnel for the duration of the strike or
No. 86000, Sep. 21, 1990 ) lockout.
2. SLE may immediately assume jurisdiction
within 24 hours from knowledge of the
169
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
occurrence of such strike or lockout A: When an employer accedes to the peaceful
certify it to the NLRC for compulsory settlement brokered by the NLRC by agreeing to
arbitration. accept all employees who had not yet returned to
work, it waives the issue of the illegality of the
Q: More or less 1400 Ees of the company staged a strike. (Reformist Union v. NLRC, G.R. No.
mass walk‐out, allegedly without anybody leading 120482,Jan. 27, 1997)
them as it was a simultaneous, immediate and
unanimous group action and decision, to protest j.Injunctions
the non‐payment of their salaries and wages. The
Minister of Labor and Employment who found the Q: What is an injunction?
strike to be illegal granted the clearance to
terminate the employment of those who were A: It is an order or a writ that commands a person
instigators in the illegal strike. Was the decision of to do or not to do a particular act. It may be a
the Minister of Employment in granting the positive (mandatory) or a negative (prohibitory)
clearance correct? command.
A: No, a mere finding of the illegality of a strike (1)Requisites for Labor Injunctions
should not be automatically followed by wholesale
dismissal of the strikers from their employment. Q: May the court or quasi‐judicial entity issue any
While it is true that administrative agencies injunction during strikes/lockouts?
exercising quasi‐judicial functions are free from the
A: GR: No court or entity shall enjoin any picketing,
rigidities of procedure, it is equally well‐settled that
strike or lockout, or any labor dispute.
avoidance of technicalities of law or procedure in
ascertaining objectively the facts in each case
XPN:
should not, however, cause denial of due process.
1. When prohibited or unlawful acts are
(Bacus v. Ople, G.R. No. L‐56856, Oct. 23, 1984)
being or about to be committed that will
cause grave or irreparable damage to the
Q: 2 days after the union struck, the SLE ordered
complaining party. (Art. 218[e])
the striking workers to return to work within 24
2. On the ground of national interest
hours. But the striking union failed to return to
3. The SLE or the NLRC may seek the
work and instead they continued their pickets. As
assistance of law enforcement agencies to
a result, violence erupted in the picket lines. The
ensure compliance with this provision as
service bus ferrying non‐striking workers was
well as with such orders as he may issue
stoned causing injuries to its passengers. Threats,
to enforce the same (Art. 263[g])
defamation, illegal detention, and physical injuries
also occurred. The company was directed to
(2)Innocent Bystander Rule
accept back all striking workers, except the union
officers, shop stewards, and those with pending
Q: What must an “innocent by‐stander” satisfy
criminal charges. Was the SLE correct in not
before a court may enjoin a labor strike?
including the union officers, shop stewards and
those with pending criminal charges in the return‐
A: The innocent by stander must show:
to‐work order?
1. Compliance with the grounds specified in
A: No, to exclude union officers, shop stewards and
Rule 58 of the Rules of Court, and
those with pending criminal charges in the directive
2. That it is entirely different from, without
to the company to accept back the striking workers
any connection whatsoever to, either
without first determining whether they knowingly
party to the dispute and, therefore, its
committed illegal acts would be tantamount to
interests are totally foreign to the context
dismissal without due process of law. (Telefunken
thereof. (MSF Tire & Rubber v. CA, G.R.
Semiconductors Ees Union‐FFW v. SLE, G.R. No.
128632, Aug. 5, 1999)
122743 & 127215, Dec. 12, 1997)
Q: May the RTC take cognizance of the complaint
(2)Waiver of Illegality of Strike
where the same is but an incident of a labor
dispute?
Q: When is there a waiver of the illegality of a
strike by the employer? rd
A: No, where the subject matter of the 3 party
claim is but an incident of the labor case, it is a
matter beyond the jurisdiction of the RTC, such
170
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
LABOR RELATIONS LAW
courts have no jurisdiction to act on labor cases or
various incidents arising therefrom, including the
execution of decisions, awards or orders.
A party, by filing its 3rd party claim with the deputy
sheriff, it submitted itself to the jurisdiction of the
NLRC acting through the LA.
The broad powers granted to the LA and to the
NLRC by Art. 217, 218 and 224 of the LC can only be
interpreted as vesting in them jurisdiction over
incidents arising from, in connection with or
relating to labor disputes, as the controversy under
consideration, to the exclusion of the regular
courts. The RTC, being a co‐equal body of the NLRC,
has no jurisdiction to issue any restraining order or
injunction to enjoin the execution of any decision of
the latter. (Deltaventures v. Cabato, G.R. No.
118216, Mar. 9, 2000)
Q: The employer filed with the RTC a complaint for
damages with preliminary mandatory injunction
against the union, the main purpose of which is to
dispense the picketing of the members of the
union. The union filed a motion to dismiss on the
ground of lack of jurisdiction. The RTC denied the
motion to dismiss and enjoined the picketing, it
said that mere allegations of Er‐Ee relationship
does not automatically deprive the court of its
jurisdiction and even the subsequent filing of
charges of ULP, as an afterthought, does not
deprive it of its jurisdiction. Was the issuance by
the RTC of the injunction proper?
A: No, the concerted action taken by the members
of the union in picketing the premises of the
department store, no matter how illegal, cannot be
regarded as acts not arising from a labor dispute
over which the RTCs may exercise jurisdiction.
(Samahang Manggagawa ng Liberty Commercial v.
Pimentel, G.R. No. L‐78621, Dec. 2, 1987)
171
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
172
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
PROCEDURE AND JURISDICTION
173
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
A:
Q: Who has the exclusive appellate jurisdiction 1. The appeal is perfected:
over all cases decided by Labor Arbiters? a. Filed within the reglementary period
provided in Sec. 1 of this Rules
A: The NLRC. b. Verified by the appellant himself in
accordance with Sec. 4, Rule 7 of the
Q: What is the effect of perfection of an appeal on Rules of Court, as amended
execution? c. In the form of a memorandum of
appeal which shall state the grounds
A: The perfection of an appeal shall stay the relied upon and the arguments in
execution of the decision of the Labor Arbiter on support thereof, the relief prayed
appeal, except execution for reinstatement pending for, and with a statement of the date
appeal. the appellant received the appealed
decision, resolution or order
Note: The provision of Art. 223 is clear that an award d. In 3 legibly typewritten or printed
by the LA for reinstatement shall be immediately copies
executor even pending appeal and the posting of a e. Accompanied by (i) proof of payment
bond by the employer shall not stay the execution for of the required appeal fee; (ii)
reinstatement. (Pioneer Texturizing Corp. v. NLRC, G.R. posting of a cash or surety bond as
No. 118651, Oct. 16, 1997) provided in Sec. 6 of this Rule; (iii) a
certificate of non‐forum shopping;
b.Effect of self‐executing order of reinstatement on and (iv) proof of service upon the
backwages other parties.
Q: May dismissed employees (Ees) collect their 2. Mere notice of appeal without complying
wages during the period between the Labor with the other requisites aforestated shall
Arbiter’s (LA’s) order of reinstatement pending not stop the running of the period for
appeal and the NLRC decision overturning that of perfecting an appeal.
the LA?
Q: Is the posting of an appeal bond required for
A: Yes. Par. 3 of Art. 223 of the Labor Code
the perfection of an appeal from a Labor Arbiter’s
provides that the decision of the LA reinstating a
(LA’s) decision involving monetary award?
dismissed or separated Ee, insofar as the
reinstatement aspect is concerned, shall
A: Yes. In case the decision of the LA or the Regional
immediately be excutory, pending appeal.
Director involves a monetary award, an appeal by
the employer may be perfected only upon the
Even if the order of reinstatement of the LA is
posting of a bond. (Sec.6, Rule VI, NLRC 2005 Rules
reversed on appeal, it is obligatory on the part of
of Procedure)
the employer (Er) to reinstate and pay the wages of
the dismissed Ee during the period of appeal until
Q: What are the forms of the appeal bond?
reversal by the higher court. On the other hand, if
the Ee has been reinstated during the appeal period
A: It shall either be in the form of cash deposit or
and such reinstatement order is reversed with
surety bond equivalent in amount to the monetary
finality, the Ee is not required to reimburse
award, exclusive of damages and attorney's fees.
whatever salary he received for he is entitled to
(Sec. 6, Rule VI, NLRC 2005 Rules of Procedure)
such, more so if he actually rendered services
during the period. (Pfizer v. Velasco, G.R. No.
Q: Who may issue a surety bond?
177467, March 9, 2011)
Unless there is a restraining order, it is ministerial A: It shall be issued by a reputable bonding
upon the LA to implement the order of company duly accredited by the Commission or the
reinstatement and it is mandatory on the Er to SC, and shall be accompanied by original or certified
comply therewith. (Garcia v. PAL, G.R. No. 164856, true copies of:
Jan. 20, 2009)
1. A joint declaration under oath by the Er,
c.Requirements to perfect appeal to NLRC his counsel, and the bonding company,
attesting that the bond posted is genuine,
Q: How is an appeal from LA to NLRC perfected? and shall be in effect until final disposition
of the case.
174
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
PROCEDURE AND JURISDICTION
2. An indemnity agreement between the Er‐ Note: The mere filing of a motion to reduce bond
appellant and bonding company; without complying with the requisites in the preceding
3. Proof of security deposit or collateral paragraphs shall not stop the running of the period to
securing the bond: provided, that a check perfect an appeal (Sec. 6, Rule VI, NLRC 2005 Rules of
shall not be considered as an acceptable Procedure).
security;
4. A certificate of authority from the Q: Company "A", within the reglementary
Insurance Commission; period, appealed the decision of a Labor Arbiter
5. Certificate of registration from the SEC; directing the reinstatement of an Ee and
6. Certificate of authority to transact surety awarding backwages. However, A's cash bond
business from the Office of the President; was filed beyond the ten day period. Should the
7. Certificate of accreditation and authority NLRC entertain the appeal? Why?
from the SC; and
A: No, the NLRC should not entertain the appeal, as
8. A notarized board resolution or
the same was not perfected for failure to file a
secretary's certificate from the bonding
bond. In ABA vs. NLRC, G.R. No.122627, July 18,
company showing its authorized
1999, the SC ruled: "An appeal bond is
signatories and their specimen signatures.
necessary...the appeal may be perfected only
(Sec. 6, Rule VI, NLRC 2005 Rules of
upon the posting of cash or surety bond issued
Procedure)
by a reputable bonding company duly accredited
Note: The appellant shall furnish the appellee with a
by the Commission in the amount equivalent to the
certified true copy of the said surety bond with all the monetary award in the judgment appealed from."
above‐mentioned supporting documents. (2001 Bar Question)
Q: What is the period within which a cash or Q: Is a motion for reconsideration (MR) of the
surety bond shall be valid and effective? NLRC decision required before certiorari may be
availed of?
A: From the date of deposit or posting, until the
A: Yes. A MR is required to enable NLRC to correct
case is finally decided, resolved or terminated, or
its mistakes. If no MR is filed, NLRC’s decision
the award satisfied. This condition shall be deemed
becomes final and executory.
incorporated in the terms and conditions of the
surety bond, and shall be binding on the appellants
Q: What is the remedy in case of denial of the MR?
and the bonding company. (Sec. 6, Rule VI, NLRC
2005 Rules of Procedure) A: If the motion is denied, the aggrieved party may
file a petition for certiorari not later than 60 days
Q: What is the effect if the bond is verified by the from notice of the judgment, order or resolution. In
NLRC to be irregular or not genuine? case a motion for reconsideration or new trial is
timely filed, whether such motion is required or
A: The Commission shall cause the immediate not, the 60 day period shall be counted from notice
dismissal of the appeal, and censure or cite in of the denial of said motion. No extension of time
contempt the responsible parties and their to file the petition shall be granted except for
counsels, or subject them to reasonable fine or compelling reason and in no case exceeding 15
penalty. (Sec.6, Rule VI, NLRC 2005 Rules of days. (Sec. 4, Rule 65, Rules of Court.)
Procedure)
Q: What is the effect if no service of summons was
Note: The appellee shall verify the regularity and
made?
genuineness of the bond and immediately report any
irregularity to the NLRC.
A: In the absence of service of summons or a valid
waiver thereof, the hearings and judgment
Q: May the bond be reduced?
rendered by the labor arbiter is null and void.
A:
Q: What is compulsory arbitration?
GR: No.
A: The process of settlement of labor disputes by a
XPN: On meritorious grounds, and only upon the government agency which has the authority to
posting of a bond in a reasonable amount in investigate and make an award binding on all the
relation to the monetary award. parties.
175
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
Q: Can the Labor Arbiter (LA) conduct compulsory
arbitration? 2.NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS COMMISSION
(NLRC)
A: Yes. Under the Labor Code, it is the LA who is
clothed with the authority to conduct compulsory Q: What is the NLRC?
arbitration on cases involving termination disputes
[Art.217, P.D. 442, as amended]. (PAL v. NLRC, G.R. A: It is an administrative body with quasi‐judicial
No. 55159, Dec. 22, 1989) functions and the principal government agency that
hears and decides labor‐management disputes; it is
Q: What are the rules on venue of filing cases? attached to the DOLE solely for program and policy
coordination only.
A:
1. All cases which the Labor Arbiters (LAs) Q: How are the powers and functions of the NLRC
have authority to decide may be filed in allocated?
the Regional Arbitration Branch (RAB)
having jurisdiction over the workplace of A:
the complainant /petitioner. 1. En Banc
a. Promulgating rules and regulations
Note: Workplace is understood to be the and governing the hearings and
place or locality where the employee (Ee) is disposition of cases before any of its
regularly assigned when the cause of action divisions and regional branches.
arose. It shall include the place where the Ee b. Formulating policies affecting its
is supposed to report back after a temporary administration and operations.
detail, assignment or travel. c. On temporary or emergency basis, to
In case of field Ees, as well as ambulant or allow cases within the jurisdiction of
itinerant workers, their workplace is where
any division to be heard and decided
they are”
by any other division whose docket
a. Regularly assigned
b. Supposed to regularly receive their
allows the additional workload and
salaries and wages such transfer will not expose litigants
c. Receive their work instructions from to unnecessary additional expense.
d. Reporting the results of their 2. Division (8 Divisions with 3 members)
assignment to their employers (Er) a. Adjudicatory;
b. All other powers, functions and
2. Where 2 or more RABs have jurisdiction duties;
over the workplace, the first to acquire c. Exclusive appellate jurisdiction over
jurisdiction shall exclude others. cases within their respective
territorial jurisdiction.
3. Improper venue when not objected to
before filing of position papers shall be Q: Does an individual Commissioner have
deemed waived. adjudicatory power?
4. Venue may be changed by written A: No. The law lodges the adjudicatory power on
agreement of the parties or when the each of the eight divisions, not on the individual
NLRC or the LA so orders, upon motion by commissioners nor on the whole commission. The
the proper party in meritorious cases. “division” is a legal entity, not the person who sits
in it. Hence, an individual commissioner has no
5. For Overseas Contract Workers where the adjudicatory power, although of course, he can
complainant resides or where the concur or dissent in deciding a case.
principal office of the respondent Er is
located, at the option of the complainant. a.Jurisdictions
Note: The Rules of Procedure on Venue is Q: What are the two kinds of jurisdiction of the
merely permissive, allowing a different NLRC?
venue when the interest of substantial
justice demands a different one. (Dayag v. A:
Canizares, GR. No. 124193, Mar. 6, 1998) 1. Exclusive Original Jurisdiction
a. Certified labor disputes causing or
likely to cause a strike or lockout in
an industry indispensable to national
176
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
PROCEDURE AND JURISDICTION
177
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
Commission en banc.
A: The appeal should not prosper. The SC, in many
Q: Some disgruntled members of Bantay cases, has ruled that decisions made by the NLRC
Labor Union filed with the Regional Office of the may be based on position papers. In the question, it
DOLE a written complaint against their union is stated that the parties agreed to submit the case
officers for mismanagement of union funds. The for resolution after the submission of position
Regional Director (RD) did not rule in the papers and evidence. Given this fact, the striker‐
complainants' favor. Not satisfied, the members of B cannot now complain that they were
complainants elevated the RD’s decision to the denied due process. They are in estoppel. After
NLRC. The union officers moved to dismiss on the voluntarily submitting a case and encountering an
ground of lack of jurisdiction. Are the union officers adverse decision on the merits, it is too late for the
correct? Why? loser to question the jurisdiction or power of the
court. A party cannot adopt a posture of double
A: Yes, the union officers are correct in claiming that dealing. (Marquez vs. Secretary of Labor, G.R. No.
the NLRC has no jurisdiction over the appealed 80685, March 16, 1989). (2001 Bar Question)
ruling of the RD. in Barles v. Bitonio, G.R. No.
120220, June 16, 1999, the SC ruled: Q: Is barangay conciliation available in labor
cases?
“Appellate authority over decisions of the RD
involving examination of union accounts is expressly A: No. Labor cases are not subject to barangay
conferred on the Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR) Conciliation since ordinary rules of procedure are
under the Rule of Procedure on Mediation‐ merely suppletory in character vis‐à‐vis labor
Arbitration.” disputes which are primarily governed by labor
laws. (Montoya v. Escayo, G.R. No. 82211‐12, Mar.
Sec. 4. Jurisdiction of the BLR — (b) The BLR shall 21, 1989)
exercise appellate jurisdiction over all cases
originating from the RD involving complaints for Q: What are the powers of the NLRC?
examination of union books of accounts.
A:
The language of the law is categorical. Any 1. Rule making power – promulgation of
additional explanation on the matter is rules and regulations:
superfluous." (2001 Bar Question) a. Governing disposition of cases
before any of its division/regional
Q: Company "A" and Union "B" could not resolve offices.
their negotiations for a new CBA. After b. Pertaining to its internal functions
conciliation proceedings b e f o r e t h e NCMB c. As may be necessary to carry out the
proved futile, B went on strike. Violence during purposes of the Labor Code.
the strike prompted A to file charges against 2. Power to issue compulsory processes
striker‐members of B for their illegal acts. The (administer oaths, summon parties, issue
SLE assumed jurisdiction, referred the strike to subpoenas)
the NLRC and issued a return‐to‐work order. 3. Power to investigate matters and hear
The NLRC directed the parties to submit their disputes within its jurisdiction
respective position papers and documentary (adjudicatory power – original and
evidence. At the initial hearing before the NLRC, appellate jurisdiction over cases)
the parties agreed to submit the case for 4. Contempt power
resolution after the submission of the position 5. Ocular Inspection
papers and evidence. 6. Power to issue injunctions and restraining
orders
Subsequently, the NLRC issued an arbitral award
resolving the disputed provisions of the CBA and b.Effect of NLRC reversal of Labor Arbiter’s order of
ordered the dismissal of certain strikers for reinstatement
having knowingly committed illegal acts during
the strike. The dismissed employees elevated Q: May dismissed employees (Ees) collect their
their dismissal to the CA claiming that they wages during the period between the Labor
were deprived of their right to due process and Arbiter’s (LA’s) order of reinstatement pending
that the affidavits submitted by A were self‐ appeal and the NLRC decision overturning that of
serving and of no probative value. Should the the LA?
appeal prosper? State the reason(s) for your
answer clearly.
178
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
PROCEDURE AND JURISDICTION
A: Yes. Par. 3 of Art. 223 of the Labor Code appeal or petition for certiorari. (Ginete v. Sunrise
provides that the decision of the LA reinstating a Manning Agency, G.R. No. 142023, June 21, 2001)
dismissed or separated Ee, insofar as the
reinstatement aspect is concerned, shall Q: What is an injunction or a temporary
immediately be excutory, pending appeal. restraining order (TRO)?
Even if the order of reinstatement of the LA is A: Orders which may require, forbid, or stop the
reversed on appeal, it is obligatory on the part of doing of an act. The power of the NLRC to enjoin or
the employer (Er) to reinstate and pay the wages of restrain the commission of any or all prohibited or
the dismissed Ee during the period of appeal until unlawful acts under Art. 218 of Labor Code can only
reversal by the higher court. On the other hand, if be exercised in a labor disputes.
the Ee has been reinstated during the appeal period
and such reinstatement order is reversed with Note: A restraining order is generally regarded as an
finality, the Ee is not required to reimburse order to maintain the subject of controversy in status
whatever salary he received for he is entitled to quo until the hearing of an application for a temporary
such, more so if he actually rendered services injunction. (BF Homes v. Reyes, G.R. No. L‐30690
during the period. (Pfizer v. Velasco, G.R. No. November 19, 1982)
177467, March 9, 2011)
Q: Who may issue a TRO?
c.Requirements to perfect appeal to Court of
Appeals A:
1. President (Art.263[g])
Q: Is judicial review of the NLRC’s decision 2. Secretary of Labor (Art. 263[g])
available? 3. NLRC (Art.218)
A: Yes, through petitions for certiorari (Rule 65) Note: Art. 218 of the Labor Code limits the grant of
which should be initially filed with the CA in strict injunctive power to the “NLRC”. The LA is excluded
observance of the doctrine on the hierarchy of statutorily. Hence, no NLRC Rules can grant him that
courts as the appropriate forum for the relief power.
desired. The CA is procedurally equipped to resolve
unclear or ambiguous factual finding, aside from Q: What is the procedure for the issuance of
the increased number of its component divisions. restraining order/injunction?
(St. Martin Funeral Home v. NLRC, G.R. No. 130866,
Sep. 16, 1998) A:
1. Filing of a verified petition
Q: Within what period should the petition for 2. Hearing after due and personal notice has
certiorari be filed with the Court of Appeals? been served in such manner as the
Commission shall direct to:
A: Under Section 4, Rule 65 (as amended by A.M. a. All known persons against whom
No. 00‐2‐03‐SC) of the Rules of Civil Procedure, the relief is sought
petition must be filed within sixty (60) days from b. Also the Chief Executive or other
notice of the judgment or from notice of the public officials of the province or
resolution denying the petitioner’s motion for city within which the unlawful acts
reconsideration. This amendment is effective have been threatened or
September 1, 2000, but being curative may be given commercial charged with the duty
retroactive application. (Narzoles v. NLRC, G.R. No. to protect the complainant’s
141959, Sep. 29, 2000) property.
3. Reception at the hearing of the
The period within which a petition for certiorari testimonies of the witnesses with
against a decision of the NLRC may be filed should opportunity for cross‐examination, in
be computed from the date counsel of record of support of the allegations of the
the party receives a copy of the decision or complaint made under oath as well as
resolution, and not from the date the party himself testimony in opposition thereto.
receives a copy thereof. Article 224 of the Labor 4. Finding of fact of the Commission to the
Code, which requires that copies of final decisions, effect that:
orders or awards be furnished not only the party’s a. Prohibited or unlawful acts have
counsel of record but also the party himself applies been threatened and will be
to the execution thereof and not to the filing of an committed, or have been and will be
continued unless restrained, but no
179
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
180
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
PROCEDURE AND JURISDICTION
181
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
182
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
PROCEDURE AND JURISDICTION
collective bargaining render a decision of the problem, a request may be filed in the
conferences, and by form of consultation, notice of preventive
cooling tempers, aids mediation or notice of strike/lockout.
in reaching an
agreement Q: Where can a request for Conciliation and
Mediation be filed?
Conciliation ‐ is conceived of as a mild form of A: An informal or formal request for conciliation
intervention by a neutral third party, the and mediation service can be filed at the NCMB
Conciliator‐Mediator, relying on his persuasive Central Office or any of its Regional Branches.
expertise, who takes an active role in assisting There are at present fourteen (14) regional
parties by trying to keep disputants talking, offices of the NCMB which are strategically
facilitating other procedural niceties, carrying located all over the country for the convenient
messages back and forth between the parties, use of prospective clients.
and generally being a good fellow who tries to
keep things calm and forward‐looking in a tense b.Preventive Mediation
situation.
Q: What is Preventive Mediation Cases?
rd
It is the process where a disinterested 3 party
meets with management and labor, at their request A: Refer to the potential labor disputes which
or otherwise, during a labor dispute or in collective are the subject of a formal or informal request
bargaining conferences, and by cooling tempers, for conciliation and mediation assistance sought
aids in reaching an agreement. by either or both parties or upon the initiative of
the NCMB to avoid the occurrence of actual labor
Mediation ‐ is a mild intervention by a neutral third disputes.
party, the Conciliator‐Mediator, whereby he starts
advising the parties or offering solutions or Q: What are the valid issues for a notice of
alternatives to the problems with the end in view of strike / lockout or preventive mediation case?
assisting them towards voluntarily reaching their
own mutually acceptable settlement of the dispute. A: A notice of strike or lockout maybe filed on
ground of unfair labor practice acts, gross
rd
It is when a 3 party studies each side of the violation of the CBA, or deadlock in collective
dispute then makes proposals for the disputants to bargaining. A complaint on any of the above
consider. The mediator cannot make an award nor ground must be specified in the NCMB Form or
render a decision. the proper form used in the filing of complaint.
Q: What is the Legal Basis of Conciliation and In case of preventive mediation, any issue
Mediation? may be brought before the NCMB Central Office
or its regional offices for conciliation and possible
A: Article 13, Section 3, of our New Constitution settlement through a letter. This method is more
provides: preferable than a notice of strike/lockout
“The State shall promote xxx the preferential because of the non‐adversarial atmosphere that
use of voluntary modes of setting disputes pervades during the conciliation conferences.
including conciliation and shall ensure mutual
compliance by the parties thereof in order to Q: What advantage can be derived from
foster industrial peace.” conciliation and mediation services?
Note: A similar provision is echoed in the A: Conciliation and mediation is non‐
Declaration of Policy under Article 211 (a) of the litigious/non‐adversarial, less expensive, and
Labor Code, as amended. expeditious. Under this informal set‐up, the
parties find it more expedient to fully ventilate
Q: Who can avail of Conciliation and Mediation their respective positions without running
Services of the NCMB? around with legal technicalities and, in the
course thereof, afford them a wider latitude of
A: Any party to a labor dispute, either the union possible approaches to the problem.
or management, may seek the assistance
of NCMB or any of its Regional Branches by Q: Are the parties bound by the agreement
means of formal request for conciliation and entered into by them?
preventive mediation. Depending on the nature
183
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
A: It is the submission of a dispute to an impartial
A: Certainly, the parties are bound to honor any person for determination on the basis of evidence
agreement entered into by them. It must be and arguments of the parties. The arbiter’s decision
pointed out that such an agreement came into or award is enforceable upon the disputants. It may
existence as a result of painstaking efforts among be voluntary (by agreement) or compulsory
the union, management, and the Conciliator‐ (required by statutory provision). (Luzon Dev’t Bank
Mediator. Therefore, it is only logical to assume v. Ass’n of Luzon Dev’t Bank Employees, G.R. No.
that the Conciliator assigned to the case has to 120319, Oct. 6, 1995)
follow up and monitor the implementation of the
agreement. Q: Can the court fix resort to voluntary arbitration
(VA)?
Q: Is conciliation and mediation service still
possible during actual strike or lockout? A: Resort to VA dispute, should not be fixed by the
court but by the parties relying on their strengths
A: Definitely, it is possible to subject an actual and resources.
strike or actual lockout to continuing conciliation
and mediation services. In fact, it is at this Q: Who are the parties to labor relations cases?
critical stage that such conciliation and mediation
services by fully given a chance to work out A:
possible solution to the labor dispute. With the 1. Employees organization
ability of the Conciliator‐Mediator to put the 2. Management
parties at ease and place them at a cooperative 3. The public
mood, the final solutions of all the issues
involved may yet be effected and settled. Note: Employer and Ees are active parties while the
public and the State are passive parties. (Poquiz, 2006,
Q: When the dispute has already been assumed p.3)
or certified to the NLRC, is it also possible to
remand the same to conciliation and mediation Q: What is the concept of tripartism?
services?
A: It is the representation of 3 sectors. These are:
A: Yes, the parties are not precluded from 1. The public or the government
availing the services of an NCMB Conciliator‐ 2. The employers
Mediator as the duty to bargain collectively 3. The workers
subsists until the final resolution of all issues – in policy‐making bodies of the gov’t.
involved in the dispute. Conciliation is so
pervasive in application that, prior to a Q: Can workers insist that they be represented in
compulsory arbitration award, the parties are the policy making in the company?
encouraged to continue to exhaust all possible
avenues of mutually resolving their dispute, A: No. Such kind of representation in the policy‐
especially through conciliation and mediation making bodies of private enterprises is not
services. ordained, not even by the Constitution. What is
provided for is workers participation in policy and
Q: What benefit can the parties have in decision‐making process directly affecting their
appearing during conciliation conferences? rights, benefits, and welfare.
A: Generally speaking, any party appearing 5.DOLE REGIONAL DIRECTORS
during scheduled conciliation conferences has
the advantage of presenting its position on the a.Small Money Claims
labor controversy. The issue raised in the
complaint can be better ventilated with the Q: What is the rule on the recovery of simple
presence of the concerned parties. Moreover, money claims?
the parties can observe a norm of conduct
usually followed in like forum. A:
1. The aggregate money claim of each
c.Artbitration employee (Ee) or househelper (HH) does
not exceed P5,000.
Q: What is arbitration? 2. The claim is presented by an Ee or person
employed in the domestic or household
service or HH.
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LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
PROCEDURE AND JURISDICTION
3. The claim arises from Er‐Ee relationship. and other
4. The claimant does not seek labor laws
reinstatement.
Note: In the absence of any of the ff. requisites, it is
the labor arbiter (LA) who shall have the jurisdiction
over the claims arising from Er‐Ee relations, except Enforcement
All other claims
claims for Ees compensation, SSS, Philhealth, and of labor Limited to
arising from Er‐
maternity benefits, pursuant to Art.217 of the Labor legislation in monetary claims
Ee relations
Code. general
LA decides case
The proceedings before the Regional Office shall be within 30
summary and non‐litigious in nature. Proceeding is Initiated by calendar days
an offshoot of sworn complaints after
Q: What is the adjudicatory power of the Regional routine filed by any submission of
Director (RD)? inspections interested party the case by the
parties for
A: The RD or any of his duly authorized hearing decision
officer is empowered through summary proceeding Jurisdictional 1) All other
and after due notice, to hear and decide cases req’ts: claims arising
involving recovery of wages and other monetary 1) Complaint from Er‐Ee
claims and benefits, including legal interests. arises from Er‐Ee relations
relationship
2) Including
Q: An airline which flies both the international and
2) Claimant is an those of
domestic routes requested the SLE to approve the Ee or person persons in
policy that all female flight attendants upon employed in domestic or
reaching age 40 with at least 15 years of service domestic or household
shall be compulsorily retired; however, flight No
household service
attendants who have reached age 40 but have not jurisdictional
service or a HH
worked for 15 years will be allowed to continue req’ts
3) Complaint 3) Involving an
working in order to qualify for retirement benefits, does NOT include amount
but in no case will the extension exceed 4 years. a claim for exceeding
Does the SLE have the authority to approve the reinstatement P5,000
policy?
4) Aggregate 4) Whether or
A: Yes. Art.132 (d) of the Labor Code provides that money claim of not
the SLE shall establish standards that will ensure the EACH claimant accompanied
safety and health of women employees including does not exceed with a claim for
the authority to determine appropriate minimum P5,000 reinstatement
age and other standards for retirement or Appealable to
SLE (In case
termination in special occupations such as those of
compliance Appealable to Appealable to
flight attendants and the like. (1998 Bar Question)
order is issued NLRC NLRC
by Regional
Q: What is the difference between the power of Office)
Secretary of Labor and Employment (SLE), Regional
Director (RD) and Labor Arbiter (LA)? 6.DOLE SECRETARY
A: a.Visitorial and Enforcement Powers
Art. 128
Art. 129 Art. 217(a)(6)
VP and EP of
RD LA Q: What are the 3 kinds of powers of the Secretary
SLE
of Labor and Employment (SLE)?
Inspection of
establishments
and issuance A:
Adjudication of LA exercises 1. Visitorial powers
of orders to
Ees claims for original and 2. Enforcement powers
compel
wages and exclusive 3. Appellate or power to review
compliance
benefits jurisdiction
with labor
standards, Q: What constitute visitorial power?
wage orders
185
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
186
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
PROCEDURE AND JURISDICTION
official of the Department of Labor and Q: Who will designate the voluntary arbitrator
Employment before whom such dispute is pending (VA)/panel in case the parties fail to select one?
that the termination may cause serious labor
dispute or is in implementation of a mass layoff. A: It is the NCMB that shall designate the VA/panel
based on the selection procedure provided by the
CBA. (Manila Central Line Free Workers Union v.
7.VOLUNTARY ARBITRATORS Manila Central Line Corp., G.R. No. 109383, June
15, 1998)
a.Submission Agreement
Q: May Labor Arbiters (LA) be designated as
Q: How is arbitration initiated? voluntary arbitrators (VA)?
A: A: Yes. There is nothing in the law that prohibits LAs
1. Submission agreement – Where the from also acting as VAs as long as the parties agree
parties define the disputes to be resolved to have him hear and decide their dispute. (Manila
2. Demand notice – Invoking collective Central Line Free Workers Union v. Manila Central
agreement arbitration clause Line Corp., G.R. No. 109383, June 15, 1998)
Q: Who is a voluntary arbitrator (VA)? Q: What falls under the jurisdiction of Voluntary
Arbitrators (VA)?
A:
1. Any person accredited by the NCMB as A: Generally, the arbitrator is expected to decide
such only those questions expressly delineated by the
2. Any person named or designated in the submission agreement. Nevertheless, the
CBA by the parties to act as their VA arbitrator can assume that he has the necessary
3. One chosen with or without the power to make a final settlement since arbitration
assistance of the NCMB, pursuant to a is the final resort for the adjudication of the
selection procedure agreed upon in the disputes. (Ludo and Luym Corp. v. Saornido, G.R.
CBA No. 140960, Jan. 20, 2003)
4. Any official that may be authorized by the
SLE to act as VA upon the written request Q: What cases are within the jurisdiction of VA?
and agreement of the parties to a labor
dispute. (Art. 212 [n]) A: Original and exclusive jurisdiction over:
Q: What are the powers of a voluntary arbitrator? 1. All unresolved grievances arising from
the:
A: a. Implementation or interpretation of
1. Hold hearings the CBA
2. Receive evidence b. Interpretation or enforcement of
3. Take whatever action necessary to company personnel policies
resolve the dispute including efforts to
effect a voluntary settlement between 2. Wage distortion issues arising from the
parties. (Art. 262‐A) application of any wage orders in
organized establishments
Q: How is a voluntary arbitrator (VA)/panel
chosen? 3. Those arising from interpretation and
implementation of productivity incentive
A: programs under R.A. 6971
1. The parties in a CBA shall designate in
advance a VA/panel, preferably from the 4. Violations of CBA provisions which are not
listing of qualified VAs duly accredited by gross in character are no longer treated as
the NCMB, or ULP and shall be resolved as grievances
2. Include in the agreement a procedure for under the CBA
the selection of such VA or panel of VAs,
preferably from the listing of qualified Note: Gross violation of CBA provisions shall
VAs duly accredited by the NCMB. mean flagrant and/or malicious refusal to
(Art.260, par.3) comply with the economic provisions of
such agreement.
187
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
5. Any other labor disputes upon agreement A: GR: Decisions of VA are final and executory after
by the parties including ULP and 10 calendar days from receipt of the copy of the
bargaining deadlock. (Art. 262) award or decision by the parties. (Art. 262‐A)
Q: May the NLRC and DOLE entertain XPNs:
disputes/grievances/matters under the exclusive 1. Appeal to the CA via Rule 43 of the Rules
and original jurisdiction of the voluntary of Court within 15 days from the date of
arbitrator? receipt of VA’s decision. (Luzon Dev’t
Bank v. Ass’n of Luzon Dev’t Bank Ee’s,
A: No. They must immediately dispose and refer the G.R. No. 120319, Oct. 6, 1995)
same to the grievance machinery or voluntary 2. If decision of CA is adverse to a party,
arbitration provided in the CBA appeal to the SC via Rule 45 on pure
questions of law.
The parties may choose to submit the dispute to
voluntary arbitration proceedings before or at the Note: A VA by the nature of her functions acts in quasi‐
stage of compulsory arbitration proceedings. judicial capacity. There is no reason why the VA’s
decisions involving interpretation of law should be
Q: What is the effect of the award of voluntary beyond the SC’s review. Administrative officials are
arbitrator (VA)? presumed to act in accordance with law and yet the SC
will not hesitate to pass upon their work where a
A: The decision or award of the VA acting within the question of law is involved or where a showing of
abuse of authority or discretion in their official acts is
scope of its authority shall determine the rights of
properly raised in petitions for certiorari. (Continental
the parties and their decisions shall have the same
Marble Corporation v. NLRC, G.R. No. L‐43825, May 9,
legal effects as judgment of the courts. Such 1988)
matters on fact and law are conclusive.
Q: PSSLU had an existing CBA with Sanyo Phils.,
Q: Are both the employer and the bargaining Inc. which contains a union security clause which
representative of the employees required to go provides that: “all members of the union covered
through the grievance machinery in case a by this agreement must retain their membership
grievance arises? in good standing in the union as condition of his /
her continued employment with the company.”
A: Yes, because it is but logical, just and equitable On account of anti‐union activities, disloyalty and
that whoever is aggrieved should initiate for joining another union, PSSLU expelled 12
settlement of grievance through the grievance employees (Ees) from the Union. As a result,
machinery. To impose compulsory procedure on PSSLU recommended the dismissal of said Ees
employers alone would be oppressive of capital. pursuant to the union security clause. Sanyo
approved the recommendation and considered the
Q: Who has jurisdiction over actual termination said Ees dismissed. Thereafter, the dismissed Ees
disputes and complaints for illegal dismissal filed filed with the Arbitration Branch of the NLRC a
by workers pursuant to the union security clause? complaint for illegal dismissal.
A: The Labor Arbiter and not the grievance Does the voluntary arbitrator (VA) have
machinery. jurisdiction over the case?
Q: What is the nature of the power of a voluntary A: No, the VA has no jurisdiction over the case.
arbitrator? Although the dismissal of the Ees concerned was
made pursuant to the union security clause
A: Arbitrators by the nature of their functions, act provided in the CBA, there was no dispute
in a quasi‐judicial capacity (BP 129, as amended by whatsoever between PSSLU and Sanyo as regards
R.A. 9702); where a question of law is involved or the interpretation or implementation of the said
there is abuse of discretion, courts will not hesitate union security clause. Both PSSLU and Sanyo are
to pass upon review of their acts. united and have come to an agreement regarding
the dismissal of the Ees concerned. Thus there is
b.Rule 43, Rules of Court no grievance between the union and management
which could be brought to the grievance machinery.
Q: Are decisions of voluntary arbitrators (VAs) The dispute is between PSSLU and Sanyo, on the
appealable? one hand, and the dismissed union members, on
the other hand. The dispute therefore, does not
188
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
PROCEDURE AND JURISDICTION
involve the interpretation or implementation of a Darby’s counsel considered that issue as having
CBA. (Sanyo Philippines Workers Union‐PSSLU v. dual aspects and intended in his own mind to
Canizares, G.R. No. 101619, July 8, 1992) submit only one of those aspects to the VA, if he
did, however, he failed to reflect his thinking and
Q: X was employed as telephone operator of intent in the arbitration agreement. (Sime Darby
Manila Midtown Hotel. She was dismissed from Phils. v. Magsalin, G.R. No. 90426, Dec. 15, 1989)
her employment for committing the following
violations of offenses subject to disciplinary Q: Apalisok, production chief for RPN Station, was
actions, namely: falsifying official documents and dismissed due to her alleged hostile, arrogant,
culpable carelessness‐negligence or failure to disrespectful, and defiant behavior towards the
follow specific instructions or established Station Manager. She informed RPN that she is
procedures. X then filed a complaint for illegal waiving her right to resolve her case through the
dismissal with the Arbitration branch of the NLRC. grievance machinery as provided in the CBA. The
The Hotel challenged the jurisdiction of the Labor voluntary arbitrator (VA) resolved the case in the
Arbitrator (LA) on the ground that the case falls employees (Ees) favor.
within the jurisdictional ambit of the grievance
procedure and voluntary arbitration under the On appeal, the CA ruled in favor of RPN because it
CBA. considered the waiver of petitioner to file her
complaint before the grievance machinery as a
Does the LA have jurisdiction over the case? relinquishment of her right to avail herself of the
aid of the VA. The CA said that the waiver had the
A: Yes, the LA has jurisdiction. The dismissal of X effect of resolving an otherwise unresolved
does not call for the interpretation or enforcement grievance, thus the decision of the VA should be
of company personnel policies but is a termination set aside for lack of jurisdiction. Is the ruling of the
dispute which comes under the jurisdiction of the CA correct?
LA. The dismissal of X is not an unresolved
grievance. Neither does it pertain to interpretation A: No. Art. 262 of the Labor Code provides that
of company personnel policy. (Maneja v. NLRC, G.R. upon agreement of the parties, the VA can hear and
No. 124013, June 5, 1998) decide all other labor disputes.
Q: Sime Darby Salaried Employees (Ees) Contrary to the finding of the CA, voluntary
Association‐ALU (SDSEA‐ALU) wrote petitioner arbitration as a mode of settling the dispute was
Sime Darby Pilipinas (SDP) demanding the not forced upon respondents. Both parties indeed
implementation of a performance bonus provision agreed to submit the issue of validity of the
identical to the one contained in their own CBA dismissal of petitioner to the jurisdiction of the VA
with SDP. Subsequently, SDP called both by the Submission Agreement duly signed by their
respondent SDEA and SDEA‐ALU to a meeting respective counsels. The VA had jurisdiction over
wherein the former explained that it was unable the parties’ controversy.
to grant the performance bonus. In a conciliation
meeting, both parties agreed to submit their The Ees waiver of her option to submit her case to
dispute to voluntary arbitration. Their agreement grievance machinery did not amount to
to arbitrate stated, among other things, that they relinquishing her right to avail herself of voluntary
were "submitting the issue of performance bonus arbitration. (Apalisok v. RPN, G.R. No. 138094, May
to voluntary arbitration." 29, 2003)
Does the voluntary arbitrator (VA) have the power 8.COURT OF APPEALS
to pass upon not only the question of whether to
grant the performance bonus or not but also to Q: Is judicial review of the NLRC’s decision
determine the amount thereof? available?
A: Yes, in their agreement to arbitrate, the parties A: Yes, through petitions for certiorari (Rule 65)
submitted to the VA “the issue of performance which should be initially filed with the CA in strict
bonus.” The language of the agreement to arbitrate observance of the doctrine on the hierarchy of
may be seen to be quite cryptic. There is no courts as the appropriate forum for the relief
indication at all that the parties to the arbitration desired. The CA is procedurally equipped to resolve
agreement regarded “the issue of performance unclear or ambiguous factual finding, aside from
bonus” as a two‐tiered issue, only one tier of which the increased number of its component divisions.
was being submitted to arbitration. Possibly, Sime
189
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ
UST GOLDEN NOTES 2011
190
LABOR LAW TEAM:
ADVISER: ATTY. JOEVEN D. DELLOSA; SUBJECT HEAD: ANGELO S. DIOKNO; ASST. SUBJECT HEADS: KAREN SABUGO, GENESIS R. FULGENCIO
MEMBERS: PALMA CLARISSA V. CARILLO, RANDOLPH IAN CLET, MICHAEL AARON P. GACUTAN, LORRAINE TAGUIAM
PROCEDURE AND JURISDICTION
effectivity of the LC and appropriate regional
between Nov. 1, 1974‐ offices of the
Dec. 31, 1974 Department of Labor.
(Art. 291)
4 years. It commences
to run from the date of
formal dismissal.
Illegal Dismissal Cases
(Mendoza v. NLRC, G.R.
No. 122481, Mar. 5,
1998)
191
ACADEMICS CHAIR: LESTER JAY ALAN E. FLORES II U N I V E R S I T Y O F S A N T O T O M A S
VICE CHAIRS FOR ACADEMICS: KAREN JOY G. SABUGO & JOHN HENRY C. MENDOZA
VICE CHAIR FOR ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE: JEANELLE C. LEE Facultad de Derecho Civil
VICE CHAIRS FOR LAY‐OUT AND DESIGN: EARL LOUIE M. MASACAYAN & THEENA C. MARTINEZ