Labor Relation Digests 2018

YBARITA, JULIUS REYES – EH406 1
SCHOOL OF LAW AND GOVERNANCE
LABOR RELATIONS
FINALS CASE DIGEST
S.Y. 2017-2018
SUBMITTED TO:
ATTY. JEFFERSON M. MARQUEZ
SUBMITTED BY:
YBARITA, JULIUS REYES
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Table of Contents
TOPIC 12: RIGHT TO SELF-ORGANIZATION ................................................................................... 9
SAN MIGUEL CORP., VS. MANDAUE PACKING PRODUCTS, G.R. NO. 152356,
AUGUST 16, 2005 ......................................................................................................................................... 9
GSIS VS.KAPISANAN NG MGA MANGGAGAWA SA GSIS, G.R. NO. 170132,
DECEMBER 6, 2006 .................................................................................................................................... 11
DIOKNO VS.CACDAC, G.R. NO. 168475, JULY 4, 2007 ............................................................. 12
SAN MIGUEL CORP. EMPLOYEES UNION-PTGWO VS.SAN MIGUEL PACKAGING
PRODUCTS EMPLOYEES UNION, G.R. NO.171153, SEPT. 12, 2007 ................................... 13
DONG SEUNG INC., VS. BUREAU OF LABOR RELATIONS, G.R. NO. 162356, APRIL
14, 2008 ......................................................................................................................................................... 18
DEL PILAR ACADEMY ET AL., VS.DEL PILAR ACADEMY EMPLOYEES UNION, G.R. NO.
170112, APRIL 30, 2008 ........................................................................................................................ 19
S.S. VENTURES INTERNATIONAL INC., VS. SS VENTURES LABOR UNION, G.R. NO.
161690, JULY 23, 2008 ........................................................................................................................... 20
INGUILLO ET AL, VS. FIRST PHIL SCALES INC., ET AL., GR NO. 165407, JUNE 5,
2009.................................................................................................................................................................. 22
STA LUCIA EAST COMMERCIAL CORP., VS. SOLE ET AL., GR NO. 162355, AUGUST
14, 2009 ......................................................................................................................................................... 25
MARIWASA SIAM CERAMICS INC. VS.SECRETARY OF DOLE, ET AL., G.R. NO.
183317, DECEMBER 21, 2009 .............................................................................................................. 27
GENERAL MILLING CORP VS.CASIO ET AL., GR NO. 149552, MARCH 10, 2010 .......... 29
THE HERITAGE HOTEL MANILA VS.NATL UNION OF WORKERS IN HOTEL ETC., GR
NO. 178296, JANUARY 12, 2011 ........................................................................................................ 32
LEGEND INTERNATIONAL RESORTS LTD., VS. KILUSANG MANGGAGAWA NG
LEGENDA, G.R. NO.169754, FEB. 23, 2011.................................................................................... 34
SAMAHANG MANGGAGAWA SA CHARTER CHEMICAL SOLIDARITY OF ET AL.,
VS.CHARTER CHEMICAL AND COATING CORP., G.R. NO. 169717, MARCH 16, 2011 36
SAN MIGUEL FOODS VS. SAN MIGUEL CORP SUPERVISORS AND EXEMPT UNION
G.R. NO. 146206 AUGUST 1, 2011 ..................................................................................................... 38
BPI VS.BPI EMPLOYEES UNION-DAVAO CHAPTER, GR NO. 164301, OCTOBER 19,
2011 RESOLUTION ON THE MAIN DECISION OF AUG. 18, 2010 ........................................ 40
OCTAVIO vs. PHILIPPINE LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE COMPANY................................. 43
[G.R. No. 175492, February 27, 2013] ............................................................................................ 43
NATIONAL UNION OF BANK EMPLOYEES vs. PHILNABANK EMPLOYEES
ASSOCIATION [G.R. No. 174287, August 12, 2013] ................................................................ 44
TAKATA PHILS CORP VS BLR, GR NO 196276, JUNE 4, 2014 ............................................... 47
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UNIVERSITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION VS SEC OF LABOR, GR 151379 .... 50

Samahan ng Manggagawa sa Hanjin Shipyard vs Bureau of Labor Relations, GR
211145,October 14, 2015 ...................................................................................................................... 51
Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corp. Employees Union v. National Labor Relations
Commission, G.R. No. 156635, January 11, 2016...................................................................... 53
HIJO RESOURCES CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. EPIFANIO P. MEJARES, G.R. No.
208986, January 13, 2016 .................................................................................................................... 55
Ramirez et al., vs. Polyson Industries Inc. GR No. 207898, Oct. 19, 2016................... 57
ERSON ANG LEE DOING BUSINESS as "SUPER LAMINATION SERVICES," Petitioner
vs. SAMAHANG MANGGAGAWA NG SUPER LAMINATION (SMSLS-NAFLU-KMU),
Respondent ................................................................................................................................................... 59
Peninsula Employees Union vs. Esquivel GR No. 218454, Dec. 1, 2016......................... 60
SUMIFRU (PHILIPPINES) CORP. (surviving entity of a merger with Fresh Banana
Agricultural Corporation and other corporations), Petitioner vs. NAGKAHIUSANG
MAMUMUO SA SUYAPA FARM (NAMASUFA-NAFLU-KMU), Respondent .......................... 62
United Polyresins, Inc. vs. Pinuela, G.R. No. 209555, July 31, 2017 ............................... 64
G.R. No. 207971, January 23, 2017ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT, Petitioner,
v. ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT FACULTY ASSOCIATION, Respondent. ......... 65
TOPIC 13: RIGHTS OF LEGITIMATE LABOR ORGANIZATION ............................................... 68
SARMIENTO VS TUICO, G.R. NOS L-75271-73, June 27, 1988 ............................................ 68
RIVERA VS.ESPIRITU, G.R. NO. 135547, JANUARY 23, 2002 .............................................. 70
MANILA DIAMOND HOTEL EMPLOYEES UNION VS.COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. NO.
140518, DECEMBER 16, 2004 .............................................................................................................. 72
UNIVERSITY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPCION VS.SEC. OF LABOR, G.R. NO. 151379,
JANUARY 14, 2005 .................................................................................................................................... 74
CAPITOL MEDICAL CENTER VS.NLRC, G.R. NO. 147080, APRIL 26, 2005 ..................... 76
LIGHT RAILWAY TRANSIT VS. VENUS, JR., G.R. NO. 163782, MARCH 24, 2006 ........ 79
SUKHOTAI CUISINE & RESTAURANT VS.COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. NO. 150437,
JULY 17, 2006 .............................................................................................................................................. 80
PHILCOM EMPLOYEES UNION VS.PHIL. GLOBAL COMMUNICATION, G.R. NO.
144315, JULY 17, 2006 ........................................................................................................................... 83
GSIS VS.KAPISANAN NG MGA MANGGAGAWA SA GSIS, G.R. NO. 170132,
DECEMBER 6, 2006 .................................................................................................................................... 84
BIFLEX PHILS., INC., LABOR UNION VS. FILFLEX INDUSTRIAL & MFG., CORP., G.R.
NO. 155679, DECEMBER 19, 2006 ..................................................................................................... 85
MANILA HOTEL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION VS.MANILA HOTEL CORP., G.R.
NO.154591, MARCH 5, 2007, ............................................................................................................... 87
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CITING GRAND BOULEVARD HOTEL VS.DACANAY, G.R. NO. 153665, JULY 18, 2003
............................................................................................................................................................................ 87
SAN MIGUEL FOODS INC., VS. SAN MIGUEL CORP EMPLOYEES UNION-PTGWO , ..... 89
G.R. NO. 168569, OCTOBER 5, 2007 ............................................................................................... 89
TOYOTA MOTOR PHILS WORKERS ASSO.VS.NLRC, G.R. NO. 158786, OCTOBER 19,
2007.................................................................................................................................................................. 91
YOKOHAMA TIRE PHILS VS. YOKOHAMA EMPLOYEES UNION, G.R. NO. 159553,
DECEMBER 10, 2007 ................................................................................................................................. 96
PHIL. AIRLINES INC. VS.PHIL AIRLINES EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION, G.R. NO.
142399, MARCH 12, 2008 ...................................................................................................................... 96
STEEL CORP. VS.SCP EMPLOYEES UNION-NFL G.R. NO. 169829-30, APRIL 16, 2008
............................................................................................................................................................................ 98
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK EMPLOYEES UNION VS. STANDARD CHARTERED
BANK ET AL., G.R. NO. 161933, APRIL 22, 2008 ...................................................................... 101
SAMAHAN NG MGA MANGGAGAWA SA SAMMA-LAKAS SA INDUSTRIYA NG
KAPATIRANG HALIGI NG ALYANSA (SAMMA-LIKHA) VS.SAMMA CORP. G.R.
NO.167141, MAR. 13, 2009 ................................................................................................................. 102
HOTEL ENTERPRISES OF THE PHILS., (HYATT REGENCY) VS. SAMAHAN NG MGA
MANGGAGAWA SA HYATT-(NUWHRAIN) ..................................................................................... 105
G.R. NO. 165756, JUNE 5, 2009 ........................................................................................................ 105
TEODORICO S. MIRANDA, JR. VS.ASIAN TERMINALS, INC. (ATI) AND COURT OF
APPEALS ....................................................................................................................................................... 106
GR NO. 174316 JUNE 23, 2009 .................................................................................................... 106
NATIONAL UNION OF WORKERS IN HOTELS RESTAURANTS AND ALLIED
INDUSTRIES-MANILA PAVILION HOTEL CHAPTER VS.SOLE, ET AL. .............................. 108
G.R. NO. 181531, JULY 31, 2009 ...................................................................................................... 108
A. SORIANO AVIATION VS.EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF A. SORIANO AVIATION
ET AL. ............................................................................................................................................................. 111
G.R. NO. 166879, AUG. 14, 2009 ...................................................................................................... 111
YSS EMPLOYEES UNION-PHIL TRANSPORT AND GENERAL WORKERS
ORGANIZATION VS.YSS LABORATORIES INC. .......................................................................... 114
G.R. NO. 155125, DECEMBER 4, 2009 ............................................................................................ 114
GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM (GSIS) VS. DINNAH VILLAVIZA,
ELIZABETH DUQUE,................................................................................................................................. 117
ADRONICO A. ECHAVEZ, RODEL RUBIO, ROWENA THERESE B. GRACIA, PILAR
LAYCO, AND ANTONIO JOSE LEGARDA, ........................................................................................ 117
G.R. NO. 180291, JULY 27, 2010 ...................................................................................................... 117
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PICOP RESOURCES INC. VS.TANECA ET.AL., .............................................................................. 119

G.R. NO. 160828, 09 AUGUST 2010 ................................................................................................ 119
INSULAR HOTEL EMPLOYEES UNION-NFL VS.WATERFRONT INSULAR HOTEL-
DAVAO, .......................................................................................................................................................... 121
G.R. NO. 174040-41, SEPTEMBER 22, 2010 ................................................................................ 121
SOLE, in the exercise of his power to assume jurisdiction under Art. 263 (g)of the
Labor Code, may resolve all issues involved in the controversy including the award
of wage increases and benefits. ....................................................................................................... 124
CITREK EMPLOYEES LABOY UNION-FFW VS.CITREK ELECTRONICS INC. ................... 124
G.R. NO. 190515, 15 NOVEMBER 2010.......................................................................................... 124
SOLIDBANK CORP. VS.GRAMIER, ET. AL, , G.R. NO. 159460-61, NOVEMBER 15,
2010................................................................................................................................................................ 125
The prohibition that no strike shall be declared after the Secretary of Labor has
assumed jurisdiction over a labor dispute likewise applies to slowdown strikes. . 128
FADRIQUELAN ET AL VS MONTEREY FOOD CORP., ................................................................. 128
G.R. 178409, JUNE 08, 2011 .............................................................................................................. 128
MIGUEL DELA BARAIRO, PENA PETITIONER, VS. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND
MST MARINE SERVICES (PHILS,), INC. RESPONDENT, ......................................................... 129
G.R. NO. 189314, JUNE 15, 2011 ..................................................................................................... 129
MAGDALA MULTIPURPOSE & LIVELIHOOD COOPERATIVE VS. KILUSANG
MANGGAGAWA NG LGS ET AL,........................................................................................................... 130
G.R. NOS. 191138-39, OCTOBER 19, 2011 .................................................................................. 130
ABERIA ET AL., VS. NATIONAL LABOR RELATION COMMISSION ET., ........................... 132
[G.R. NOS. 154113, 187778, 187861, AND 196156 DECEMBER 7, 2011] ................... 132
PICOP RESOURCES, INCORPORATED VS DEQUILLA, ET. AL............................................... 134
GR NO 172666; DECEMBER 7, 2011 ................................................................................................ 134
C. ALCANTARA & SONS, INC., PETITIONER, VS. COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. NO.
155109, SEPTEMBER 29, 2010, NAGKAHIUSANG MAMUMUO SA ALSONS-SPFL
(NAMAAL-SPFL) ........................................................................................................................................ 136
.G.R. NO. 179220...................................................................................................................................... 136
DIGITAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS PHILS INC. vs. DIGITEL EMPLOYEES UNION ET
AL..................................................................................................................................................................... 138
[G.R. No. 184903-04, October 10, 2012]..................................................................................... 138
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINE REBUILDERS vs. PROGRESIBONG UNYON NG MGA
MANGGAGAWA SA AER.......................................................................................................................... 139
[G.R. No. 160138, January 16, 2013 & July 13, 2011 Main Decision] .......................... 139
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HOLY CHILD CATHOLIC SCHOOL vs. HON. STO TOMAS ET AL. .......................................... 141
[G.R. No. 179146, July 23, 2013] .................................................................................................... 141
VISAYAS COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER vs. YBALLE, ET AL. ............................................ 144
[G.R. No. 196156, January 15, 2014] ............................................................................................ 144
PHILTRANCO SERVICE ENTERPRISES INC. vs. PHILTRANCO WORKERS UNION-
ASSOCIATION OF GENUINE LABOR ORGANIZATIONS .......................................................... 145
[G.R. No. 180962, February 26, 2014].......................................................................................... 145
WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILS.vs. WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILS., FACULTY &
STAFF ASSOCIATION ............................................................................................................................. 146
[G.R. No. 181806, March 12, 2014] ................................................................................................ 146
TABANGAO SHELL REFINERY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION vs. PILIPINAS SHELL
PETROLEUM CORP. .................................................................................................................................. 148
[G.R. No. 170007, April 7, 2014] ..................................................................................................... 148
Sonedco Workers free Labor Union et al., vs. Universal Robina Corp. GR No.
220383, Oct. 5, 2016 ............................................................................................................................. 149
Frondozo et al., vs. Manila Electric Company GR No. 178379, August 22, 2017...... 152
TOPIC 14: UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE ............................................................................................ 154
GENERAL MILLING CORP. vs. COURT OF APPEALS ................................................................. 154
[G.R. No. 146728, February 11, 2004] .......................................................................................... 154
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK EMPLOYEES UNION vs. CONFESOR ................................ 156
[G.R. No. 114974, June 16, 2004]................................................................................................... 156
PHILIPPINE CARPET EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION vs. HON. STO. TOMAS ..................... 160
[G.R. No. 168719, February 22, 2006] .......................................................................................... 160
ST. JOHN COLLEGES, INC. vs. ST. JOHN ACADEMY FACULTY EMPLOYEES UNION .. 164
[G.R. No. 167892, October 27, 2006] ............................................................................................ 164
SAN MIGUEL FOODS, INC. vs. SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION EMPLOYEES UNION-
PTGWO .......................................................................................................................................................... 166
[G.R. No. 168569, October 5, 2007]............................................................................................... 166
PUREFOODS CORP. vs. NAGKAKAISANG SAMAHANG MANGGAGAWA NG
PUREFOODS RANK AND FILE ............................................................................................................. 168
[G.R. No. 150896, August 28, 2008] .............................................................................................. 168
GENERAL SANTOS COCA-COLA PLANT FREE WORKERS UNION-TUPAS vs.
CCBPI(GEN. SANTOS CITY) ET AL. .................................................................................................. 170
[G.R. No. 178647, Feb. 13, 2009] .................................................................................................... 170
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DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY ET AL. vs. DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES

ASSOCIATION ............................................................................................................................................ 171
[G.R. No. 177283, April 7, 2009] ..................................................................................................... 171
TUNAY NA PAGKAKAISA NG MANGGAGAWA SA ASIA BREWERY vs. ASIA BREWERY,
INC. ................................................................................................................................................................. 173
[G.R. No. 162025, Aug. 3, 2010] ...................................................................................................... 173
MANILA MINING CORP. EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION-FFW vs. MANILA MINING
CORP. ............................................................................................................................................................. 176
[G.R. No. 178222-23, Sept. 29, 2010]........................................................................................... 176
PRINCE TRANSPORT ET AL. vs. GARCIA ET AL. ........................................................................ 177
[G.R. No. 167291, January 12, 2011] ............................................................................................ 177
PARK HOTEL ET AL. vs. SORIANO ET AL. ..................................................................................... 180
[G.R. No. 17118, September 10, 2012] ........................................................................................ 180
GOYA, INC. vs. GOYA, INC. EMPLOYEES UNION-FFW ............................................................ 180
[G.R. No. 170054, January 21, 2013] ............................................................................................ 180
BAPTISTA ET AL. vs. VILLANUEVA ET AL. .................................................................................... 182
[G.R. No. 194709, July 31, 2013] .................................................................................................... 182
TH SHOPFITTERS CORP. ET AL. vs. T&H SHOPFITTERS CORP. UNION ......................... 184
[G.R. No. 191714, February 26, 2014] .......................................................................................... 184
17. Zambrano et al., vs. Phil Carpet Corp. GR No. 224099, June 21, 2017 ................. 186
TOPIC 15: REVISED GUIDELINES OF THE NCMB FOR THE CONDUCT OF VOLUNTARY
ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS............................................................................................................ 188
SANYO PHILIPPINE WORKERS UNION-PPSLU vs. CANIZARES ........................................ 188
[G.R. No. 101619, July 8, 1992] ....................................................................................................... 188
NAVARRO III vs. DAMASCO ................................................................................................................ 190
[G.R. No. 101875, July 14, 1995] .................................................................................................... 190
SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION vs. NLRC .......................................................................................... 191
[G.R. No. 108001, March 15, 1996] ................................................................................................ 191
PANTRANCO NORTH EXPRESS INC. VS. NLRC ........................................................................... 195
[G.R. No. 95940, July 24, 1996]...................................................................................................... 195
SILVA ET AL vs. NLRC ............................................................................................................................ 197
[G.R. No. 110226, June 19, 1997]................................................................................................... 197
UNION OF NESTLE WORKERS CAGAYAN DE ORO FACTORY vs. NESTLE
PHILIPPINES INC. ................................................................................................................................... 203
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[G.R. No. 148303, October 17, 2002] ............................................................................................ 203

TABIGUE ET AL. vs. INTERNATIONAL COPRA EXPORT CORPORATION ........................ 204
[G.R. No. 183335, December 23, 2009] ....................................................................................... 204
SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY vs. COBARRUBIAS .......................................................................... 206
[G.R. No. 187104, August 3, 2010] ................................................................................................ 206
TENG vs. PAHAGAC ET AL. ................................................................................................................... 208
[G.R. No. 169704, November 17, 2010] ....................................................................................... 208
CAONG, JR. vs. BEGUALOS .................................................................................................................. 209
[G.R. No. 179428, January 26, 2011] ............................................................................................ 209
ESTATE OF DULAY vs. ABOITIZ JEBSEN MARITIME INC. ET AL. ...................................... 211
[G.R. No. 172642, June 13, 2012]................................................................................................... 211
LEPANTO CONSOLIDATED MINING COMPANY vs. THE LEPANTO CAPATAZ UNION 214
[G.R. No. 157086, February 18, 2013] .......................................................................................... 214
7K CORP. vs. ALBARICO ....................................................................................................................... 216
[G.R. No. 182295, June 26, 2013]................................................................................................... 216
G.R. No. 161006, October 14, 2015 ................................................................................................ 217
ROGELIO BARONDA, Petitioner, v. HON. COURT OF APPEALS, AND HIDECO SUGAR
MILLING CO., INC., Respondents. ................................................................................................... 217
COMPILATION OF ONE-LINERS ........................................................................................................ 220
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TOPIC 12: RIGHT TO SELF-ORGANIZATION
SAN MIGUEL CORP., VS. MANDAUE PACKING PRODUCTS, G.R. NO. 152356, AUGUST 16,
2005
Facts:
On 15 June 1998, Respondent union, identifying itself as an affiliate of Federation of Free Workers
(FFW), filed a petition for certification election with the DOLE Regional Office. In the petition, respondent
stated that it sought to be certified and to represent the permanent rank-and-file monthly paid
employees of the petitioner. The following documents were attached to the petition:
(1) a Charter Certificate issued by FFW on 5 June 1998 certifying that respondent as of that date
was duly certified as a local or chapter of FFW;
(2) a copy of the constitution of respondent prepared by its Secretary, Noel T. Bathan and attested
by its President, Wilfred V. Sagun;
(3) a list of respondent’s officers and their respective addresses, again prepared by Bathan and
attested by Sagun;
(4) a certification signifying that respondent had just been organized and no amount had yet been
collected from its members, signed by respondent’s treasurer Chita D. Rodriguez and attested
by Sagun; and
(5) a list of all the rank-and-file monthly paid employees of the Mandaue Packaging Products Plants
and Mandaue Glass Plant prepared by Bathan and attested by Sagun.
Petitioner company filed a motion to dismiss the petition for certification election on the sole ground
that the respondent union is not listed or included in the roster of legitimate labor organizations.
Respondent then submitted to the BLR the same documents earlier attached to its petition for
certification. The accompanying letter stated that such documents were submitted in compliance with
the requirements for the creation of a local/chapter pursuant to the Labor Code and its Implementing
Rules; and it was hoped that the submissions would facilitate the listing of respondent under the roster
of legitimate labor organizations. After which, the Chief of LRD-DOLE Regional Office issued a Certificate
of Creation of Local/Chapter certifying that from 30 July 1998, respondent has acquired legal personality
as a labor organization or worker’s association, it having submitted all the required documents. Opting
not to file a comment on the Motion to Dismiss, respondent instead filed a Position Paper wherein it
asserted that it had complied with all the necessary requirements for the conduct of a certification
election, and that the ground relied upon in the Motion to Dismiss was a mere technicality.
In turn, petitioner filed a comment, wherein it reiterated that respondent was not a legitimate labor
organization at the time of the filing of the petition. Petitioner also propounded that contrary to
respondent’s objectives of establishing an organization representing rank-and-file employees, two of
respondent’s officers, namely Vice-President Emannuel L. Rosell and Secretary Bathan, were actually
supervisory employees. In support of this allegation, petitioner attached various documents evidencing
the designation of these two officers in supervisory roles, as well as their exercise of various supervisory
functions.[9] Petitioner cited Article 245 of the Labor Code, which provides that supervisory employees
shall not be eligible for membership in a labor organization of the rank-and-file employees.
Agreeing with the petitioner company, the Med-Arbiter issued an Order dismissing respondent’s petition
for certification election. The sole ground relied upon for the dismissal was the Med-Arbiter’s Opinion
that as of the date of filing of the petition on 15 June 1998, respondent did not have the legal personality
to file the said petition for certification election.
Respondent union appealed the Med-Arbiter’s order to the DOLE which reversed the same. The DOLE
concluded that respondent acquired legal personality as early as 15 June 1998, the date it submitted
9
the required documents, citing Section 3, Rule VI of the New Rules Implementing the Labor Code which
deems that a local/chapter acquires legal personality from the date of filing of the complete documentary
requirements as mandated in the Implementing Rules. DOLE’s ruling was also affirmed by the CA.
Issues:
1. Whether or not the union has already acquired legal personality at the time of its filing for certification
election.
2. Whether or not the union’s president and secretary are supervisory employees and thus barred from
membership in that union.
Ruling
1. The SC held that the union has already acquired legal personality at the time of its filing for
certification election. Section 3, Rule VI of Department Order No. 9 provides when the local/chapter
acquires legal personality.
Section 3.Acquisition of legal personality by local chapter. – A local/chapter constituted in accordance

with Section 1 of this Rule shall acquire legal personality from the date of filing of the complete
documents enumerated therein. Upon compliance with all the documentary requirements, the Regional
Office or Bureau shall issue in favor of the local/chapter a certificate indicating that it is included in the
roster of legitimate labor organizations.
It is evident based on this rule that the local/chapter acquires legal personality from the date of the
filing of the complete documentary requirements, and not from the issuance of a certification to such
effect by the Regional Office or Bureau. On the other hand, a labor organization is deemed to have
acquired legal personality only on the date of issuance of its certificate of registration, which takes place
only after the Bureau of Labor Relations or its Regional Offices has undertaken an evaluation process
lasting up until thirty (30) days, within which period it approves or denies the application. In contrast,
no such period of evaluation is provided in Department Order No. 9 for the application of a local/chapter,
and more importantly, under it such local/chapter is deemed to acquire legal personality “from the date
of filing” of the documents enumerated under Section 1, Rule VI, Book V.
Apart from promoting a policy of affiliation of local unions with national unions, there is a practical
reason for sanctioning a less onerous procedure for the registration of a local/chapter, as compared to
the national union. The local/chapter relies in part on the legal personality of the federation or national
union, which in turn, had already undergone evaluation and approval from the Bureau of Legal Relations
or Regional Office. In fact, a federation or national union is required, upon registration, to establish
proof of affiliation of at least ten (10) locals or chapters which are duly recognized as the collective
bargaining agent in the establishment or industry in which they operate; and the names and addresses
of the companies where the locals or chapters operate and the list of all the members in each of the
companies. Once the national union or federation acquires legal personality upon the issuance of its
certificate or registration, its legal personality cannot be subject to collateral attack.
The fact that the local/chapter acquires legal personality from the moment the complete documentary
requirements are submitted seems to imply that the duty of the Bureau or Regional Office to register
the local/chapter is merely ministerial.
It is thus very clear that the issuance of the certificate of registration by the Bureau or Regional Office
is not the operative act that vests legal personality upon a local/chapter under Department Order No.
9. Such legal personality is acquired from the filing of the complete documentary requirements
enumerated in Section 1, Rule VI. Admittedly, the manner by which respondent was deemed to have
acquired legal personality by the DOLE and the Court of Appeals was not in strict conformity with the
provisions of Department Order No. 9.
10
In the ordinary course, it should have been FFW, and not respondent, which should have submitted the
subject documents to the Regional Office. Nonetheless, there is no good reason to deny legal personality
or defer its conferral to the local/chapter if it is evident at the onset that the federation or national union
itself has already through its own means established the local/chapter. In this case, such is evidenced
by the Charter Certificate dated 9 June 1998, issued by FFW, and attached to the petition for certification
election. The Charter Certificate expressly states that respondent has been issued the said certificate
“to operate as a local or chapter of the [FFW]”. The Charter Certificate expressly acknowledges FFW’s
intent to establish respondent as of 9 June 1998. This being the case, the SC consider it permissible for
respondent to have submitted the required documents itself to the Regional Office, and proper that
respondent’s legal personality be deemed existent as of 15 June 1998, the date the complete documents
were submitted.
GSIS VS.KAPISANAN NG MGA MANGGAGAWA SA GSIS, G.R. NO. 170132, DECEMBER 6, 2006
Facts:
This case has its genesis when the manager of GSIS issued a memorandum directing a number of its
employees who are union members to show cause why they should not be charged administratively for
their participation in the October 4 to October 7, 2004 mass action. The union’s counsel sought
reconsideration of said directive on the ground, among others, that the subject employees resumed
work in obedience to the return-to-work order thus issued. The plea for reconsideration was, however,
effectively denied by the filing, of administrative charges against some 110 union members for grave
misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The union then filed with the CA a petition for prohibition against the GSIS on the ground that its
members should not be made to explain why they supported their union’s cause since the Civil Service
Resolution No. 021316, otherwise known as the Guidelines for Prohibited Mass Action, Section 10 of
which exhorts government agencies to “harness all means within their capacity to accord due regard
and attention to employees’ grievances and facilitate their speedy and amicable disposition through the
use of grievance machinery or any other modes of settlement sanctioned by law and existing civil service
rules.” It argued that the organized demonstrating employees did nothing more than air their grievances
in the exercise of their “broader rights of free expression” and are, therefore, not amenable to
administrative sanctions.
Issue:
Whether or not the mass action staged by or participated in by said GSIS employees partook of a strike
or prohibited concerted mass action.
Ruling:
The SC held that the mass action staged by or participated in by said GSIS employees partook of a
strike or prohibited concerted mass action. It may be that the freedom of expression and assembly and
the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances stand on a level higher than economic
and other liberties. Any suggestion, however, about these rights as including the right on the part of
government personnel to strike ought to be, as it has been, trashed.
The Constitution itself qualifies its exercise with the provision “in accordance with law.” This is a clear
manifestation that the state may, by law, regulate the use of this right, or even deny certain sectors
such right. Executive Order 180 which provides guidelines for the exercise of the right of government
workers to organize, for instance, implicitly endorsed an earlier CSC circular which “enjoins under pain
of administrative sanctions, all government officers and employees from staging strikes,
demonstrations, mass leaves, walkouts and other forms of mass action which will result in temporary
11
stoppage or disruption of public service” by stating that the Civil Service law and rules governing
concerted activities and strikes in government service shall be observed.
The settled rule in this jurisdiction is that employees in the public service may not engage in strikes,
mass leaves, walkouts, and other forms of mass action that will lead in the temporary stoppage or
disruption of public service. The right of government employees to organize is limited to the formation
of unions or associations only, without including the right to strike, adding that public employees going
on disruptive unauthorized absences to join concerted mass actions may be held liable for conduct
prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
With the view we take of the events that transpired on October 4-7, 2004, what respondent’s members
launched or participated in during that time partook of a strike or, what contextually amounts to the
same thing, a prohibited concerted activity. The phrase “prohibited concerted activity” refers to
any collective activity undertaken by government employees, by themselves or through their employees’
organization, with the intent of effecting work stoppage or service disruption in order to realize their
demands or force concessions, economic or otherwise; it includes mass leaves, walkouts, pickets and
acts of similar nature. Indeed, for four straight days, participating KMG members and other GSIS
employees staged a walk out and waged or participated in a mass protest or demonstration right at the
very doorstep of the GSIS main office building. The record of attendance for the period material shows
that, on the first day of the protest, 851 employees, or forty eight per cent (48%) of the total number
of employees in the main office (1,756) took to the streets during office hours, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
leaving the other employees to fend for themselves in an office where a host of transactions take place
every business day. On the second day, 707 employees left their respective work stations, while 538
participated in the mass action on the third day. A smaller number, i.e., 306 employees, but by no
means an insignificant few, joined the fourth day activity.
To say that there was no work disruption or that the delivery of services remained at the usual level of
efficiency at the GSIS main office during those four (4) days of massive walkouts and wholesale
absences would be to understate things. And to place the erring employees beyond the reach of
administrative accountability would be to trivialize the civil service rules, not to mention the compelling
spirit of professionalism exacted of civil servants by the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public
Officials and Employees.
DIOKNO VS.CACDAC, G.R. NO. 168475, JULY 4, 2007
Facts:
The First Line Association of Meralco Supervisory Employees (FLAMES) is a legitimate labor organization
which is the supervisory union of Meralco.Petitioners and private respondents are members of FLAMES.
On 1 April 2003, the FLAMES Executive Board created the Committee on Election (COMELEC) for the
conduct of its union elections scheduled on 7 May 2003.The COMELEC was composed of petitioner Dante
M. Tong as its chairman, and petitioners Jaime C. Mendoza and Romeo M. Macapulay as members.
Subsequently, private respondents Jimmy S. Ong, Nardito C. Alvarez, Alfredo J. Escall, and Jaime T.
Valeriano filed their respective certificates of candidacy.On 12 April 2003, the COMELEC rejected Jimmy
S. Ongs candidacy on the ground that he was not a member of FLAMES.Meanwhile, the certificates of
candidacy of Nardito C. Alvarez, Alfredo J. Escall, and Jaime T. Valeriano were similarly rejected on the
basis of the exclusion of their department from the scope of the existing collective bargaining agreement
(CBA).The employees assigned to the aforesaid department are allegedly deemed disqualified from
membership in the union for being confidential employees.
12
On 24 April 2003, private respondents Jimmy S. Ong, Nardito C. Alvarez, Alfredo J. Escall, Jaime T.
Valeriano (Ong, et al.), and a certain Leandro M. Tabilog filed a Petition before the Med-Arbitration Unit
of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
On 30 April 2003, DOLE-NCR Regional Director Alex E. Maraan issued an Order directing DOLE personnel
to observe the conduct of the FLAMES election on 7 May 2003.
On 2 May 2003, petitioners filed a Petition with the COMELEC seeking the disqualification of private
respondents Edgardo Daya, Pablo Lucas, Leandro Tabilog, Reynaldo Espiritu, Jose Vito, Antonio de Luna,
Armando Yalung, Edwin Layug, Nards Pabilona, Reynaldo Reyes, Evangeline Escall, Alberto Alcantara,
Rogelio Cervitillo, Marcelino Morelos, and Faustino Ermino (Daya, et al.).
Issue:
Whether the Court of Appeals committed grave abuse of discretion when it affirmed the jurisdiction of
the BLR to take cognizance of the case and then upheld the ruling of the BLR Director and Med-Arbiter,
nullifying the COMELECs order of disqualification of private respondents Daya et al., and annulling the
7 May 2003 FLAMES elections.
Ruling:
The Petition is devoid of merit.We affirm the finding of the Court of Appeals upholding the jurisdiction
of the BLR.Article 226 of the Labor Code is hereunder reproduced, to wit:
ART. 226. BUREAU OF LABOR RELATIONS. The Bureau of Labor Relations and the Labor Relations
Divisions in the regional offices of the Department of Labor shall have original and exclusive authority
to act, at their own initiative or upon request of either or both parties, on all inter-union and intra-union
conflicts, and all disputes, grievances or problems arising from or affecting labor-management relations
in all workplaces whether agricultural or nonagricultural, except those arising from the implementation
or interpretation of collective bargaining agreements which shall be the subject of grievance procedure
and/or voluntary arbitration.
This Court in Bautista v. Court of Appeals, interpreting Article 226 of the Labor Code, was explicit in
declaring that the BLR has the original and exclusive jurisdiction on all inter-union and intra-union
conflicts.We said that since Article 226 of the Labor Code has declared that the BLR shall have original
and exclusive authority to act on all inter-union and intra-union conflicts, there should be no more doubt
as to its jurisdiction.As defined, an intra-union conflict would refer to a conflict within or inside a labor
union, while an inter-union controversy or dispute is one occurring or carried on between or among
unions. More specifically, an intra-union dispute is defined under Section (z), Rule I of the Rules
Implementing Book V of the Labor Code, viz:
(z) Intra-Union Dispute refers to any conflict between and among union members, and includes all
disputes or grievances arising from any violation of or disagreement over any provision of the
constitution and by-laws of a union, including cases arising from chartering or affiliation of labor
organizations or from any violation of the rights and conditions of union membership provided for in the
Code.
SAN MIGUEL CORP. EMPLOYEES UNION-PTGWO VS.SAN MIGUEL PACKAGING PRODUCTS

EMPLOYEES UNION, G.R. NO.171153, SEPT. 12, 2007
Facts:
Respondent is registered as a chapter of Pambansang Diwa ng Manggagawang Pilipino (PDMP). PDMP
issued Charter Certificate No. 112 to respondent on 15 June 1999.5 In compliance with registration
requirements, respondent submitted the requisite documents to the BLR for the purpose of acquiring
legal personality. Upon submission of its charter certificate and other documents, respondent was issued
13
Certificate of Creation of Local or Chapter PDMP-01 by the BLR on 6 July 1999. Thereafter, respondent
filed with the Med-Arbiter of the DOLE Regional Officer in the National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR), three
separate petitions for certification election to represent SMPP, SMCSU, and SMBP.8 All three petitions
were dismissed, on the ground that the separate petitions fragmented a single bargaining unit.9
On 17 August 1999, petitioner filed with the DOLE-NCR a petition seeking the cancellation of
respondent's registration and its dropping from the rolls of legitimate labor organizations. In its petition,
petitioner accused respondent of committing fraud and falsification, and non-compliance with
registration requirements in obtaining its certificate of registration. It raised allegations that respondent
violated Articles 239(a), (b) and (c) and 234(c) of the Labor Code. Moreover, petitioner claimed that
PDMP is not a legitimate labor organization, but a trade union center, hence, it cannot directly create a
local or chapter.
On 14 July 2000, DOLE-NCR Regional Director Maximo B. Lim issued an Order dismissing the allegations
of fraud and misrepresentation, and irregularity in the submission of documents by respondent. Regional
Director Lim further ruled that respondent is allowed to directly create a local or chapter. However, he
found that respondent did not comply with the 20% membership requirement and, thus, ordered the
cancellation of its certificate of registration and removal from the rolls of legitimate labor organizations.
Respondent appealed to the BLR.
While the BLR agreed with the findings of the DOLE Regional Director dismissing the allegations of fraud
and misrepresentation, and in upholding that PDMP can directly create a local or a chapter, it reversed
the Regional Director's ruling that the 20% membership is a requirement for respondent to attain legal
personality as a labor organization.
Invoking the power of the appellate court to review decisions of quasi-judicial agencies, petitioner filed
with the Court of Appeals a Petition for Certiorari under Rule 65 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure.
The Court of Appeals, in a Decision dated 9 March 2005, dismissed the petition and affirmed the Decision
of the BLR
Hence, this Petition for Certiorari under Rule 45 of the Revised Rules of Court.
Issues:
1. Whether or not the private respondent is required to submit the number of employees and
names of all its members comprising at least 20% of the employees in the bargaining unit where
it seeks to operate
2. Whether or not PDMP as a trade union center is a legitimate labor organization and has the
power to create a local or chapter
Ruling:
A legitimate labor organization is defined as "any labor organization duly registered with the Department
of Labor and Employment, and includes any branch or local thereof."The mandate of the Labor Code is
to ensure strict compliance with the requirements on registration because a legitimate labor organization
is entitled to specific rights under the Labor Code, and are involved in activities directly affecting matters
of public interest. Registration requirements are intended to afford a measure of protection to
unsuspecting employees who may be lured into joining unscrupulous or fly-by-night unions whose sole
purpose is to control union funds or use the labor organization for illegitimate ends.Legitimate labor
organizations have exclusive rights under the law which cannot be exercised by non-legitimate unions,
one of which is the right to be certified as the exclusive representative of all the employees in an
appropriate collective bargaining unit for purposes of collective bargaining. The acquisition of rights by
any union or labor organization, particularly the right to file a petition for certification election, first and
foremost, depends on whether or not the labor organization has attained the status of a legitimate labor
organization.
14
The applicable Implementing Rules enunciates a two-fold procedure for the creation of a chapter or a
local. The first involves the affiliation of an independent union with a federation or national union or
industry union. The second, finding application in the instant petition, involves the direct creation of a
local or a chapter through the process of chartering.
A duly registered federation or national union may directly create a local or chapter by submitting to the
DOLE Regional Office or to the BLR two copies of the following:
(a) A charter certificate issued by the federation or national union indicating the creation or
establishment of the local/chapter;
(b) The names of the local/chapter's officers, their addresses, and the principal office of the
local/chapter; and
(c) The local/chapter's constitution and by-laws; Provided, That where the local/chapter's
constitution and by-laws is the same as that of the federation or national union, this fact shall
be indicated accordingly.
All the foregoing supporting requirements shall be certified under oath by the Secretary or the Treasurer
of the local/chapter and attested to by its President.
The Implementing Rules stipulate that a local or chapter may be directly created by a federation or
national union. A duly constituted local or chapter created in accordance with the foregoing shall acquire
legal personality from the date of filing of the complete documents with the BLR. The issuance of the
certificate of registration by the BLR or the DOLE Regional Office is not the operative act that vests legal
personality upon a local or a chapter under Department Order No. 9. Such legal personality is acquired
from the filing of the complete documentary requirements enumerated in Section 1, Rule VI.
Petitioner insists that Section 3 of the Implementing Rules, as amended by Department Order No. 9,
violated Article 234 of the Labor Code when it provided for less stringent requirements for the creation
of a chapter or local. This Court disagrees.
Article 234 of the Labor Code provides that an independent labor organization acquires legitimacy
only upon its registration with the BLR:
Any applicant labor organization, association or group of unions or workers shall acquire legal personality
and shall be entitled to the rights and privileges granted by law to legitimate labor organizations upon
issuance of the certificate of registration based on the following requirements:
(a) Fifty pesos (P50.00) registration fee;

(b) The names of its officers, their addresses, the principal address of the labor organization, the
minutes of the organizational meetings and the list of the workers who participated in such
meetings;
(c) The names of all its members comprising at least twenty percent (20%) of all the employees in
the bargaining unit where it seeks to operate;
(d) If the applicant union has been in existence for one or more years, copies of its annual financial
reports; and
(e) Four (4) copies of the constitution and by-laws of the applicant union, minutes of its adoption
or ratification, and the list of the members who participated in it. (Italics supplied.)
It is emphasized that the foregoing pertains to the registration of an independent labor organization,
association or group of unions or workers.
This Court emphasizes, however, that a direct challenge to the legitimacy of a labor organization based
on fraud and misrepresentation in securing its certificate of registration is a serious allegation which
deserves careful scrutiny. Allegations thereof should be compounded with supporting circumstances and
evidence. The records of the case are devoid of such evidence. Furthermore, this Court is not a trier of
15
facts, and this doctrine applies with greater force in labor cases. Findings of fact of administrative
agencies and quasi-judicial bodies, such as the BLR, which have acquired expertise because their
jurisdiction is confined to specific matters, are generally accorded not only great respect but even
finality.
Still, petitioner postulates that respondent was not validly and legitimately created, for PDMP cannot
create a local or chapter as it is not a legitimate labor organization, it being a trade union center.
Petitioner's argument creates a predicament as it hinges on the legitimacy of PDMP as a labor

organization. Firstly, this line of reasoning attempts to predicate that a trade union center is not a
legitimate labor organization. In the process, the legitimacy of PDMP is being impugned, albeit indirectly.
Secondly, the same contention premises that a trade union center cannot directly create a local or
chapter through the process of chartering.
Anent the foregoing, as has been held in a long line of cases, the legal personality of a legitimate labor
organization, such as PDMP, cannot be subject to a collateral attack. The law is very clear on this matter.
Article 212 (h) of the Labor Code, as amended, defines a legitimate labor organization as "any labor
organization duly registered with the DOLE, and includes any branch or local thereof." On the other
hand, a trade union center is any group of registered national unions or federations organized for the
mutual aid and protection of its members; for assisting such members in collective bargaining; or for
participating in the formulation of social and employment policies, standards, and programs, and is duly
registered with the DOLE in accordance with Rule III, Section 2 of the Implementing Rules.
The Implementing Rules stipulate that a labor organization shall be deemed registered and vested with
legal personality on the date of issuance of its certificate of registration. Once a certificate of registration
is issued to a union, its legal personality cannot be subject to collateral attack. It may be questioned
only in an independent petition for cancellation in accordance with Section 5 of Rule V, Book V of the
Implementing Rules. The aforementioned provision is enunciated in the following:
Sec. 5.Effect of registration. The labor organization or workers' association shall be deemed registered
and vested with legal personality on the date of issuance of its certificate of registration. Such legal
personality cannot thereafter be subject to collateral attack, but may be questioned only in an
independent petition for cancellation in accordance with these Rules.
PDMP was registered as a trade union center and issued Registration Certificate No. FED-11558-LC by
the BLR on 14 February 1991. Until the certificate of registration of PDMP is cancelled, its legal
personality as a legitimate labor organization subsists. Once a union acquires legitimate status as a
labor organization, it continues to be recognized as such until its certificate of registration is cancelled
or revoked in an independent action for cancellation. It bears to emphasize that what is being directly
challenged is the personality of respondent as a legitimate labor organization and not that of PDMP. This
being a collateral attack, this Court is without jurisdiction to entertain questions indirectly impugning
the legitimacy of PDMP.
Corollarily, PDMP is granted all the rights and privileges appurtenant to a legitimate labor
organizationand continues to be recognized as such until its certificate of registration is successfully
impugned and thereafter cancelled or revoked in an independent action for cancellation.We now proceed
to the contention that PDMP cannot directly create a local or a chapter, it being a trade union center.This
Court reverses the finding of the appellate court and BLR on this ground, and rules that PDMP cannot
directly create a local or chapter.
After an exhaustive study of the governing labor law provisions, both statutory and regulatory, we find
no legal justification to support the conclusion that a trade union center is allowed to directly create a
local or chapter through chartering. Apropos, we take this occasion to reiterate the first and fundamental
duty of this Court, which is to apply the law. The solemn power and duty of the Court to interpret and
apply the law does not include the power to correct by reading into the law what is not written therein.
16
Presidential Decree No. 442, better known as the Labor Code, was enacted in 1972. Being a legislation
on social justice, the provisions of the Labor Code and the Implementing Rules have been subject to
several amendments, and they continue to evolve, considering that labor plays a major role as a socio-
economic force. The Labor Code was first amended by Republic Act No. 6715, and recently, by Republic
Act No. 9481. Incidentally, the term trade union center was never mentioned under Presidential Decree
No. 442, even as it was amended by Republic Act No. 6715. The term trade union center was first
adopted in the
Implementing Rules, under Department Order No. 9.
Culling from its definition as provided by Department Order No. 9, a trade union center is any group of
registered national unions or federations organized for the mutual aid and protection of its members;
for assisting such members in collective bargaining; or for participating in the formulation of social and
employment policies, standards, and programs, and is duly registered with the DOLE in accordance with
Rule III, Section 2 of the Implementing Rules. The same rule provides that the application for
registration of an industry or trade union center shall be supported by the following:
(a) The list of its member organizations and their respective presidents and, in the case of an industry
union, the industry where the union seeks to operate;
(b) The resolution of membership of each member organization, approved by the Board of Directors of
such union;
(c) The name and principal address of the applicant, the names of its officers and their addresses, the
minutes of its organizational meeting/s, and the list of member organizations and their representatives
who attended such meeting/s; and
(d) A copy of its constitution and by-laws and minutes of its ratification by a majority of the presidents
of the member organizations, provided that where the ratification was done simultaneously with the
organizational meeting, it shall be sufficient that the fact of ratification be included in the minutes of the
organizational meeting.
Evidently, while a "national union" or "federation" is a labor organization with at least ten locals or
chapters or affiliates, each of which must be a duly certified or recognized collective bargaining agent;
a trade union center, on the other hand, is composed of a group of registered national unions or
federations.
The Implementing Rules, as amended by Department Order No. 9, provide that "a duly registered
federation or national union" may directly create a local or chapter. The provision reads:
Section 1.Chartering and creation of a local/chapter. – A duly registered federation or national union
may directly create a local/chapter by submitting to the Regional Office or to the Bureau two (2) copies
of the following:
local/chapter; and
(c) The local/chapter's constitution and by-laws; provided that where the local/chapter's constitution
and by-laws is the same as that of the federation or national union, this fact shall be indicated
accordingly.
Department Order No. 9 mentions two labor organizations either of which is allowed to directly create a
local or chapter through chartering – a duly registered federation or a national union. Department Order
No. 9 defines a "chartered local" as a labor organization in the private sector operating at the enterprise
level that acquired legal personality through a charter certificate, issued by a duly registered federation
17
or national union and reported to the Regional Office in accordance with Rule III, Section 2-E of these
Rules.
Republic Act No. 9481 or "An Act Strengthening the Workers' Constitutional Right to Self-Organization,
Amending for the Purpose Presidential Decree No. 442, As Amended, Otherwise Known as the Labor
Code of the Philippines" lapsed into law on 25 May 2007 and became effective on 14 June 2007. This
law further amends the Labor Code provisions on Labor Relations.
Article 234 now includes the term trade union center, but interestingly, the provision indicating the
procedure for chartering or creating a local or chapter, namely Article 234-A, still makes no mention of
a "trade union center."
Also worth emphasizing is that even in the most recent amendment of the implementing rules, there
was no mention of a trade union center as being among the labor organizations allowed to charter.
DONG SEUNG INC., VS. BUREAU OF LABOR RELATIONS, G.R. NO. 162356, APRIL 14, 2008
Facts:
Petitioner filed with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Region IV a Petition for
cancellation of the union registration of respondent union on the grounds that the List of Officers and
Constitution and By-laws which the respondent union attached to its application for union registration
contain the union secretary's certification but the same is not under oath, contrary to Section 1, Rule
VI of the Implementing Rules of Book V of the Labor Code, as amended by Department Order No. 9,
series of 1997; and that, as shown in a Sinumpaang Petisyon, 148 out of approximately 200 employees-
members have since denounced respondent union for employing deceit in obtaining signatures to
support its registration application.
DOLE (Region IV) Regional Director Ricardo Martinez, Sr. delisted from the roster of legitimate labor
organization the Charter Certificate [of] NAMAWU-Local 188. Respondent union appealed to the Bureau
of Labor Relations BLR gave due course to the appeal and granted the same, it ordered that NAMAWU-
Local 188, shall remain in the roster of legitimate labor organizations.
After its motion for reconsideration was denied by the BLR, petitioner filed with the CA a Petition for
Certiorari, insisting that the BLR acted with grave abuse of discretion in giving due course to respondent
union’s appeal despite its having been filed out of time. The CA dismissed the petition and the motion
for reconsideration which was subsequently filed by the petitioner.
Issue:
Whether or not the CA erred in sustaining the BLR when it declared respondent’s union registration
valid.
Ruling:
The BLR found respondent union’s appeal tardy yet gave due course to it on account of its inherent
merit. The CA found respondent union’s appeal to have “substantially complied with the requirements
provided by law.
Indeed, all that Article 235 requires is that the secretary’s certification be under oath. It does not
prescribe a specific manner of its notarization. Based on its interpretation of Article 235, the BLR, in its
October 14, 1998 Advisory, allows for the wholesale notarization of a union’s application for registration
and recognizes the effects thereof even on the attachments, including the secretary’s certification. This
is a reasonable interpretation considering that the form of notarization contemplated in said Advisory
adequately serves the purpose of Article 235, which is to forestall fraud and misrepresentation. More
18
importantly, such interpretation of the BLR is accorded great weight by the Court for it is said agency
which is vested with authority and endowed with expertise to implement the law in question.
The other ground cited by DOLE Region IV in canceling the registration of respondent union is that the
latter allegedly committed misrepresentation in securing the signatures of its members. The CA and
BLR, on the other hand, assign no credence to the Sinumpaang Petisyon for it is a mere photocopy, the
genuineness and due execution of which cannot be reasonably ascertained. Another factor which
militates against the veracity of the allegations in the Sinumpaang Petisyon is the lack of particularities
on how, when and where respondent union perpetrated the alleged fraud on each member. Such details
are crucial for in the proceedings for cancellation of union registration on the ground of fraud or
misrepresentation, what needs to be established is that the specific act or omission of the union deprived
the complaining employees-members of their right to choose.
DEL PILAR ACADEMY ET AL., VS.DEL PILAR ACADEMY EMPLOYEES UNION, G.R. NO. 170112,
APRIL 30, 2008
Facts:
Respondent Del Pilar Academy Employees Union (the UNION) is the certified collective bargaining
representative of teaching and non-teaching personnel of petitioner Del Pilar Academy (DEL PILAR), an
educational institution operating in Imus, Cavite.
On September 15, 1994, the UNION and DEL PILAR entered into a Collective Bargaining Agreement
(CBA) granting salary increase and other benefits to the teaching and non-teaching staff.
The UNION then assessed agency fees from non-union employees, and requested DEL PILAR to deduct
said assessment from the employees’ salaries and wages. DEL PILAR, however, refused to effect
deductions claiming that the non-union employees were not amenable to it.
Traversing the complaint, DEL PILAR denied committing unfair labor practices against the UNION. It
justified the non-deduction of the agency fees by the absence of individual check off authorization from
the non-union employees. As regards the proposal to amend the provision on summer vacation leave
with pay, DEL PILAR alleged that the proposal cannot be considered unfair for it was done to make the
provision of the CBA conformable to the DECS’ Manual of Regulations for Private Schools.
The Labor Arbiter ruled in favor of the union that DEL PILAR should have deducted the union fees from
the non-union employees citing article 248 of the Labor Code. On appeal, the National Labor Relations
Commission (NLRC) affirmed the Arbiter’s ruling. In gist, it upheld the UNION’s right to agency fee, but
did not consider DEL PILAR’s failure to deduct the same an unfair labor practice. The UNION’s motion
for reconsideration having been denied, it then went to the CA via certiorari. On July 19, 2005, the CA
rendered the assailed decision, affirming with modification the resolutions of the NLRC.
Issue:
Whether or not the UNION is entitled to collect agency fees from non-union members, and if so, whether
an individual written authorization is necessary for a valid check off.
Ruling:
The collection of agency fees in an amount equivalent to union dues and fees, from employees who are
not union members, is recognized by Article 248(e) of the Labor Code. When so stipulated in a collective
bargaining agreement or authorized in writing by the employees concerned, the Labor Code and its
19
Implementing Rules recognize it to be the duty of the employer to deduct the sum equivalent to the
amount of union dues, as agency fees, from the employees' wages for direct remittance to the union.
The system is referred to as check off. No requirement of written authorization from the non-union
employees is necessary if the non-union employees accept the benefits resulting from the CBA.
Contrary to what DEL PILAR wants to portray, the grant of annual salary increase is not the only
provision in the CBA that benefited the non-union employees. The UNION negotiated for other benefits,
namely, limitations on teaching assignments to 23 hours per week, additional compensation for overload
units or teaching assignments in excess of the 23 hour per week limit, and payment of longevity pay.
It also negotiated for entitlement to summer vacation leave with pay for two (2) months for teaching
staff who have rendered six (6) consecutive semesters of service. For the non-teaching personnel, the
UNION worked for their entitlement to fifteen (15) days leave with pay. These provisions in the CBA
surely benefited the non-union employees, justifying the collection of, and the UNION’s entitlement to,
agency fees.
Accordingly, no requirement of written authorization from the non-union employees is needed to effect
a valid check off. Article 248(e) makes it explicit that Article 241, paragraph (o), [requiring written
authorization is inapplicable to non-union members, especially in this case where the non-union
employees receive several benefits under the CBA.
As explained by this Court in Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc. v. Hon. Joaquin viz.:
The employee's acceptance of benefits resulting from a collective bargaining agreement justifies the
deduction of agency fees from his pay and the union's entitlement thereto. In this aspect, the legal basis
of the union's right to agency fees is neither contractual nor statutory, but quasi-contractual, deriving
from the established principle that non-union employees may not unjustly enrich themselves by
benefiting from employment conditions negotiated by the bargaining union.
S.S. VENTURES INTERNATIONAL INC., VS. SS VENTURES LABOR UNION, G.R. NO. 161690,
JULY 23, 2008
Facts:
Petitioner S.S. Ventures International, Inc. (Ventures), a PEZA-registered export firm with principal
place of business at Phase I-PEZA-Bataan Export Zone, Mariveles, Bataan, is in the business of
manufacturing sports shoes. Respondent S.S. Ventures Labor Union (Union), on the other hand, is a
labor organization registered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
On March 21, 2000, the Union filed with DOLE-Region III a petition for certification election in behalf of
the rank-and-file employees of Ventures. Five hundred forty two (542) signatures, 82 of which belong
to terminated Ventures employees, appeared on the basic documents supporting the petition.
On August 21, 2000, Ventures filed a Petition to cancel the Unions certificate of registration invoking
the grounds set forth in Article 239(a) of the Labor Code, the petition alleged the following:
(1) The Union deliberately and maliciously included the names of more or less 82 former employees no
longer connected with Ventures in its list of members who attended the organizational meeting and in
the adoption/ratification of its constitution and by-laws held on January 9, 2000 in Mariveles, Bataan;
and the Union forged the signatures of these 82 former employees to make it appear they took part in
the organizational meeting and adoption and ratification of the constitution;
20
(2) The Union maliciously twice entered the signatures of three persons namely: Mara Santos, Raymond
Balangbang, and Karen Agunos;
(3) No organizational meeting and ratification actually took place; and
(4) The Unions application for registration was not supported by at least 20% of the rank-and-file
employees of Ventures, or 418 of the total 2,197-employee complement. Since more or less 82 of the
500 signatures were forged or invalid, then the remaining valid signatures would only be 418, which is
very much short of the 439 minimum (2197 total employees x 20% = 439.4) required by the Labor
Code.
In a Decision dated April 6, 2001, Regional Director Ana C. Dione of DOLE-Region III found for Ventures.
Aggrieved, the Union interposed a motion for reconsideration, a recourse which appeared to have been
forwarded to the Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR). Although it would later find this motion to have been
belatedly filed, the BLR, over the objection of Ventures which filed a Motion to Expunge, gave it due
course and treated it as an appeal.Despite Venturesmotion to expunge the appeal, the BLR Director
rendered on October 11, 2002 a decisionin BLR-A-C-60-6-11-01, granting the Unions appeal and
reversing the decision of Dione.
Ventures sought reconsideration of the above decision but was denied by the BLR.Ventures then went
to the Court of Appeals (CA) on a petition for certiorari under Rule 65. On October 20, 2003, the CA
rendered a Decision, dismissing Ventures petition. Ventures motion for reconsideration met a similar
fate.
Hence, this petition for review under Rule 45.
Issue:
Whether or not there was fraud or misrepresentation on the part of the Union sufficient to justify
cancellation of its registration.
Ruling:
The petition lacks merit. The right to form, join, or assist a union is specifically protected by Art. XIII,
Section 3 of the Constitution and such right, according to Art. III, Sec. 8 of the Constitution and Art.
246 of the Labor Code, shall not be abridged. Once registered with the DOLE, a union is considered a
legitimate labor organization endowed with the right and privileges granted by law to such organization.
While a certificate of registration confers a union with legitimacy with the concomitant right to participate
in or ask for certification election in a bargaining unit, the registration may be canceled or the union
may be decertified as the bargaining unit, in which case the union is divested of the status of a legitimate
labor organization. Among the grounds for cancellation is the commission of any of the acts enumerated
in Art. 239(a) of the Labor Code, such as fraud and misrepresentation in connection with the adoption
or ratification of the unions constitution and like documents. The Court, has in previous cases, said that
to decertify a union, it is not enough to show that the union includes ineligible employees in its
membership. It must also be shown that there was misrepresentation, false statement, or fraud in
connection with the application for registration and the supporting documents, such as the adoption or
ratification of the constitution and by-laws or amendments thereto and the minutes of ratification of the
constitution or by-laws, among other documents.
Second, Ventures draws attention to the inclusion of 82 individuals to the list of participants in the
January 9, 2000 organizational meeting. Ventures submits that the 82, being no longer connected with
the company, should not have been counted as attendees in the meeting and the ratification proceedings
immediately afterwards.
The assailed inclusion of the said 82 individuals to the meeting and proceedings adverted to is not really
fatal to the Unions cause for, as determined by the BLR, the allegations of falsification of signatures or
misrepresentation with respect to these individuals are without basis. The Court need not delve into the
21
question of whether these 82 dismissed individuals were still Union members qualified to vote and affix
their signature on its application for registration and supporting documents. Suffice it to say that, as
aptly observed by the CA, the procedure for acquiring or losing union membership and the determination
of who are qualified or disqualified to be members are matters internal to the union and flow from its
right to self-organization.
To our mind, the relevancy of the 82 individuals active participation in the Unions organizational meeting
and the signing ceremonies thereafter comes in only for purposes of determining whether or not the
Union, even without the 82, would still meet what Art. 234(c) of the Labor Code requires to be submitted,
to wit:
Art. 234. Requirements of Registration.Any applicant labor organization x x x shall acquire legal
personality and shall be entitled to the rights and privileges granted by law to legitimate labor
organizations upon issuance of the certificate of registration based on the following requirements:
xxxx
(c) The names of all its members comprising at least twenty percent (20%) of all the employees in the
bargaining unit where it seeks to operate.
The bare fact that three signatures twice appeared on the list of those who participated in the
organizational meeting would not, to our mind, provide a valid reason to cancel Certificate of Registration
No. RO300-00-02-UR-0003. As the Union tenably explained without rebuttal from Ventures, the double
entries are no more than normal human error, effected without malice. Even the labor arbiter who found
for Ventures sided with the Union in its explanation on the absence of malice.
The cancellation of a unions registration doubtless has an impairing dimension on the right of labor to
self-organization. Accordingly, we can accord concurrence to the following apt observation of the BLR:
[F]or fraud and misrepresentation [to be grounds for] cancellation of union registration under Article
239 [of the Labor Code], the nature of the fraud and misrepresentation must be grave and compelling
enough to vitiate the consent of a majority of union members.
In its Comment, the Union points out that for almost seven (7) years following the filing of its petition,
no certification election has yet been conducted among the rank-and-file employees. If this be the
case,the delay has gone far enough and can no longer be allowed to continue. The CA is right when it
said that Ventures should not interfere in the certification election by actively and persistently opposing
the certification election of the Union. A certification election is exclusively the concern of employees
and the employer lacks the legal personality to challenge it. In fact, jurisprudence frowns on the
employers interference in a certification election for such interference unduly creates the impression
that it intends to establish a company union.
INGUILLO ET AL, VS. FIRST PHIL SCALES INC., ET AL., GR NO. 165407, JUNE 5, 2009
Facts:
During the lifetime of the CBA, Bergante, Inguillo and several FPSI employees joined another union, the
Nagkakaisang Lakas ng Manggagawa (NLM), which was affiliated with a federation called KATIPUNAN
(NLM-KATIPUNAN, for brevity). Subsequently, NLM-KATIPUNAN filed with the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) an intra-union dispute against FPSILU and FPSI. In said case, the Med-Arbiter
decided in favor of FPSILU. It also ordered the officers and members of NLM-KATIPUNAN to return to
FPSILU the amount of P90,000.00 pertaining to the union dues erroneously collected from the
employees. Upon finality of the Med-Arbiter's Decision, a Writ of Execution was issued to collect the
22
adjudged amount from NLM-KATIPUNAN. However, as no amount was recovered, notices of garnishment
were issued to United Coconut Planters Bank and to FPSI for the latter to hold for FPSILU the earnings
of Domingo Grutas, Jr. (Grutas) and Inguillo, formerly FPSILU's President and Secretary for Finance,
respectively.
The executive board and members of the FPSILU addressed a document denominated as "Petisyon"to
FPSI's general manager, Amparo Policarpio (Policarpio), seeking the termination of the services of the
following employees, namely: Grutas, Yolanda Tapang, Shirley Tapang, Gerry Trinidad, Gilbert Lucero,
Inguillo, Bergante, and Vicente Go, on the following grounds: (1) disloyalty to the Union by separating
from it and affiliating with a rival Union, the NLM-KATIPUNAN; (2) dereliction of duty by failing to call
periodic membership meetings and to give financial reports; (3) depositing Union funds in the names of
Grutas and former Vice-President Yolanda Tapang, instead of in the name of FPSILU, care of the
President; (4) causing damage to FPSI by deliberately slowing down production, preventing the Union
to even attempt to ask for an increase in benefits from the former; and (5) poisoning the minds of the
rest of the members of the Union so that they would be enticed to join the rival union.
Inguillo filed with the NLRC a complaint against FPSI and/or Policarpio (respondents) for illegal
withholding of salary and damages. On May 16, 1996, respondents terminated the services of the
employees mentioned in the "Petisyon."
The following day, two (2) separate complaints for illegal dismissal, reinstatement and damages were
filed against respondents by: (1) NLM-KATIPUNAN, Grutas, Trinidad, Bergante, Yolanda Tapang, Go,
Shirley Tapang and Lucero (Grutas complaint, for brevity); and (2) Inguillo (Inguillo complaint). Both
complaints were consolidated with Inguillo's prior complaint for illegal withholding of salary, which was
pending before Labor Arbiter Manuel Manansala. Some of the complainants agreed to amicably settle
their cases. Bergante and Inguillo, the remaining complainants, were directed to submit their respective
position papers, after which their complaints were submitted for resolution.
The Labor Arbiter dismissed the remaining complaints of Bergante and Inguillo and held that they were
not illegally dismissed. He explained that the two clearly violated the Union Security Clause of the CBA
when they joined NLM-KATIPUNAN and committed acts detrimental to the interests of FPSILU and
respondents. Affirmed by NLRC and when elevated the case to CA, the latter also affirmed the decision
of NLRC.
Issue:
Whether or not the enforcement of the aforesaid Union Security Clause justified herein petitioners'
dismissal from the service.
Ruling:
Yes, the enforcement justified petitioner’s dismissal.
Essentially, the Labor Code of the Philippines has several provisions under which an employee may be
validly terminated, namely: (1) just causes under Article 282; (2) authorized causes under Article 283;
(3) termination due to disease under Article 284; and (4) termination by the employee or resignation
under Article 285. While the said provisions did not mention as ground the enforcement of the Union
Security Clause in the CBA, the dismissal from employment based on the same is recognized and
accepted in our jurisdiction.
"Union security" is a generic term, which is applied to and comprehends "closed shop," "union shop,"
"maintenance of membership" or any other form of agreement, which imposes upon employees the
obligation to acquire or retain union membership as a condition affecting employment. There is union
shop when all new regular employees are required to join the union within a certain period as a condition
for their continued employment. There is maintenance of membership shop when employees, who are
union members as of the effective date of the agreement, or who thereafter become members, must
maintain union membership as a condition for continued employment until they are promoted or
23
transferred out of the bargaining unit or the agreement is terminated. A closed-shop, on the other hand,
may be defined as an enterprise in which, by agreement between the employer and his employees or
their representatives, no person may be employed in any or certain agreed departments of the
enterprise unless he or she is, becomes, and, for the duration of the agreement, remains a member in
good standing of a union entirely comprised of or of which the employees in interest are a part.
In their Petition, Bergante and Inguillo assail the legality of their termination based on the Union Security
Clause in the CBA between FPSI and FPSILU.
In the case at bar, in terminating the employment of an employee by enforcing the Union Security
Clause, the employer needs only to determine and prove that: (1) the union security clause is applicable;
(2) the union is requesting for the enforcement of the union security provision in the CBA; and (3) there
is sufficient evidence to support the union's decision to expel the employee from the union or company.
We hold that all the requisites have been sufficiently met and FPSI was justified in enforcing the Union
Security Clause, for the following reasons:
First. FPSI was justified in applying the Union Security Clause, as it was a valid provision in the CBA,
the existence and validity of which was not questioned by either party. Moreover, petitioners were
among the 93 employees who affixed their signatures to the document that ratified the CBA. They
cannot now turn their back and deny knowledge of such provision.
Second. FPSILU acted on its prerogative to recommend to FPSI the dismissal of the members who failed
to maintain their membership with the Union. Aside from joining another rival union, FPSILU cited other
grounds committed by petitioners and the other employees which tend to prejudice FPSI’s interests,
i.e., dereliction of duty - by failing to call periodic membership meetings and to give financial reports;
depositing union funds in the names of Grutas and former Vice-President Yolanda Tapang, instead of in
the name of FPSILU care of the President; causing damage to FPSI by deliberately slowing down
production, preventing the Union from even attempting to ask for an increase in benefits from the
former; and poisoning the minds of the rest of the members of the Union so that they would be enticed
to join the rival union.
Third. FPSILU's decision to ask for the termination of the employees in the "Petisyon" was justified and
supported by the evidence on record. Bergante and Inguillo were undisputably former members of
FPSILU. In fact, Inguillo was the Secretary of Finance, the underlying reason why his salary was
garnished to satisfy the judgment of the Med-Arbiter who ordered NLM-KATIPUNAN to return the Union
dues it erroneously collected from the employees. Their then affiliation with FPSILU was also clearly
shown by their signatures in the document which ratified the CBA. Without a doubt, they committed
acts of disloyalty to the Union when they failed not only to maintain their membership but also
disaffiliated from it. They abandoned FPSILU and even joined another union which works against the
former's interests. This is evident from the intra-union dispute filed by NLM-KATIPUNAN against FPSILU.
Once affiliated with NLM-KATIPUNAN, Bergante and Inguillo proceeded to recruit other employees to
disaffiliate from FPSILU and even collected Union dues from them.
In Del Monte Philippines, the stipulations in the CBA authorizing the dismissal of employees are of equal
import as the statutory provisions on dismissal under the Labor Code, since a CBA is the law between
the company and the Union, and compliance therewith is mandated by the express policy to give
protection to labor. In Caltex Refinery Employees Association (CREA) v. Brillantes, the Court expounded
on the effectiveness of union security clause when it held that it is one intended to strengthen the
contracting union and to protect it from the fickleness or perfidy of its own members. For without such
safeguards, group solidarity becomes uncertain; the union becomes gradually weakened and
increasingly vulnerable to company machinations. In this security clause lies the strength of the union
during the enforcement of the collective bargaining agreement. It is this clause that provides labor with
substantial power in collective bargaining.
24
To safeguard the rights of the employees, We have said time and again that dismissals pursuant to
union security clauses are valid and legal, subject only to the requirement of due process, that is, notice
and hearing prior to dismissal. In like manner, We emphasized that the enforcement of union security
clauses is authorized by law, provided such enforcement is not characterized by arbitrariness, and
always with due process.
There are two (2) aspects which characterize the concept of due process under the Labor Code: one is
substantive––whether the termination of employment was based on the provisions of the Labor Code
or in accordance with the prevailing jurisprudence; the other is procedural - the manner in which the
dismissal was effected.
Corollarily, procedural due process in the dismissal of employees requires notice and hearing. The
employer must furnish the employee two written notices before termination may be effected. The first
notice apprises the employee of the particular acts or omissions for which his dismissal is sought, while
the second notice informs the employee of the employer’s decision to dismiss him. The requirement of
a hearing, on the other hand, is complied with as long as there was an opportunity to be heard, and not
necessarily that an actual hearing was conducted.
In the present case, the required two notices that must be given to herein petitioners Bergante and
Inguillo were lacking. The records are bereft of any notice that would have given a semblance of
substantial compliance on the part of herein respondents. The Court has always underscored the
significance of the two-notice rule in dismissing an employee and has ruled in a number of cases that
non-compliance therewith is tantamount to deprivation of the employee’s right to due process.
STA LUCIA EAST COMMERCIAL CORP., VS. SOLE ET AL., GR NO. 162355, AUGUST 14, 2009
Facts:
On 27 February 2001, Confederated Labor Union of the Philippines (CLUP), in behalf of its chartered
local, instituted a petition for certification election among the regular rank-and-file employees of Sta.
Lucia East Commercial Corporation and its Affiliates. The affiliate companies included in the petition
were SLE Commercial, SLE Department Store, SLE Cinema, Robsan East Trading, Bowling Center, Planet
Toys, Home Gallery and Essentials.
On 21 August 2001, Med-Arbiter Bactin ordered the dismissal of the petition due to inappropriateness
of the bargaining unit. CLUP-Sta. Lucia East Commercial Corporation and its Affiliates Workers Union
appealed the order of dismissal to this Office on 14 September 2001.On 20 November 2001, CLUP-Sta.
Lucia East Commercial Corporation and its Affiliates Workers Union [CLUP-SLECC and its Affiliates
Workers Union]moved for the withdrawal of the appeal. On 31 January 2002, this Office granted the
motion and affirmed the dismissal of the petition.
In the meantime, on 10 October 2001, [CLUP-SLECC and its Affiliates Workers Union] reorganized itself
and re-registered as CLUP-Sta. Lucia East Commercial Corporation Workers Association (herein
appellant CLUP-SLECCWA), limiting its membership to the rank-and-file employees of Sta. Lucia East
Commercial Corporation. It was issued Certificate of Creation of a Local Chapter.
On the same date, [CLUP-SLECCWA] filed the instant petition. It alleged that [SLECC] employs about
115 employees and that more than 20% of employees belonging to the rank-and-file category are its
members.[CLUP-SLECCWA] claimed that no certification election has been held among them within the
last 12 months prior to the filing of the petition, and while there is another union registered with DOLE-
25
Regional Office No. IV on 22 June 2001 covering the same employees, namely [SMSLEC], it has not
been recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent of [SLECCs] employees.
On 22 November 2001, SLECC filed a motion to dismiss the petition.It averred that it has voluntarily
recognized [SMSLEC] on 20 July 2001 as the exclusive bargaining agent of its regular rank-and-file
employees, and that collective bargaining negotiations already commenced between them.
On 29 November 2001, a CBA between [SMSLEC] and [SLECC] was ratified by its rank-and-file
employees and registered with DOLE-Regional Office No. IV on 9 January 2002.
Issue:
Whether or not the appellate court committed a reversible error when it affirmed the Secretary’s finding
that SLECCs voluntary recognition of SMSLEC was done while a legitimate labor organization was in
existence in the bargaining unit.
Ruling:
The petition has no merit. We see no reason to overturn the rulings of the Secretary and of the appellate
court.
Legitimate Labor Organization
Article 212(g) of the Labor Code defines a labor organization as any union or association of employees
which exists in whole or in part for the purpose of collective bargaining or of dealing with employers
concerning terms and conditions of employment. Upon compliance with all the documentary
requirements, the Regional Office or Bureau shall issue in favor of the applicant labor organization a
certificate indicating that it is included in the roster of legitimate labor organizations. Any applicant labor
organization shall acquire legal personality and shall be entitled to the rights and privileges granted by
law to legitimate labor organizations upon issuance of the certificate of registration.
Bargaining Unit
A bargaining unit is a group of employees of a given employer, comprised of all or less than all of the
entire body of employees, consistent with equity to the employer, indicated to be the best suited to
serve the reciprocal rights and duties of the parties under the collective bargaining provisions of the
law.
The fundamental factors in determining the appropriate collective bargaining unit are: (1) the will of the
employees (Globe Doctrine);(2) affinity and unity of the employees interest, such as substantial
similarity of work and duties, or similarity of compensation and working conditions (Substantial Mutual
Interests Rule); (3) prior collective bargaining history; and (4) similarity of employment status.
Contrary to petitioners assertion, this Court has categorically ruled that the existence of a prior collective
bargaining history is neither decisive nor conclusive in the determination of what constitutes an
appropriate bargaining unit.
However, employees in two corporations cannot be treated as a single bargaining unit even if the
businesses of the two corporations are related.
A Legitimate Labor Organization Representing an Inappropriate Bargaining Unit
CLUP-SLECC and its Affiliates Workers Unions initial problem was that they constituted a legitimate labor
organization representing a non-appropriate bargaining unit. However, CLUP-SLECC and its Affiliates
Workers Union subsequently re-registered as CLUP-SLECCWA, limiting its members to the rank-and-file
of SLECC.SLECC cannot ignore that CLUP-SLECC and its Affiliates Workers Union was a legitimate labor
26
organization at the time of SLECCs voluntary recognition of SMSLEC. SLECC and SMSLEC cannot, by
themselves, decide whether CLUP-SLECC and its Affiliates Workers Union represented an appropriate
bargaining unit.
Employers Participation in a Petition for Certification Election
We find it strange that the employer itself, SLECC, filed a motion to oppose CLUP-SLECCWAs petition
for certification election. In petitions for certification election, the employer is a mere bystander and
cannot oppose the petition or appeal the Med-Arbiters decision. The exception to this rule, which
happens when the employer is requested to bargain collectively, is not present in the case before us.
MARIWASA SIAM CERAMICS INC. VS.SECRETARY OF DOLE, ET AL., G.R. NO. 183317,
DECEMBER 21, 2009
Facts:
On May 4, 2005, respondent Samahan Ng Mga Manggagawa Sa Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc. (SMMSC-
Independent) was issued a Certificate of Registration as a legitimate labor organization by the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Region IV-A.
On June 14, 2005, petitioner Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Inc. filed a Petition for Cancellation of Union
Registration against respondent, claiming that the latter violated Article 234 of the Labor Code for not
complying with the 20% requirement, and that it committed massive fraud and misrepresentation in
violation of Article 239 of the same code.
On August 26, 2005, the Regional Director of DOLE IV-A issued an Order granting the petition, revoking
the registration of respondent, and delisting it from the roster of active labor unions.
Aggrieved, respondent appealed to the Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR).

In a Decision dated June 14, 2006, the BLR granted respondent’s appeal.
Petitioner filed a Motion for Reconsideration but the BLR denied it in a Resolution dated February 2,
2007.
Petitioner sought recourse with the Court of Appeals (CA) through a Petition for Certiorari; but the CA
denied the petition for lack of merit.
Petitioner’s motion for reconsideration of the CA Decision was likewise denied, hence, this petition based
on the following grounds—
Issues:
1. Whether or not private respondent union complied with the 20% membership requirement
2. Whether or not the Court of Appeals seriously erred when it ruled that private respondent union did
not commit misrepresentation, fraud or false statement.
Ruling:
The petitioner insists that respondent failed to comply with the 20% union membership requirement for
its registration as a legitimate labor organization because of the disaffiliation from the total number of
union members of 102 employees who executed affidavits recanting their union membership.
It is, thus, imperative that we peruse the affidavits appearing to have been executed by thes affiants.
Evidently, the affidavits were written and prepared in advance, and the pro forma affidavits were ready
to be filled out with the employees’ names and signatures.
It is worthy to note, however, that the affidavit does not mention the identity of the people who allegedly
forced and deceived the affiant into joining the union, much less the circumstances that constituted such
27
force and deceit. Indeed, not only was this allegation couched in very general terms and sweeping in
nature, but more importantly, it was not supported by any evidence whatsoever.
In appreciating affidavits of recantation such as these, our ruling in La Suerte Cigar and Cigarette Factory
v. Director of the Bureau of Labor Relations is enlightening, viz.—
On the second issue—whether or not the withdrawal of 31 union members from NATU affected the
petition for certification election insofar as the 30% requirement is concerned, We reserve the Order of
the respondent Director of the Bureau of Labor Relations, it appearing undisputably that the 31 union
members had withdrawn their support to the petition before the filing of said petition. It would be
otherwise if the withdrawal was made after the filing of the petition for it would then be presumed that
the withdrawal was not free and voluntary. The presumption would arise that the withdrawal was
procured through duress, coercion or for valuable consideration. In other words, the distinction must be
that withdrawals made before the filing of the petition are presumed voluntary unless there is convincing
proof to the contrary, whereas withdrawals made after the filing of the petition are deemed involuntary.
The reason for such distinction is that if the withdrawal or retraction is made before the filing of the
petition, the names of employees supporting the petition are supposed to be held secret to the opposite
party. Logically, any such withdrawal or retraction shows voluntariness in the absence of proof to the
contrary. Moreover, it becomes apparent that such employees had not given consent to the filing of the
petition, hence the subscription requirement has not been met.
When the withdrawal or retraction is made after the petition is filed, the employees who are supporting
the petition become known to the opposite party since their names are attached to the petition at the
time of filing. Therefore, it would not be unexpected that the opposite party would use foul means for
the subject employees to withdraw their support.
In the instant case, the affidavits of recantation were executed after the identities of the union members
became public, i.e., after the union filed a petition for certification election on May 23, 2005, since the
names of the members were attached to the petition. The purported withdrawal of support for the
registration of the union was made after the documents were submitted to the DOLE, Region IV-A. The
logical conclusion, therefore, following jurisprudence, is that the employees were not totally free from
the employer’s pressure, and so the voluntariness of the employees’ execution of the affidavits becomes
suspect.
It is likewise notable that the first batch of 25 pro forma affidavits shows that the affidavits were
executed by the individual affiants on different dates from May 26, 2005 until June 3, 2005, but they
were all sworn before a notary public on June 8, 2005.
Accordingly, we cannot give full credence to these affidavits, which were executed under suspicious
circumstances, and which contain allegations unsupported by evidence. At best, these affidavits are
self-serving. They possess no probative value.
Nevertheless, even assuming the veracity of the affidavits of recantation, the legitimacy of respondent
as a labor organization must be affirmed. While it is true that the withdrawal of support may be
considered as a resignation from the union, the fact remains that at the time of the union’s application
for registration, the affiants were members of respondent and they comprised more than the required
20% membership for purposes of registration as a labor union. Article 234 of the Labor Code merely
requires a 20% minimum membership during the application for union registration. It does not mandate
that a union must maintain the 20% minimum membership requirement all throughout its existence.
Respondent asserts that it had a total of 173 union members at the time it applied for registration. Two
names were repeated in respondent’s list and had to be deducted, but the total would still be 171 union
members. Further, out of the four names alleged to be no longer connected with petitioner, only two
names should be deleted from the list since Diana Motilla and T.W. Amutan resigned from petitioner
only on May 10, 2005 and May 17, 2005, respectively, or after respondent’s registration had already
been granted. Thus, the total union membership at the time of registration was 169. Since the total
28
number of rank-and-file employees at that time was 528, 169 employees would be equivalent to 32%
of the total rank-and-file workers complement, still very much above the minimum required by law.
For the purpose of de-certifying a union such as respondent, it must be shown that there was
misrepresentation, false statement or fraud in connection with the adoption or ratification of the
constitution and by-laws or amendments thereto; the minutes of ratification; or, in connection with the
election of officers, the minutes of the election of officers, the list of voters, or failure to submit these
documents together with the list of the newly elected-appointed officers and their postal addresses to
the BLR.
The bare fact that two signatures appeared twice on the list of those who participated in the
organizational meeting would not, to our mind, provide a valid reason to cancel respondent’s certificate
of registration. The cancellation of a union’s registration doubtless has an impairing dimension on the
right of labor to self-organization. For fraud and misrepresentation to be grounds for cancellation of
union registration under the Labor Code, the nature of the fraud and misrepresentation must be grave
and compelling enough to vitiate the consent of a majority of union members.
In this case, we agree with the BLR and the CA that respondent could not have possibly committed
misrepresentation, fraud, or false statements. The alleged failure of respondent to indicate with
mathematical precision the total number of employees in the bargaining unit is of no moment, especially
as it was able to comply with the 20% minimum membership requirement. Even if the total number of
rank-and-file employees of petitioner is 528, while respondent declared that it should only be 455, it
still cannot be denied that the latter would have more than complied with the registration requirement.
The petition is DENIED. The assailed Decision and Resolution of the Court of Appeals are AFFIRMED.
Costs against petitioner.
GENERAL MILLING CORP VS.CASIO ET AL., GR NO. 149552, MARCH 10, 2010
Facts:
The labor union Ilaw at Buklod ng Mangagawa (IBM)-Local 31 Chapter (Local 31) was the sole and
exclusive bargaining agent of the rank and file employees of GMC in Lapu-Lapu City. On November 30,
1991, IBM-Local 31, through its officers and board members, namely, respondents Virgilio Pino, Paulino
Cabreros, Ma. Luna P. Jumaoas, Dominador Booc, Bartolome Auman, Remegio Cabantan, Fidel Valle,
Loreto Gonzaga, Edilberto Mendoza and Antonio Panilag (Pino, et al.), entered into a Collective
Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with GMC. The effectivity of the said CBA was retroactive to August 1,
1991.
The CBA contained the following union security provisions:
Section 3. MAINTENANCE OF MEMBERSHIP – All employees/workers employed by the

Company with the exception of those who are specifically excluded by law and by the terms of this
Agreement must be members in good standing of the Union within thirty (30) days upon the signing of
this agreement and shall maintain such membership in good standing thereof as a condition of their
employment or continued employment.
Section 6. The Company, upon written request of the Union, shall terminate the services of
any employee/worker who fails to fulfill the conditions set forth in Sections 3 and 4 thereof, subject
however, to the provisions of the Labor Laws of the Philippines and their Implementing Rules and
Regulations. The Union shall absolve the Company from any and all liabilities, pecuniary or otherwise,
and responsibilities to any employee or worker who is dismissed or terminated in pursuant thereof.
29
Casio, et al. were regular employees of GMC with daily earnings ranging from P173.75 to P201.50, and
length of service varying from eight to 25 years.Casio was elected IBM-Local 31 President for a three-
year term in June 1991, while his co-respondents were union shop stewards.
Issue:
Whether Casio, et al. were illegally dismissed without any valid?
Ruling:
In this case, the Voluntary Arbitrator was convinced that Casio, et al. were legally dismissed; while the
Court of Appeals believed the opposite, because even though the dismissal of Casio, et al. was made by
GMC pursuant to a valid closed shop provision in the CBA, the company still failed to observe the
elementary rules of due process. The Court is therefore constrained to take a second look at the
evidence on record considering that the factual findings of the Voluntary Arbitrator and the Court of
Appeals are contradictory.
There are two aspects which characterize the concept of due process under the Labor Code: one is
substantive – whether the termination of employment was based on the provision of the Labor Code or
in accordance with the prevailing jurisprudence; the other is procedural – the manner in which the
dismissal was effected. After a thorough review of the records, the Court agrees with the Court of
Appeals. The dismissal of Casio, et al. was indeed illegal, having been done without just cause and the
observance of procedural due process.
Another cause for termination is dismissal from employment due to the enforcement of the
union security clause in the CBA. x x x.
“Union security” is a generic term, which is applied to and comprehends “closed shop,” “union
shop,” “maintenance of membership,” or any other form of agreement which imposes upon employees
the obligation to acquire or retain union membership as a condition affecting employment. There is
union shop when all new regular employees are required to join the union within a certain period as a
condition for their continued employment. There is maintenance of membership shop when employees,
who are union members as of the effective date of the agreement, or who thereafter become members,
must maintain union membership as a condition for continued employment until they are promoted or
transferred out of the bargaining unit or the agreement is terminated. A closed shop, on the other hand,
may be defined as an enterprise in which, by agreement between the employer and his employees or
their representatives, no person may be employed in any or certain agreed departments of the
enterprise unless he or she is, becomes, and, for the duration of the agreement, remains a member in
good standing of a union entirely comprised of or of which the employees in interest are a part.
It is State policy to promote unionism to enable workers to negotiate with management on an even
playing field and with more persuasiveness than if they were to individually and separately bargain with
the employer. For this reason, the law has allowed stipulations for “union shop” and “closed shop” as
means of encouraging workers to join and support the union of their choice in the protection of their
rights and interest vis-à-vis the employer.
Moreover, a stipulation in the CBA authorizing the dismissal of employees are of equal import as the
statutory provisions on dismissal under the Labor Code, since “a CBA is the law between the company
and the union and compliance therewith is mandated by the express policy to give protection to labor.”
In terminating the employment of an employee by enforcing the union security clause, the employer
needs only to determine and prove that: (1) the union security clause is applicable; (2) the union is
requesting for the enforcement of the union security provision in the CBA; and (3) there is sufficient
evidence to support the decision of the union to expel the employee from the union. These requisites
constitute just cause for terminating an employee based on the union security provision of the CBA.
30
There is no question that in the present case, the CBA between GMC and IBM-Local 31 included a
maintenance of membership and closed shop clause as can be gleaned from Sections 3 and 6 of Article
II. IBM-Local 31, by written request, can ask GMC to terminate the employment of the
employee/worker who failed to maintain its good standing as a union member.
It is similarly undisputed that IBM-Local 31, through Gabiana, the IBM Regional Director for Visayas and
Mindanao, twice requested GMC, in the letters dated March 10 and 19, 1992, to terminate the
employment of Casio, et al. as a necessary consequence of their expulsion from the union.
It is the third requisite – that there is sufficient evidence to support the decision of IBM-Local 31 to
expel Casio, et al. – which appears to be lacking in this case.
The failure of GMC to make a determination of the sufficiency of evidence supporting the decision of
IBM-Local 31 to expel Casio, et al. is a direct consequence of the non-observance by GMC of procedural
due process in the dismissal of employees.
As a defense, GMC contends that as an employer, its only duty was to ascertain that IBM-Local 31
accorded Casio, et al. due process; and, it is the finding of the company that IBM-Local 31 did give
Casio, et al. the opportunity to answer the charges against them, but they refused to avail themselves
of such opportunity.
This argument is without basis. The Court has stressed time and again that allegations must be proven
by sufficient evidence because mere allegation is definitely not evidence. The records of this case are
absolutely bereft of any supporting evidence to substantiate the bare allegation of GMC that Casio, et
al. were accorded due process by IBM-Local 31. There is nothing on record that would indicate that
IBM-Local 31 actually notified Casio, et al. of the charges against them or that they were given the
chance to explain their side. All that was stated in the IBM-Local 31 Resolution dated February 29,
1992, expelling Casio, et al. from the union, was that “a copy of the said letter complaint [dated February
24, 1992] was dropped or left in front of E. Casio.” It was not established that said letter-complaint
charging Casio, et al. with acts inimical to the interest of the union was properly served upon Casio, that
Casio willfully refused to accept the said letter-notice, or that Casio had the authority to receive the
same letter-notice on behalf of the other employees similarly accused. It’s worthy to note that Casio, et
al. were expelled only five days after the issuance of the letter-complaint against them. The Court
cannot find proof on record when the three-day period, within which Casio, et al. was supposed to file
their answer or counter-affidavits, started to run and had expired. The Court is likewise unconvinced
that the said three-day period was sufficient for Casio, et al. to prepare their defenses and evidence to
refute the serious charges against them.
Contrary to the position of GMC, the acts of Pino, et al. as officers and board members of IBM-Local 31,
in expelling Casio, et al. from the union, do not enjoy the presumption of regularity in the performance
of official duties, because the presumption applies only to public officers from the highest to the lowest
in the service of the Government, departments, bureaus, offices, and/or its political subdivisions.
The twin requirements of notice and hearing constitute the essential elements of procedural due
process. The law requires the employer to furnish the employee sought to be dismissed with two written
notices before termination of employment can be legally effected: (1) a written notice apprising the
employee of the particular acts or omissions for which his dismissal is sought in order to afford him an
opportunity to be heard and to defend himself with the assistance of counsel, if he desires, and (2) a
subsequent notice informing the employee of the employer’s decision to dismiss him. This procedure is
mandatory and its absence taints the dismissal with illegality.
Irrefragably, GMC cannot dispense with the requirements of notice and hearing before dismissing
Casio, et al. even when said dismissal is pursuant to the closed shop provision in the CBA. The rights of
an employee to be informed of the charges against him and to reasonable opportunity to present his
side in a controversy with either the company or his own union are not wiped away by a union security
31
clause or a union shop clause in a collective bargaining agreement. An employee is entitled to be

protected not only from a company which disregards his rights but also from his own union the leadership
of which could yield to the temptation of swift and arbitrary expulsion from membership and hence
dismissal from his job.
An employee who is illegally dismissed is entitled to the twin reliefs of full backwages and
reinstatement. If reinstatement is not viable, separation pay is awarded to the employee. In awarding
separation pay to an illegally dismissed employee, in lieu of reinstatement, the amount to be awarded
shall be equivalent to one month salary for every year of service. Under Republic Act No. 6715,
employees who are illegally dismissed are entitled to full backwages, inclusive of allowances and other
benefits or their monetary equivalent, computed from the time their actual compensation was withheld
from them up to the time of their actual reinstatement but if reinstatement is no longer possible, the
backwages shall be computed from the time of their illegal termination up to the finality of the
decision. Thus, Casio, et al. are entitled to backwages and separation pay considering that
reinstatement is no longer possible because the positions they previously occupied are no longer
existing, as declared by GMC.
Casio, et al., having been compelled to litigate in order to seek redress for their illegal dismissal, are
entitled to the award of attorney’s fees equivalent to 10% of the total monetary award.
WHEREFORE, the instant petition is hereby DENIED.
THE HERITAGE HOTEL MANILA VS.NATL UNION OF WORKERS IN HOTEL ETC., GR NO.
178296, JANUARY 12, 2011
Facts:
On October 11, 1995, respondent filed with the Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital
Region (DOLE-NCR) a petition for certification election. The Med-Arbiter granted the petition on February
14, 1996 and ordered the holding of a certification election. On appeal, the DOLE Secretary, in a
Resolution dated August 15, 1996, affirmed the Med-Arbiter's order and remanded the case to the Med-
Arbiter for the holding of a pre-election conference on February 26, 1997. Petitioner filed a motion for
reconsideration, but it was denied on September 23, 1996.
The pre-election conference was not held as initially scheduled; it was held a year later, or on February
20, 1998. Petitioner moved to archive or to dismiss the petition due to alleged repeated non-appearance
of respondent. The latter agreed to suspend proceedings until further notice. The pre-election conference
resumed on January 29, 2000.
Subsequently, petitioner discovered that respondent had failed to submit to the Bureau of Labor
Relations (BLR) its annual financial report for several years and the list of its members since it filed its
registration papers in 1995. Consequently, on May 19, 2000, petitioner filed a Petition for Cancellation
of Registration of respondent, on the ground of the non-submission of the said documents. Petitioner
prayed that respondent's Certificate of Creation of Local/Chapter be cancelled and its name be deleted
from the list of legitimate labor organizations. It further requested the suspension of the certification
election proceedings.
Issue:
Whether or not the non-submission of financial reports warrant the cancellation of the respondent’s
registration
Ruling:
32
No. The respondent's registration as a legitimate labor union should not be cancelled.
The Regional Director has ample discretion in dealing with a petition for cancellation of a union's
registration, particularly, determining whether the union still meets the requirements prescribed by law.
It is sufficient to give the Regional Director license to treat the late filing of required documents as
sufficient compliance with the requirements of the law. After all, the law requires the labor organization
to submit the annual financial report and list of members in order to verify if it is still viable and
financially sustainable as an organization so as to protect the employer and employees from fraudulent
or fly-by-night unions. With the submission of the required documents by respondent, the purpose of
the law has been achieved, though belatedly.
We cannot ascribe abuse of discretion to the Regional Director and the DOLE Secretary in denying the
petition for cancellation of respondent's registration. The union members and, in fact, all the employees
belonging to the appropriate bargaining unit should not be deprived of a bargaining agent, merely
because of the negligence of the union officers who were responsible for the submission of the
documents to the BLR.
Labor authorities should, indeed, act with circumspection in treating petitions for cancellation of union
registration, lest they be accused of interfering with union activities. In resolving the petition,
consideration must be taken of the fundamental rights guaranteed by Article XIII, Section 3 of the
Constitution, i.e., the rights of all workers to self-organization, collective bargaining and negotiations,
and peaceful concerted activities. Labor authorities should bear in mind that registration confers upon
a union the status of legitimacy and the concomitant right and privileges granted by law to a legitimate
labor organization, particularly the right to participate in or ask for certification election in a bargaining
unit. Thus, the cancellation of a certificate of registration is the equivalent of snuffing out the life of a
labor organization. For without such registration, it loses - as a rule - its rights under the Labor Code.
It is worth mentioning that the Labor Code's provisions on cancellation of union registration and on
reportorial requirements have been recently amended by Republic Act (R.A.) No. 9481. The amendment
sought to strengthen the workers' right to self-organization and enhance the Philippines' compliance
with its international obligations as embodied in the International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention
No. 87, pertaining to the non-dissolution of workers' organizations by administrative authority. Thus,
R.A. No. 9481 inserted in the Labor Code Article 242-A, which provides:
ART. 242-A. Reportorial Requirements.-The following are documents required to be submitted to the
Bureau by the legitimate labor organization concerned:
xxx xxx
(c) Its annual financial report within thirty (30) days after the close of every fiscal year; and
xxx xxx
Failure to comply with the above requirements shall not be a ground for cancellation of union registration
but shall subject the erring officers or members to suspension, expulsion from membership, or any
appropriate penalty.
ILO Convention No. 87, which we have ratified in 1953, provides that "workers' and employers'
organizations shall not be liable to be dissolved or suspended by administrative authority." The ILO has
expressed the opinion that the cancellation of union registration by the registrar of labor unions, which
in our case is the BLR, is tantamount to dissolution of the organization by administrative authority when
such measure would give rise to the loss of legal personality of the union or loss of advantages necessary
for it to carry out its activities, which is true in our jurisdiction. Although the ILO has allowed such
measure to be taken, provided that judicial safeguards are in place, i.e., the right to appeal to a judicial
body, it has nonetheless reminded its members that dissolution of a union, and cancellation of
registration for that matter, involve serious consequences for occupational representation. It has,
therefore, deemed it preferable if such actions were to be taken only as a last resort and after exhausting
other possibilities with less serious effects on the organization.
33
It is undisputed that appellee failed to submit its annual financial reports and list of individual members
in accordance with Article 239 of the Labor Code. However, the existence of this ground should not
necessarily lead to the cancellation of union registration. Article 239 recognizes the regulatory authority
of the State to exact compliance with reporting requirements. Yet there is more at stake in this case
than merely monitoring union activities and requiring periodic documentation thereof.
The more substantive considerations involve the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of association and
right of workers to self-organization. Also involved is the public policy to promote free trade unionism
and collective bargaining as instruments of industrial peace and democracy. An overly stringent
interpretation of the statute governing cancellation of union registration without regard to surrounding
circumstances cannot be allowed. Otherwise, it would lead to an unconstitutional application of the
statute and emasculation of public policy objectives. Worse, it can render nugatory the protection to
labor and social justice clauses that pervades the Constitution and the Labor Code.
Moreover, submission of the required documents is the duty of the officers of the union. It would be
unreasonable for this Office to order the cancellation of the union and penalize the entire union
membership on the basis of the negligence of its officers. In National Union of Bank Employees vs.
Minister of Labor, the Supreme Court ruled:
As aptly ruled by respondent Bureau of Labor Relations Director Noriel: "The rights of workers to self-
organization finds general and specific constitutional guarantees. x x x Such constitutional guarantees
should not be lightly taken much less nullified. A healthy respect for the freedom of association demands
that acts imputable to officers or members be not easily visited with capital punishments against the
association itself." At any rate, we note that on 19 May 2000, appellee had submitted its financial
statement for the years 1996-1999. With this submission, appellee has substantially complied with its
duty to submit its financial report for the said period. To rule differently would be to preclude the union,
after having failed to meet its periodic obligations promptly, from taking appropriate measures to correct
its omissions. For the record, we do not view with favor appellee's late submission. Punctuality on the
part of the union and its officers could have prevented this petition.
LEGEND INTERNATIONAL RESORTS LTD., VS. KILUSANG MANGGAGAWA NG LEGENDA, G.R.

NO.169754, FEB. 23, 2011
Facts:
June 6, 2001, KML filed with the Med-Arbitration Unit of the DOLE, San Fernando, Pampanga, a petition
for certification election. KML alleged that it is a legitimate labor organization of the rank and file
employees of Legend. It was issued its Certification of Registration by DOLE on May 18, 2001.
Legend moved to dismiss the petition on the grounds that it is not a legitimate labor organization
because its membership is a mixture of rank and file employees and supervisory employees. KML also
committed acts of fraud and misrepresentation when it made it appear that certain employees attended
its general membership meeting on April 5, 2001 when in reality some of them were either at work,
have already resigned, or were abroad.
KML argued that even if the supervisory employees were excluded from membership, the certification
election could still proceed because the required number of total rank and file employees necessary is
still sustained. It also claimed that its legitimacy as a labor union cannot be attacked collaterally.
Med Arbiter judgment September 20, 2001: dismissed KML’s petition for certification election. Since
its membership included supervisory employees, it was not a legitimate labor organization. KML was
34
also guilty of fraud and misrepresentation; 70 employees who were claimed to be among those who
attended its organizational meeting were either at work or elsewhere.
Office of the Secretary of DOLE May 22, 2002 decision: reversed Med- Arbiter’s decision. KML’s
legitimacy as a union cannot be attacked collaterally. The presence of supervisory employees does not
ipso facto render the existence of a labor organization illegal. Mixed membership is not one of the
grounds for dismissal of a petition for certification election. Ordered the immediate conduct of the
certification election.
Legend filed a Motion for Reconsideration. It also alleged that it filed a petition for cancellation of
union registration of KML which was granted by the DOLE Regional Office, November 7, 2001. MFR
was denied in a resolution dated August 20, 2002: a final order of cancellation is required before a
petition for certification of election may be dismissed on the ground of lack of legal personality, and that
the November 7, 2001 decision was reversed by the BLR March 26, 2002.
CA: held that the issue on the legitimacy of KML as a labor organization has already been settled with
finality. The March 26, 2002 decision upholding the legitimacy had long become final and executor for
failure of Legend to appeal.KML being a legitimate labor org, it could properly file a petition for
certification election. Legend filed MFR stating that it has appealed to the CA the March 26,
2002 decision and is still pending. CA denied MFR.
Issues:
Whether Legend has timely appealed the March 26, 2002 decision (re: cancellation of union registration)
Whether the cancellation of KML’s certificate of registration should retroact to the time of its issuance
(it was cancelled in the November 7, 2001 decision)
Whether the legitimacy of the legal personality of KML can be collaterally attacked in a petition for
certification election
Held:
1. Yes. The March 26, 2002 decision has not yet attained finality considering that it has timely appealed
to the CA and which at that time is still pending resolution. Legend timely filed on Sept 6, 2002 a petition
for certiorari before the CA assailing the March 26, 2002 decision.
On June 30, 2005, CA reversed the March 26, 2002 decision of the BLR and reinstated the November 7,
2001 decision cancelling the certificate of registration of KML. KML’s MRF was denied. KML filed a petition
for certiorari before the SC which was denied. KML moved for reconsideration but it was denied with
finality. The decision to cancel KML’s certificate of registration became final and executory and entry of
judgment was made on July 18, 2006.
2. No. According to ACA vs Calleja, a certification proceeding is not a litigation in the sense that the
term is ordinarily understood, but an investigation of a non-adversarial and fact-finding character. An
order to hold a certificationelection is proper despite the pendency of the petition
for cancellation of the registration certificate of the respondent union. The rationale is that
at the time the union filed the petition, it still had the legal personality to perform such act
absent an order directing the cancellation.
There is no basis for Legend’s assertion that the cancellation of KML’s certificate of registration should
retroact to the time of its issuance or that it effectively nullified all of KML’s activities, including its filing
of the petition for certification election and its demand to collectively bargain.
35
3. NO. The legitimacy of the legal personality of KML cannot be collaterally attacked in a petition for
certification election proceeding. Such legal personality may not be subject to a collateral attack but
only through a separate action instituted particularly for the purpose of assailing it.
SAMAHANG MANGGAGAWA SA CHARTER CHEMICAL SOLIDARITY OF ET AL., VS.CHARTER

CHEMICAL AND COATING CORP., G.R. NO. 169717, MARCH 16, 2011
Facts:
Petitioner union filed a petition for certification election among the regular rank-and-file employees of
the respondent company witht eh Mediation Arbitration Union of the DOLE-NCR.
Respondent filed a Motion to Dismiss on the ground that petitioner union is not a legitimate labor
organization because of failure to comply with the documentation requirements set by law, and the
inclusions of supervisory employees within petitioner union.
Med-Arbiter:
Dismissed the petition for certification election because petitioner union is not a legitimate labor
organization. The charter certificate and "Listahan ng mga Dumalo sa Pangkalahatang Pulong at mga
Sumang-ayon at Nagratipika sa Saligang Batas" were not executed under oath and certified by the union
secretary and attested to by the union president as required by Section 235 of the Labor Code. It also
held that the list of membership of petitioner union consisted of members who performed supervisory
functions. Under Article 245 of the Labor Code, said supervisory employees are prohibited from joining
petitioner union which seeks to represent the rank-and-file employees of respondent company.
DOLE: Granted petitioner union’s petition for certification election.
Court of Appeals: Nullified the decision of the DOLE. The appellate court gave credence to the findings
of the Med-Arbiter that petitioner union failed to comply with the documentation requirements under
the Labor Code. It, likewise, upheld the Med-Arbiter's finding that petitioner union consisted of both
rank-and-file and supervisory employees. Moreover, the CA held that the issues as to the legitimacy of
petitioner union may be attacked collaterally in a petition for certification election and the infirmity in
the membership of petitioner union cannot be remedied through the exclusion-inclusion proceedings in
a pre-election conference pursuant to the ruling inToyota Motor Philippines v. Toyota Motor Philippines
Corporation Labor Union. Thus, considering that petitioner union is not a legitimate labor organization,
it has no legal right to file a petition for certification election.
Issues:
1. Whether the alleged mixture of rank-and-file and supervisory employee[s] of petitioner [union's]
membership is [a] ground for the cancellation of petitioner [union's] legal personality and
dismissal of [the] petition for certification election.
2. Whether the alleged failure to certify under oath the local charter certificate issued by its mother
federation and list of the union membership attending the organizational meeting [is a ground]
for the cancellation of petitioner [union's] legal personality as a labor organization and for the
dismissal of the petition for certification election.
36
Ruling:
The charter certificate need not be certified under oath by the local union's secretary or treasurer and
attested to by its president.
The then prevailing Section 1, Rule VI of the Implementing Rules of Book V, as amended by D.O. No.
9, series of 1997, provides:
Section 1. Chartering and creation of a local chapter -- A duly registered federation or national union
may directly create a local/chapter by submitting to the Regional Office or to the Bureau two (2) copies
of the following:
local/chapter; and
(c) The local/chapter's constitution and by-laws provided that where the local/chapter's constitution
and by-laws [are] the same as [those] of the federation or national union, this fact shall be
indicated accordingly.
In San Miguel Foods-Cebu B-Meg Feed Plant v. Hon. Laguesma, 331 Phil. 356 (1996), the Court ruled
that it was not necessary for the charter certificate to be certified and attested by the local/chapter
officers. Id.While this ruling was based on the interpretation of the previous Implementing
Rules provisions which were supplanted by the 1997 amendments, we believe that the same
doctrine obtains in this case. Considering that the charter certificate is prepared and issued by the
national union and not the local/chapter, it does not make sense to have the local/chapter's
officers x x xcertify or attest to a document which they had no hand in the preparation of.
In accordance with this ruling, petitioner union's charter certificate need not be executed under oath.
Consequently, it validly acquired the status of a legitimate labor organization upon submission of (1) its
charter certificate, (2) the names of its officers, their addresses, and its principal office, and (3) its
constitution and by-laws-- the last two requirements having been executed under oath by the proper
union officials as borne out by the records.
The mixture of rank-and-file and supervisory employees in petitioner union does not nullify
its legal personality as a legitimate labor organization.
It was the Rules and Regulations Implementing R.A. No. 6715 (1989 Amended Omnibus Rules) which
supplied the deficiency by introducing the following amendment to Rule II (Registration of Unions):
Sec. 2. Who may file. - Any legitimate labor organization or the employer, when requested to bargain
collectively, may file the petition.
The petition, when filed by a legitimate labor organization, shall contain, among others:
x x x x
(c) description of the bargaining unit which shall be the employer unit unless circumstances
otherwise require; and provided further, that the appropriate bargaining unit of the rank-
and-file employees shall not include supervisory employees and/or security
guards. (Emphasis supplied)
By that provision, any questioned mingling will prevent an otherwise legitimate and duly registered labor
organization from exercising its right to file a petition for certification election.
But the 1989 Amended Omnibus Rules was further amended by Department Order No. 9, series of 1997
(1997 Amended Omnibus Rules). Specifically, the requirement under Sec. 2(c) of the 1989 Amended
Omnibus Rules - that the petition for certification election indicate that the bargaining unit of rank-and-
file employees has not been mingled with supervisory employees - was removed. Instead, what the
1997 Amended Omnibus Rules requires is a plain description of the bargaining unit.
37
there is a prohibition against the mingling of supervisory and rank-and-file employees in one labor
organization, the Labor Code does not provide for the effects thereof. Thus, the Court held that after a
labor organization has been registered, it may exercise all the rights and privileges of a legitimate labor
organization. Any mingling between supervisory and rank-and-file employees in its
membership cannot affect its legitimacy for that is not among the grounds for cancellation of
its registration, unless such mingling was brought about by misrepresentation, false
statement or fraud under Article 239 of the Labor Code.
More to the point is Air Philippines Corporation v. Bureau of Labor Relations, which involved a petition
for cancellation of union registration filed by the employer in 1999 against a rank-and-file labor
organization on the ground of mixed membership: the Court therein reiterated its ruling in Tagaytay
Highlands that the inclusion in a union of disqualified employees is not among the grounds for
cancellation, unless such inclusion is due to misrepresentation, false statement or fraud under the
circumstances enumerated in Sections (a) and (c) of Article 239 of the Labor Code.
As a result, petitioner union was not divested of its status as a legitimate labor organization even if
some of its members were supervisory employees; it had the right to file the subject petition for
The legal personality of petitioner union cannot be collaterally attacked by respondent

company in the certification election proceedings.
Except when it is requested to bargain collectively, an employer is a mere bystander to any petition for
certification election; such proceeding is non-adversarial and merely investigative, for the purpose
thereof is to determine which organization will represent the employees in their collective bargaining
with the employer. The choice of their representative is the exclusive concern of the employees; the
employer cannot have any partisan interest therein; it cannot interfere with, much less oppose, the
process by filing a motion to dismiss or an appeal from it; not even a mere allegation that some
employees participating in a petition for certification election are actually managerial employees will
lend an employer legal personality to block the certification election. The employer's only right in the
proceeding is to be notified or informed thereof.
SAN MIGUEL FOODS VS. SAN MIGUEL CORP SUPERVISORS AND EXEMPT UNION G.R. NO.
146206 AUGUST 1, 2011
FACTS:
A certification election was conducted and on the date of the election, petitioner employer filed the
Omnibus Objections and Challenge to Voters, questioning the eligibility to vote by some of its employees
on the grounds that some employees do not belong to the bargaining unit which respondent seeks to
represent or that there is no existence of employer-employee relationship with petitioner.
ISSUE:
The ff issues were raised when the case reached the SC: the inclusion of employees in supervisor
levels 3 and 4 and the exempt employees in the proposed bargaining unit, thereby allowing
their participation in the certification election; the application of the “community or mutuality
of interests” test; and the determination of the employees who belong to the category of
confidential employees
Ruling:
38
1ST issue (Certain factors, such as specific line of work, working conditions, location of work,
mode of compensation, and other relevant conditions do not affect or impede their
commonality of interest.)
Petitioner’s contentions are erroneous. In G.R. No. 110399, the Court explained that the employees of
San Miguel Corporation Magnolia Poultry Products Plants of Cabuyao, San Fernando, and Otis constitute
a single bargaining unit, which is not contrary to the one-company, one-union policy. An appropriate
bargaining unit is defined as a group of employees of a given employer, comprised of all or less than all
of the entire body of employees, which the collective interest of all the employees, consistent with equity
to the employer, indicate to be best suited to serve the reciprocal rights and duties of the parties under
the collective bargaining provisions of the law.
In National Association of Free Trade Unions v. Mainit Lumber Development Company Workers Union
– United Lumber and General Workers of the Phils, the Court, taking into account the “community or
mutuality of interests” test, ordered the formation of a single bargaining unit consisting of the Sawmill
Division in Butuan City and the Logging Division in Zapanta Valley, Kitcharao, Agusan [Del] Norte of the
Mainit Lumber Development Company. It held that while the existence of a bargaining history is a factor
that may be reckoned with in determining the appropriate bargaining unit, the same is not decisive or
conclusive. Other factors must be considered. The test of grouping is community or mutuality of
interest. This is so because the basic test of an asserted bargaining unit’s acceptability is whether or
not it is fundamentally the combination which will best assure to all employees the exercise of their
collective bargaining rights. Certainly, there is a mutuality of interest among the employees of the
Sawmill Division and the Logging Division. Their functions mesh with one another. One group needs
the other in the same way that the company needs them both. There may be differences as to the
nature of their individual assignments, but the distinctions are not enough to warrant the formation of
a separate bargaining unit.
Thus, applying the ruling to the present case, the Court affirms the finding of the CA that there should
be only one bargaining unit for the employees in Cabuyao, San Fernando, and Otis of Magnolia Poultry
Products Plant involved in “dressed” chicken processing and Magnolia Poultry Farms engaged in “live”
chicken operations. Certain factors, such as specific line of work, working conditions, location of work,
mode of compensation, and other relevant conditions do not affect or impede their commonality of
interest. Although they seem separate and distinct from each other, the specific tasks of each division
are actually interrelated and there exists mutuality of interests which warrants the formation of a single
bargaining unit.
Confidential employees are defined as those who (1) assist or act in a confidential capacity, in regard
(2) to persons who formulate, determine, and effectuate management policies in the field of labor
relations. The two criteria are cumulative, and both must be met if an employee is to be considered a
confidential employee - that is, the confidential relationship must exist between the employee and his
supervisor, and the supervisor must handle the prescribed responsibilities relating to labor
relations. The exclusion from bargaining units of employees who, in the normal course of their duties,
become aware of management policies relating to labor relations is a principal objective sought to be
accomplished by the “confidential employee rule.”
2nd Issue (PAYROLL MASTER NOT CONFIDENTIAL, HUMAN RESOURCE ASSISTANT and
PERSONNEL ASSISTANT CONFIDENTIAL!!)
A confidential employee is one entrusted with confidence on delicate, or with the custody, handling or
care and protection of the employer’s property.vConfidential employees, such as accounting personnel,
should be excluded from the bargaining unit, as their access to confidential information may become
the source of undue advantage. However, such fact does not apply to the position of Payroll Master and
the whole gamut of employees who, as perceived by petitioner, has access to salary and compensation
data. The CA correctly held that the position of Payroll Master does not involve dealing with confidential
labor relations information in the course of the performance of his functions. Since the nature of his
39
work does not pertain to company rules and regulations and confidential labor relations, it follows that
he cannot be excluded from the subject bargaining unit.
Corollarily, although Article 245 of the Labor Code limits the ineligibility to join, form and assist any
labor organization to managerial employees, jurisprudence has extended this prohibition to confidential
employees or those who by reason of their positions or nature of work are required to assist or act in
a fiduciary manner to managerial employees and, hence, are likewise privy to sensitive and highly
confidential records. Confidential employees are thus excluded from the rank-and-file bargaining
unit. The rationale for their separate category and disqualification to join any labor organization is similar
to the inhibition for managerial employees, because if allowed to be affiliated with a union, the latter
might not be assured of their loyalty in view of evident conflict of interests and the union can also
become company-denominated with the presence of managerial employees in the union
membership. Having access to confidential information, confidential employees may also become the
source of undue advantage. Said employees may act as a spy or spies of either party to a collective
bargaining agreement.
In this regard, the CA correctly ruled that the positions of Human Resource Assistant and Personnel
Assistant belong to the category of confidential employees and, hence, are excluded from the bargaining
unit, considering their respective positions and job descriptions. As Human Resource Assistant,
the scope of one’s work necessarily involves labor relations, recruitment and selection of employees,
access to employees' personal files and compensation package, and human resource management. As
regards a Personnel Assistant, one's work includes the recording of minutes for management during
collective bargaining negotiations, assistance to management during grievance meetings and
administrative investigations, and securing legal advice for labor issues from the petitioner’s team of
lawyers, and implementation of company programs. Therefore, in the discharge of their functions, both
gain access to vital labor relations information which outrightly disqualifies them from union
membership.
The proceedings for certification election are quasi-judicial in nature and, therefore, decisions
rendered in such proceedings can attain finality.
It bears stressing that a certification election is the sole concern of the workers; hence, an employer
lacks the personality to dispute the same. The general rule is that an employer has no standing to
question the process of certification election, since this is the sole concern of the workers. Law and
policy demand that employers take a strict, hands-off stance in certification elections. The bargaining
representative of employees should be chosen free from any extraneous influence of management. A
labor bargaining representative, to be effective, must owe its loyalty to the employees alone and to no
other. The only exception is where the employer itself has to file the petition pursuant to Article 258 of
the Labor Code because of a request to bargain collectively.
BPI VS.BPI EMPLOYEES UNION-DAVAO CHAPTER, GR NO. 164301, OCTOBER 19, 2011
RESOLUTION ON THE MAIN DECISION OF AUG. 18, 2010
Facts:
On March 23, 2000, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas approved the Articles of Merger executed on January
20, 2000 by and between BPI, herein petitioner, and FEBTC. This Article and Plan of Merger was
approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 7, 2000.
Pursuant to the Article and Plan of Merger, all the assets and liabilities of FEBTC were transferred to and
absorbed by BPI as the surviving corporation. FEBTC employees, including those in its different branches
across the country, were hired by petitioner as its own employees, with their status and tenure
recognized and salaries and benefits maintained.
40
Respondent BPI Employees Union-Davao Chapter - Federation of Unions in BPI Unibank (hereinafter the
"Union," for brevity) is the exclusive bargaining agent of BPI’s rank and file employees in Davao City.
The former FEBTC rank-and-file employees in Davao City did not belong to any labor union at the time
of the merger. Prior to the effectivity of the merger, or on March 31, 2000, respondent Union invited
said FEBTC employees to a meeting regarding the Union Shop Clause (Article II, Section 2) of the
existing CBA between petitioner BPI and respondent Union.
The parties both advert to certain provisions of the existing CBA, which includes:
Section 2. Union Shop - New employees falling within the bargaining unit as defined in Article I of this
Agreement, who may hereafter be regularly employed by the Bank shall, within thirty (30) days after
they become regular employees, join the Union as a condition of their continued employment. It is
understood that membership in good standing in the Union is a condition of their continued employment
with the Bank.
After the meeting called by the Union, some of the former FEBTC employees joined the Union, while
others refused. Later, however, some of those who initially joined retracted their membership.
Respondent Union then sent notices to the former FEBTC employees who refused to join, as well as
those who retracted their membership, and called them to a hearing regarding the matter. When these
former FEBTC employees refused to attend the hearing, the president of the Union requested BPI to
implement the Union Shop Clause of the CBA and to terminate their employment pursuant thereto.
Issue:
Whether or not the former FEBTC employees that were absorbed by petitioner upon the merger between
FEBTC and BPI should be covered by the Union Shop Clause found in the existing CBA between petitioner
and respondent Union.
Ruling:
Yes. They are covered by the Union Shop Clause.
"Union security" is a generic term which is applied to and comprehends "closed shop," "union shop,"
"maintenance of membership" or any other form of agreement which imposes upon employees the
obligation to acquire or retain union membership as a condition affecting employment. There is union
shop when all new regular employees are required to join the union within a certain period for their
continued employment. There is maintenance of membership shop when employees, who are union
members as of the effective date of the agreement, or who thereafter become members, must maintain
union membership as a condition for continued employment until they are promoted or transferred out
of the bargaining unit or the agreement is terminated. A closed-shop, on the other hand, may be defined
as an enterprise in which, by agreement between the employer and his employees or their
representatives, no person may be employed in any or certain agreed departments of the enterprise
unless he or she is, becomes, and, for the duration of the agreement, remains a member in good
standing of a union entirely comprised of or of which the employees in interest are a part.
In the case of Liberty Flour Mills Employees v. Liberty Flour Mills, Inc., we ruled that: It is the policy of
the State to promote unionism to enable the workers to negotiate with management on the same level
and with more persuasiveness than if they were to individually and independently bargain for the
improvement of their respective conditions. To this end, the Constitution guarantees to them the rights
"to self-organization, collective bargaining and negotiations and peaceful concerted actions including the
right to strike in accordance with law." There is no question that these purposes could be thwarted if
every worker were to choose to go his own separate way instead of joining his co-employees in planning
collective action and presenting a united front when they sit down to bargain with their employers. It is
for this reason that the law has sanctioned stipulations for the union shop and the closed shop as a
41
means of encouraging the workers to join and support the labor union of their own choice as their
representative in the negotiation of their demands and the protection of their interest vis-à-vis the
employer.
In other words, the purpose of a union shop or other union security arrangement is to guarantee the
continued existence of the union through enforced membership for the benefit of the workers.
All employees in the bargaining unit covered by a Union Shop Clause in their CBA with management are
subject to its terms. However, under law and jurisprudence, the following kinds of employees are
exempted from its coverage, namely, employees who at the time the union shop agreement takes effect
are bona fide members of a religious organization which prohibits its members from joining labor unions
on religious grounds; employees already in the service and already members of a union other than the
majority at the time the union shop agreement took effect; confidential employees who are excluded
from the rank and file bargaining unit; and employees excluded from the union shop by express terms
of the agreement.
When certain employees are obliged to join a particular union as a requisite for continued employment,
as in the case of Union Security Clauses, this condition is a valid restriction of the freedom or right not
to join any labor organization because it is in favor of unionism. This Court, on occasion, has even held
that a union security clause in a CBA is not a restriction of the right of freedom of association guaranteed
by the Constitution. Moreover, a closed shop agreement is an agreement whereby an employer binds
himself to hire only members of the contracting union who must continue to remain members in good
standing to keep their jobs. It is "the most prized achievement of unionism." It adds membership and
compulsory dues. By holding out to loyal members a promise of employment in the closed shop, it wields
group solidarity.
Indeed, the situation of the former FEBTC employees in this case clearly does not fall within the first
three exceptions to the application of the Union Shop Clause discussed earlier. No allegation or evidence
of religious exemption or prior membership in another union or engagement as a confidential employee
was presented by both parties. The sole category therefore in which petitioner may prove its claim is
the fourth recognized exception or whether the former FEBTC employees are excluded by the express
terms of the existing CBA between petitioner and respondent.
As the Union likewise pointed out in its pleadings, there were benefits under the CBA that the former
FEBTC employees did not enjoy with their previous employer. As BPI employees, they will enjoy all these
CBA benefits upon their "absorption." Thus, although in a sense BPI is continuing FEBTC’s employment
of these absorbed employees, BPI’s employment of these absorbed employees was not under exactly
the same terms and conditions as stated in the latter’s employment contracts with FEBTC. This further
strengthens the view that BPI and the former FEBTC employees voluntarily contracted with each other
for their employment in the surviving corporation.
The rationale for upholding the validity of union shop clauses in a CBA, even if they impinge upon the
individual employee’s right or freedom of association, is not to protect the union for the union’s sake.
Laws and jurisprudence promote unionism and afford certain protections to the certified bargaining
agent in a unionized company because a strong and effective union presumably benefits all employees
in the bargaining unit since such a union would be in a better position to demand improved benefits and
conditions of work from the employer.
In the case at bar, since the former FEBTC employees are deemed covered by the Union Shop Clause,
they are required to join the certified bargaining agent, which supposedly has gathered the support of
the majority of workers within the bargaining unit in the appropriate certification proceeding. Their
joining the certified union would, in fact, be in the best interests of the former FEBTC employees for it
unites their interests with the majority of employees in the bargaining unit. It encourages employee
solidarity and affords sufficient protection to the majority status of the union during the life of the CBA
42
which are the precisely the objectives of union security clauses, such as the Union Shop Clause involved
herein. We are indeed not being called to balance the interests of individual employees as against the
State policy of promoting unionism, since the employees, who were parties in the court below, no longer
contested the adverse Court of Appeals’ decision. Nonetheless, settled jurisprudence has already swung
the balance in favor of unionism, in recognition that ultimately the individual employee will be benefited
by that policy. In the hierarchy of constitutional values, this Court has repeatedly held that the right to
abstain from joining a labor organization is subordinate to the policy of encouraging unionism as an
instrument of social justice.
In sum, this Court finds it reasonable and just to conclude that the Union Shop Clause of the CBA covers
the former FEBTC employees who were hired/employed by BPI during the effectivity of the CBA in a
manner which petitioner describes as "absorption." A contrary appreciation of the facts of this case
would, undoubtedly, lead to an inequitable and very volatile labor situation which this Court has
consistently ruled against.
In the case of former FEBTC employees who initially joined the union but later withdrew their
membership, there is even greater reason for the union to request their dismissal from the employer
since the CBA also contained a Maintenance of Membership Clause.
A final point in relation to procedural due process, the Court is not unmindful that the former FEBTC
employees’ refusal to join the union and BPI’s refusal to enforce the Union Shop Clause in this instance
may have been based on the honest belief that the former FEBTC employees were not covered by said
clause. In the interest of fairness, we believe the former FEBTC employees should be given a fresh thirty
(30) days from notice of finality of this decision to join the union before the union demands BPI to
terminate their employment under the Union Shop Clause, assuming said clause has been carried over
in the present CBA and there has been no material change in the situation of the parties.
OCTAVIO vs. PHILIPPINE LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE COMPANY
[G.R. No. 175492, February 27, 2013]
Facts:
On October 1, 2000, PLDT hired Octavio as Sales System Analyst I on a probationary status. He became
a member of GUTS. When Octavio was regularized on January 1, 2001, he was receiving a monthly
basic salary of P10,000.00. On February 1, 2002, he was promoted to the position of Sales System
Analyst 2 and his salary was increased to P13,730.00.
Octavio claimed entitlement to salary increases per the CBAs of 1999-2001 and 2002-2004. He insisted
that when he was regularized as a supervisory employee on January 1, 2001, he became entitled to
receive the across-the-board increase of P2,500.00 as provided for under the CBA of 1999-2001 which
took effect on January 1, 1999. Then pursuant to the CBA of 2002-2004, he should have received an
additional increase of P2,000.00 apart from the merit increase of P3,730.00 which was given him due
to his promotion on February 1, 2002. However, PLDT unilaterally decided to deem as included in the
said P3,730.00 the P2,000.00 across-the-board increase for 2002 as stipulated in the CBA of 2002-
2004. This, according to Octavio, amounts to diminution of benefits. Moreover, Octavio averred that the
CBA cannot be the subject of further negotiation as it has the force of law between the parties. Finally,
Octavio claimed that PLDT committed an act of unfair labor practice because, while it granted the claim
for salary increase of 18 supervisory employees who were regularized on January 1, 2002 and onwards,
it discriminated against him by refusing to grant him the same salary increase. He thus prayed for an
additional award of damages and attorney's fees.
43
PLDT countered that the issues advanced by Octavio had already been resolved by the Union-
Management Grievance Committee when it denied his claims through the Committee Resolution.
Moreover, the grant of across-the-board salary increase for those who were regularized starting January
1, 2002 and the exclusion thereto of those who were regularized on January 1, 2001, do not constitute
an act of unfair labor practice as would result in any discrimination or encourage or discourage
membership in a labor organization. In fact, when the Union-Management Grievance Committee came
up with the Committee Resolution, they considered the same as the most practicable and reasonable
solution for both management and union. At any rate, the said Committee Resolution had already
become final and conclusive between the parties for failure of Octavio to elevate the same to the proper
forum. In addition, PLDT claimed that the NLRC has no jurisdiction to hear and decide Octavio's claims.
Issue:
a. Whether the employer and bargaining representative may amend the provisions of the collective
bargaining agreement without the consent and approval of the employees;
b. If so, whether the said agreement is binding [on] the employees;
c. Whether merit increases may be awarded simultaneously with increases given in the Collective
Bargaining Agreement
Ruling:
The claim of an individual employee for salary increase under the terms of the existing collective
bargaining agreement (CBA) is a matter subject of the grievance machinery, it involving the
interpretation and implementation of the pertinent provisions of the CBA. From the denial of his claim
by the Union- Management Grievance Committee, his recourse pursuant to the CBA was to elevate his
grievance to the Board of Arbitrators for final decision. Here, he instead filed a complaint with the
arbitration branch of the NLRC nine months after the resolution of the Union- Management Grievance
Committee. His complaint must therefore fail. By failing to abide with the procedure prescribed by the
CBA, he is deemed to have waived his right to question the resolution of the Committee. Clearly, he
departed from the grievance procedure mandated in the CBA and denied the Board of Arbitrators the
opportunity to pass upon a matter over which it has jurisdiction. That has the effect of making the
Committee’s resolution binding upon him. Moreover, the Committee’s resolution is not a modification of
the CBA. Said resolution is a product of the grievance procedure outlined in the CBA itself. Finally, the
denial of his claim for salary increase did not violate Article 100 of the Labor Code against diminution of
benefits. Even assuming there is diminution of benefits, Article 100 does not prohibit a union from
offering and agreeing to reduce wages and benefits of the employees as the right to free collective
bargaining includes the right to suspend it. Bargaining covers a process of finding a reasonable and
acceptable solution to stabilize labor-management relations to promote stable industrial peace.
NATIONAL UNION OF BANK EMPLOYEES vs. PHILNABANK EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION [G.R.

No. 174287, August 12, 2013]
Facts:
Philippine National Bank (PNB) used to be a government-owned and controlled banking institution. Its
rank-and-file employees, being government personnel, were represented for collective negotiation by
the Philnabank Employees Association (PEMA), a public sector union. In 1996, the Securities and
Exchange Commission approved its changed status as a private corporation. PEMA affiliated with
petitioner National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE), which is a labor federation composed of unions in
the banking industry, adopting the name NUBE-PNB Employees Chapter (NUBE-PEC).
44
Later, NUBE-PEC was certified as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent of the PNB rank-and-file
employees. A collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was subsequently signed between NUBE-PEC and
PNB covering the period of January 1, 1997 to December 31, 2001.
Pursuant to Article V on Check-off and Agency Fees of the CBA, PNB shall deduct the monthly
membership fee and other assessments imposed by the union from the salary of each union member,
and agency fee from the salary of the rank- and-file employees within the bargaining unit who are not
union members. Moreover, during the effectivity of the CBA, NUBE, being the Federation union, agreed
that PNB shall remit P15.00 of the P65.00 union dues per month collected by PNB from every employee,
and that PNB shall directly credit the amount to NUBE’s current account with PNB.
Following the expiration of the CBA, the Philnabank Employees Association-FFW (PEMA-FFW) filed on
January 2, 2002 a petition for certification election among the rank-and-file employees of PNB. While
the petition for certification election was still pending, two significant events transpired – the
independent union registration of NUBE- PEC and its disaffiliation with NUBE.
Thereafter, the Board of Directors of NUBE-PEC adopted a Resolution disaffiliating itself from NUBE.
On June 25, 2003, NUBE-PEC filed a Manifestation and Motion before the Med-Arbitration Unit of DOLE,
praying that, in view of its independent registration as a labor union and disaffiliation from NUBE, its
name as appearing in the official ballots of the certification election be changed to "Philnabank
Employees Association (PEMA)" or, in the alternative, both parties be allowed to use the name "PEMA"
but with PEMA-FFW and NUBE-PEC be denominated as "PEMA-Bustria Group" and "PEMA-Serrana
Group," respectively.
On the same date, PEMA sent a letter to the PNB management informing its disaffiliation from NUBE
and requesting to stop, effective immediately, the check-off of the P15.00 due for NUBE.
Acting thereon, on July 4, 2003, PNB informed NUBE of PEMA’s letter and its decision to continue the
deduction of the P15.00 fees, but stop its remittance to NUBE effective July 2003. PNB also notified
NUBE that the amounts collected would be held in a trust account pending the resolution of the issue
on PEMA’s disaffiliation.
Issue:
Whether PEMA validly disaffiliated itself from NUBE, the resolution of which, in turn, inevitably affects
the latter’s right to collect the union dues held in trust by PNB.
Ruling:
We deny the petition.
Whether there was a valid disaffiliation is a factual issue. It is elementary that a question of fact is not
appropriate for a petition for review on certiorari under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court. When supported
by substantial evidence, the findings of fact of the CA are conclusive and binding on the parties and are
not reviewable by this Court subject to exceptions. However, the Court finds no cogent reason to apply
these recognized exceptions.
The right of the local union to exercise the right to disaffiliate from its mother union is well
settled in this jurisdiction.
A local union has the right to disaffiliate from its mother union or declare its autonomy. A local union,
being a separate and voluntary association, is free to serve the interests of all its members including
45
the freedom to disaffiliate or declare its autonomy from the federation which it belongs when
circumstances warrant, in accordance with the constitutional guarantee of freedom of association.
Local unions do not owe their creation and existence to the national federation to which they are affiliated
but, instead, to the will of their members. The sole essence of affiliation is to increase, by collective
action, the common bargaining power of local unions for the effective enhancement and protection of
their interests. Admittedly, there are times when without succor and support local unions may find it
hard, unaided by other support groups, to secure justice for themselves.
It only gives rise to a contract of agency, where the former acts in representation of the latter. Hence,
local unions are considered principals while the federation is deemed to be merely their
agent. As such principals, the unions are entitled to exercise the rights and privileges of a legitimate
labor organization, including the right to seek certification as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent in
the appropriate employer unit.
x x x [A] local union may disaffiliate at any time from its mother federation, absent any showing that
the same is prohibited under its constitution or rule. Such, however, does not result in it losing its legal
personality altogether.
In the case at bar, there is nothing shown in the records nor is it claimed by NUBE that PEMA was
expressly forbidden to disaffiliate from the federation nor were there any conditions imposed for a valid
breakaway. This being so, PEMA is not precluded to disaffiliate from NUBE after acquiring the status of
an independent labor organization duly registered before the DOLE.
Also, there is no merit on NUBE’s contention that PEMA’s disaffiliation is invalid for non-observance of
the procedure that union members should make such determination through secret ballot and after due
deliberation, conformably with Article 241 (d) of the Labor Code, as amended. Conspicuously, other
than citing the opinion of a "recognized labor law authority," NUBE failed to quote a specific provision of
the law or rule mandating that a local union’s disaffiliation from a federation must comply with Article
241 (d) in order to be valid and effective.
Granting, for argument’s sake, that Article 241 (d) is applicable, still, We uphold PEMA’s disaffiliation
from NUBE. First, non-compliance with the procedure on disaffiliation, being premised on purely
technical grounds cannot rise above the employees’ fundamental right to self-organization and to form
and join labor organizations of their own choosing for the purpose of collective bargaining. Second, the
Article nonetheless provides that when the nature of the organization renders such secret ballot
impractical, the union officers may make the decision in behalf of the general membership. In this case,
NUBE did not even dare to contest PEMA’s representation that "PNB employees, from where [PEMA]
[derives] its membership, are scattered from Aparri to Jolo, manning more than 300 branches in various
towns and cities of the country," hence, "[to] gather the general membership of the union in a general
membership to vote through secret balloting is virtually impossible." It is understandable, therefore,
why PEMA’s board of directors merely opted to submit for ratification of the majority their resolution to
disaffiliate from NUBE. Third, and most importantly, NUBE did not dispute the existence of the persons
or their due execution of the document showing their unequivocal support for the disaffiliation of PEMA
from NUBE.
Consequently, by PEMA's valid disaffiliation from NUBE, the vinculum that previously bound the two
entities was completely severed. As NUBE was divested of any and all power to act in representation of
PEMA, any act performed by the former that affects the interests and affairs of the latter, including the
supposed expulsion of Serrana et al., is rendered without force and effect.
Also, in effect, NUBE loses it right to collect all union dues held in its trust by PNB. The moment
that PEMA separated from and left NUBE and exists as an independent labor organization with a
46
certificate of registration, the former is no longer obliged to pay dues and assessments to the latter;
naturally, there would be no longer any reason or occasion for PNB to continue making deductions.
Without said affiliation, the employer has no link to the mother union. The obligation of an employee to
pay union dues is coterminous with his affiliation or membership. "The employees' check-off
authorization, even if declared irrevocable, is good only as long as they remain members of the union
concerned." A contract between an employer and the parent organization as bargaining agent for the
employees is terminated bv the disaffiliation ofthe local of which the employees are members.
On the other hand, it was entirely reasonable for PNB to enter into a CBA with PEMA as represented by
Serrana et al. Since PEMA had validly separated itself from NUBE, there would be no restrictions which
could validly hinder it from collectively bargaining with PNB.
TAKATA PHILS CORP VS BLR, GR NO 196276, JUNE 4, 2014
FACTS: 
On July 7, 2009, petitioner filed with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
Regional Office a Petition for Cancellation of the Certificate of Union Registration of
Respondent Samahang Lakas Manggagawa ng Takata (SALAMAT) on the ground that the latter
is guilty of misrepresentation, false statement and fraud with respect to the number of those who
participated in the organizational meeting, the adoption and ratification of its Constitution and By-Laws,
and in the election of its officers.
It contended that in the May 1, 2009 organizational meeting of respondent, only 68 attendees
signed the attendance sheet, and which number comprised only 17% of the total number of
the 396 regular rank- and-file employees which respondent sought to represent, and hence,
respondent failed to comply with the 20% minimum membership requirement.
Petitioner insisted that the document “Pangalan ng mga Kasapi ng Unyon” bore no signatures
of the alleged 119 union members; and that employees were not given sufficient information
on the documents they signed; that the document “Sama-Samang Pahayag ng Pagsapi” was
not submitted at the time of the filing of respondent's application for union registration; that
the 119 union members were actually only 117; and, that the total number of petitioner's employees
as of May 1, 2009 was 470, and not 396 as respondent claimed.
Respondent denied the charge and claimed that the 119 union members were more than the
20% requirement for union registration. The document “Sama-Samang Pahayag ng Pagsapi sa
Unyon” which it presented in its petition for certification election supported their claim of 119
members. Respondent also contended that petitioner was estopped from assailing its legal
personality as it agreed to a certification election and actively participated in the pre-election
conference of the certification election proceedings. Respondent argued that the union members
were informed of the contents of the documents they signed and that the 68 attendees to the
organizational meeting constituted more than 50% of the total union membership, hence, a quorum
existed for the conduct of the said meeting.7cralawred
DOLE Regional Director
Granting the petition for cancellation of respondent's certificate of registration Found that the 68
employees who attended the organizational meeting was obviously less than 20% of the total number
of 396 regular rank-and-file.
47
BLR:
On December 9, 2009, after considering respondent's Appeal Memorandum with Formal Entry of
Appearance and petitioner's Answer, the BLR rendered its Decision reversing the Order of the Regional
Director.
Found that petitioner failed to prove that respondent deliberately and maliciously misrepresented the
number of rank-and-file employees.
CA:
Via a petition for certiorari under Rule 65. Denied the petition and affirmed the decision of the BLR.
ISSUE:
WON the cancellation of respondent's registration should be sustained on grounds of fraud and
misrepresentation bearing on the minimum requirement of the law as to its membership, considering
the big disparity in numbers, between the organizational meeting and the list of members, and so
misleading the BLR that it obtained the minimum required number of employees for purposes of
organization and registration.
SC:
We find no merit in the arguments. Art. 234 of the Labor Code provides:
ART. 234. Requirements of Registration. - A federation, national union or industry or trade union center
or an independent union shall acquire legal personality and shall be entitled to the rights and privileges
granted by law to legitimate labor organizations upon issuance of the certificate of registration based
on the following requirements:
 (a) Fifty pesos (P50.00) registration fee;

(b) The names of its officers, their addresses, the principal address of the labor organization, the minutes
of the organizational meetings and the list of the workers who participated in such meetings;
(c) In case the applicant is an independent union, the names of all its members comprising at
least twenty percent (20%) of all the employees in the bargaining unit where it seeks to
operate;
(d) If the applicant union has been in existence for one or more years, copies of its annual financial
reports; and
(e) Four copies of the constitution and by-laws of the applicant union, minutes of its adoption or
ratification, and the list of the members who participated in it."
And after the issuance of the certificate of registration, the labor organization's registration could be
assailed directly through cancellation of registration proceedings in accordance with Articles 238 and
239 of the Labor Code. And the cancellation of union certificate of registration and the grounds thereof
are as follows:
ART. 238. Cancellation of Registration. - The certificate of registration of any legitimate labor
organization, whether national or local, may be cancelled by the Bureau, after due hearing, only on the
grounds specified in Article 239 hereof.
ART. 239. Grounds for Cancellation of Union Registration. - The following may constitute grounds for
cancellation of union registration:
 (a) Misrepresentation, false statement or fraud in connection with the adoption or ratification of the
constitution and by-laws or amendments thereto, the minutes of ratification, and the list of members
who took part in the ratification;
48
(b) Misrepresentation, false statements or fraud in connection with the election of officers, minutes of
the election of officers, and the list of voters; 
(c) Voluntary dissolution by the members.
Petitioner's charge that respondent committed misrepresentation and fraud in securing its certificate of
registration is a serious charge and must be carefully evaluated. Allegations thereof should be
compounded with supporting circumstances and evidence. We find no evidence on record to support
petitioner's accusation.
Petitioner's allegation of misrepresentation and fraud is based on its claim that during the organizational
meeting on May 1, 2009, only 68 employees attended, while respondent claimed that it has 119
members as shown in the document denominated as “Pangalan ng mga Kasapi ng Unyon;” hence,
respondent misrepresented on the 20% requirement of the law as to its membership.
1 It does not appear in Article 234 (b) of the Labor Code that the attendees in the organizational
meeting must comprise 20% of the employees in the bargaining unit. In fact, even the
Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Labor Code does not so provide. It is only under
Article 234 (c) that requires the names of all its members comprising at least twenty
percent (20%) of all the employees in the bargaining unit where it seeks to operate.
 
2 Clearly, the 20% minimum requirement pertains to the employees’ membership in the
union and not to the list of workers who participated in the organizational meeting.
Indeed, Article 234 (b) and (c) provide for separate requirements, which must be
submitted for the union's registration, and which respondent did submit.  o Here, the
total number of employees in the bargaining unit was 396, and 20% of which was about
79. Respondent submitted a document entitled “Pangalan ng Mga Kasapi ng Unyon”
showing the names of 119 employees as union members, thus respondent sufficiently
complied even beyond the 20% minimum membership requirement. Respondent also
submitted the attendance sheet of the organizational meeting which contained the names and
signatures of the 68 union members who attended the meeting. Considering that there are 119
union members which are more than 20% of all the employees of the bargaining unit, and since
the law does not provide for the required number of members to attend the organizational
meeting, the 68 attendees which comprised at least the majority of the 119 union
members would already constitute a quorum for the meeting to proceed and to validly
ratify the Constitution and By-laws of the union. There is, therefore, no basis for petitioner
to contend that grounds exist for the cancellation of respondent's union registration. For fraud
and misrepresentation to be grounds for cancellation of union registration under Article 239 of
the Labor Code, the nature of the fraud and misrepresentation must be grave and
compelling enough to vitiate the consent of a majority of union members.
In this case, we agree with the BLR and the CA that respondent could not have possibly committed
misrepresentation, fraud, or false statements. The alleged failure of respondent to indicate with
mathematical precision the total number of employees in the bargaining unit is of no moment, especially
as it was able to comply with the 20% minimum membership requirement. Even if the total number of
rank-and-file employees of petitioner is 528, while respondent declared that it should only be 455, it
still cannot be denied that the latter would have more than complied with the registration requirement.
WHEREFORE, premises considered, the petition for review is DENIED. The Decision dated December
22, 2010 and the Resolution dated March 29, 2011 of the Court of Appeals, in CA-G.R. SP No. 112406,
are AFFIRMED.
49
UNIVERSITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION VS SEC OF LABOR, GR 151379

Facts:
This case stemmed from the collective bargaining negotiations between petitioner University of
Immaculate Concepcion, Inc. (UNIVERSITY) and respondent The UIC Teaching and Non- Teaching
Personnel and Employees Union (UNION). The UNION, as the certified bargaining
agent of all rank and file employees of the UNIVERSITY, submitted its collective bargaining proposals to
the latter on February 16, 1994. However, one item was left unresolved and this was the inclusion or
exclusion of some positions in the scope of the bargaining unit.
The UNION it filed a notice of strike on the grounds of bargaining deadlock and ULP. During the thirty
(30) day cooling-off period, two union members were dismissed by petitioner. Consequently, the UNION
went on strike.
On January 23, 1995, the then Secretary of Labor, Ma. Nieves R. Confessor, issued an Order assuming
jurisdiction over the labor dispute.
On March 10, 1995, the UNION filed another notice of strike, this time citing as a reason the
UNIVERSITY’s termination of the individual respondents. The UNION alleged that the UNIVERSITY’s act
of terminating the individual respondents is in violation of the Order of the Secretary of Labor.
On March 28, 1995, the Secretary of Labor issued another Order reiterating the directives contained in
the January 23, 1995 Order. Hence, the UNIVERSITY was directed to reinstate the individual
respondents under the same terms and conditions prevailing prior to the labor dispute.
The UNIVERSITY filed a MR. In the Order dated August 18, 1995, then Acting Secretary Jose S.
Brilliantes denied the MR, but modified the two previous Orders by adding:
Anent the Union’s Motion, we find that superseding circumstances would not warrant the physical
reinstatement of the twelve (12) terminated employees.
Hence, they are hereby ordered placed under payroll reinstatement until thevalidity of their termination
is finally resolved.
Issue: WON payroll reinstatement, instead of actual reinstatement, is proper.
Held:
With respect to the Secretary’s Order allowing payroll reinstatement instead of actual reinstatement for
the individual respondents herein, an amendment to the previous Orders issued by her office, the same
is usually not allowed. Article 263(g) of the Labor Code aforementioned states that all workers must
immediately return to work and all employers
must readmit all of them under the same terms and conditions prevailing before the strike or lockout.
The phrase “under the same terms and conditions” makes it clear that the norm is actual reinstatement.
This is consistent with the idea that any work stoppage or slowdown in that
particular industry can be detrimental to the national interest.
In ordering payroll reinstatement in lieu of actual reinstatement, then Acting Secretary of Labor Jose S.
Brillantes said:
Anent the Union’s Motion, we find that superseding circumstances would not warrant the
physical reinstatement of the twelve (12) terminated employees. Hence, they are hereby ordered
placed under payroll reinstatement until the validity of their termination is finally resolved.
As an exception to the rule, payroll reinstatement must rest on special circumstances that render actual
reinstatement impracticable or otherwise not conducive to attaining the purposes of the law.
50
The “superseding circumstances” mentioned by the Acting Secretary of Labor no doubt refer to the final
decision of the panel of arbitrators as to the confidential nature of the positions of the twelve private
respondents, thereby rendering their actual and physical reinstatement impracticable and more likely
to exacerbate the situation. The payroll reinstatement in lieu of actual reinstatement ordered in these
cases, therefore, appears justified as an exception to the rule until the validity of their termination is
finally resolved. This Court sees no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Acting Secretary of Labor
in ordering the same. Furthermore, the issue has not been raised by any party in this case.
Petition denied.
Samahan ng Manggagawa sa Hanjin Shipyard vs Bureau of Labor Relations, GR

211145,October 14, 2015
Facts
Samahan filed an application for registration of its name "Samahan ng mga Manggagawa sa Hanjin
Shipyard" with the DOLE. The application stated that the association had a total of 120 members. DOLE
Regional Office No. 3 issued the corresponding certificate of registration in favor of Samahan.
Hanjin filed a petition with DOLE-Pampanga praying for the cancellation of registration of Samahan's
association on the ground that its members did not fall under any of the types of workers enumerated
in the second sentence of Article 243 (now 249). Hanjin opined that only ambulant, intermittent,
itinerant, rural workers, self-employed, and those without definite employers may form a workers'
association. It further posited that one third (1/3) of the members of the association had definite
employers and the continued existence and registration of the association would prejudice the
company's goodwill.
Issue(s)
Whether the Samahan may validly be registered.
Ruling
Right to self-organization includes right to form a union, workers ' association and labor
management councils
More often than not, the right to self-organization connotes unionism. Workers, however, can also form
and join a workers' association as well as labor-management councils (LMC). Expressed in the highest
law of the land is the right of all workers to self-organization. Section 3, Article XIII of the 1987
Constitution states:
Section 3. The State shall afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized,
and promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all. It shall guarantee the
rights of all workers to self-organization, collective bargaining and negotiations, and peaceful
concerted activities, including the right to strike in accordance with law. . . . [Emphasis Supplied]
And Section 8, Article III of the 1987 Constitution also states:
Section 8. The right of the people, including those employed in the public and private sectors, to form
unions, associations, or societies for purposes not contrary to law shall not be abridged.
In relation thereto, Article 3 of the Labor Code provides:
Article 3. Declaration of basic policy. The State shall afford protection to labor, promote full
employment, ensure equal work opportunities regardless of sex, race or creed and regulate the relations
between workers and employers. The State shall assure the rights of workers to self-
51
organization, collective bargaining, security of tenure, and just and humane conditions of
work. [Emphasis Supplied]
As Article 246 (now 252) of the Labor Code provides, the right to self-organization includes the right to
form, join or assist labor organizations for the purpose of collective bargaining through representatives
of their own choosing and to engage in lawful concerted activities for the same purpose for their mutual
aid and protection. This is in line with the policy of the State to foster the free and voluntary organization
of a strong and united labor movement as well as to make sure that workers participate in policy and
decision-making processes affecting their rights, duties and welfare.
The right to form a union or association or to self-organization comprehends two notions, to wit: (a) the
liberty or freedom, that is, the absence of restraint which guarantees that the employee may act for
himself without being prevented by law; and (b) the power, by virtue of which an employee may, as he
pleases, join or refrain from joining an association.
In view of the revered right of every worker to self-organization, the law expressly allows and even
encourages the formation of labor organizations. A labor organization is defined as "any union or
association of employees which exists in whole or in part for the purpose of collective bargaining or of
dealing with employers concerning terms and conditions of employment." A labor organization has two
broad rights: (1) to bargain collectively and (2) to deal with the employer concerning terms and
conditions of employment. To bargain collectively is a right given to a union once it registers itself with
the DOLE. A union refers to any labor organization in the private sector organized for collective
bargaining and for other legitimate purpose, while a workers' association is an organization of workers
formed for the mutual aid and protection of its members or for any legitimate purpose other than
collective bargaining.
Collective bargaining is just one of the forms of employee participation. Despite so much interest in and
the promotion of collective bargaining, it is incorrect to say that it is the device and no other, which
secures industrial democracy. It is equally misleading to say that collective bargaining is the end-goal
of employee representation. Rather, the real aim is employee participation in whatever form it may
appear, bargaining or no bargaining, union or no union. Any labor organization which may or may not
be a union may deal with the employer. This explains why a workers' association or organization does
not always have to be a labor union and why employer-employee collective interactions are not always
To further strengthen employee participation, Article 255 (now 261) of the Labor Code mandates that
workers shall have the right to participate in policy and decision-making processes of the establishment
where they are employed insofar as said processes will directly affect their rights, benefits and welfare.
For this purpose, workers and employers may form LMCs.
Right to choose whether to form or join a union or workers' association belongs to workers
themselves
The right to form or join a labor organization necessarily includes the right to refuse or refrain from
exercising the said right. It is self-evident that just as no one should be denied the exercise of a right
granted by law, so also, no one should be compelled to exercise such a conferred right. Also inherent in
the right to self-organization is the right to choose whether to form a union for purposes of collective
bargaining or a workers' association for purposes of providing mutual aid and protection.
The right to self-organization, however, is subject to certain limitations as provided by law. The Court
cannot subscribe either to Hanjin's position that Samahan's members cannot form the association
because they are not covered by the second sentence of Article 243 (now 249). There is nothing in the
implementing rules which provides that workers, with definite employers, cannot form or join a workers'
association for mutual aid and protection. Section 2 thereof even broadens the coverage of workers who
can form or join a workers' association. Thus, the Court agrees with Samahan's argument that the right
52
to form a workers' association is not exclusive to ambulant, intermittent and itinerant workers. The
option to form or join a union or a workers' association lies with the workers themselves, and whether
they have definite employers or not.
Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corp. Employees Union v. National Labor Relations
Commission, G.R. No. 156635, January 11, 2016
A strike staged without compliance with the requirements of Article 263 of the Labor Code is
illegal, and may cause the termination of the employment of the participating union officers
and members. However, the liability for the illegal strike is individual, not collective. To
warrant the termination of an officer of the labor organization on that basis, the employer
must show that the officer knowingly participated in the illegal strike. An ordinary striking
employee cannot be terminated based solely on his participation in the illegal strike, for the
employer must further show that the employee committed illegal acts during the strike
Facts:
Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation Employees Union (Union) was the duly recognized collective
bargaining agent of the rank-and-file employees of respondent Hongkong & Shanghai Banking
Corporation (HSBC). A collective bargaining agreement (CBA) governed the relations between the Union
and its members.
|HSBC announced its implementation of a job evaluation program (JEP) retroactive to January 1, 1993.
The JEP consisted of a job designation per grade level with the accompanying salary scale providing for
the minimum and maximum pay the employee could receive per salary level. By letter dated January
20, 1993, the Union demanded the suspension of the JEP, which it labeled as an unfair labor practice
(ULP).
Union informed HSBC that it would exercise its right to concerted action. The Union members started
picketing during breaktime while wearing black hats and black bands on their arms and other
appendages. HSBC responded by insisting that the JEP was an express recognition of its obligation
under the CBA.
The Union's concerted activities persisted for 11 months, both sides had meanwhile started the re-
negotiation of the economic provisions of their CBA. The continued concerted actions impelled HSBC to
suspend the negotiations and to issue memoranda, warnings and reprimands to remind the members
of the Union to comply with HSBC's Code of Conduct.|
Due to the sustained concerted actions, HSBC filed a complaint for ULP in the Arbitration Branch of the
National Labor Relations Commission.
Union served its letter on HSBC in protest of the continued implementation of the JEP, and insisted that
HSBC's modification of the salary structure under the JEP constituted ULP.
Union's officers and members walked out and gathered outside the premises of HSBC's offices on Ayala
Avenue, Makati and Ortigas Center, Pasig. According to HSBC, the Union members blocked the entry
and exit points of the bank premises, preventing the bank officers, including the chief executive officer,
from entering and/or leaving the premises. This prompted HSBC to resort to a petition for habeas
corpus on behalf of its officials and employees thus prevented from leaving the premises, whom it
airlifted on December 24, 1993 to enable them to leave the bank premises.
In the meantime, HSBC issued return-to-work notices to the striking employees. Only 25 employees
complied and returned to work. HSBC terminated the individual petitioners on December 27, 1993.
53
Ruling of LA:
Labor Arbiter (LA) Felipe P. Pati declared the strike illegal for failure of the Union to file the notice of
strike with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); to observe the cooling-off period; and to
submit the results of the strike vote to the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) pursuant
to Article 263 of the Labor Code. He concluded that because of the illegality of the strike the Union
members and officers were deemed to have lost their employment status.
NLRC Appeal
On appeal, the NLRC modified the ruling of LA Pati, and pronounced the dismissal of the 18 Union
members unlawful for failure of HSBC to accord procedural due process to the and ordered the payment
of indemnity.
CA Judgement
Deleted the award of indemnity, but ordered HSBC to pay backwages to the 18 employees in accordance
with Serrano v. National Labor Relations Commission
Issue:
(1) whether the strike commenced on December 22, 1993 was lawfully conducted; and (2) whether
the petitioners were illegally dismissed.
Ruling:
Procedural requirements for a valid strike are, therefore, the following, to wit: (1) a notice of strike filed
with the DOLE at least 30 days before the intended date thereof, or 15 days in case of ULP; (2) a strike
vote approved by the majority of the total union membership in the bargaining unit concerned, obtained
by secret ballot in a meeting called for that purpose; and (3) a notice of the results of the voting at least
seven days before the intended strike given to the DOLE. These requirements are mandatory, such that
non-compliance therewith by the union will render the strike illegal.
According to CA, the union neither filed a notice of strike to DOLE, nor observed cooling period, nor
submitted the result of the strike vote. Also, although the strike vote was done, it was done not in secret
but in open which is violative of the rules
RULE
Art. 264. Prohibited activities. — (a) No labor organization or employer shall declare a strike or
lockout without first having bargained collectively in accordance with Title VII of this Book or without
first having filed the notice required in the preceding Article or without the necessary strike
or lockout vote first having been obtained and reported to the [Department]
The strike was not peaceful as records show. Union had on several instances blocked the ingress and
egress of the building. There were videos, pictures, verified testimonies and various other records.
The situation during the strike actually went out of hand because of the petitioners' illegal conduct,
compelling HSBC to secure an injunction from the NLRC as well as to file its petition for habeas corpus in
the proper court in the interest of its trapped officers and employees; and at one point to lease an
helicopter to extract its employees and officers from its premises on the eve of Christmas Day of 1993
For sure, the petitioners could not justify their illegal strike by invoking the constitutional right of labor
to concerted actions. Although the Constitution recognized and promoted their right to strike, they
should still exercise the right within the bounds of law. Those bounds had been well-defined and well-
known. Specifically, Article 264 (e) of the Labor Code expressly enjoined the striking workers engaged
in picketing from committing any act of violence, coercion or intimidation, or from obstructing the free
ingress into or egress from the employer's premises for lawful purposes, or from obstructing public
thoroughfares. The employment of prohibited means in carrying out concerted actions injurious to the
54
right to property of others could only render their strike illegal. Moreover, their strike was rendered
unlawful because their picketing which constituted an obstruction to the free use of the employer's
property or the comfortable enjoyment of life or property, when accompanied by intimidation, threats,
violence, and coercion as to constitute nuisance, should be regulated. In fine, the strike, even if justified
as to its ends, could become illegal because of the means employed, especially when the means came
within the prohibitions under Article 264 (e) of the Labor Code.
HSBS Termination of Workers, Lawful?
RULE
Article 264. Prohibited Activities. — . . .
xxx xxx xxx
Any worker whose employment has been terminated as a consequence of any unlawful lockout shall be
entitled to reinstatement with full backwages. Any union officer who knowingly participates in an
illegal strike and any worker or union officer who knowingly participates in the commission
of illegal acts during a strike may be declared to have lost his employment
status: Provided, That mere participation of a worker in a lawful strike shall not constitute sufficient
ground for termination of his employment, even if a replacement had been hired by the employer during
such lawful strike. (emphasis supplied)
As a general rule, the mere finding of the illegality of the strike does not justify the wholesale termination
of the strikers from their employment. To avoid rendering the recognition of the workers' right to strike
illusory, the responsibility for the illegal strike is individual instead of collective
The officers may be deemed terminated from their employment upon a finding of their knowing
participation in the illegal strike, but the members of the union shall suffer the same fate only if they
are shown to have knowingly participated in the commission of illegal acts during the strike.
Unlike the Union's officers, the ordinary striking members could not be terminated for merely taking
part in the illegal strike. Regardless of whether the strike was illegal or not, the dismissal of the members
could be upheld only upon proof that they had committed illegal acts during the strike. They must be
specifically identified because the liability for the prohibited acts was determined on an individual basis
HIJO RESOURCES CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. EPIFANIO P. MEJARES, G.R. No. 208986,

January 13, 2016
FACTS:
Respondents Epifanio P. Mejares, Remegio C. Baluran, Jr., Dante Saycon, and Cecilio Cucharo
(respondents) were among the complainants, represented by their labor union named "Nagkahiusang
Mamumuo ng Bit, Djevon, at Raquilla Farms sa Hijo Resources Corporation" (NAMABDJERA-HRC), who
filed with the NLRC an illegal dismissal case against petitioner Hijo Resources Corporation (HRC).
Complainants (respondents) alleged that petitioner HRC, formerly known as Hijo Plantation Incorporated
(HPI), is the owner of agricultural lands. In 2000, HPI was renamed as HRC. In December 2003, HRC's
application for the conversion of its agricultural lands into agri-industrial use was approved. In 2001,
complainants were absorbed by HRC, but they were working under the contractor-growers:
Buenaventura Tano (Bit Farm); Djerame Pausa (Djevon Farm); and Ramon Q. Laurente (Raquilla Farm).
On 1 July 2007, complainants formed their union NAMABDJERA-HRC, which was later registered with
the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). On 24 August 2007, NAMABDJERA-HRC filed a
petition for certification election before the DOLE. When HRC learned that complainants formed a union,
55
the three contractor-growers filed with the DOLE a notice of cessation of business operations. In
September 2007, complainants were terminated from their employment on the ground of cessation of
business operations by the contractor-growers of HRC.
On 19 September 2007, complainants, represented by NAMABDJERA-HRC, filed a case for unfair labor
practices, illegal dismissal, and illegal deductions with prayer for moral and exemplary damages and
attorney's fees before the NLRC. On 19 November 2007, DOLE Med-Arbiter Lito A. Jasa issued an Order,
dismissing NAMABDJERA-HRC's petition for certification election on the ground that there was no
employer-employee relationship between complainants and HRC. Complainants did not appeal the Order
of Med-Arbiter but pursued the illegal dismissal case they filed.
On 4 January 2008, HRC filed a motion to dismiss the complaint for illegal dismissal. The motion to
dismiss was anchored on the following arguments: (1) Lack of jurisdiction under the principle of res
judicata; and (2) The Order of the Med-Arbiter finding that complainants were not employees of HRC,
which complainants did not appeal, had become final and executory.
On 5 February 2008, Labor Arbiter Sagmit denied the motion to dismiss and held that res judicata does
not apply. ((The Labor Arbiter ruled that the decision of the Med-Arbiter in a certification election case,
by the nature of that proceedings does not foreclose further dispute between the parties as to the
existence or non-existence of employer-employee relationship between them. Thus, the finding of Med-
Arbiter that no employment relationship exists between HRC and complainants does not bar the Labor
Arbiter from making his own independent finding on the same issue. The non-litigious nature of the
proceedings before the Med-Arbiter does not prevent the Labor Arbiter from hearing and deciding the
case.)
HRC filed with the NLRC a petition for certiorari with a prayer for temporary restraining order, seeking
to nullify the Orders of Labor Arbiter. The NLRC granted the petition.
((The NLRC held that the Med-Arbiter Order dismissing the certification election case on the ground of
lack of employer-employee relationship between HRC and complainants (members of NAMABDJERA-
HRC) constitutes res judicata under the concept of conclusiveness of judgment, and thus, warrants the
dismissal of the case. The NLRC ruled that the Med-Arbiter exercises quasi-judicial power and the Med-
Arbiter's decisions and orders have, upon their finality, the force and effect of a final judgment within
the purview of the doctrine of res judicata.))
The CA reversed the NLRC’s Resolution. ((Under Article 217 of the Labor Code, the Labor Arbiter has
original and exclusive jurisdiction over illegal dismissal cases. Although the proceedings before the Labor
Arbiter are also described as non-litigious, the Court of Appeals noted that the Labor Arbiter is given
wide latitude in ascertaining the existence of employment relationship. Hence, the Court of Appeals
concluded that the decision in a certification election case does not foreclose further dispute as to the
existence or non-existence of an employer-employee relationship between HRC and the complainants.))
ISSUE:
Whether the Labor Arbiter, in the illegal dismissal case, is bound by the ruling of the Med-Arbiter
regarding the existence or non-existence of employer-employee relationship between the parties in the
certification election case.
HELD:
No. As found by the Court of Appeals, the facts in this case are very similar to those in the Sandoval
case, which also involved the issue of whether the ruling in a certification election case on the existence
or non-existence of an employer-employee relationship operates as res judicata in the illegal dismissal
case filed before the NLRC. In Sandoval, the DOLE Undersecretary reversed the finding of the Med-
Arbiter in a certification election case and ruled that there was no employer-employee relationship
between the members of the petitioner union and Sandoval Shipyards, Inc. (SSI), since the former were
employees of the subcontractors.
56
Subsequently, several illegal dismissal cases were filed by some members of the petitioner union against
SSI. Both the Labor Arbiter and the NLRC ruled that there was no employer-employee relationship
between the parties, citing the resolution of the DOLE Undersecretary in the certification election case.
The Court of Appeals reversed the NLRC ruling and held that the members of the petitioner union were
employees of SSI. On appeal, this Court affirmed the appellate court's decision and ruled that the Labor
Arbiter and the NLRC erred in relying on the pronouncement of the DOLE Undersecretary that there was
no employer-employee relationship between the parties.
The Court cited the ruling in the Manila Golf11 case that the decision in a certification election case, by
the very nature of that proceeding, does not foreclose all further disputes between the parties as to the
existence or non-existence of an employer-employee relationship between them.
This case is different from the Chris Garments case cited by the NLRC where the Court held that the
matter of employer-employee relationship has been resolved with finality by the DOLE Secretary, whose
factual findings were not appealed by the losing party. As mentioned earlier, the Med-Arbiter's order in
this case dismissing the petition for certification election on the basis of non-existence of employer-
employee relationship was issued after the members of the respondent union were dismissed from their
employment. The purpose of a petition for certification election is to determine which organization will
represent the employees in their collective bargaining with the employer.
The respondent union, without its member-employees, was thus stripped of its personality to challenge
the Med-Arbiter's decision in the certification election case. Thus, the members of the respondent union
were left with no option but to pursue their illegal dismissal case filed before the Labor Arbiter. To
dismiss the illegal dismissal case filed before the Labor Arbiter on the basis of the pronouncement of the
Med-Arbiter in the certification election case that there was no employer-employee relationship between
the parties, which the respondent union could not even appeal to the DOLE Secretary because of the
dismissal of its members, would be tantamount to denying due process to the complainants in the illegal
dismissal case. This, we cannot allow.
Ramirez et al., vs. Polyson Industries Inc. GR No. 207898, Oct. 19, 2016
Principle: Union officers are duty-bound to guide their members to respect the law. If the officers
urge the members to violate the law and defy the duly-constituted authorities, their dismissal from the
service is a just penalty or sanction for their unlawful acts.
Stike on instalment plan is inherently illicit and unjustifiable.
Any union officer who knowingly participates in an illegal strike and any worker or union officer who
knowingly participates in the commission of illegal acts during a strike may be declared to have lost his
employment status.
Facts: The respondent is a corporation engaged in the business of manufacturing plastic bags for
supermarkets while the petitioners are its employees who are at the same time members of its union,
Obrero Filipino.
The union allegedly asked respondent that it be recognized as the exclusive bargaining unit for the rank
and file employees but respondent refused and instead opted for certification election to the
disappointment of petitioners. Conflict arose when petitioners allegedly instigated several employees to
not report for their overtime work. During that time, there was a rush order for 10,000 plastic bags
which made the need for overtime work. Several employees then did not report to overtime resulting in
delay in the delivery of such order.
Upon investigation, respondent was able to conclude that it was the petitioners who instigated the said
employees to not report to overtime and with this respondent terminated them after giving them the
opportunity to explain their side. This then prompted the union to go on strike after filling a notice of
57
strike to the NCMB grounding it among others on the petitioner’s alleged illegal dismissal. NLRC after a
motion for reconsideration ruled in favor of respondent corporation finding them guilty of the alleged
instigation.
Issue: WON petitioners committed an illicit activity through instigating certain employees not to work
for overtime work.
Held: Yes, petitioners were found guilty of such instigation.
In its Resolution dated March 28, 2012, the NLRC ruled that "[t]he evidence on record clearly establishes
that herein [petitioners] resorted to an illicit activity. The act of inducing and/or threatening workers
not to render overtime work, given the circumstances surrounding the instant case, was undoubtedly a
calculated effort amounting to 'overtime boycott' or 'work slowdown.' The Court is not duty-bound to
delve into the accuracy of the factual findings of the NLRC in the absence of clear showing that these
were arbitrary and bereft of any rational basis.
Verily, said finndings have to be maintained and upheld. This Court reiterates, as a reminder to labor
leaders, the rule that union officers are duty-bound to guide their members to respect the law.
Contrarily, if the officers urge the members to violate the law and defy the duly-constituted authorities,
their dismissal from the service is a just penalty or sanction for their unlawful acts. The Court agrees
with both the NLRC and the CA that petitioners are guilty of instigating their co-employees to commit
slowdown, an inherently and essentially illegal activity even in the absence of a no-strike clause in a
collective bargaining contract, or
statute or rule. Jurisprudence defines a slowdown as follows:
. . . a "strike on the installment plan;" as a willful reduction in the rate of work by concerted action of
workers for the purpose of restricting the output of the employer, in relation to a labor dispute; as an
activity by which workers, without a complete stoppage of work, retard production or their performance
of duties and functions to compel management to grant their demands. The Court also agrees that such
a slowdown is generally condemned as inherently illicit and unjustifiable , because while the employees
"continue to work and remain at their positions and accept the wages paid to them," they at the same
time "select what part of their allotted tasks they care to perform of their own volition or refuse openly
or secretly, to the employer's damage, to do other work;" in other words, they "work on their own
terms."
The Court is not persuaded by petitioners' contention that they are not guilty of "illegal concerted
activity" as they claim that this term contemplates a "careful planning of a considerable number of
participants to insure that the desired result is attained." Nothing in the law requires that a slowdown
be carefully planned and that it be participated in by a large number of workers. The essence of this
kind of strike is that the workers do not quit their work but simply reduce the rate of work in order to
restrict the output or delay the production of the employer.
As to petitioners' liability, the second paragraph of Article 264 (a) of the Labor Code provides:
xxx xxx xxx
. . . Any union officer who knowingly participates in an illegal strike and any worker or union officer who
employment status: Provided, That mere participation of a worker in a lawful strike shall not constitute
sufficient ground for termination of his employment, even if a replacement had been hired by the
employer during such lawful strike.
58
ERSON ANG LEE DOING BUSINESS as "SUPER LAMINATION SERVICES," Petitioner vs.
SAMAHANG MANGGAGAWA NG SUPER LAMINATION (SMSLS-NAFLU-KMU), Respondent
FACTS
One Liner: While there is no prohibition on the mere act of engaging in a work-pooling scheme as sister
companies, that act will not be tolerated, and the sister companies' separate juridical personalities will
be disregarded, if they use that scheme to defeat the workers' right to collective bargaining. The
employees' right to collectively bargain with their employers is necessary to promote harmonious labor-
management relations in the interest of sound and stable industrial peace.
Petitioner Erson Ang Lee, through Super Lamination (SUPER), is a duly registered entity principally
engaged in the business of providing lamination services to the general public. Respondent Samahan
ng mga Manggagawa ng Super Lamination Services (Union A) is a legitimate labor organization, which
is also a local chapter affiliate of the National Federation of Labor Unions - Kilusang Mayo Uno. SUPER
is a sole proprietorship under petitioner's name, while Express Lamination(ExLam) and Express Coat
(ExCoat) are duly incorporated entities separately registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC).
Union A filed a Petition for Certification Election to represent all the rank-and-file employees of SUPER.
ExLam Workers' Union (Union B) also filed a Petition for Certification Election to represent all the rank-
and-file employees of Express Lamination. Also, Samahan ng mga Manggagawa ng Express Coat
Enterprises, Inc. (Union C) filed a Petition for Certification Election to represent the rank-and-file
employees of Express Coat.
SUPER, ExLam, and ExCoat, all claimed lack of ER-EE relationship between these establishments and
the bargaining units that Unions A, B, and C seek to represent as well as these unions' respective
members. All three companies pointed fingers at each other as to who they employers truly were.
All three Petitions for Certification Election of the Unions were denied by the DOLE (NCR) Med-Arbiter.
The three Unions filed their respective appeals before the DOLE Secretary, who ruled in in favour of the
Unions and against the companies (SUPER, ExLam, and ExCoat) in ruling that that the companies were
engaged in a work-pooling scheme, in light of which they might be considered as one and the same
entity for the purpose of determining the appropriate bargaining unit in a certification election
The latter companies then went to the CA, which upheld the decision of the SOLE and denied their
appeal.
Petitioner filed a Motion for Reconsideration of the CA Decision, but the motion was denied. Therefore,
he now comes to this Court through the present Petition.
ISSUES
1. Whether the application of the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil is warranted
2. Whether the rank-and-file employees of SUPER, ExLam, and ExCoat constitute an appropriate
bargaining unit
RULING
59
We deny the petition. An application of the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil is warranted.
This Court has time and again disregarded separate juridical personalities under the doctrine of piercing
the corporate veil. It has done so in cases where a separate legal entity is used to defeat public
convenience, justify wrong, protect fraud, or defend crime, among other grounds. In any of these
situations, the law will regard it as an association of persons or, in case of two corporations, merge them
into one.
Due to the finger-pointing by the three companies at one another, the petitions were dismissed. As a
result, the three unions were not able to proceed with the conduct of the certification election. This also
caused confusion among the employees as to who their real employer is. If we allow petitioner and the
two other companies to continue obstructing the holding of the election in this manner, their employees
and their respective unions will never have a chance to choose their bargaining representative. Because
sadly, all three establishments were unorganized—no union therein was ever duly recognized or certified
as a bargaining representative.
Therefore, it is only proper that, in order to safeguard the right of the workers and Unions A, B, and C
to engage in collective bargaining, the corporate veil of Express Lamination and Express Coat must be
pierced. The separate existence of Super Lamination, Express Lamination, and Express Coat must be
disregarded. In effect, we affirm the lower tribunals in ruling that these companies must be treated as
one and the same unit for purposes of holding a certification election.
II.
Petitioner argues that there is no showing that the rank-and-file employees of the three companies
would constitute an appropriate bargaining unit on account of the latter's different geographical
locations. This contention lacks merit. The basic test for determining the appropriate bargaining unit is
the application of a standard whereby a unit is deemed appropriate if it affects a grouping of employees
who have substantial, mutual interests in wages, hours, working conditions, and other subjects of
collective bargaining. We have ruled that geographical location can be completely disregarded if the
communal or mutual interests of the employees are not sacrificed.
In the present case, there was communal interest among the rank-and-file employees of the three
companies based on the finding that they were constantly rotated to all three companies, and that they
performed the same or similar duties whenever rotated. The more solid the employees are, the stronger
is their bargaining capacity.
As correctly observed by the CA and DOLE, While there is no prohibition on the mere act of engaging in
a work-pooling scheme as sister companies, that act will not be tolerated, and the sister companies'
separate juridical personalities will be disregarded, if they use that scheme to defeat the workers' right
to collective bargaining. The employees' right to collectively bargain with their employers is necessary
to promote harmonious labor-management relations in the interest of sound and stable industrial peace.
WHEREFORE, the Petition for Review on Certiorari under Rule 45 is DENIED.
Peninsula Employees Union vs. Esquivel GR No. 218454, Dec. 1, 2016
Doctrine: The recognized collective bargaining union which successfully negotiated the CBA with the
employer is given the right to collect a reasonable fee called “agency fee” from non-union members who
are employees of the appropriate bargaining unit, in an amount equivalent to the dues and other fees
paid by union members, in case they accept the benefits under the CBA.
60
Facts: On December 13, 2007, Peninsula Employees Union’ (PEU) Board of Directors passed Local Board
Resolution No. 12, series of 20078 authorizing, among others, the affiliation of PEU with NUWHRAIN,
and the direct membership of its individual members thereto. On the same day, the said act was
submitted to the general membership, and was duly ratified by 223 PEU members. Beginning January
1, 2009, PEU-NUWHRAIN sought to increase the union dues/agency fees from one percent (1%) to two
percent (2%) of the rank and file employees’ monthly salaries, brought about by PEU’s affiliation with
NUWHRAIN, which supposedly requires its affiliates to remit to it two percent (2%) of their monthly
salaries.
The non-PEU members objected to the assessment of increased agency fees arguing that: (a) the new
CBA is unenforceable since no written CBA has been formally signed and executed by PEU-NUWHRAIN
and the Hotel; (b) the 2% agency fee is exorbitant and unreasonable; and (c) PEU-NUWHRAIN failed to
comply with the mandatory requirements for such increase.
Issues:
Whether PEU-NUWHRAIN has right to collect the increased agency fees.
Whether PEU-NUWHRAIN failed to comply with the mandatory requirements for such increase.
Whether the agency is exorbitant and unreasonable.
Ruling:
1. Yes. The recognized collective bargaining union which successfully negotiated the CBA with the
employer is given the right to collect a reasonable fee called “agency fee” from non-union members who
are employees of the appropriate bargaining unit, in an amount equivalent to the dues and other fees
paid by union members, in case they accept the benefits under the CBA. While the collection of agency
fees is recognized by Article 259 (formerly Article 248) of the Labor Code, as amended, the legal basis
of the union’s right to agency fees is neither contractual nor statutory, but quasi-contractual, deriving
from the established principle that non-union employees may not unjustly enrich themselves by
benefiting from employment conditions negotiated by the bargaining union. In the present case, PEU-
NUWHRAIN’s right to collect agency fees is not disputed.
2. Yes. Case law interpreting Article 250 (n) and (o) of the Labor Code mandates the submission of
three (3) documentary requisites in order to justify a valid levy of increased union dues. These are: (a)
an authorization by a written resolution of the majority of all the members at the general membership
meeting duly called for the purpose; (b) the secretary’s record of the minutes of the meeting, which
shall include the list of all members present, the votes cast, the purpose of the special assessment or
fees and the recipient of such assessment or fees; and (c) individual written authorizations for check-
off duly signed by the employees concemed. In the present case, however, PEU-NUWHRAIN failed to
show compliance with the foregoing requirements. It attempted to remedy the “inadvertent omission”
of the matter of the approval of the deduction of two percent (2%) union dues from the monthly basic
salary of each union member.
While the matter of implementing the two percent (2%) union dues was taken up during the PEU-
NUWHRAIN’s 8th General Membership Meeting on October 28, 2008, there was no sufficient showing
that the same had been duly deliberated and approved. The minutes of the Assembly itself belie PEU-
NUWHRAIN’s claim that the increase in union dues and the corresponding check-off were duly approved
since it merely stated that “the [two percent (2%)] Union dues will have to be implemented,” meaning,
it would still require the submission of such matter to the Assembly for deliberation and approval.
3. Yes. Having failed to establish due deliberation and approval of the increase in union dues from one
percent (1%) to two percent (2% ), as well as the deduction of the two percent (2%) union dues during
PEU-NUWHRAIN’s 8th General Membership Meeting on October 28, 2008, there was nothing to confirm,
affirm, or ratify through the July 1, 2010 GMR. Contrary to the ruling of the OSEC in its March 6, 2012
Order, the July 1 2010 GMR, by itself, cannot justify the collection of two percent (2%) agency fees
from the non-PEU members beginning July 2010. The Assembly was not called for the purpose of
61
approving the proposed increase in union dues and the corresponding check-off, but merely to “confirm
and affirm” a purported prior action which PEU-NUWHRAIN, however, failed to establish.
Corollarily, no individual check-off authorizations can proceed therefrom, and the submission of the
November 2008 check-off authorizations becomes inconsequential. Jurisprudence states that the
express consent of the employee to any deduction in his compensation is required to be obtained in
accordance with the steps outlined by the law, which must be followed to the letter; however, PEU-
NUWHRAIN failed to comply. Thus, the CA correctly ruled that there is no legal basis to impose union
dues and agency fees more than that allowed in the expired CBA, at one percent (1 %) of the employee’s
monthly basic salary.
SUMIFRU (PHILIPPINES) CORP. (surviving entity of a merger with Fresh Banana

Agricultural Corporation and other corporations), Petitioner vs. NAGKAHIUSANG MAMUMUO
SA SUYAPA FARM (NAMASUFA-NAFLU-KMU), Respondent
CASE PRINCIPLE: The workers supplied by a labor-only contractor are employees of the actual employer,
and not of the contractor itself. The four-fold test is applied for the purpose of determining the existence
of an employer-employee relationship, the establishment of which makes the employees entitled to their
right to self-organization.
FACTS:
Sumifru is a domestic corporation and is the surviving corporation after its merger with Fresh Banana
Agricultural Corporation (FBAC). FBAC was engaged in the buying, marketing, and exportation of
Cavendish bananas. Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Suyapa Farm (NAMASUFA) is a legitimate labor
organization affiliated with the National Federation of Labor Unions and Kilusang Mayo Uno.
NAMASUFA filed a Petition for Certification Election before the DOLE. It sought to represent all 140 rank-
and-file employees of packing plant 90 (PP 90) of FBAC, claiming that there was no existing union in
the aforementioned establishment.
FBAC filed an Opposition to the Petition, arguing that there is no employer-employee relationship
between it and the workers involved. It alleged that members of NAMASUFA are actually employees of
A2Y Contracting Services (A2Y), a duly licensed independent contractor, as evidenced by the payroll
records of the latter.
NAMASUFA, in its Comment to Opposition countered that its members were former workers of Stanfilco
before FBAC took over its operations. The said former employees were then required to join the
Compostela Banana Packing Plant Workers' Cooperative (Compostela Coop) before they were hired and
allowed to work at the Packing Plant of FBAC. Furthermore, the members were working at PP 90 long
before A2Y came.
Pending resolution of the petition, FBAC was merged with SUMIFRU, the latter being the surviving
corporation.
DOLE Med-Arbiter: Granted the Petition for Certification and declared that Sumifru was the employer of
the workers concerned on the basis of the four-fold test:
Selection and engagement of the employee - FBAC advised those who are interested to be hired in the
Packing Plant to become members first of CBPPWC and get a recommendation from it.
Payment of wages – the fact that workers are paid by A2Y Contracting Services is at best but an
administrative arrangement. The payroll summary submitted does not contain the relevant information
such as the employee's rate of pay, deductions made and the amount actually paid to the employee.
Power of dismissal - FBAC is the authority that imposes disciplinary measures against erring workers.
Power to control the employee's conduct - FBAC gives instructions to the workers on how to go about
their work is sufficient indication that it exercises control over their movements. The workers are
instructed as to what time they are supposed to report and what time they are supposed to return. They
62
were required to fill up monitoring sheets as they go about their jobs and even the materials which they
used in the packing plant were supplied by FBAC.
The workers are in truth and in fact the employees of the respondent and its attempt to seek refuge on
A2Y Contracting Services as the ostensible employer was nothing but an elaborate scheme to deprive
them their right to self-organization.
DOLE Secretary: Affirmed DOLE Med-Arbiter.
Campostela Coop is supplying workers to FBAC (now Sumifru). In fact, FBAC required its applicants to
become members of the cooperative first and seek recommendation from it before hiring them. Sumifru
failed to proffer evidence to prove that CBPPWC is duly registered under Department Order No. 18-02.
Also, it does not appear on record that CBPPWC possesses substantial capital or investment in relation
with the work or services that are being performed by its members and that the employees placed by
CBPPWC in Sumifru are performing activities distinct and independent from that of the main business
of Sumifru. As such, this Office is inclined to believe that CBPPWC is engaged in labor-only contracting
and the true employer of the subject workers is Sumifru.
The alleged partnership agreement between CBPPWC and A2Y is of no moment. It is well-settled that
mere allegation without evidence to prove the same is self-serving that should not be given weight in
any proceedings. Nonetheless, even if the alleged agreement indeed took place, the four-fold test in
determining the existence of an employer-employee relationship still points to Sumifru as the employer.
Sumifru's control over the subject employees is evident. The fact that the subject workers are required
by Sumifru to fill up monitoring sheets as they go about their jobs and the imposition of disciplinary
actions for non-compliance with the "No Helmet - No Entry and No ID - No Entry" policies prove that it
is indeed Sumifru, and not A2Y Contracting Services, that exercises control over the conduct of the
subject workers. 14
CA, Certiorari: No grave abuse of discretion on the part of the DOLE Secretary.
The records are replete with evidence which would not only show that SUMIFRU has control over the
results of the workers in PP 90 but also in the manners and methods of its accomplishment.
ISSUE:
W/N the CA committed palpable mistake in affirming the findings of the DOLE Secretary that Sumifru is
the employer of the workers engaged by the Campostela Coop and/or A2Y in packing plant 90.
HELD:
NO.
Sumifru's arguments raise questions of facts. The office of a petition for review on certiorari under Rule
45 of the Rules of Court requires that it shall raise only questions of law. The factual findings by quasi-
judicial agencies, such as the Department of Labor and Employment, when supported by substantial
evidence, are entitled to great respect in view of their expertise in their respective fields. Judicial review
of labor cases does not go so far as to evaluate the sufficiency of evidence on which the labor official's
findings rest. It is not our function to assess and evaluate all over again the evidence, testimonial and
documentary, adduced by the parties to an appeal, particularly where the findings of both the trial court
(here, the DOLE Secretary) and the appellate court on the matter coincide, as in this case at bar. The
Rule limits that function of the Court to the review or revision of errors of law and not to a second
analysis of the evidence. Here, petitioners would have us re-calibrate all over again the factual basis
and the probative value of the pieces of evidence submitted by the Company to the DOLE, contrary to
the provisions of Rule 45. Thus, absent any showing of whimsical or capricious exercise of judgment,
and unless lack of any basis for the conclusions made by the appellate court be amply demonstrated,
we may not disturb such factual findings.
As defined, substantial evidence is "that amount of relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept
as adequate to support a conclusion, even if other minds, equally reasonable, might conceivably opine
otherwise." Here, the Med-Arbiter decided based on documents submitted by the parties, and in
affirming the Med-Arbiter, the DOLE Secretary relied on the same documents submitted by the parties.
63
United Polyresins, Inc. vs. Pinuela, G.R. No. 209555, July 31, 2017
One liner: Union Officers cannot be removed from membership and thereafter terminated from
employment based on provisions on impeachment. No specific provisions on termination justify the
dismissal.
FACTS:
Petitioner United Polyresins, Inc. (UPI) is a registered domestic corporation. It employed respondent
Marcelino Pinuela in 1987. Pinuela became a member of the labor union, Polyresins Rank and File
Association (PORFA), and was elected president thereof in May 2005 and slated to serve until the end
of 2007.
In the CBA, the parties agreed that UPI shall grant to PORFA the amount of P300,000 free of interest as
the union’s capital for establishing a cooperative to meet the needs of its members. In the vent of non-
payment, all officers and members will be personally accountable. It likewise contained a union security
clause which provided that employees who ceases to be PORFA members in good standing by reason of
resignation or expulsion shall not be retained in the employ of UPI.
Upon his assumption as union President, Pinuela wrote the former union President Geofrey Cielo to turn
over the records, papers, documents and financial statements of the union. Cielo surrendered the union’s
bank account documents and financial report. Finding that the bank documents and Cielo’s report did
not match and Cielo’s failure to explain the discrepancies, the union’s executive committee, which was
headed by Pinuela, resolved to hire a certified public accountant to conduct an audit of the union’s
finances. Thereafter, it was concluded thar the union’s finances, income and disbursements for the years
2003 and 2004 were not properly documented and reported.
Meanwhile, during respondent's term as PORFA President, it appeared that UPI automatically deducted
from the respective salaries of PORFA members amounts representing union membership dues and loan
payments. These amounts, which totalled P2,402,533.43, were then regularly turned over by UPI to
PORFA in the form of fifty eight (58) crossed checks, made payable to PORFA. These amounts were then
deposited and credited to PORFA's account. Several days before the P300,000.00 loan by UPI to PORFA
became due, petitioners, respondent, and the other union officers met to discuss the proposed new
CBA. Thereat, petitioners told respondent that until the P300,000 is returned, the former shall not
discuss the proposed CBA.
Respondent explained that the union did not have the finances and had only P78,723.60, which was the
original amount turned over by Cielo to respondent when the latter assumed office as union President.
Petitioners then told respondent and the other union officers that if the amount is not returned, the
same will be deducted from the salaries of the union members.
The investigation centered on respondent's continued failure to account for the union's bank accounts,
documents, and deposits made during his incumbency, and his failure to formally turn over union's
papers to the new officers. After the meeting, respondent and the new officers proceeded to the bank,
where they discovered that the PORFA account had already been closed.
The new set of union officers issued a Resolution expelling respondent from PORFA. The officers held
that these violations constituted an infringement of the union's Constitution, particularly Article XV,
Section 1, paragraphs (e) and (f) thereof, which specifically prohibit the misappropriation of union funds
and property and give ground for the impeachment and recall of union officers.
In a letter to UPI, et al, PORFA communicated Pinuela’s expulsion from the union. UPI, et al issued a
letter of termination to Pinuela, to take effect immediately.
Pinuela filed a complaint against petitioners before the Labor Arbiter for illegal dismissal, with monetary
claims and damages.
LA Ruling: The Labor Arbiter dismissed the complaint on the finding that Pinuela was not illegally
dismissed. Respondent appealed before the NLRC.
64
NLRC Ruling: The NLRC initially overturned the decision. However, on motion for reconsideration, the
NLRC granted the mtion and rendered a new decision finding the complainant’s dismissal as valid.
Pinuela filed a petition for certiorari with the CA.
CA Ruling: The CA annulled and set aside the decision. It held that the submitted evidence before the
LA showed that the same was not enough to prove the alleged charges of misappropriation against
Pinuela and neither was he properly informed therof.
UPI, et al filed a Motion for reconsideration, which was denied by the CA. Hence, the instant petition.
ISSUES:
Whether or not a union officer can be expelled from membership based on provisions on impeachment.
RULING:
SC denied the petition. The impeachment provisions provide that the officers shall simply be removed,
impeached or recalled from office, but not expelled or stripped of union membership.
It was therefore error on the part of PORFA and UPI, et al to terminate Pinuela’s employment based on
Artice xv, Section 1, paragraphs (e) and (f) of the union’s Constitution. Such a ground does not
constitute just cause for termination. A review by the SC oof the PORFA’s Constitution itself revealed
that the inly provision authorizing removal from the union is found in Article X, Sec. 6, that is, on the
ground of “failure to pay union dues, special assessments, fines, and other mandatory charges.” Grounds
for disqualification from membership were also provided such as subversive or persons who profess
subversive ideas, persons who have been convicted of crime involving moral turpitude, and persons who
are not employees of the company.
Clearly, this provisions do not apply in Pinuela’s case. Although he was eventually charged with estafa,
still, he has not been convicted of the crime. Taking from this, the SC resolved that he may not be
disqualified as union member. This means that he cannot be penalized with expulsion from the union
since such is not authorized and provided for under PORFA’S constitution.
The union may not insist on expelling Pinuela from PORFA and assist in his dismissal from UPI without
just cause, since it is unfair labor practice for a labor organization to “cause or attempt to cause an
employer to discriminate against an employee, including discrimination against an employee with
respect to whom membership in such organization has been denied or terminate an employee on any
ground other than the usual terms and conditions under which membership or continuation of
membership is made available to other members.”
G.R. No. 207971, January 23, 2017ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT, Petitioner, v. ASIAN
INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT FACULTY ASSOCIATION, Respondent.
One liner: Management employees cannot be part of labor union as it violates Article 245 of LC and the
action to cancel labor union registration on the grounds that its members are management employees
satisfies Article 239 of the LC under “Misrepresentation “.
Facts:
Respondent Asian Institute of Management Faculty Association (AFA) is a labor organization composed
of members of the AIM faculty. Petitioner opposed the petition, claiming that respondent's members
are neither rank-and-file nor supervisory, but rather, managerial employees.
Med-Arbiter in DOLE Case No. NCR-OD-M-0705-007 issued an Order9 denying the petition for
certification election on the ground that AIM's faculty members are managerial employees
This Order was appealed by respondent before the Bureau of Labor Relations15 (BLR), which, in a
December 29, 2009 Decision,16 reversed the same and ordered respondent's retention in the roster of
legitimate labor organizations.
Petitioner filed a Petition for Certiorari before the CA,
65
AIM insists that the members of its tenure-track faculty are managerial employees, and therefore,
ineligible to join, assist or form a labor organization. It ascribes grave abuse of discretion on SOLE20
for its rash conclusion that the members of said tenure-track faculty are not managerial employees
solely because the faculty's actions are still subject to evaluation, review or final approval by the board
of trustees ("BOT"). AIM argues that the BOT does not manage the day-to-day affairs, nor the making
and implementing of policies of the Institute, as such functions are vested with the tenure-track faculty.
We agree
'ART. 212. Definitions. - x x x
(m) 'Managerial employee' is one who is vested with powers or prerogatives to lay down and execute
management policies and/or to hire, transfer, suspend, lay-off, recall, discharge, assign or discipline
employees. Supervisory employees are those who, in the interest of the employer, effectively
recommend such managerial actions if the exercise of such authority is not merely routinary or clerical
in nature but requires the use of independent judgment. All employees not falling within any of the
above definitions are considered rank-and-file employees for purposes of this Book.'
The Assailed Ruling of the Court of Appeals
TAKE NOTE 2 CASES REACHED CA 1st case ( favored employer ) 2nd case ( favored employee )
Meanwhile, relative to DOLE Case No. NCR-OD-0707-001-LRD or petitioner AIM's petition for
cancellation of respondent's certificate of registration filed in CA
The petition lacks merit
Article 239. Grounds for cancellation of union registration. The following may constitute grounds for
cancellation of union registration:chanRoblesvirtualLawlibrary
(a) Misrepresentation, false statement or fraud in connection with the adoption or ratification of the
constitution and by-laws or amendments thereto, the minutes of ratification, and the list of members
who took part in the ratification;chanrobleslaw
(b) Misrepresentation, false statements or fraud in connection with the election of officers, minutes of
the election of officers, and the list of voters;chanrobleslaw
(c) Voluntary dissolution by the members.
Article 238 of the Labor Code provides that the enumeration of the grounds for cancellation of union
registration, is exclusive; in other words, no other grounds for cancellation is acceptable, except for the
three (3) grounds stated
AIM did NOT allege any specific act of fraud or misrepresentation committed by AFA. What is clear is
that the Institute seeks the cancellation of the registration of AFA based on Article 245 of the Labor
Code on the ineligibility of managerial employees to form or join labor unions. Unfortunately for the
petitioner, even assuming that there is a violation of Article 245, such violation will not result in the
cancellation of the certificate of registration of a labor organization.
WHEREFORE, the Petition is hereby DENIED. The Decision and Resolution of public respondent Bureau
of Labor Relations in BLR-A-C-19-3-6-09 (NCR-OD-0707-001) are hereby AFFIRMED.
Issue
66
Petitioner claims that the CA seriously erred in affirming the dispositions of the BLR and thus validating
the respondent's certificate of registration notwithstanding the fact that its members are all managerial
employees who are disqualified from joining, assisting, or forming a labor organization.
SC RULING
In Holy Child Catholic School v. Hon. Sto, Tomas,30 this Court declared that "[i]n case of alleged
inclusion of disqualified employees in a union, the proper procedure for an employer like petitioner is to
directly file a petition for cancellation of the union's certificate of registration due to misrepresentation,
false statement or fraud under the circumstances enumerated in Article 239 of the Labor Code, as
amended."
On the basis of the ruling in the above-cited case, it can be said that petitioner was correct in filing a
petition tor cancellation of respondent's certificate of registration. Petitioner's sole ground for seeking
cancellation of respondent's certificate of registration - that its members are managerial employees and
for this reason, its registration is thus a patent nullity for being an absolute vio1ation of Article 245 of
the Labor Code which declares that managerial employees are ineligible to join any labor organization -
is, in a sense, an accusation that respondent is guilty of misrepresentation for registering under the
claim that its members are not managerial employees.
67
TOPIC 13: RIGHTS OF LEGITIMATE LABOR ORGANIZATION
SARMIENTO VS TUICO, G.R. NOS L-75271-73, June 27, 1988

FACTS:
Asian Transmission Corp (ATC) terminated the services of Catalino Sarmiento,VP of the Bisig ng Asian
Transmission Labor Union (BATU), for allegedly carrying a deadly weapon in the company premises.
BATU filed a notice of strike, claiming that ATC had committed an unfair labor practice. ATC, then, filed
a petition asking the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) to assume jurisdiction over the matter
or certify the same to NLRC for compulsory arbitration. MOLE issued an order certifying the labor dispute
to NLRC.
At the same time, it enjoined the management from locking out its employees and the union from
declaring a strike or similar concerted action. Proceedings could not continue in the NLRC, however,
because of the acceptance by Pres. Aquino of the resignations of 8 of its members, leaving only the
vice-chairman in office. MOLE set aside the previous orders and directly assumed jurisdiction of the
dispute, at the same time, enjoined the company to accept all returning workers. This order was later
set aside upon motion of both BATU and ATC in view of the appointment of new commissioners in NLRC.
MOLE then returned the cases to NLRC and directed it to expedite the resolution of all issues relating to
the dispute. Conformably, NLRC issued on Jan 13, 1987 a resolution, which it affirmed in its resolution
of Feb 12, denying the motion of reconsideration.
Three criminal complaints were filed against the workers, two by the personnel administrative officer of
ATC and the third by Philippine Constabulary. The first two complaints were for ―Violation of Art 265
par 1, in relation to Art 273 Labor Code. The third was for coercion. In all 3 complaints, the defendants
were charged with staging an illegal strike, barricading the gates of the ATC plant and preventing the
workers through intimidation, harassment and force from reporting for work.
Respondent Judge Orlando Tuico issued a warrant of arrest against the petitioners and committed 72 of
them to jail although he later ordered the release of 61 of them to the custody of the mayor of Calamba.
The petitioners had earlier moved for the lifting of the warrant of arrest and the referral of the coercion
charge to NLRC and later, for the dismissal of the criminal cases on the ground that they came under
the primary jurisdiction of the NLRC.
ISSUES:
1. Whether or not a return-to-work order may be validly issued by the National Labor Relations
Commission pending determination of the legality of the strike; and
2. Whether or not, pending such determination, the criminal prosecution of certain persons involved in
the said strike may be validly restrained.
HELD:
The authority for the order is found in Art 264(g) Labor Code, as amended by BP blg. 227, which
provides:
When in his opinion there exists a labor dispute causing or likely to cause strikes or lockouts
adversely affecting the national interest, such as may occur in but not limited to public utilities,
companies engaged in the generation or distribution of energy, banks, hospitals, and export
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oriented industries, including those within export processing zones, The Minister of Labor and
Employment shall assume jurisdiction over the dispute and decide it or certify the same to the
commission for compulsory arbitration. Such assumption or certification shall have the effect of
automatically enjoining the intended or impending strike or lockout as specified in the
assumption order. If one has already taken place at the time of assumption or certification, all
striking our locked out employees shall immediately resume operations and readmit all workers
under the same terms and conditions prevailing before the strike or lockout. The minister may
seek the assistance of law-enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with this provision as
well as such orders as he may issue to enforce the same.
There can be no question that MOLE acted correctly in certifying labor dispute to NLRC, given the
predictable prejudice the strike might cause not only to the parties but more especially to the national
interest. Thus, the return to work order was equally valid as a statutory part and part of the certification
order issued by MOLE on Nov 24, 1986. The challenged order of NLRC was actually only an
implementation of the above provision of the Labor Code and a reiteration of the directive earlier issued
by MOLE in its own assumption order of Sept 9, 1986.
It must be stressed that while one purpose of the return to work order is to protect the workers who
might otherwise be locked out by the employer for threatening or waging the strike, the more important
reason is to prevent impairment of the national interest in case the operations of the company are
disrupted by a refusal of the strikers to return to work as directed. More particularly, it is the national
economy that will suffer because of the resultant reduction in our export earnings and our dollar
reserves, not to mention possible cancellation of contracts of the company with foreign investors.
It is also to emphasize that the return to work order not so much confers a right as it imposes a duty;
and while as a right it may be waived, it must be discharged as a duty even against the worker‘s will.
Returning to work in this situation is not a matter of option but of obligation. The suspension of
proceedings in the criminal complaints filed is justified on the ground of prematurity as there is no
question that the acts complained of are connected with the compulsory arbitration proceedings still
pending in NLRC.
The 3 criminal cases should be suspended until the completion of the compulsory arbitration proceedings
in the NLRC, conformably to the policy embodied in Circular no.15, series of 1982 and Circular no. 9,
series of 1986, issued by the Ministry of Justice in connection with the implementation of BP 227. These
circulars require fiscals and other government prosecutors to first secure clearance of MOLE and/or
Office of the President before taking cognizance of complaints for preliminary investigation and filing in
court of the corresponding informations of cases arising out of or related to a labor dispute, including
allegations of violence, coercion, physical injuries, assault upon a person in authority and other similar
acts of intimidation, obstructing the free ingress to and egress from a factory or place of operation of
the machines of such factory, or the employer‘s premises.
It does not appear from the record that such clearance was obtained, conformably to the procedure laid
down to attain the industrial peace which is the primordial objects of this law.
Accordingly, the Court holds that the return-to-work order should benefit only those workers who
complied therewith and, regardless of the outcome of the compulsory arbitration proceedings, are
entitled to be paid for work they have actually performed. Conversely, those workers who refused to
obey the said order and instead waged the restrained strike are not entitled to be paid for work not
done or to reinstatement to the positions they have abandoned by their refusal to return thereto as
ordered.
WHEREFORE, judgment is hereby rendered as follows: 1. In G.R. No. 77567, the petition is
DENIED and the challenged Orders of the NLRC dated January 13, 1986, and February 12, 1986, are
AFFIRMED as above interpreted. The temporary restraining order dated March 23, 1987, is LIFTED.
2. In G.R. Nos. 75271-73, the temporary restraining order of August 12,1986, and September
21, 1986, are CONTINUED IN FORCE until completion of the compulsory arbitration proceedings in the
NLRC.
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RIVERA VS.ESPIRITU, G.R. NO. 135547, JANUARY 23, 2002
Facts:
On June 5, 1998, PAL pilots affiliated with the Airline Pilots Association of the Philippines (ALPAP) went
on a three-week strike, causing serious losses to the financially beleaguered flag carrier. As a result,
PAL’s financial situation went from bad to worse. Faced with bankruptcy, PAL adopted a rehabilitation
plan and downsized its labor force by more than one-third.
On July 22, 1998, PALEA went on strike to protest the retrenchment measures adopted by the airline,
which affected 1,899 union members. The strike ended four days later, when PAL and PALEA agreed to
a more systematic reduction in PAL’s work force and the payment of separation benefits to all retrenched
employees.
On August 28, 1998, then President Estrada issued Administrative Order No. 16 creating an Inter-
Agency Task Force (Task Force) to address the problems of the ailing flag carrier. The Task Force was
composed of the Departments of Finance, Labor and Employment, Foreign Affairs, Transportation and
Communication, and Tourism, together with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It was
“empowered to summon all parties concerned for conciliation, mediation (for) the purpose of arriving at
a total and complete solution of the problem.” Conciliation meetings were then held between PAL
management and the three unions representing the airline’s employees, with the Task Force as
mediator.
PAL management submitted to the Task Force an offer by private respondent Lucio Tan, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of PAL, of a plan to transfer shares of stock to its employees. The pertinent
portion of said plan, apart from transferring shares of stocks of the company to employees reads that:
xxx
3. In order for PAL to attain (a) degree of normalcy while we are tackling its problems, we would request
for a suspension of the Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) for 10 years.
This offer was rejected by the members of PALEA, a duly organized registered union of PAL. After a few
more negotiations, and mounting pressure on the worker’s due to PAL’s imminent closure, the following
was agreed upon and further ratified by PALEA and PAL:
“x x x
4. To assure investors and creditors of industrial peace, PALEA agrees, subject to the ratification by the
general membership, (to) the suspension of the PAL-PALEA CBA for a period of ten (10) years, provided
the following safeguards are in place:
a. PAL shall continue recognizing PALEA as the duly certified bargaining agent of the regular rank-and-
file ground employees of the Company;
b. The ‘union shop/maintenance of membership’ provision under the PAL-PALEA CBA shall be respected.
x x x.”
Seven officers and members of PALEA filed a petition to annul the agreement entered into between PAL
and PALEA on the ground that it violates the constitutional rights of employees to self-organization and
collective bargaining, being founded on public policy, may not be waived, nor waiver, ratified.
Issue:
Whether or not the PAL-PALEA agreement, stipulating the suspension of the PAL-PALEA CBA
unconstitutional and contrary to public policy.
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Ruling:
The SC held that the agreement is both constitutional and in consonance with public policy.
Petitioners claim the agreement’s unconstitutionality saying that violates the worker’s right to self-
organization and collective bargaining hence violating the “protection to labor” policy laid down by the
Constitution:
ART. 253-A. Terms of a Collective Bargaining Agreement. – Any Collective Bargaining Agreement that
the parties may enter into shall, insofar as the representation aspect is concerned, be for a term of five
(5) years.x x x All other provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement shall be renegotiated not
later than three (3) years after its execution.
Under this provision, insofar as representation is concerned, a CBA has a term of five years, while the
other provisions, except for representation, may be negotiated not later than three years after the
execution. Petitioners submit by agreeing to a 10-year suspension, PALEA, in effect, abdicated the
workers’ constitutional right to bargain for another CBA at the mandated time. This argument is devoid
of merit.
A CBA is “a contract executed upon request of either the employer or the exclusive bargaining
representative incorporating the agreement reached after negotiations with respect to wages, hours of
work and all other terms and conditions of employment, including proposals for adjusting any grievances
or questions arising under such agreement.”
The assailed PAL-PALEA agreement was the result of voluntary collective bargaining negotiations
undertaken in the light of the severe financial situation faced by the employer, with the peculiar and
unique intention of not merely promoting industrial peace at PAL, but preventing the latter’s closure.
The primary purpose of a CBA is the stabilization of labor-management relations in order to create a
climate of a sound and stable industrial peace.
The SC found no conflict between said agreement and Article 253-A of the Labor Code. Article 253-A
has a two-fold purpose. One is to promote industrial stability and predictability. Inasmuch as the
agreement sought to promote industrial peace at PAL during its rehabilitation, said agreement satisfies
the first purpose of Article 253-A. The other is to assign specific timetables wherein negotiations become
a matter of right and requirement. Nothing in Article 253-A, prohibits the parties from waiving or
suspending the mandatory timetables and agreeing on the remedies to enforce the same.
In the instant case, it was PALEA, as the exclusive bargaining agent of PAL’s ground employees, that
voluntarily entered into the CBA with PAL and opted for the 10-year suspension of the CBA. Either case
it was the union’s exercise of its right to collective bargaining. The right to free collective bargaining,
after all, includes the right to suspend it.
Petitioners further allege that the 10-year suspension of the CBA under the PAL-PALEA agreement
virtually installed PALEA as a company union for said period, amounting to unfair labor practice.
The questioned proviso of the agreement reads:

a. PAL shall continue recognizing PALEA as the duly certified-bargaining agent of the regular rank-and-
file ground employees of the Company;
The aforesaid provision clearly only shows the intent of the parties to maintain “union security” during
the period of the suspension of the CBA. Its objective is to assure the continued existence of PALEA
during the said period. We are unable to declare the objective of union security an unfair labor practice.
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It is State policy to promote unionism to enable workers to negotiate with management on an even
playing field and with more persuasiveness than if they were to individually and separately bargain with
the employer. For this reason, the law has allowed stipulations for “union shop” and “closed shop” as
means of encouraging workers to join and support the union of their choice in the protection of their
rights and interests vis-à-vis the employer.
Petitioners’ contention that the agreement installs PALEA as a virtual company union is also untenable.
Under Article 248 (d) of the Labor Code, a company union exists when the employer acts “[t]o initiate,
dominate, assist or otherwise interfere with the formation or administration of any labor organization,
including the giving of financial or other support to it or its organizers or supporters.” The case records
are bare of any showing of such acts by PAL.
We also do not agree that the agreement violates the five-year representation limit mandated by Article
253-A. Under said article, the representation limit for the exclusive bargaining agent applies only when
there is an extant CBA in full force and effect. In the instant case, the parties agreed to suspend the
CBA and put in abeyance the limit on the representation period.
In sum, we are of the view that the PAL-PALEA agreement dated September 27, 1998, is a valid exercise
of the freedom to contract. Under the principle of inviolability of contracts guaranteed by the
Constitution, the contract must be upheld.
Petition is dismissed.
MANILA DIAMOND HOTEL EMPLOYEES UNION VS.COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. NO. 140518,
DECEMBER 16, 2004
Facts:
On November 11, 1996, Petitioner union filed a petition for a certification election so that it may be
declared the exclusive bargaining representative of the Hotel’s employees for the purpose of collective
bargaining. The petition was dismissed by the DOLE on January 15, 1997. After a few months, however,
on August 25, 1997, petitioner union sent a letter to the Hotel informing it of its desire to negotiate for
a collective bargaining agreement. In reply, respondent hotel write to the union stating that the Hotel
cannot recognize it as the employees’ bargaining agent since its petition for certification election had
been earlier dismissed by the DOLE. On that same day, the Hotel received a letter from the Union stating
that they were not giving the Hotel a notice to bargain, but that they were merely asking for the Hotel
to engage in collective bargaining negotiations with the Union for its members only and not for all the
rank and file employees of the Hotel.
On September 18, 1997, the Union announced that it was taking a strike vote. A Notice of Strike was
thereafter filed on September 29, 1997, with the NCMB for the Hotel’s alleged “refusal to bargain” and
for alleged acts of unfair labor practice. The NCMB summoned both parties and held a series of
dialogues, the first of which was on October 6, 1997. On November 29, 1997, however, the Union staged
a strike against the Hotel. Numerous confrontations between the two parties followed, creating an
obvious strain between them. The Hotel claims that the strike was illegal and it had to dismiss some
employees for their participation in the allegedly illegal concerted activity. The Union, on the other
hand, accused the Hotel of illegally dismissing the workers.
The SOLE then assumed jurisdiction over the labor dispute, and issued an order certifying the same to
the NLRC for compulsory arbitration. The striking officers and members of the union were also directed
to return to work and the Hotel to accept them back under the same terms and conditions prevailing
prior to the strike. The parties are enjoined from committing any act that may exacerbate the situation.
The union members reported for work the day after in received the order but the Hotel refused to accept
the returning workers and instead filed a Motion for Reconsideration of the SOLE’s Order.
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Thereafter, the SOLE issued another order modifying the order earlier issued. Instead of an actual return
to work, the SOLE directed that the strikers be reinstated only in the payroll. The Union moved for the
reconsideration of this Order, but its motion was denied. On appeal, the CA affirmed the order of the
SOLE for payroll reinstatement. The CA held that the challenged order is merely an error of judgment
and not a grave abuse of discretion and that payroll reinstatement is not prohibited by law, but may be
“called for” under certain circumstances.
Issue:
Whether or not the order of the SOLE for payroll reinstatement is “called for the circumstance” of this
case.
Ruling:
The SC held that there is no showing that the facts called for payroll reinstatement as an alternative
remedy. A strained relationship between the striking employees and management is no reason for
payroll reinstatement in lieu of actual reinstatement. Petitioner correctly points out that labor disputes
naturally involve strained relations between labor and management, and that in most strikes, the
relations between the strikers and the non-strikers will similarly be tense. Bitter labor disputes always
leave an aftermath of strong emotions and unpleasant situations. Nevertheless, the government must
still perform its function and apply the law, especially if, as in this case, national interest is involved.
As a general rule, the State encourages an environment wherein employers and employees themselves
must deal with their problems in a manner that mutually suits them best. This is the basic policy
embodied in Article XIII, Section 3 of the Constitution, which was further echoed in Article 211 of the
Labor Code. Hence, a voluntary, instead of compulsory, mode of dispute settlement is the general rule.
However, Article 263, paragraph (g) of the Labor Code, which allows the Secretary of Labor to assume
jurisdiction over a labor dispute involving an industry indispensable to the national interest, provides an
exception:
(g) When, in his opinion, there exists a labor dispute causing or likely to cause a strike or lockout in
an industry indispensable to the national interest, the Secretary of Labor and Employment may assume
jurisdiction over the dispute and decide it or certify the same to the Commission for compulsory
arbitration. Such assumption or certification shall have the effect of automatically enjoining the intended
or impending strike or lockout as specified in the assumption or certification order. If one has already
taken place at the time of assumption or certification, all striking or locked out employees shall
immediately return to work and the employer shall immediately resume operations and readmit all
workers under the same terms and conditions prevailing before the strike or lockout. x x x
This provision is viewed as an exercise of the police power of the State. A prolonged strike or lockout
can be inimical to the national economy and, therefore, the situation is imbued with public necessity
and involves the right of the State and the public to self-protection.
Under Article 263(g), all workers must immediately return to work and all employers must readmit all
of them under the same terms and conditions prevailing before the strike or lockout. This Court must
point out that the law uses the precise phrase of “under the same terms and conditions,” revealing that
it contemplates only actual reinstatement. This is in keeping with the rationale that any work stoppage
or slowdown in that particular industry can be inimical to the national economy. It is clear that Article
263(g) was not written to protect labor from the excesses of management, nor was it written to ease
management from expenses, which it normally incurs during a work stoppage or slowdown. It was an
error on the part of the Court of Appeals to view the assumption order of the Secretary as a measure
to protect the striking workers from any retaliatory action from the Hotel. This Court reiterates that this
law was written as a means to be used by the State to protect itself from an emergency or crisis. It is
not for labor, nor is it for management.
73
It is, therefore, evident from the foregoing that the Secretary’s subsequent order for mere payroll
reinstatement constitutes grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction. Indeed,
this Court has always recognized the “great breadth of discretion” by the Secretary once he assumes
jurisdiction over a labor dispute. However, payroll reinstatement in lieu of actual reinstatement is a
departure from the rule in these cases and there must be showing of special circumstances rendering
actual reinstatement impracticable, as in the UST case aforementioned, or otherwise not conducive to
attaining the purpose of the law in providing for assumption of jurisdiction by the Secretary of Labor
and Employment in a labor dispute that affects the national interest. None appears to have been
established in this case. Even in the exercise of his discretion under Article 236(g), the Secretary must
always keep in mind the purpose of the law. Time and again, this Court has held that when an official
by-passes the law on the asserted ground of attaining a laudable objective, the same will not be
maintained if the intendment or purpose of the law would be defeated.
Petition is granted.
UNIVERSITY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPCION VS.SEC. OF LABOR, G.R. NO. 151379, JANUARY

14, 2005
Facts:
During the negotiations for the CBA between petitioner school and its union, one item was left unresolved
and this was the inclusion or exclusion of the following positions in the scope of the bargaining unit:
(a) Secretaries
(b) Registrars
(c) Accounting Personnel
(d) Guidance Counselors
This matter was submitted for voluntary arbitration. The panel of voluntary arbitrators rendered a
decision excluding the above-mentioned secretaries, registrars, chief of the accounting department,
cashiers and guidance counselors from the coverage of the bargaining unit, while included the
accounting clerks and the accounting staff member in the bargaining unit. The union moved for the
reconsideration of the above decision. Pending, however, the resolution of its motion, it filed a notice of
strike with the NCMB on the grounds of bargaining deadlock and unfair labor practice. During the thirty
(30) day cooling-off period, two union members were dismissed by petitioner. Consequently, the union
went on strike. Thereafter, the SOLE issued an order assuming jurisdiction over the labor dispute, and
all workers were directed to return to work within twenty-four (24) hours upon receipt of this Order and
for Management to accept them back under the same terms and conditions prevailing prior to the strike.
Parties were further directed to cease and desist from committing any or all acts that might exacerbate
the situation. Parties were also directed to submit their respective position papers.
Anent the motion for reconsideration filed by the union, the panel of voluntary arbitrators denied the
same. Petitioner school then furnished copies of the panel’s denial of the motion for reconsideration and
the Decision to the individual respondents. Thereafter, the petitioner school gave the abovementioned
individual respondents two choices: to resign from the union and remain employed as confidential
employees or resign from their confidential positions and remain members of the union. The petitioner
school relayed to these employees that they could not remain as confidential employees and at the
same time as members or officers of the Union. However, the individual respondents remained steadfast
in their claim that they could still retain their confidential positions while being members or officers of
the Union. Hence, the petitioner school sent notices of termination to the individual respondents.
74
The union then filed another notice of strike, this time citing as a reason the petitioner school’s
termination of the individual respondents. The union alleged that the school’s act of terminating the
individual respondents is in violation of the Order of the SOLE. The SOLE issued another Order
reiterating the directives contained in the earlier Order. The SOLE also stated therein that the effects
of the termination from employment of these individual respondents be suspended pending the
determination of the legality thereof. Hence, the school was directed to reinstate the individual
respondents under the same terms and conditions prevailing prior to the labor dispute.
The school, thereafter, moved to reconsider the aforesaid 2 nd order of the SOLE. It argued that the
SOLE’s Order directing the reinstatement of the individual respondents would render nugatory the
decision of the panel of voluntary arbitrators to exclude them from the collective bargaining unit.
However, the school’s motion was denied by the SOLE, wherein the latter declared that the decision of
the panel of voluntary arbitrators to exclude the individual respondents from the collective bargaining
unit did not authorize the school to terminate their employment. With its 2 nd MR denied, the school filed
another which made the SOLE modify the two previous orders. The 3 rd order of the SOLE directed the
school to place the 12 terminated employees under payroll reinstatement until the validity of their
termination is finally resolved.
On appeal, the CA dismissed the petition of the school for lack of merit and likewise denied its MR.
Hence, this petition.
The school contends that the Secretary cannot take cognizance of an issue involving employees who
are not part of the bargaining unit. It insists that since the individual respondents had already been
excluded from the bargaining unit by a final and executory order by the panel of voluntary arbitrators,
then they cannot be covered by the Secretary’s assumption order.
Issues:
1. Whether or not the SOLE can take cognizance of an issue involving employees who are not part
of the bargaining unit.
2. Whether or not the order of the SOLE for payroll reinstatement is “called for the circumstance”
of this case.
Ruling:
1. The SC held that the contention of the school is incorrect. Although the SC it recognizes the exercise
of management prerogatives and it often declines to interfere with the legitimate business decisions of
the employer, this privilege is not absolute, but subject to exceptions. One of these exceptions is when
the Secretary of Labor assumes jurisdiction over labor disputes involving industries indispensable to the
national interest under Article 263(g) of the Labor Code, which states:
(g) When, in his opinion, there exists a labor dispute causing or likely to cause a strike or lockout in an
industry indispensable to the national interest, the Secretary of Labor and Employment may assume
workers under the same terms and conditions prevailing before the strike or lockout. x x x
When the Secretary of Labor ordered the school to suspend the effect of the termination of the individual
respondents, the Secretary did not exceed her jurisdiction, nor did the Secretary gravely abuse the
same. It must be pointed out that one of the substantive evils which Article 263(g) of the Labor Code
seeks to curb is the exacerbation of a labor dispute to the further detriment of the national interest.
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The University’s act of suspending and terminating union members and the Union’s act of filing another
Notice of Strike after this Office has assumed jurisdiction are certainly in conflict with the status quo
ante. By any standards, these acts will not in any way help in the early resolution of the labor dispute.
It is clear that the actions of both parties merely served to complicate and aggravate the already strained
labor-management relations.
Indeed, it is clear that the act of the school of dismissing the individual respondents from their
employment became the impetus for the union to declare a second notice of strike. It is not a question
anymore of whether or not the terminated employees, the individual respondents herein, are part of the
bargaining unit. Any act committed during the pendency of the dispute that tends to give rise to further
contentious issues or increase the tensions between the parties should be considered an act of
exacerbation and should not be allowed.
2. The SC held that the order of the SOLE for payroll reinstatement is “called for the circumstance” of
this case.
Article 263(g) of the Labor Code states that all workers must immediately return to work and all
employers must readmit all of them under the same terms and conditions prevailing before the strike
or lockout. The phrase “under the same terms and conditions” makes it clear that the norm is actual
reinstatement. This is consistent with the idea that any work stoppage or slowdown in that particular
industry can be detrimental to the national interest. As an exception to the rule, payroll reinstatement
must rest on special circumstances that render actual reinstatement impracticable or otherwise not
conducive to attaining the purposes of the law.
The “superseding circumstances” mentioned by the SOLE no doubt refer to the final decision of the panel
of arbitrators as to the confidential nature of the positions of the twelve private respondents, thereby
rendering their actual and physical reinstatement impracticable and more likely to exacerbate the
situation. The payroll reinstatement in lieu of actual reinstatement ordered in these cases, therefore,
appears justified as an exception to the rule until the validity of their termination is finally resolved.
This Court sees no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the SOLE in ordering the same.
The decision of the CA is affirmed
CAPITOL MEDICAL CENTER VS.NLRC, G.R. NO. 147080, APRIL 26, 2005
Facts: After the respondent union was able to get a Supreme Court decision dismissing its rival union’s
petition for certification election was dismissed and ordering petitioner company to negotiate a CBA with
respondent union as the certified bargaining agent of the rank-and-file employees, said union requested
for a meeting with the petitioner company to discuss matters pertaining to a negotiation for a CBA,
conformably with the decision of the Court.
However, petitioner company rejected the proposed meeting, on the claim that it was a violation of
Republic Act No. 6713 and that the Union was not a legitimate one. Petitioner company also filed a
Petition for the Cancellation of the Union’s Certificate of Registration with the DOLE on the ground that
the union failed for several years to submit financial statements as required by law, and the union was
engaged in a strike which has been declared illegal by the NLRC. Apparently unaware of the petition,
the Union reiterated its proposal for CBA negotiations but to no avail. Instead of filing a motion with the
SOLE for the enforcement of the SC decision, the union filed a Notice of Strike with the NCMB on the
grounds of refusal to bargain, coercion on employees and interference/restraint to self-organization.
After a series of fruitless conferences before the NCMB, petitioner company filed a letter with the NCMB
requesting that the Notice of Strike be dismissed because the union failed to furnish the agency with a
76
copy of a notice of meeting where the strike vote was conducted. Thereafter, the Union submitted to
the NCMB the minutes of the alleged strike vote purportedly held on November 10, 1997 at the parking
lot in front of the petitioner’s premises, at the corner of Scout Magbanua Street and Panay Avenue,
Quezon City. It appears that 178 out of the 300 union members participated therein, and the results
were as follows: 156 members voted to strike; 14 members cast negative votes; and eight votes were
spoiled.
On November 28, 1997, the officers and members of the Union staged a strike. Subsequently, on
December 1, 1997, the Union filed an ex parte motion with the DOLE, praying for its assumption of
jurisdiction over the dispute. The Union likewise prayed for the imposition of appropriate legal sanctions,
not limited to contempt and other penalties, against the hospital director/president and other
responsible corporate officers for their continuous refusal, in bad faith, to bargain collectively with the
Union, to adjudge the same hospital director/president and other corporate officers guilty of unfair labor
practices, and for other just, equitable and expeditious reliefs in the premises. The SOLE then assumed
jurisdiction over the labor dispute and directed all striking workers to return to work within 24 hours
and the management to resume normal operations and accept back all striking workers under the same
terms and conditions prevailing before the strike. Further, parties are directed to cease and desist from
committing any act that may exacerbate the situation; and for both parties to submit their respective
proposals for the CBA.
In obedience to the order of the SOLE, the officers and members of the Union stopped their strike and
returned to work. For its part, the petitioner filed a petition to declare the strike illegal with the NLRC
where it appended affidavits of a number of persons who where in at the corner of Scout Magbanua
Street and Panay Avenue, Quezon City on November 10, 1997, and attested that no secret balloting
took place in the said premises. Another also attested that his signature was forged while others declared
that they were not union members yet their signatures were included in the strike vote attendance. In
their position paper, the respondents appended the joint affidavit of the Union president and those
members who alleged that they had cast their votes during the strike vote held on November 10, 1997.
In the meantime, the Regional Director of the DOLE denied the petition of petitioner for the cancellation
of the respondent Union’s certificate of registration. As to the petition of petitioner to declare the union’s
striker illegal, the Labor Arbiter ruled in the affirmative and held that the strike staged by respondent
union was illegal and subsequently, the union officers lost their employment status with petitioner. The
Labor Arbiter ruled that no voting had taken place on November 10, 1997; moreover, no notice of such
voting was furnished to the NCMB at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to the intended holding of the
strike vote.
On appeal, the NLRC reversed the ruling of the LA and petitioner’s MR was likewise denied. Petitioner
elevated its cause to the CA which in turn dismissed the petition and affirmed the ruling of the NLRC.
Hence, this petition.
The petitioner asserts that the NLRC and the CA erred in holding that the submission of a notice of a
strike vote to the Regional Branch of the NCMB as required by Section 7, Rule XXII of the Omnibus Rules
Implementing the Labor Code, is merely directory and not mandatory. The use of the word “shall” in
the rules, the petitioner avers, indubitably indicates the mandatory nature of the respondent Union’s
duty to submit the said notice of strike vote.
Issue: Whether or not the strike staged by the union was legal.
Ruling: The SC held that the strike staged by the union was illegal.
The respondent Union failed to comply with the second paragraph of Section 10, Rule XXII of the
Omnibus Rules of the NLRC which reads:
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Section 10.Strike or lockout vote. – A decision to declare a strike must be approved by a majority of the
total union membership in the bargaining unit concerned obtained by secret ballot in meetings or
referenda called for the purpose. A decision to declare a lockout must be approved by a majority of the
Board of Directors of the employer, corporation or association or the partners obtained by a secret ballot
in a meeting called for the purpose.
The regional branch of the Board may, at its own initiative or upon the request of any affected party,
supervise the conduct of the secret balloting. In every case, the union or the employer shall furnish the
regional branch of the Board and notice of meetings referred to in the preceding paragraph at least
twenty-four (24) hours before such meetings as well as the results of the voting at least seven (7) days
before the intended strike or lockout, subject to the cooling-off period provided in this Rule.
Although the second paragraph of Section 10 of the said Rule is not provided in the Labor Code of the
Philippines, nevertheless, the same was incorporated in the Omnibus Rules Implementing the Labor
Code and has the force and effect of law.
Aside from the mandatory notices embedded in Article 263, paragraphs (c) and (f) of the Labor Code,
a union intending to stage a strike is mandated to notify the NCMB of the meeting for the conduct of
strike vote, at least twenty-four (24) hours prior to such meeting. Unless the NCMB is notified of the
date, place and time of the meeting of the union members for the conduct of a strike vote, the NCMB
would be unable to supervise the holding of the same, if and when it decides to exercise its power of
supervision. In National Federation of Labor v. NLRC, the Court enumerated the notices required by
Article 263 of the Labor Code and the Implementing Rules, which include the 24-hour prior notice to the
NCMB:
1) A notice of strike, with the required contents, should be filed with the DOLE, specifically the
Regional Branch of the NCMB, copy furnished the employer of the union;
2) A cooling-off period must be observed between the filing of notice and the actual execution of the
strike thirty (30) days in case of bargaining deadlock and fifteen (15) days in case of unfair labor
practice. However, in the case of union busting where the union’s existence is threatened, the cooling-
off period need not be observed.
…
4) Before a strike is actually commenced, a strike vote should be taken by secret balloting, with a
24-hour prior notice to NCMB. The decision to declare a strike requires the secret-ballot approval of
majority of the total union membership in the bargaining unit concerned.
5) The result of the strike vote should be reported to the NCMB at least seven (7) days before the
intended strike or lockout, subject to the cooling-off period.
A union is mandated to notify the NCMB of an impending dispute in a particular bargaining unit via a
notice of strike. Thereafter, the NCMB, through its conciliator-mediators, shall call the parties to a
conference at the soonest possible time in order to actively assist them in exploring all possibilities for
amicable settlement. In the event of the failure in the conciliation/mediation proceedings, the parties
shall be encouraged to submit their dispute for voluntary arbitration. However, if the parties refuse,
the union may hold a strike vote, and if the requisite number of votes is obtained, a strike may ensue.
The purpose of the strike vote is to ensure that the decision to strike broadly rests with the majority of
the union members in general and not with a mere minority, and at the same time, discourage wildcat
strikes, union bossism and even corruption. A strike vote report submitted to the NCMB at least seven
days prior to the intended date of strike ensures that a strike vote was, indeed, taken. In the event
that the report is false, the seven-day period affords the members an opportunity to take the appropriate
remedy before it is too late. The 15 to 30 day cooling-off period is designed to afford the parties the
opportunity to amicably resolve the dispute with the assistance of the NCMB conciliator/mediator, while
the seven-day strike ban is intended to give the DOLE an opportunity to verify whether the projected
strike really carries the imprimatur of the majority of the union members.
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The requirement of giving notice of the conduct of a strike vote to the NCMB at least 24 hours before
the meeting for the said purpose is designed to (a) inform the NCMB of the intent of the union to conduct
a strike vote; (b) give the NCMB ample time to decide on whether or not there is a need to supervise
the conduct of the strike vote to prevent any acts of violence and/or irregularities attendant thereto;
and (c) should the NCMB decide on its own initiative or upon the request of an interested party including
the employer, to supervise the strike vote, to give it ample time to prepare for the deployment of the
requisite personnel, including peace officers if need be. Unless and until the NCMB is notified at least
24 hours of the union’s decision to conduct a strike vote, and the date, place, and time thereof, the
NCMB cannot determine for itself whether to supervise a strike vote meeting or not and insure its
peaceful and regular conduct. The failure of a union to comply with the requirement of the giving of
notice to the NCMB at least 24 hours prior to the holding of a strike vote meeting will render the
subsequent strike staged by the union illegal.
LIGHT RAILWAY TRANSIT VS. VENUS, JR., G.R. NO. 163782, MARCH 24, 2006
Facts:
Petitioner LTRA, a government corporation, constructed a light rail transit system from Monumento in
Kalookan City to Baclaran in Parañaque, Metro Manila. LTRA then, contracted petitioner METRO to
operate and manage the Metro manila Light Rail Transit System. METRO then hired its own employees
including herein private respondents. Petitioner METRO thereafter entered into a 10-year CBA with
Pinag-isang Lakas ng Manggagawa sa METRO, Inc. – National Federation of Labor, otherwise known as
PIGLAS-METRO, INC. – NFL – KMU (Union), the certified exclusive collective bargaining representative
of the rank-and-file employees of petitioner METRO.
However, in 1989, LTRA purchased the shares of stocks in petitioner METRO. LTRA and METRO continued
with their distinct and separate juridical personalities. Hence, when the CBA expired, they renewed the
same, initially on a yearly basis, and subsequently on a monthly basis.
In July 2000, the union filed a Notice of Strike with the NCMB against METRO on account of a deadlock
in the CBA. On the same day, the Union struck. The power supply switches in the different light rail
transit substations were turned off. The members of the Union picketed the various substations. They
completely paralyzed the operations of the entire light rail transit system. As the strike adversely
affected the mobility of the commuting public, the SOLE issued on that same day an assumption of
jurisdiction order directing all the striking employees “to return to work immediately upon receipt of this
Order and for the Company to accept them back under the same terms and conditions of employment
prevailing prior to the strike.” The SOLE’s order of assumption of jurisdiction was personally served on
the Union through its members and officers, but the latter refused to receive the same. The sheriffs
thus posted the Order in the different stations/terminals of the light rail transit system. Further, the
Order of assumption of jurisdiction was published in newspapers. Despite the issuance, posting, and
publication of the assumption of jurisdiction and return to work order, the Union officers and members,
including herein private respondent workers, failed to return to work. Thus, private respondents were
considered dismissed from employment.
In the meantime, the Agreement for the Management and Operation of the Metro Manila Light Rail
Transit System between petitioners LRTA and METRO expired. The Board of Directors of petitioner LRTA
decided not to renew the contract with petitioner METRO and directed the LRTA management instead to
immediately take over the management and operation of the light rail transit system to avert the mass
transportation crisis.
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Private respondents then filed a complaint for illegal dismissal before NLRC and impleaded both
petitioners LRTA and METRO. The LA ruled in favor of the private respondents and held that they were
illegally dismissed. On appeal, the NLRC found that the striking workers failed to heed the return to
work order and reversed and set aside the decision of the labor arbiter. The suit against LRTA was
dismissed since “LRTA is a government-owned and controlled corporation created by virtue of Executive
Order No. 603 with an original charter”10 and “it had no participation whatsoever with the termination
of complainants’ employment. The private respondents’ MR was also denied by the NLRC.
Issue: Whether or not private respondents were illegally dismissed.
Ruling: The SC held that private respondents were not illegally dismissed.
In the instant case, private respondent workers could not have defied the return-to-work order of the
SOLE simply because they were dismissed immediately, even before they could obey the said order.
The records show that the assumption of jurisdiction and return-to-work order was issued by the SOLE
on July 25, 2000. The said order was served and posted by the sheriffs of the Department of Labor and
Employment the following day, on July 26, 2000. Further, the said order of assumption of jurisdiction
was duly published on July 27, 2000, in the Philippine Daily Inquirer and the Philippine Star. On the
same day also, on July 27, 2000, private respondent workers were dismissed. Neither could they be
considered as having abandoned their work. If petitioner METRO did not dismiss the strikers right away,
and instead accepted them back to work, the management agreement between petitioners LRTA and
METRO could still have been extended and the workers would still have had work to return to. Thus
petitioner METRO is guilty of illegal dismissal.
Decision of the CA is affirmed.
SUKHOTAI CUISINE & RESTAURANT VS.COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. NO. 150437, JULY 17,
2006
Facts: Sometime in March 1998, the majority of the employees of the petitioner company organized
themselves into a union which affiliated with the Philippine Labor Alliance Council (PLAC), and was
designated as PLAC Local 460 Sukhothai Restaurant Chapter (Union).
On December 3, 1998, private respondent union filed a Notice of Strike with the NCMB on the ground
of unfair labor practice, and particularly, acts of harassment, fault-finding, and union busting through
coercion and interference with union affairs. On December 10, 1998, in a conciliation conference, the
representatives of the petitioner agreed and guaranteed that there will be no termination of the services
of private respondents during the pendency of the case, with the reservation of the management
prerogative to issue memos to erring employees for the infraction, or violation of company policies. On
the following day, or on December 11, 1998, a Strike Vote was conducted and supervised by NCMB
personnel, and the results of the vote were submitted to the NCMB on December 21, 1998.
On January 21, 1999, the petitioner and the Union entered into a Submission Agreement, thereby
agreeing to submit the issue of unfair labor practice – the subject matter of the foregoing Notice of
Strike and the Strike Vote – for voluntary arbitration with a view to prevent the strike. On March 24,
1999, during the pendency of the voluntary arbitration proceedings, the petitioner, through its president,
Ernesto Garcia, dismissed Eugene Lucente, a union member, due to an alleged petty quarrel with a co-
employee in February 1999. In view of this termination, private respondent Union filed with the NLRC
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a complaint for illegal dismissal. In the morning of June 24, 1999, private respondent Jose Lanorias, a
union member, was relieved from his post, and his employment as cook, terminated. Subsequently,
respondent Billy Bacus, the union vice-president, conferred with Ernesto Garcia and protested Lanorias’s
dismissal. Shortly thereafter, respondents staged a “wildcat strike.” On June 25, 1999, a Notice of
Strike was re-filed by the private respondents and the protest, according to the respondents, was
converted into a “sit-down strike.” On the next day, or on June 26, 1999, the same was transformed
into an “actual strike.”
On June 29, 1999, the petitioner filed a complaint for illegal strike with the NLRC against private
respondents, seeking to declare the strike illegal, and to declare respondents, who participated in the
commission of illegal acts, to have lost their employment status. Having arrived at no amicable
settlement, the parties submitted their position papers, together with supporting documents, affidavits
of witnesses, and photographs, in compliance with the orders of the Labor Arbiter.
On October 12, 1999, the Labor Arbiter rendered a Decision declaring the strike illegal, and the
employment of union officers and all individual respondents are deemed validly terminated in accordance
with law. The LA held that the Union failed to comply with the mandatory requisites for a lawful strike;
that the issuance of memos by the petitioner to instill discipline on erring employees is a lawful exercise
of management prerogative and do not amount to acts of unfair labor practice; that, instead of resorting
to a strike, private respondents should have availed of the proper legal remedies such as the filing of
complaints for illegal suspension or illegal dismissal with the NLRC; that, the root causes of the
controversy are the petition for certification election and petition for cancellation of union registration
which were then pending before the Department of Labor as well as the issue on unfair labor practice
then pending before the voluntary arbitrator, and, hence, the parties should have awaited the resolution
of the cases in the proper fora; and that even if private respondents complied with all the requisites of
a valid strike, the strike is still illegal due to the commission of prohibited acts, including the obstruction
of free ingress and egress of the premises, intimidation, and threat inflicted upon non-striking
employees.
Respondents insist that the filing of the Notice of Strike on December 3, 1998, the Strike Vote of
December 11, 1998, the submission of the results of the vote to the NCMB on December 21, 1998, and
their observation of the 15-day cooling-off period in case of unfair labor practice as well as the seven-
day reporting period of the results of the strike vote, all satisfy the mandatory requirements under
Article 263[9] of the Labor Code and are applicable to the June 1999 strike. In support of this theory,
respondents invoke Article 263(f) in that the decision to strike is valid for the duration of the dispute
based on substantially the same grounds considered when the strike vote was taken, thus, there is no
need to repeat the process. Furthermore, according to the respondents, even assuming for the sake of
argument that the Notice of Strike and Strike Vote in December 1998 cannot be made to apply to the
concerted actions in June 1999, these requirements may nonetheless be dispensed with since the
petitioner is guilty of union busting and, hence, the Union can take action immediately.
Issues:
1. Whether or not the strike staged by the private respondents is illegal.
Ruling
1. The SC held that the strike staged by the private respondents is illegal. The undisputed fact is that
at the time the strike was staged in June 1999, voluntary arbitration between the parties was ongoing
by virtue of the January 21, 1999 Submission Agreement. The issue to be resolved under those
proceedings pertained to the very same issues stated in the Notice of Strike of December 3, 1998: the
commission of unfair labor practices, such as acts of harassment, fault-finding, and union busting
through coercion and interference with union affairs.
Article 264 of the Labor Code provides that “no strike or lockout shall be declared after assumption of
jurisdiction by the President or the Secretary or after certification or submission of the dispute to
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compulsory or voluntary arbitration or during the pendency of cases involving the same grounds for the
strike or lockout.”
This Court has held that strikes staged in violation of agreements providing for arbitration are illegal,
since these agreements must be strictly adhered to and respected if their ends are to be achieved. The
rationale of the prohibition under Article 264 is that once jurisdiction over the labor dispute has been
properly acquired by competent authority, that jurisdiction should not be interfered with by the
application of the coercive processes of a strike. Indeed it is among the chief policies of the State to
promote and emphasize the primacy of free collective bargaining and negotiations, including voluntary
arbitration, mediation, and conciliation, as modes of settling labor, or industrial disputes. The principle
behind labor unionism in private industry is that industrial peace cannot be secured through compulsion
by law. Relations between private employers and their employees rest on an essentially voluntary basis,
subject to the minimum requirements of wage laws and other labor and welfare legislation.
The alleged dismissals of Lucente and respondent Lanorias, both union members, which allegedly
triggered the wildcat strike, are not sufficient grounds to justify the radical recourse on the part of the
private respondents. The questions that surround their dismissal, as private respondents so affirm, are
connected to the alleged breach of the “guarantee” by the petitioner not to dismiss its employees during
the pendency of the arbitration case, the very questions which they also link to the other incidents of
unfair labor practices allegedly committed by the petitioner—these matters should have been raised and
resolved in the voluntary arbitration proceedings that were commenced precisely to address them. On
the other hand, if private respondents believed that the disciplinary measures had nothing to do with
the issues under arbitration, then they should have availed of the appropriate remedies under the Labor
Code, such as the institution of cases of illegal dismissal or, by agreement of the parties, the submission
of the cases to the grievance machinery of the CBA, if one is available, so that they may be subjected
to separate voluntary arbitration proceedings, or simply seek to terminate the pending voluntary
arbitration case and complete the mandatory procedure for a lawful strike. Private respondents should
have availed themselves of any of these alternative remedies instead of resorting to a drastic and
unlawful measure, specifically, the holding a wildcat strike. And because of the fact that the Union was
fully aware that the arbitration proceedings were pending, good faith cannot be invoked as a defense.
For failing to exhaust all steps in the arbitration proceedings by virtue of the Submission Agreement, in
view of the proscription under Article 264 of the Labor Code, and the prevailing state policy as well as
its underlying rationale, this Court declares that the strike staged by the private respondents is illegal.
2. The SC held that private respondents were validly terminated. In the determination of the liabilities
of the individual respondents, the applicable provision is Article 264(a) of the Labor Code:
Art. 264. Prohibited Activities – (a) x x x

xxxx
x x x x Any union officer who knowingly participates in an illegal strike and any worker or union officer
who knowingly participates in the commission of illegal acts during a strike may be declared to have lost
his employment status: Provided, That mere participation of a worker in a lawful strike shall not
constitute sufficient ground for termination of his employment, even if a replacement had been hired by
the employer during such lawful strike.
The effects of such illegal strikes, outlined in Article 264, make a distinction between workers and union
officers who participate therein: an ordinary striking worker cannot be terminated for mere participation
in an illegal strike. There must be proof that he or she committed illegal acts during a strike. A union
officer, on the other hand, may be terminated from work when he knowingly participates in an illegal
strike, and like other workers, when he commits an illegal act during a strike. In all cases, the striker
must be identified. But proof beyond reasonable doubt is not required. Substantial evidence available
under the attendant circumstances, which may justify the imposition of the penalty of dismissal, may
suffice. Liability for prohibited acts is to be determined on an individual basis as was clearly provided
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by the evidence submitted by the company. Thus, the Labor Arbiter is correct in ruling that the
employment of all individual private respondents are deemed validly terminated.
PHILCOM EMPLOYEES UNION VS.PHIL. GLOBAL COMMUNICATION, G.R. NO. 144315, JULY
17, 2006
Facts:
During the course of the negotiations for the renewal of its CBA, the union filed with the NCMB a Notice
of Strike
due to perceived unfair labor practice committed by the company. In view of the filing of the Notice of
Strike, the company suspended negotiations on the CBA which moved the union to file another Notice
of Strike, on the ground of bargaining deadlock. At a conciliation conference held at the NCMB, the
parties agreed to consolidate the two (2) Notices of Strike filed by the union and to maintain the status
quo during the pendency of the proceedings.
However, while the union and the company officers and representatives were meeting, the remaining
union officers and members staged a strike at the company premises, barricading the entrances and
egresses thereof and setting up a stationary picket at the main entrance of the building. The following
day, the company immediately filed a petition for the Secretary of Labor and Employment to assume
jurisdiction over the labor dispute in accordance with Article 263(g) of the Labor Code.
Thereafter, the SOLE issued an order assuming jurisdiction over the dispute, enjoining any strike or
lockout, whether threatened or actual, directing the parties to cease and desist from committing any
act that may exacerbate the situation, directing the striking workers to return to work within twenty-
four (24) hours from receipt of the Secretary’s Order and for management to resume normal operations,
as well as accept the workers back under the same terms and conditions prior to the strike. The parties
were likewise required to submit their respective position papers and evidence within ten (10) days from
receipt of said order. A second order was issued reiterating the previous directive to all striking
employees to return to work immediately.
The union filed a Motion for Reconsideration assailing, among others, the authority of the SOLE to
assume jurisdiction over the labor dispute. Said motion was denied.
As directed, the parties submitted their respective position papers. In its position paper, the union
raised the issue of the alleged unfair labor practice of the company, such as contractualization,
disallowance of union leave, non-implementation of employees’ benefits, etc. The company, on the
other hand, raised in its position paper the sole issue of the illegality of the strike staged by the union.
Based on the position papers, the SOLE held that the union’s allegation of unfair labor practices were
not within the legal connotation of Article 248 of the Labor Code, but were actually mere grievances
which should have been processed through the grievance machinery or voluntary arbitration outlined
under the CBA. The SOLE further ruled that the strike conducted by the union was illegal.
Upon appeal to the CA, the appellate court denied the union’s petition and affirmed the ruling of the
SOLE.
Issue: Whether or not the SOLE can take cognizance of the issue of the legality of a strike
notwithstanding the absence of any proper petition to declare the strike illegal.
Ruling:
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The SC held that the SOLE properly took cognizance of the issue on the legality of the strike. Since the
very reason of the Secretary’s assumption of jurisdiction was PEU’s declaration of the strike, any issue
regarding the strike is not merely incidental to, but is essentially involved in, the labor dispute itself.
It is of no moment that PEU never acquiesced to the submission for resolution of the issue on the legality
of the strike. PEU cannot prevent resolution of the legality of the strike by merely refusing to submit
the issue for resolution. It is also immaterial that this issue, as PEU asserts, was not properly submitted
for resolution of the Secretary. The authority of the Secretary to assume jurisdiction over a labor dispute
causing or likely to cause a strike or lockout in an industry indispensable to national interest includes
and extends to all questions and controversies arising from such labor dispute. The power is plenary
and discretionary in nature to enable him to effectively and efficiently dispose of the dispute.
Petition is dismissed.
Facts:
This case has its genesis when the manager of GSIS issued a memorandum directing a number of its
employees who are union embers to show cause why they should not be charged administratively for
their participation in the October 4 to October 7, 2004 mass action. The union’s counsel sought
reconsideration of said directive on the ground, among others, that the subject employees resumed
work in obedience to the return-to-work order thus issued. The plea for reconsideration was, however,
effectively denied by the filing, of administrative charges against some 110 union members for grave
misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
The union then filed with the CA a petition for prohibition against the GSIS on the ground that its
members should not be made to explain why they supported their union’s cause since the Civil Service
Resolution No. 021316, otherwise known as the Guidelines for Prohibited Mass Action, Section 10 of
which exhorts government agencies to “harness all means within their capacity to accord due regard
and attention to employees’ grievances and facilitate their speedy and amicable disposition through the
use of grievance machinery or any other modes of settlement sanctioned by law and existing civil service
rules.” It argued that the organized demonstrating employees did nothing more than air their grievances
in the exercise of their “broader rights of free expression” and are, therefore, not amenable to
administrative sanctions.
Issue: Whether or not the mass action staged by or participated in by said GSIS employees partook of
a strike or prohibited concerted mass action.
Ruling: The SC held that the mass action staged by or participated in by said GSIS employees partook
of a strike or prohibited concerted mass action. It may be that the freedom of expression and assembly
and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances stand on a level higher than
economic and other liberties. Any suggestion, however, about these rights as including the right on the
part of government personnel to strike ought to be, as it has been, trashed.
The Constitution itself qualifies its exercise with the provision “in accordance with law.” This is a clear
manifestation that the state may, by law, regulate the use of this right, or even deny certain sectors
such right. Executive Order 180 which provides guidelines for the exercise of the right of government
workers to organize, for instance, implicitly endorsed an earlier CSC circular which “enjoins under pain
of administrative sanctions, all government officers and employees from staging strikes,
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demonstrations, mass leaves, walkouts and other forms of mass action which will result in temporary
stoppage or disruption of public service” by stating that the Civil Service law and rules governing
concerted activities and strikes in government service shall be observed.
The settled rule in this jurisdiction is that employees in the public service may not engage in strikes,
mass leaves, walkouts, and other forms of mass action that will lead in the temporary stoppage or
disruption of public service. The right of government employees to organize is limited to the formation
of unions or associations only, without including the right to strike, adding that public employees going
on disruptive unauthorized absences to join concerted mass actions may be held liable for conduct
prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
With the view we take of the events that transpired on October 4-7, 2004, what respondent’s members
launched or participated in during that time partook of a strike or, what contextually amounts to the
same thing, a prohibited concerted activity. The phrase “prohibited concerted activity” refers to
any collective activity undertaken by government employees, by themselves or through their employees’
organization, with the intent of effecting work stoppage or service disruption in order to realize their
demands or force concessions, economic or otherwise; it includes mass leaves, walkouts, pickets and
acts of similar nature. Indeed, for four straight days, participating KMG members and other GSIS
employees staged a walk out and waged or participated in a mass protest or demonstration right at the
very doorstep of the GSIS main office building. The record of attendance for the period material shows
that, on the first day of the protest, 851 employees, or forty eight per cent (48%) of the total number
of employees in the main office (1,756) took to the streets during office hours, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
leaving the other employees to fend for themselves in an office where a host of transactions take place
every business day. On the second day, 707 employees left their respective work stations, while 538
participated in the mass action on the third day. A smaller number, i.e., 306 employees, but by no
means an insignificant few, joined the fourth day activity.
BIFLEX PHILS., INC., LABOR UNION VS. FILFLEX INDUSTRIAL & MFG., CORP., G.R. NO.
155679, DECEMBER 19, 2006
Facts:
Petitioners Patricia Villanueva, Emilia Bandola, Raquel Cruz, Delia Relato, Regina Castillo, Lolita delos
Angeles, Marissa Villoria, Marita Antonio, Lolita Lindio, Eliza Caraulia, and Liza Sua were officers of Biflex
(Phils.) Inc. Labor Union. On the other hand, petitioners Myrna dela Torre, Avelina Añonuevo, Bernice
Borcelo, Narlie Yagin, Evelyn Santillan, Leony Serdoncilo, Trinidad Cuya, Andrea Lumibao, Gynie Arneo,
Elizabeth Capellan, Josephine Detosil, Zenaida Francisco, and Florencia Anago were officers of Filflex
Industrial and Manufacturing Labor Union. The two petitioner-unions, which are affiliated with National
Federation of Labor Unions (NAFLU), are the respective collective bargaining agents of the employees
of corporations.
Respondents Biflex (Phils.) Inc. and Filflex Industrial and Manufacturing Corporation (respondents) are
sister companies engaged in the garment business. Situated in one big compound along with another
sister company, General Garments Corporation (GGC), they have a common entrance.
On October 24, 1990, the labor sector staged a welga ng bayan to protest the accelerating prices of oil.
On even date, petitioner-unions, led by their officers, herein petitioners, staged a work stoppage which
lasted for several days, prompting respondents to file on October 31, 1990 a petition to declare the
work stoppage illegal for failure to comply with procedural requirements. On November 13, 1990,
respondents resumed their operations. Petitioners, claiming that they were illegally locked out by
respondents, assert that aside from the fact that the welga ng bayan rendered it difficult to get a ride
and the apprehension that violence would erupt between those participating in the welga and the
authorities, respondents’ workers were prevented from reporting for work. Petitioners further assert
85
that respondents were “slighted” by the workers’ no-show, and as a punishment, the workers as well as
petitioners were barred from entering the company premises.
On their putting up of tents, tables and chairs in front of the main gate of respondents’ premises,
petitioners, who claim that they filed a notice of strike on October 31, 1990, explain that those were for
the convenience of union members who reported every morning to check if the management would
allow them to report for work.
Respondents, on the other hand, maintain that the work stoppage was illegal since the following
requirements for the staging of a valid strike were not complied with: (1) filing of notice of strike; (2)
securing a strike vote, and (3) submission of a report of the strike vote to the Department of Labor and
Employment.
Issue: Whether or not the strike staged by the union was illegal.
Ruling: The SC held that the strike was illegal.
Employees who have no labor dispute with their employer but who, on a day they are scheduled to
work, refuse to work and instead join a welga ng bayan commit an illegal work stoppage.
Even if petitioners’ joining the welga ng bayan were considered merely as an exercise of their freedom
of expression, freedom of assembly or freedom to petition the government for redress of grievances,
the exercise of such rights is not absolute. For the protection of other significant state interests such as
the “right of enterprises to reasonable returns on investments, and to expansion and growth” enshrined
in the 1987 Constitution must also be considered, otherwise, oppression or self-destruction of capital in
order to promote the interests of labor would be sanctioned. And it would give imprimatur to workers’
joining demonstrations/rallies even before affording the employer an opportunity to make the necessary
arrangements to counteract the implications of the work stoppage on the business, and ignore the novel
“principle of shared responsibility between workers and employers” aimed at fostering industrial peace.
There being no showing that petitioners notified respondents of their intention, or that they were allowed
by respondents, to join the welga ng bayan on October 24, 1990, their work stoppage is beyond legal
protection. Petitioners, being union officers, should thus bear the consequences of their acts of
knowingly participating in an illegal strike, conformably with the third paragraph of Article 264 (a) of
the Labor Code which provides:
. . . Any union officer who knowingly participates in an illegal strike and any worker or union officer who
employment status: Provided, That mere participation of a worker in a lawful strike shall not constitute
sufficient ground for termination of his employment, even if a replacement had been hired by the
employer during such lawful strike.
The SC, passing on the use of the word “may” in the immediately quoted provision, held that “the law .
. . grants the employer the option of declaring a union officer who participated in an illegal strike as
having lost his employment.” Reinstatement of a striker or retention of his employment, despite his
participation in an illegal strike, is a management prerogative which this Court may not supplant.
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MANILA HOTEL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION VS.MANILA HOTEL CORP., G.R. NO.154591,

MARCH 5, 2007,
CITING GRAND BOULEVARD HOTEL VS.DACANAY, G.R. NO. 153665, JULY 18, 2003
Facts: On 11 November 1999, the MHEA filed a Notice of Strike with the NCMB Manila Hotel on the
grounds of unfair labor practices. Upon the petition of Manila Hotel, the SOLE certified the labor dispute
to the NLRC for compulsory arbitration pursuant to Article 263(g) of the Labor Code. Specifically, the
Order enjoined any strike or lockout and the parties were ordered to cease and desist from committing
any acts that may exacerbate the situation. MHEA filed a Motion for Reconsideration dated 29 November
1999 assailing the validity of said Order. During the conferences at the NLRC, the parties were advised
of the certification order, which prohibited them from taking any action that would exacerbate the
situation.
On 10 February 2000, the MHEA conducted a strike despite the clear terms of the Order issued by the
SOLE, and despite the repeated reminders thereof. Manila Hotel then filed a complaint with prayer for
injunction and or TRO, alleging that MHEA conducted an illegal strike, blocked all ingress and egress of
the hotel premises, harassed and intimidated company officers, non-striking employees, customers and
suppliers. In addition, it sought a declaration that the strike was illegal and that, consequently, the
striking employees lost their employment.
The NLRC issued an Order directing the striking workers to return to work immediately and the hotel to
accept them back under the same terms and conditions of employment. The NLRC further instructed
the parties to submit proof of compliance with the instant order immediately after the lapse of twenty-
four hours. The NLRC received a copy of the Compliance filed by Manila Hotel on 14 February 2000,
manifesting that only six striking employees complied with the return-to-work Order and were
reinstated. The other striking employees had openly defied the said Order.
In response to the NLRC’s return-to-work order, the union filed a motion alleging that the NLRC had not
acquired jurisdiction over the labor dispute pending the resolution of the MR filed questioning the order
of the SOLE. The union claimed that said motion had prevented the said Order of the SOLE from
becoming final and executory.
The NLRC ruled that the strike held by the union was illegal for its defiance of the return-to-work order.
. However, it determined that only the union officers were deemed to have lost their employment. It
ruled that there was no evidence showing who among the striking employees were actually notified of
the return-to-work order, and therefore, such employees have not forfeited their employment. But in
view of the antagonism on both sides, the NLRC awarded a severance pay equivalent to one-month
salary to the returning union members for every year of service, instead of ordering Manila Hotel to
reinstate them.
Issue: Whether or not the strike held by petitioner was illegal.
Ruling: The SC held that it was illegal.
MHEA members seek their reinstatement after participating in an illegal strike, that is, a strike that was
conducted after receiving an Order of assumptionby the SOLE certifying the dispute to the NLRC for
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compulsory arbitration. Worse still, the strikers failed to comply with the 11 February 2000 return-to-
work Order, issued by the NLRC, despite receipt thereof. The law explicitly prohibits such acts.
ART. 263. STRIKES, PICKETING, AND LOCKOUTS

xxxx
(g) When, in his opinion there exists a labor dispute causing or likely to cause a strike or lockout in
an industry indispensable to the national interest, the Secretary of Labor and Employment may assume
taken place at the time of the assumption or certification, all striking or locked out employees shall
workers under the same terms and conditions prevailing before the strike or lockout. The Secretary of
Labor and Employment or the Commission may seek the assistance of law enforcement agencies to
ensure compliance with this provision as well as with such orders as he may issue to enforce the same.
ART. 264. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES

(a) x x x x
No strike or lockout shall be declared after assumption of jurisdiction by the President or the
Minister or after certification or submission of the dispute to compulsory or voluntary arbitration or
during the pendency of cases involving the same grounds for the strike or lockout.
More to the point, the Court has consistently ruled in a long line of cases spanning several decades that
once the SOLE assumes jurisdiction over a labor dispute, such jurisdiction should not be interfered with
by the application of the coercive processes of a strike or lockout. Defiance of the assumption order or
a return-to work order by a striking employee, whether a union officer or a member, is an illegal act
and, therefore, a valid ground for loss of employment status.
The assumption of jurisdiction by the SOLE over labor disputes causing or likely to cause a strike or
lockout in an industry indispensable to the national interest is in the nature of a police power measure.
The allegation[ that the strikers relied on their honest belief that the filing of a Motion for
Reconsideration of the Order, issued by the SOLE on 24 November 1999, entitled them to participate in
a strike, cannot be sustained. A return-to-work order is immediately executory notwithstanding the
filing of a motion for reconsideration. It must be strictly complied with even during the pendency of any
petition questioning its validity.
The very nature of a return-to-work order issued in a certified case lends itself to no other construction.
The certification attests to the urgency of the matter, affecting as it does an industry indispensable to
the national interest. The order is issued in the exercise of the court’s compulsory power of arbitration,
and therefore must be obeyed until set aside. To say that its [return-to-work order] effectivity must
await affirmance on a motion for reconsideration is not only to emasculate it but indeed to defeat its
import, for by then the deadline fixed for the return to work would, in the ordinary course, have already
passed and hence can no longer be affirmed insofar as the time element it concerned.
Returning to work in this situation is not a matter of option or voluntariness but of obligation. The
worker must return to his job together with his co-workers so the operations of the company can be
resumed and it can continue serving the public and promoting its interest. This extraordinary authority
given to the Secretary of Labor is aimed at arriving at a peaceful and speedy solution to labor disputes,
without jeopardizing national interests. Regardless therefore of their motives, or the validity of their
claims, the striking workers must cease and/or desist from any and all acts that tend to, or undermine
this authority of the Secretary of Labor, once an assumption and/or certification order is issued. They
cannot, for instance, ignore return-to-work orders, citing unfair labor practices on the part of the
company, to justify their action.
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Petition is denied.
SAN MIGUEL FOODS INC., VS. SAN MIGUEL CORP EMPLOYEES UNION-PTGWO ,
G.R. NO. 168569, OCTOBER 5, 2007
Facts:
On November 9, 1992, some employees of San Miguel Foods, Inc’s Finance Department, through the
Union represented by Edgar Moraleda, brought a grievance against Finance Manager Gideon Montesa
(Montesa), for "discrimination, favoritism, unfair labor practices, promoting divisiveness, etc, before
SMFI Plant Operations Manager George Nava in accordance with Step 1 of the grievance machinery. The
Union sought the "1. review, evaluat[ion] & upgrad[ing of] all Finance staff and 2. promot[ion of] G.Q.
Montesa to other SMC affiliate[s] & subsidiaries."
SMFI informed the Union that it planned to address the grievance through a "work management review"
to be completed by March 1993. However, it was not completed by March 1993, prompting the Union
to, elevate the grievance to Step 2.
Almost 9 months after the grievance meeting was held or on October 6, 1993, SMFI rendered a "Decision
on Step 1 Grievance" stating that it was still in the process of completing the "work management
review," hence, the Union’s requests could not be granted.
The Union filed a complaint on October 20, 1993 before the NLRC, Arbitration Branch, against SMFI, its
President Amadeo P. Veloso, and its Finance Manager Montesa for "unfair labor practice, [and] unjust
discrimination in matters of promotion . . . " It prayed that SMFI et al. be ordered to promote the therein
named employees "with the corresponding pay increases, etc.”
SMFI et al. filed a motion to dismiss, contending that the issues raised in the complaint were grievance
issues and, therefore, "should be resolved in the grievance machinery. The Labor Arbiter granted SMFI
et al.’s motion to dismiss and ordered the remand of the case to the grievance machinery for completion
of the proceedings.
On appeal, to the NLRC by "Motion for Reconsideration/Appeal", such was granted and accordingly
ordered the Labor Arbiter to continue the proceedings on the Union’s complaint. Hence, SMFI filed a
petition for certiorari with SC which they referred the case to the CA pursuant to St. Martin Funeral
Homes v. NLRC.
Court of Appeals denied SMFI et al.’s petition for certiorari, it holding that the Labor Arbiter has
jurisdiction over the complaint of the Union, they having violated the seniority rule under the CBA by
appointing and promoting certain employees which amounted to a ULP.
Issues:
Whether or not the labor arbiter has jurisdiction over the case.
Whether or not SMFI is guilty of unfair labor practice.
Ruling:
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Section 1 of Rule 8 of the Rules of Court should thus not be strictly applied to a case filed
before a Labor Arbiter. In determining jurisdiction over a case, allegations made in the
complaint, as well as those in the position paper, may thus be considered.
SMFI argues that the allegations in the Union’s complaint filed before the Labor Arbiter do not establish
a cause of action for ULP, the Union having merely contended that SMFI was guilty thereof without
specifying the ultimate facts upon which it was based. It cites Section 1 of Rule 8 of the Rules of Court
as applying suppletorily to the proceedings before the Labor Arbiter. Thus, SMFI concludes that the
Labor Arbiter has no jurisdiction over its complaint.
The jurisdiction of Labor Arbiters, enumerated in Article 217 of the Labor Code, includes complaints for
ULP.
Indeed, the particular acts of ULP alleged to have been committed by SMFI were not specified; neither
were the ultimate facts in support thereof. In its Position Paper, however, the Union detailed the
particular acts of ULP attributed to SMFI and the ultimate facts in support thereof.
Section 7, Rule V of the New Rules of Procedure of the NLRC provides: The proceedings before the
Labor Arbiter shall be non-litigious in nature. The technicalities of law and procedure and the
rules obtaining in the courts of law shall not strictly apply thereto. The Labor Arbiter may avail
himself of all reasonable means to ascertain the facts of the controversy speedily, including ocular
inspection and examination of well-informed persons.
SMFI guilty of ULP but only on the ground of violation of the CBA Agreement.
ULP on the ground of discrimination which must allege that that they were done to encourage or
discourage membership in a labor organization.
Based on Art. 248. Unfair labor practices of employers. – It shall be unlawful for an employer to commit
any of the following unfair labor practices: (e) To discriminate in regard to wages, hours of work,
and other terms and conditions of employment in order to encourage or discourage
membership in any labor organization.
On the questioned promotions, the Union did not allege that they were done to encourage or discourage
membership in a labor organization. In fact, those promoted were members of the complaining Union.
The promotions do not thus amount to ULP under Article 248(e) of the Labor Code.
ULP on the ground of violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement –

(1) gross violation of the CBA; AND
(2) the violation pertains to the economic provisions of the CBA.
As for the alleged ULP committed under Article 248(i), for violation of a CBA, this Article is qualified by
Article 261 of the Labor Code, the pertinent portion of which latter Article reads:
xxx
violations of a Collective Bargaining Agreement, except those which are gross in character,
shall no longer be treated as unfair labor practice and shall be resolved as grievances under the
Collective Bargaining Agreement. For purposes of this article, gross violations of Collective
Bargaining Agreement shall mean flagrant and/or malicious refusal to comply with
the economic provisions of such agreement.
In Silva v. NLRC, for a ULP case to be cognizable by the Labor Arbiter, and the NLRC to exercise its
appellate jurisdiction, the allegations in the complaint should show prima facie the concurrence of two
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things, namely: (1) gross violation of the CBA; AND (2) the violation pertains to the economic
provisions of the CBA.
First, Thegrievance machinery provision in the CBA is not an economic provision, however, hence, the
second requirement for a Labor Arbiter to exercise jurisdiction of a ULP is not present.
Second, the Union alleges that violated the Job Security provision in the CBA, specifically the seniority
rule, in that SMFI "appointed less senior employees to positions at its Finance Department, consequently
intentionally by-passing more senior employees who are deserving of said appointment."
Since the seniority rule in the promotion of employees has a bearing on salary and benefits, it may,
following a liberal construction (following the rule on construction in favor of labor) of Article 261 of the
Labor Code, be considered an "economic provision" of the CBA.
the Union charges SMFI to have promoted less senior employees, thus bypassing others who were more
senior and equally or more qualified. It may not be seriously disputed that this charge is a gross or
flagrant violation of the seniority rule under the CBA, a ULP over which the Labor Arbiter has jurisdiction.
The Court of Appeals having affirmed the NLRC decision finding that the Labor Arbiter has jurisdiction
over the Union’s complaint and thus remanding it to the Labor Arbiter for continuation of proceedings
thereon, the appellate court’s said finding may be taken to have been made only for the purpose of
determining jurisdiction.
WHEREFORE, the Petition is DENIED.
TOYOTA MOTOR PHILS WORKERS ASSO.VS.NLRC, G.R. NO. 158786, OCTOBER 19, 2007
Facts:
Toyota Motor Phils.Workers Assoc. (Union) is a legitimate labor organization duly registered with the
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and is the sole and exclusive bargaining agent of
all Toyota rank and file employees.
The Union applied and was granted the immediate holding of a certification election (the most
democratic and expeditious method by which the laborers can freely determine the union that
shall act as their representative in their dealings with the establishment where they are
working. It is the appropriate means whereby controversies and disputes on representation
may be laid to rest, by the unequivocal vote of the employees themselves) and was later
recognized by the NCMB as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent of all the Toyota rank and file
employees. Toyota challenged said Order via an appeal to the DOLE Secretary.
Pending Toyota’s appeal, the Union submitted its CBA proposals to Toyota which the latter denied.
On February 22 & 23, 2001, Despite denial of the Union’s request, more than 200 employees staged
mass actions on in front of the BLR and the DOLE offices, to protest the partisan and anti-union stance
of Toyota which resulted to substantial company losses.
On March 16, 2001, Toyota terminated the employment of 227 employees. In reaction to the dismissal
of its union members and officers, the Union went on strike on March 17, 2001. Subsequently,
from March 28, 2001 to April 12, 2001, the Union intensified its strike by barricading the gates
of Toyota’s Bicutan and Sta. Rosa plants. The strikers prevented workers who reported for work from
entering the plants.
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On April 10, 2001, the DOLE Secretary assumed jurisdiction over the labor dispute and issued an
Order certifying the labor dispute to the NLRC. In said Order, the DOLE Secretary directed all striking
workers to return to work at their regular shifts by April 16, 2001. On the other hand, it
ordered Toyota to accept the returning employees under the same terms and conditions obtaining prior
to the strike or at its option, put them under payroll reinstatement.
Meanwhile, on May 23, 2001, at around 12:00 noon, despite the issuance of the DOLE Secretary’s
certification Order, several payroll-reinstated members of the Union staged a protest rally in front of
Toyota’s Bicutan Plant bearing placards and streamers in defiance of the April 10, 2001 Order.
Issues:
(1) Whether the mass actions committed by the Union on different occasions are illegal strikes;
(2) Extent of the liabilities of union members participating in the strike
(3) Whether separation pay should be awarded to the Union members who participated in the illegal
strikes.
Ruling:
On the 1st issue:
Noted authority on labor law, Ludwig Teller, lists six (6) categories of an illegal strike, viz:
(1) [when it] is contrary to a specific prohibition of law, such as strike by employees performing
governmental functions; or
(2) [when it] violates a specific requirement of law, [such as Article 263 of the Labor Code on the
requisites of a valid strike]; or
(3) [when it] is declared for an unlawful purpose, such as inducing the employer to commit an unfair
labor practice against non-union employees; or
(4) [when it] employs unlawful means in the pursuit of its objective, such as a widespread terrorism
of non-strikers [for example, prohibited acts under Art. 264(e) of the Labor Code]; or
(5) [when it] is declared in violation of an existing injunction, [such as injunction, prohibition, or order
issued by the DOLE Secretary and the NLRC under Art. 263 of the Labor Code]; or
(6) [when it] is contrary to an existing agreement, such as a no-strike clause or conclusive arbitration
clause.
A strike means any temporary stoppage of work by the concerted action of employees as a result of an
industrial or labor dispute. A labor dispute, in turn, includes any controversy or matter concerning
terms or conditions of employment or the association or representation of persons in negotiating, fixing,
maintaining, changing, or arranging the terms and conditions of employment, regardless of whether the
disputants stand in the proximate relation of the employer and the employee.
The term “strike” has been elucidated to encompass not only concerted work stoppages, but also
slowdowns, mass leaves, sit-downs, attempts to damage, destroy, or sabotage plant equipment and
facilities, and similar activities.
While we recognize the right of every person or a group to peaceably assemble and petition the
government for redress of grievances, the exercise of such right is governed by existing laws, rules and
regulations.
There are prerequisites for a valid strike under Art. 263 of the Labor Code, and the Union failed to
comply with the following requirements:
(1) a notice of strike filed with the DOLE 30 days before the intended date of strike, or 15 days in
case of unfair labor practice;
(2) strike vote approved by a majority of the total union membership in the bargaining unit
concerned obtained by secret ballot in a meeting called for that purpose; and
(3) notice given to the DOLE of the results of the voting at least seven days before the intended
strike.
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These requirements are mandatory and the failure of a union to comply with them renders the strike
illegal. The evident intention of the law in requiring the strike notice and the strike-vote report is to
reasonably regulate the right to strike, which is essential to the attainment of legitimate policy objectives
embodied in the law
With respect to the strikes committed from March 17 to April 12, 2001, those were initially legal as the
legal requirements were met. However, on March 28 to April 12, 2001, the Union barricaded the gates
of the Bicutan and Sta. Rosa plants and blocked the free ingress to and egress from the company
premises. This is a palpable violation of Art. 264(e), which proscribes acts of violence, coercion, or
intimidation, or which obstruct the free ingress to and egress from the company premises.
While it may be conceded that there was no work disruption in the two Toyota plants, the fact still
remains that the Union and its members picketed and performed concerted actions in front of the
Company premises. This is a patent violation of the assumption of jurisdiction and certification Order
of the DOLE Secretary, which ordered the parties “to cease and desist from committing any act that
might lead to the worsening of an already deteriorated situation.” While there are no work stoppages,
the pickets and concerted actions outside the plants have a demoralizing and even chilling effect on the
workers inside the plants and can be considered as veiled threats of possible trouble to the workers
when they go out of the company premises after work and of impending disruption of operations to
company officials and even to customers in the days to come.
Union officers are liable for unlawful strikes or illegal acts during a strike
Under Art. 264 (a) of the Labor Code, It is clear that the responsibility of union officials is greater than
that of the members. They are tasked with the duty to lead and guide the membership in decision
making on union activities in accordance with the law, government rules and regulations, and
established labor practices. The leaders are expected to recommend actions that are arrived at with
circumspection and contemplation, and always keep paramount the best interests of the members and
union within the bounds of law. If the strike is legal at the beginning and the officials commit illegal acts
during the duration of the strike, then they cannot evade personal and individual liability for said acts.
Member’s liability depends on participation in illegal acts
Art. 264(a) of the Labor Code provides that a member is liable when he knowingly participates
in an illegal act “during a strike.” While the provision is silent on whether the strike is legal or illegal,
we find that the same is irrelevant. As long as the members commit illegal acts, in a legal or
illegal strike, then they can be terminated
However, when union members merely participate in an illegal strike without committing any
illegal act, are they liable?
This was squarely answered in Gold City Integrated Port Service, Inc. v. NLRC, where it was
held that an ordinary striking worker cannot be terminated for mere participation in an illegal
strike. This was an affirmation of the rulings in Bacus v. Ople and Progressive Workers Union v.
Aguas, where it was held that though the strike is illegal, the ordinary member who merely participates
in the strike should not be meted loss of employment on the considerations of compassion and good
faith and in view of the security of tenure provisions under the Constitution. In Esso Philippines, Inc. v.
Malayang Manggagawa sa Esso (MME), it was explained that a member is not responsible for the union’s
illegal strike even if he voted for the holding of a strike which became illegal.
Noted labor law expert, Professor Cesario A. Azucena, Jr., traced the history relating to the liability of a
union member in an illegal strike, starting with the “rule of vicarious liability,” thus:
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Under [the rule of vicarious liability], mere membership in a labor union serves as basis of liability for
acts of individuals, or for a labor activity, done on behalf of the union. The union member is made liable
on the theory that all the members are engaged in a general conspiracy, and the unlawful acts of the
particular members are viewed as necessary incidents of the conspiracy.
Thus, the rule on vicarious liability of a union member was abandoned and it is only when a striking
worker “knowingly participates in the commission of illegal acts during a strike” that he will be penalized
with dismissal.
Now, what are considered “illegal acts” under Art.264(a)?
No precise meaning was given to the phrase “illegal acts.” It may encompass a number of acts that
violate existing labor or criminal laws, such as the following:
(1) Violation of Art. 264(e) of the Labor Code which provides that “[n]o person engaged in picketing
shall commit any act of violence, coercion or intimidation or obstruct the free ingress to or egress
from the employer’s premises for lawful purposes, or obstruct public thoroughfares”;
(2) Commission of crimes and other unlawful acts in carrying out the strike; and
(3) Violation of any order, prohibition, or injunction issued by the DOLE Secretary or NLRC in connection
with the assumption of jurisdiction/certification Order under Art. 263(g) of the Labor Code.
As earlier explained, this enumeration is not exclusive and it may cover other breaches of existing
laws.
In the cases at bench, the individual respondents participated in several mass actions, viz:
(1) The rallies held at the DOLE and BLR offices on February 21, 22, and 23, 2001;
(2) The strikes held on March 17 to April 12, 2001; and
(3) The rallies and picketing on May 23 and 28, 2001 in front of the Toyota Bicutan and Sta. Rosa
plants.
Association of Independent Unions in the Philippines v. NLRC lays down the rule on the liability of the
union members: An ordinary striking employee cannot be terminated for mere participation in an illegal
strike. There must be proof that he committed illegal acts during the strike and the striker
who participated in the commission of illegal act[s] must be identified. But proof beyond
reasonable doubt is not required. Substantial evidence available under the circumstances,
which may justify the imposition of the penalty of dismissal, may suffice.
In the landmark case of Ang Tibay vs. CIR, the court ruled “Not only must there be some evidence to
support a finding or conclusion, but the evidence must be ‘substantial.’ Substantial evidence is more
than a mere scintilla. It means such relevant evidence that a reasonable mind might accept
as sufficient to support a conclusion.
2nd issue:
The general rule is that when just causes for terminating the services of an employee under Art. 282 of
the Labor Code exist, the employee is not entitled to separation pay. The apparent reason behind the
forfeiture of the right to termination pay is that lawbreakers should not benefit from their illegal
acts. The dismissed employee, however, is entitled to “whatever rights, benefits and privileges [s/he]
may have under the applicable individual or collective bargaining agreement with the employer or
voluntary employer policy or practice” or under the Labor Code and other existing laws. This means
that the employee, despite the dismissal for a valid cause, retains the right to receive from the employer
benefits provided by law, like accrued service incentive leaves. With respect to benefits granted by the
CBA provisions and voluntary management policy or practice, the entitlement of the dismissed
employees to the benefits depends on the stipulations of the CBA or the company rules and policies.
As in any rule, there are exceptions. One exception where separation pay is given even though an
employee is validly dismissed is when the court finds justification in applying the principle of social
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justice well entrenched in the 1987 Constitution. The new Constitution contains a separate article
devoted to the promotion of social justice and human rights with a separate sub-topic for labor. Article
XIII expressly recognizes the vital role of labor, hand in hand with management, in the advancement of
the national economy and the welfare of the people in general. The categorical mandates in the
Constitution for the improvement of the lot of the workers are more than sufficient basis to justify the
award of separation pay in proper cases even if the dismissal be for cause.
We hold that henceforth separation pay shall be allowed as a measure of social justice only in those
instances where the employee is validly dismissed for causes other than serious misconduct or those
reflecting on his moral character. Where the reason for the valid dismissal is, for example, habitual
intoxication or an offense involving moral turpitude, like theft or illicit sexual relations with a fellow
worker, the employer may not be required to give the dismissed employee separation pay, or financial
assistance, or whatever other name it is called, on the ground of social justice.
A contrary rule would, as the petitioner correctly argues, have the effect, of rewarding rather than
punishing the erring employee for his offense.
There are two exceptions when the NLRC or the courts should not grant separation pay based on social
justice:
Serious misconduct (which is the first ground for dismissal under Art. 282); or
Acts that reflect on the moral character of the employee.
What is unclear is whether the ruling likewise precludes the grant of separation pay when the employee
is validly terminated from work on grounds laid down in Art. 282 of the Labor Code other than serious
misconduct.
In all of the foregoing situations, the Court declined to grant termination pay because the causes for
dismissal recognized under Art. 282 of the Labor Code were serious or grave in nature and attended by
willful or wrongful intent or they reflected adversely on the moral character of the employees. We
therefore find that in addition to serious misconduct, in dismissals based on other grounds under Art.
282 like willful disobedience, gross and habitual neglect of duty, fraud or willful breach of trust, and
commission of a crime against the employer or his family, separation pay should not be conceded to the
dismissed employee.
In analogous causes for termination like inefficiency, drug use, and others, the NLRC or the courts may
opt to grant separation pay anchored on social justice in consideration of the length of service of the
employee, the amount involved, whether the act is the first offense, the performance of the employee
and the like, using the guideposts enunciated in PLDT (see full text for case reference) on the propriety
of the award of separation pay.
The union officers who participated in and the union members who committed illegal acts during the
illegal strike have lost their employment status. In this case, the strike was held illegal because it
violated agreements providing for arbitration. Again, there was no award of separation pay nor financial
assistance.
Lastly, Even though strikes and lockouts have been recognized as effective bargaining tools, it is an
antiquated notion that they are truly beneficial, as they only provide short-term solutions by forcing
concessions from one party; but staging such strikes would damage the working relationship between
employers and employees, thus endangering the business that they both want to succeed.
PETITION DISMISSED.
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YOKOHAMA TIRE PHILS VS. YOKOHAMA EMPLOYEES UNION, G.R. NO. 159553, DECEMBER
10, 2007
Facts:
On October 7, 1999, respondent Yokohama Employees Union (Union) filed a petition for certification
election among the rank-and-file employees of Yokohama. Upon appeal from the Med-Arbiter’s order
dismissing the petition, the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ordered an
election with (1) “Yokohama Employees’ Union” and (2) “No Union” as choices. The election held on
November 23, 2001 yielded the following result: YOKOHAMA EMPLOYEES UNION – 131, NO UNION
- 117, SPOILED - 2; Total votes cast = 250. Yokohama challenged 78 votes cast by dismissed
employees. On the other hand, the Union challenged 68 votes cast by newly regularized rank-and-file
employees and another five (5) votes by alleged supervisor-trainees. Yokohama formalized its protest
and raised as an issue the eligibility to vote of the 78 dismissed employees, while the Union submitted
only a handwritten manifestation during the election.
Issue:
Whether or not it is proper to appreciate the votes of the dismissed employees
Ruling:
Yes. The votes of the dismissed employees shall be appreciated.
Section 2, Rule XII (of the rules implementing Book V of the Labor Code), the rule in force during the
November 23, 2001 certification election clearly, unequivocally and unambiguously allows dismissed
employees to vote during the certification election if the case they filed contesting their dismissal is still
pending at the time of the election.
Here, the votes of employees with illegal dismissal cases were challenged by petitioner although their
cases were still pending at the time of the certification election on November 23, 2001. These cases
were filed on June 27, 2001 and the appeal of the Labor Arbiter’s February 28, 2003 Decision was
resolved by the NLRC only on August 29, 2003.
Even the new rule has explicitly stated that without a final judgment declaring the legality of dismissal,
dismissed employees are eligible or qualified voters. Thus,
Rule IX
Conduct of Certification Election
Section 5. Qualification of voters; inclusion-exclusion. – . . . An employee who has been dismissed
from work but has contested the legality of the dismissal in a forum of appropriate jurisdiction at the
time of the issuance of the order for the conduct of a certification election shall be considered a qualified
voter, unless his/her dismissal was declared valid in a final judgment at the time of the conduct of the
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Thus, we find no reversible error on the part of the DOLE Acting Secretary and the Court of Appeals in
ordering the appreciation of the votes of the dismissed employees.
Finally, we need not resolve the other issues for being moot. The 68 votes of the newly regularized
rank-and-file employees, even if counted in favor of “No Union,” will not materially alter the
result. There would still be 208 votes in favor of respondent and 189 votes in favor of “No Union.”
We also note that the certification election is already a fait accompli, and clearly petitioner’s rank-and-
file employees had chosen respondent as their bargaining representative.
PHIL. AIRLINES INC. VS.PHIL AIRLINES EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION, G.R. NO. 142399,
MARCH 12, 2008
96
Facts:
On 6 February 1987, petitioner PAL and respondent PALEA entered into a CBA covering the period of
1986-1989. Part of said agreement required petitioner PAL to pay its rank and file employees the
following bonuses:
Section 4. 13th Month Pay (Mid-year Bonus) A 13th month pay, equivalent to one month’s current basic
pay, consistent with the existing practice shall be paid in advance in May.
Section 5. Christmas Bonus The equivalent of one month’s current basic pay as of November 30, shall
be paid in December as a Christmas bonus. Payment may be staggered in two (2) stages. It is distinctly
understood that nothing herein contained shall be construed to mean that the Company may not at its
sole discretion give an additional amount or increase the Christmas bonus.
On 22 April 1988, prior to the payment of the 13th month pay (mid-year bonus), petitioner PAL released
a guideline implementing the aforequoted provision.
Disagreeing with petitioner PAL, respondent PALEA filed a labor complaint [16] for unfair labor practice
against petitioner PAL before the NLRC on 1 March 1989. The complaint interposed that â€œthe cut-off
period for regularization should not be used as the parameter for granting [the] 13 th month pay
considering that the law does not distinguish the status of employment but (sic) the law covers all
employees. petitioner PAL countered that those rank and file employees who were not regularized by
30 April of a particular year are, in principle, not denied their 13 th month pay considering they receive
said mandatory bonus in the form of the Christmas Bonus; that the Christmas Bonus given to all its
employees is deemed a compliance with Presidential Decree No. 851 and the latterâ€™s implementing
rules. It argues that 1) the CBA does not apply to non-regular employees such that any benefits arising
from said agreement cannot be made to apply to them, including the mid- year bonus; and 2) it has
always been the company practice not to extend the mid-year bonus to those employees who have not
attained regular status prior to the month of May, when payment of the particular bonus accrues.
Issue: Whether or not employees regularized after 30 April 1988 are entitled to 13th month pay or mid-
year bonus
Ruling:
Be that as it may, a cursory reading of the 1986-1989 CBA of the parties herein will instantly reveal
that Art. I, Sec. 3 of said agreement made its provision applicable to all employees in the bargaining
unit.
Section 3.Application. All the terms and conditions of employment of employees within the bargaining
unit are embodied in this Agreement, xxx
without distinguishing between regular and non-regular employees. As succinctly put by respondent
PALEA in its Memorandum:
All employees in (sic) PAL are entitled to the same benefit as they are within the same collective
bargaining unit and the entitlement to such benefit spills over to even non-union members.
It is a well-settled doctrine that the benefits of a CBA extend to the laborers and employees in the
collective bargaining unit, including those who do not belong to the chosen bargaining labor
organization.[32] Otherwise, it would be a clear case of discrimination.
Hence, to be entitled to the benefits under the CBA, the employees must be members of the bargaining
unit, but not necessarily of the labor organization designated as the bargaining agent. A “bargaining
unit” has been defined as a group of employees of a given employer, comprised of all or less than all of
the entire body of employees, which the collective interest of all the employees, consistent with equity
to the employer, indicates to be the best suited to serve the reciprocal rights and duties of the parties
under the collective bargaining provisions of the law.[33] At this point, the allegation of petitioner PAL
that the non-regular employees do not belong to the collective bargaining unit and are thus not covered
by the CBA is unjustified and unsubstantiated. It is apparent to us that petitioner PAL excludes certain
employees from the benefits of the CBA only because they have not yet achieved regular status by the
cut-off date, 30 April 1988. There is no showing that the non-regular status of the concerned employees
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by said cut-off date sufficiently distinguishes their interests from those of the regular employees so as
to exclude them from the collective bargaining unit and the benefits of the CBA.
Having ruled that the benefits provided by the subject CBA are applicable even to non-regular employees
who belong to the bargaining unit concerned, the next and crucial query to be addressed is whether the
13th month pay or mid- year bonus can be equated to the Christmas bonus. Xxx
It must be stressed that in the 1986-1989 CBA, petitioner PAL agreed to pay its employees 1) the 13th
month pay or the mid-year bonus, and 2) the Christmas bonus. The 13th month pay, guaranteed by
Presidential Decree No. 851, is explicitly covered or provided for as the mid-year bonus in the CBA,
while the Christmas bonus is evidently and distinctly a separate benefit. Petitioner PAL may not be
allowed to brush off said distinction, and unilaterally and arbitrarily declare that for non-regular
employees, their Christmas bonus is the same as or equivalent to the 13th month pay. Xxx
The non-regular rank and file employees of petitioner PAL as of 30 April 1988, are not actually seeking
more benefits than what the other member-employees of the same bargaining unit are already enjoying.
They are only requesting that all members of the bargaining unit be treated equally and afforded the
same privileges and benefits as agreed upon between respondent PALEA and petitioner PAL in the CBA.
Petitioner PAL is committing a patent act of inequity that is grossly prejudicial to the non-regular rank
and file employees there being no rational basis for withholding from the latter the benefit of a Christmas
bonus besides the 13th month pay or mid-year bonus, while the same is being granted to the other rank
and file employees of petitioner PAL who have been regularized as of 30 April 1988, although both types
of employees are members of the same bargaining unit. As it had willfully and intentionally agreed to
under the terms of the CBA, petitioner PAL must pay its regular and non-regular employees who are
members of the bargaining unit represented by respondent PALEA their 13 th month pay or mid-year
bonus separately from and in addition to their Christmas bonus.
A collective bargaining agreement refers to a negotiated contract between a legitimate labor

organization and the employer concerning wages, hours of work and all other terms and conditions of
employment in a bargaining unit.[40] As in all other contracts, the parties to a CBA may establish such
stipulations, clauses, terms and conditions as they may deem convenient, provided these are not
contrary to law, morals, good customs, public order or public policy. [41] Thus, where the CBA is clear
and unambiguous, it becomes the law between the parties, and compliance therewith is mandated by
the express policy of the law.
STEEL CORP. VS.SCP EMPLOYEES UNION-NFL G.R. NO. 169829-30, APRIL 16, 2008
Facts:
Petitioner Steel Corporation of the Philippines (SCP) is engaged in manufacturing construction materials,
supplying approximately 50% of the domestic needs for roofing materials. SCP-Federated Union of the
Energy Leaders – General and Allied Services (FUEL-GAS) filed a petition for Certification Election in its
bid to represent the rank-and-file employees of the petitioner. Respondent SCP Employees Union
(SCPEU) – National Federation of Labor Unions (NAFLU) intervened, seeking to participate and be voted
for in such election but the same was denied for having been filed out of time.
Later on, a consent election was conducted, with “FUEL-GAS” and “NO UNION” as choices. Said election
was however declared a failure because less than a majority of the rank-and-file employees cast their
votes.
Later on, NAFLU, the mother federation of respondent SCPEU, filed a petition for Certification Election
for and on behalf of its affiliate, seeking to represent the rank-and-file employees of petitioner. The
Med-Arbiter granted the petition for certification election filed by NAFLU and further ordered the conduct
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of the election with “NAFLU” and “NO UNION” as choices. Both petitioner and FUEL-GAS appealed to
the Secretary of Labor, which appeals were later consolidated.
DOLE Undersecretary rendered a consolidated decision ordering the conduct of a certification election
with “SCPEU,” respondent and “NO UNION” as choices. Subsequent motions for reconsideration were
denied. Unsatisfied, petitioner and FUEL-GAS appealed to the CA. However, the certification election,
as ordered by the Med-Arbiter, proceeded. FUEL-GAS participated without prejudice to the decision of
the CA in its pending petition. In said election, respondent emerged as winner; hence, an election
protest filed by FUEL-GAS.
Meanwhile, the Undersecretary rendered a Decision certifying respondent as the exclusive bargaining
agent of petitioner’s employees. Petitioner and FUEL-GAS timely filed motions for reconsideration of
the aforesaid decision.
Issue: Whether or not the strike staged by respondent union is illegal
Ruling: Whether or not respondent is the recognized collective bargaining agent had been finally
resolved in the negative. Consequently, as correctly concluded by the CA, it could not compel petitioner
to bargain with it. Thus, the only issues left for determination are: the validity of the strike participated
in by the officers of the respondent union; and the validity of their termination from employment by
reason of such participation.
The strike is a legitimate weapon in the human struggle for a decent existence. It is considered as the
most effective weapon in protecting the rights of the employees to improve the terms and conditions of
their employment. But to be valid, a strike must be pursued within legal bounds. The right to strike as
a means for the attainment of social justice is never meant to oppress or destroy the employer. The law
provides limits for its exercise.
In the instant case, the strike undertaken by the officers of respondent union is patently illegal for the
following reasons: (1) it is a union-recognition-strike which is not sanctioned by labor laws; (2) it was
undertaken after the dispute had been certified for compulsory arbitration; and (3) it was in violation of
the Secretary's return-to-work order.
Respondent's notices of strike were founded on petitioner's continued refusal to bargain with it. It thus
staged the strike to compel petitioner to recognize it as the collective bargaining agent, making it a
union-recognition-strike. As its legal designation implies, this kind of strike is calculated to compel the
employer to recognize one's union and not other contending groups, as the employees' bargaining
representative to work out a collective bargaining agreement despite the striking union's doubtful
majority status to merit voluntary recognition and lack of formal certification as the exclusive
representative in the bargaining unit.
The certification election that was conducted where respondent emerged as winner, not having been
recognized as valid, it has no authority to represent the rank and file employees of petitioner. Thus, it
could not ask petitioner to bargain with it. As the issue of its identity had been the subject of a separate
case which had been settled by the court with finality,61 petitioner cannot, therefore, be faulted in
refusing to bargain. Neither could this Court sustain respondent's imputation of unfair labor practice and
union busting against petitioner. With more reason, this Court cannot sustain the validity of the strike
staged on such basis.
Even if this Court were to uphold the validity of respondent's purpose or objective in staging a strike,
still, the strike would be declared illegal for having been conducted in utter defiance of the Secretary's
return-to-work order and after the dispute had been certified for compulsory arbitration. Although
ostensibly there were several notices of strike successively filed by respondent, these notices were
founded on substantially the same grounds – petitioner's continued refusal to recognize it as the
collective bargaining representative.
Article 263(g) of the Labor Code provides:

When, in his opinion, there exists a labor dispute causing or likely to cause a strike or lockout in an
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workers under the same terms and conditions prevailing before the strike or lockout. The Secretary of
Labor and Employment or the Commission may seek the assistance of law enforcement agencies to
ensure the compliance with this provision as well as with such orders as he may issue to enforce the
same. x x x.
The powers granted to the Secretary under Article 263(g) of the Labor Code have been characterized
as an exercise of the police power of the State, aimed at promoting the public good. When the Secretary
exercises these powers, he is granted "great breadth of discretion" to find a solution to a labor dispute.
The most obvious of these powers is the automatic enjoining of an impending strike or lockout or its
lifting if one has already taken place.
The moment the Secretary of Labor assumes jurisdiction over a labor dispute in an industry
indispensable to national interest, such assumption shall have the effect of automatically enjoining the
intended or impending strike. It was not even necessary for the Secretary of Labor to issue another
order directing a return to work. The mere issuance of an assumption order by the Secretary of Labor
automatically carries with it a return-to-work order, even if the directive to return to work is not
expressly stated in the assumption order.
A return-to-work order imposes a duty that must be discharged more than it confers a right that may
be waived. While the workers may choose not to obey, they do so at the risk of severing their relationship
with their employer.
Returning to work in this situation is not a matter of option or voluntariness but of obligation. The worker
must return to his job together with his co-workers so that the operations of the company can be
resumed and it can continue serving the public and promoting its interest. This extraordinary authority
given to the Secretary of Labor is aimed at arriving at a peaceful and speedy solution to labor disputes,
without jeopardizing national interests. Regardless of their motives, or the validity of their claims, the
striking workers must cease and/or desist from any and all acts that undermine or tend to undermine
this authority of the Secretary of Labor, once an assumption and/or certification order is issued. They
cannot, for instance, ignore return-to-work orders, citing unfair labor practices on the part of the
company, to justify their action.
Respondent, in the instant case, after the assumption of jurisdiction and certification of the dispute to
the NLRC for compulsory arbitration, filed notices of strike and staged the strike obviously contrary to
the provisions of labor laws. Worse, it filed not one but several notices of strike which resulted in two
certified cases which were earlier consolidated. These disputes could have been averted had respondent
respected the CA's decision. That way, the collective bargaining agent would have been determined and
petitioner could have been compelled to bargain. Respondent, through its officers, instead opted to use
the weapon of strike to force petitioner to recognize it as the bargaining agent. The strike, having been
staged after the dispute had been certified for arbitration and contrary to the return-to-work order,
became a prohibited activity, and was thus illegal.
Strikes exert disquieting effects not only on the relationship between labor and management, but also
on the general peace and progress of society, not to mention the economic well-being of the State. It is
a weapon that can either breathe life to or destroy the union and members in their struggle with
management for a more equitable due of their labors. Hence, the decision to wield the weapon of strike
must therefore rest on a rational basis, free from emotionalism, unswayed by the tempers and tantrums
of a few, and firmly focused on the legitimate interest of the union which should not however be
antithetical to the public welfare. In every strike staged by a union, the general peace and progress of
society and public welfare are involved.
100
Having settled that the subject strike was illegal, this Court shall now determine the proper penalty to
be imposed on the union officers who knowingly participated in the strike.
Article 264 of the Labor Code further provides:

Art. 264. Prohibited activities.— x x x
Any workers whose employment has been terminated as a consequence of an unlawful lockout shall be
entitled to reinstatement with full back wages. Any union officer who knowingly participates in an illegal
strike and any worker or union officer who knowingly participates in the commission of illegal acts during
a strike may be declared to have lost his employment status: Provided, that mere participation of a
worker in a lawful strike shall not constitute sufficient ground for termination of his employment, even
if a replacement had been hired by the employer during such lawful strike. x x x.
It bears stressing that the law makes a distinction between union members and union officers. A worker
merely participating in an illegal strike may not be terminated from employment. It is only when he
commits illegal acts during a strike that he may be declared to have lost employment status. For
knowingly participating in an illegal strike or participating in the commission of illegal acts during a
strike, the law provides that a union officer may be terminated from employment. The law grants the
employer the option of declaring a union officer who participated in an illegal strike as having lost his
employment. It possesses the right and prerogative to terminate the union officers from service.
Otherwise, the workers will simply refuse to return to their work and cause a standstill in the company
operations while retaining the positions they refuse to discharge and preventing management from filling
up their positions.
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK EMPLOYEES UNION VS. STANDARD CHARTERED BANK ET AL.,
G.R. NO. 161933, APRIL 22, 2008
Facts:
Petitioner and the Standard Chartered Bank (Bank) began negotiating for a new Collective Bargaining
Agreement (CBA) in May 2000 as their 1998-2000 CBA already expired. Due to a deadlock in the
negotiations, petitioner filed a Notice of Strike prompting the Secretary of Labor and Employment to
assume jurisdiction over the labor dispute.
On May 31, 2001, Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
issued an Order for the parties to execute their CBA.
Issue:
Whether the Bank's Chief Cashiers and Assistant Cashiers, personnel of the Telex Department and HR
staff are confidential employees, such that they shall be excluded in the bargaining unit
Ruling:
The CBA provisions in dispute are the exclusion of certain employees from the appropriate bargaining
unit and the adjustment of remuneration for employees serving in an acting capacity for one month.
In their proposal, petitioner sought the exclusion of only the following employees from the appropriate
bargaining unit – all managers who are vested with the right to hire and fire employees, confidential
employees, those with access to labor relations materials, Chief Cashiers, Assistant Cashiers, personnel
of the Telex Department and one Human Resources (HR) staff.
The Secretary's disposition of the issues raised by petitioner were affirmed by the CA. The Court sustains
the CA.
Whether or not the employees sought to be excluded from the appropriate bargaining unit are
confidential employees is a question of fact, which is not a proper issue in a petition for review under
101
Rule 45 of the Rules of Court. This holds more true in the present case in which petitioner failed to
controvert with evidence the findings of the Secretary and the CA.
The disqualification of managerial and confidential employees from joining a bargaining unit for rank
and file employees is already well-entrenched in jurisprudence. While Article 245 of the Labor Code
limits the ineligibility to join, form and assist any labor organization to managerial employees,
jurisprudence has extended this prohibition to confidential employees or those who by reason of their
positions or nature of work are required to assist or act in a fiduciary manner to managerial employees
and hence, are likewise privy to sensitive and highly confidential records.
In this case, the question that needs to be answered is whether the Bank's Chief Cashiers and Assistant
Cashiers, personnel of the Telex Department and HR staff are confidential employees, such that they
should be excluded.
As regards the qualification of bank cashiers as confidential employees, National Association of Trade
Unions (NATU) – Republic Planters Bank Supervisors Chapter v. Torres declared that they are
confidential employees having control, custody and/or access to confidential matters, e.g., the branch's
cash position, statements of financial condition, vault combination, cash codes for telegraphic transfers,
demand drafts and other negotiable instruments, pursuant to Sec. 1166.4 of the Central Bank Manual
regarding joint custody, and therefore, disqualified from joining or assisting a union; or joining, assisting
or forming any other labor organization.
Golden Farms, Inc. v. Ferrer-Calleja meanwhile stated that “confidential employees such as accounting
personnel, radio and telegraph operators who, having access to confidential information, may become
the source of undue advantage. Said employee(s) may act as spy or spies of either party to a collective
bargaining agreement.”
Finally, in Philips Industrial Development, Inc. v. National Labor Relations Commission, the Court
designated personnel staff, in which human resources staff may be qualified, as confidential employees
because by the very nature of their functions, they assist and act in a confidential capacity to, or have
access to confidential matters of, persons who exercise managerial functions in the field of labor
relations.
Petitioner insists that the foregoing employees are not confidential employees; however, it failed to
buttress its claim. Aside from its generalized arguments and despite the Secretary's finding that there
was no evidence to support it, petitioner still failed to substantiate its claim. Petitioner did not even
bother to state the nature of the duties and functions of these employees, depriving the Court of any
basis on which it may be concluded that they are indeed confidential employees. As aptly stated by the
CA:
While We agree that petitioner's proposed revision is in accordance with the law, this does not
necessarily mean that the list of exclusions enumerated in the 1998-2000 CBA is contrary to law. As
found by public respondent, petitioner failed to show that the employees sought to be removed
from the list of exclusions are actually rank and file employees who are not managerial or
confidential in status and should, accordingly, be included in the appropriate bargaining unit.
SAMAHAN NG MGA MANGGAGAWA SA SAMMA-LAKAS SA INDUSTRIYA NG KAPATIRANG

HALIGI NG ALYANSA (SAMMA-LIKHA) VS.SAMMA CORP. G.R. NO.167141, MAR. 13, 2009
Facts:
Petitioner Samahan ng mga Manggagawa sa Samma– Lakas sa Industriya ng Kapatirang Haligi ng
Alyansa (SAMMA-LIKHA) filed a petition for certification election on July 24, 2001 in the Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE), Regional Office IV. It claimed that: (1) it was a local chapter of the
LIKHA Federation, a legitimate labor organization registered with the DOLE; (2) it sought to represent
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all the rank-and-file employees of respondent Samma Corporation; (3) there was no other legitimate
labor organization representing these rank-and-file employees; (4) respondent was not a party to any
collective bargaining agreement and (5) no certification or consent election had been conducted within
the employer unit for the last 12 months prior to the filing of the petition.
Respondent moved for the dismissal of the petition arguing that (1) LIKHA Federation failed to
establish its legal personality; (2) petitioner failed to prove its existence as a local chapter; (3) it failed
to attach the certificate of non-forum shopping and (4) it had a prohibited mixture of supervisory and
rank-and-file employees.
In an order dated November 12, 2002, med-arbiter Arturo V. Cosuco ordered the dismissal of the petition
on the following grounds: (1) lack of legal personality for failure to attach the certificate of registration
purporting to show its legal personality; (2) prohibited mixture of rank-and-file and supervisory
employees and (3) failure to submit a certificate of non-forum shopping.
Issues:
1. Whether a certificate for non-forum shopping is required in a petition for certification election;
2. Whether petitioner had the legal personality to file the petition for certification election.
Ruling:
No requirement of certificate of non-forum shopping.
The requirement for a certificate of non-forum shopping refers to complaints, counter-claims, cross-
claims, petitions or applications where contending parties litigate their respective positions regarding
the claim for relief of the complainant, claimant, petitioner or applicant. A certification proceeding, even
though initiated by a "petition," is not a litigation but an investigation of a non-adversarial and fact-
finding character.
… [The] rationale for the requirement of a certification against forum shopping is to apprise the Court
of the pendency of another action or claim involving the same issues in another court, tribunal or quasi-
judicial agency, and thereby precisely avoid the forum shopping situation. Filing multiple petitions or
complaints constitutes abuse of court processes, which tends to degrade the administration of justice,
wreaks havoc upon orderly judicial procedure, and adds to the congestion of the heavily burdened
dockets of the courts. Furthermore, the rule proscribing forum shopping seeks to promote candor and
transparency among lawyers and their clients in the pursuit of their cases before the courts to promote
the orderly administration of justice, prevent undue inconvenience upon the other party, and save the
precious time of the courts. It also aims to prevent the embarrassing situation of two or more courts or
agencies rendering conflicting resolutions or decisions upon the same issue.
The same situation holds true for a petition for certification election. Under the omnibus rules
implementing the Labor Code as amended by D.O. No. 9, it is supposed to be filed in the Regional Office
which has jurisdiction over the principal office of the employer or where the bargaining unit is principally
situated. The rules further provide that where two or more petitions involving the same bargaining unit
are filed in one Regional Office, the same shall be automatically consolidated. Hence, the filing of multiple
suits and the possibility of conflicting decisions will rarely happen in this proceeding and, if it does, will
be easy to discover.
Notably, under the Labor Code and the rules pertaining to the form of the petition for certification
election, there is no requirement for a certificate of non-forum shopping either in D.O. No. 9, series of
1997 or in D.O. No. 40-03, series of 2003 which replaced the former.
Considering the nature of a petition for certification election and the rules governing it, we therefore
hold that the requirement for a certificate of non-forum shopping is inapplicable to such a petition.
Legal Personality of Petitioner
103
Petitioner argues that the erroneous inclusion of one supervisory employee in the union of rank-and-file
employees was not a ground to impugn its legitimacy as a legitimate labor organization which had the
right to file a petition for certification election.
We agree.
LIKHA was granted legal personality as a federation under certificate of registration no. 92-1015-032-
11638-FED-LC. Subsequently, petitioner as its local chapter was issued its charter certificate no. 2-
01.With certificates of registration issued in their favor, they are clothed with legal personality as
legitimate labor organizations:
Section 5.Effect of registration. – The labor organization or workers’ association shall be deemed
registered and vested with legal personality on the date of issuance of its certificate of registration. Such
legal personality cannot thereafter be subject to collateral attack, but may be questioned only in an
independent petition for cancellation in accordance with these Rules.
Section 3.Acquisition of legal personality by local chapter. - A local/chapter constituted in accordance

with Section 1 of this Rule shall acquire legal personality from the date of filing of the complete
documents enumerated therein. Upon compliance with all the documentary requirements, the Regional
Office or Bureau of Labor Relations shall issue in favor of the local/chapter a certificate indicating that
it is included in the roster of legitimate labor organizations.
Such legal personality cannot thereafter be subject to collateral attack, but may be questioned only in
an independent petition for cancellation of certificate of registration. Unless petitioner’s union
registration is cancelled in independent proceedings, it shall continue to have all the rights of a legitimate
labor organization, including the right to petition for certification election.
Furthermore, the grounds for dismissal of a petition for certification election based on the lack of legal
personality of a labor organization are the following: (a) petitioner is not listed by the Regional Office or
the Bureau of Labor Relations in its registry of legitimate labor organizations or (b) its legal personality
has been revoked or cancelled with finality in accordance with the rules.
As mentioned, respondent filed a petition for cancellation of the registration of petitioner on December
14, 2002. In a resolution dated April 14, 2003, petitioner’s charter certificate was revoked by the DOLE.
But on May 6, 2003, petitioner moved for the reconsideration of this resolution. Neither of the parties
alleged that this resolution revoking petitioner’s charter certificate had attained finality. However, in this
petition, petitioner prayed that its charter certificate be "reinstated in the roster of active legitimate
labor [organizations]." This cannot be granted here. To repeat, the proceedings on a petition for
cancellation of registration are independent of those of a petition for certification election. This case
originated from the latter. If it is shown that petitioner’s legal personality had already been revoked or
cancelled with finality in accordance with the rules, then it is no longer a legitimate labor organization
with the right to petition for a certification election.
A Final Note
Respondent, as employer, had been the one opposing the holding of a certification election among its
rank-and-file employees. This should not be the case. We have already declared that, in certification
elections, the employer is a bystander; it has no right or material interest to assail the certification
election.
WHEREFORE, the petition is hereby GRANTED.
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HOTEL ENTERPRISES OF THE PHILS., (HYATT REGENCY) VS. SAMAHAN NG MGA MANGGAGAWA SA
HYATT-(NUWHRAIN)
G.R. NO. 165756, JUNE 5, 2009
Facts:
Samahan ng mga Manggagawa sa Hyatt-National Union of Workers in the Hotel Restaurant and Allied
Industries (Union) is the certified collective bargaining agent of the rank-and-file employees of Hyatt
Regency Manila, a hotel owned by petitioner Hotel Enterprises of the Philippines, Inc. (HEPI).
In 2001, HEPI’s hotel business suffered a slump due to the local and international economic slowdown.
After implementing several schemes to recover their losses, HEPI decided to implement a downsizing
scheme by removing positions identified as redundant. The effect was to be a reduction of the hotel’s
rank-and file employees from the agreed number of 248, from their CBA, down to just 150. The Union
opposed the downsizing plan because they did not believe the financial report stating that the hotel was
incurring heavy financial losses, and for being violative of the CBA.
Despite its opposition, a list of the positions declared redundant and to be contracted out was given by
the management to the Union. Notices of termination were, likewise, sent to 48 employees whose
positions were to be retrenched or declared as redundant.
The Union filed a notice of strike based on unfair labor practice (ULP) against HEPI. A petition was
likewise filed by HEPI to declare the strike illegal.
The NLRC decided in favor of HEPI. They gave credence to the financial report that the hotel had incurred
huge financial losses necessitating the adoption of a downsizing scheme. Thus, NLRC declared the strike
illegal, suspended all Union officers for a period of six (6) months without pay, and dismissed the ULP
charge against HEPI.
Issue:
Whether or not the Union staged a valid strike.
Ruling:
The Constitution affords full protection to labor, but the policy is not to be blindly followed at the expense
of capital. Always, the interests of both sides must be balanced in light of the evidence adduced and the
peculiar circumstances surrounding each case.
The requisites for a valid strike are: (a) a notice of strike filed with the DOLE 30 days before the intended
date thereof or 15 days in case of ULP; (b) a strike vote approved by a majority of the total union
membership in the bargaining unit concerned obtained by secret ballot in a meeting called for that
purpose; and (c) a notice to the DOLE of the results of the voting at least seven (7) days before the
intended strike. The requirements are mandatory and failure of a union to comply therewith renders the
strike illegal.
In this case, respondent fully satisfied the procedural requirements prescribed by law: a strike notice
filed on April 12, 2002; a strike vote reached on April 25, 2002; notification of the strike vote filed also
on April 25, 2002; conciliation proceedings conducted on May 8, 20002; and the actual strike on May
10, 2002.
Substantively, however, there appears to be a problem. A valid and legal strike must be based on
"strikeable" grounds, because if it is based on a "non-strikeable" ground, it is generally deemed an
illegal strike. Corollarily, a strike grounded on ULP is illegal if no acts constituting ULP actually exist. As
an exception, even if no such acts are committed by the employer, if the employees believe in good
faith that ULP actually exists, then the strike held pursuant to such belief may be legal. As a general
105
rule, therefore, where a union believes that an employer committed ULP and the surrounding
circumstances warranted such belief in good faith, the resulting strike may be considered legal although,
subsequently, such allegations of unfair labor practices were found to be groundless.
Here, respondent Union went on strike in the honest belief that petitioner was committing ULP after the
latter decided to downsize its workforce contrary to the staffing/manning standards adopted by both
parties under a CBA forged only four (4) short months earlier. The belief was bolstered when the
management hired 100 contractual workers to replace the 48 terminated regular rank-and-file
employees who were all Union members. Indeed, those circumstances showed prima facie that the hotel
committed ULP. Thus, even if technically there was no legal ground to stage a strike based on ULP
(because the downzising/retrenchment scheme by the employer was declared valid), since the attendant
circumstances support the belief in good faith that petitioner’s retrenchment scheme was structured to
weaken the bargaining power of the Union, the strike, by exception, may be considered legal.
Because of this, we view the NLRC’s decision to suspend all the Union officers for six (6) months without
pay to be too harsh a punishment. A suspension of two (2) months without pay should have been more
reasonable and just. Be it noted that the striking workers are not entitled to receive strike-duration pay,
the ULP allegation against the employer being unfounded.
TEODORICO S. MIRANDA, JR. VS.ASIAN TERMINALS, INC. (ATI) AND COURT OF APPEALS
GR NO. 174316 JUNE 23, 2009
Facts:
Petitioner Teodorico S. Miranda, Jr. was employed by respondent ATI in 1991 as Checker I. He also
became a member of the Associated Port Checkers and Workers Union (APCWU or the union). On April
10, 1992, the petitioner, who was then the Vice President of the union, was appointed to the position of
Shop Steward which is a union position under the payroll of the company. The Collective Bargaining
Agreement (CBA) between the union and ATI provided for the appointment of a Shop Steward from
among the union members, upon the recommendation of the union president. The Shop Steward is a
field representative of both the company and the union and acts as an independent arbiter of all
complaints brought to his attention.[
On December 28, 1993, Roger P. Silva, the President of APCWU, wrote a letter to the petitioner regarding
the recall of his designation as the union Shop Steward. The union president explained that the petitioner
was recalled as union Shop Steward due to loss of trust and confidence in him, pursuant to the
“Agreement Amending the MPSI (Marina Port Services, Inc.) - APCWU CBA.” The letter further stated
that the petitioner refused to heed the union president’s reminders concerning his “chronic absenteeism”
that “is hurting the interest of the Union members as they are left with no responsible union officer
when summoned for investigation concerning alleged infractions of company rules.”
Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the grievance committee issued its report recommending to
ATI the recall of the petitioner as Shop Steward and for his reversion to his former position of Checker
I, in accordance with the CBA. The petitioner questioned his recall as union Shop Steward, and the union
president, Roger P. Silva, issued a letter which reasoned that the petitioner’s recall as Shop Steward
was pursuant to Section 13 of the Agreement Amending the MPSI-APCWU CBA, amending Section 2,
Article V of the MPSI-APCWU CBA which required that the term of office of the Shop Steward shall be
based on trust and confidence and favorable recommendation of the duly elected president of the Union.
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The petitioner argues that he is entitled to claim reinstatement as Shop Steward as well as the payment
of his backwages pending the respondent’s appeal. He further contends that the Court of Appeals erred
in dismissing his consolidated petitions which prayed for the enforcement of his reinstatement as Shop
Steward for being moot and academic.
The respondent, on the other hand, maintains that both the NLRC and the Court of Appeals relied on
substantial evidence in arriving at their decision that the consolidated petitions are already moot and
academic in view of the previous reinstatement of the petitioner to Checker I and his retrenchment and
separation from ATI since October 31, 2001.
Issues:
(1) Whether or not the petitioner should be reinstated to the position of Shop Steward
(2) Whether or not the Labor Arbiter has jurisdiction over the dispute
Ruling:
A cursory look at the responsibilities of a shop steward leads to the conclusion that it is a position within
the union, and not within the company. A shop steward is appointed by the union in a shop,
department, or plant and serves as representative of the union, charged with negotiating and
adjustment of grievances of employees with the supervisor of the employer. He is the representative
of the union members in a building or other workplace. Black's Law Dictionary defines a shop steward
as a union official elected to represent members in a plant or particular department. His duties include
collection of dues, recruitment of new members and initial negotiations for the settlement of grievances.
The shop steward is responsible for receiving complaints and grievances of the employees and for
bringing these complaints to the immediate supervisor of the employee concerned. If the grievance is
not settled through the efforts of the shop steward, it is referred to the grievance committee.
It is quite clear that the jurisdiction of shop stewards and the supervisors includes the determination of
the issues arising from the interpretation or even implementation of a provision of the CBA, or from any
order or memorandum, circular or assignments issued by the appropriate authority in the establishment.
In fine, they are part and parcel of the continuous process of grievance resolution designed to preserve
and maintain peace among the employees and their employer. They occupy positions of trust and laden
with awesome responsibilities. Since the Shop Steward is a union position, the controversy surrounding
his recall from his position as Shop Steward becomes a dispute within the union.
An "Internal Union Dispute" or intra-union conflict refers to a conflict within or inside a labor union. It
includes all disputes or grievances arising from any violation of or disagreement over any provision of
the constitution and by-laws of a union, including any violation of the rights and conditions of union
membership provided for in the Code.[ Article 226 of the Labor Code of the Philippines vests on the
Bureau of Labor Relations and the Labor Relations Division jurisdiction to act on all inter-union or intra-
union conflicts.
The actions of the petitioner bolster the conclusion that his grievances were directed against the union
and not the respondent company, making the dispute an intra-union dispute. The first Complaints filed
by the petitioner were against the union and the Union President for illegal recall of his designation as
Shop Steward. A Complaint was then filed before the DOLE Med-Arbiter praying for reinstatement to
union Shop Steward and for the award of the salary differential while he was allegedly illegally demoted.
But the money claims could not be brought before the union since the salaries of the petitioner were
paid by the respondent company; thus, a Complaint for illegal demotion amounting to constructive
dismissal was filed before the Labor Arbiter, against the union, union president and this time including
respondent company and the president of the company.
Notwithstanding the determination of the Med-Arbiter, as affirmed by the Secretary of Labor, that the
petitioner should be reinstated to the position of Shop Steward, which is binding on this Court, the
petitioner could not be reinstated to the position of Shop Steward because his eventual separation from
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respondent ATI made reinstatement unfeasible. Employment with respondent ATI and membership in
the union are required in order to occupy the position of Shop Steward. But the petitioner is neither a
member of the union nor employed with respondent ATI. He was already retrenched from respondent
ATI since October 21, 2001, and his retrenchment was finally settled through the execution of a Quit
Claim and Release which was executed before the Second Division of the NLRC in NLRC CA No. 032809-
02. The Quit Claim and Release provides that in consideration of the receipt ofP367,500.00, the
petitioner discharges respondent ATI and its officers from any claims arising from his retrenchment,
without prejudice to the present labor case filed by the petitioner.
It may seem that the outcome of this case provides no relief for the petitioner despite his invalid removal
from the position of union Shop Steward, but the reinstatement of the petitioner could not be forced
into the present circumstances because the petitioner is no longer employed by the respondent
company. It is a fact that we cannot avoid and must consider in resolving this case. He was already
compensated for his retrenchment from ATI, and he released respondent ATI from any and all claims or
liability with respect to his separation from employment due to retrenchment. To order the respondent
company to reinstate the petitioner to his employment in ATI would render the Quit Claim and Release
nugatory.
The events which have taken place during the pendency of the case have rendered the present petition
moot and academic.
NATIONAL UNION OF WORKERS IN HOTELS RESTAURANTS AND ALLIED INDUSTRIES-MANILA

PAVILION HOTEL CHAPTER VS.SOLE, ET AL.
G.R. NO. 181531, JULY 31, 2009
Facts:
A certification election was conducted on June 16, 2006 among the rank-and-file employees of
respondent Holiday Inn Manila Pavilion Hotel (the Hotel) with the following results:
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EMPLOYEES IN VOTERS’ LIST = 353 In view of the significant number of segregated

votes, contending unions, petitioner,
NUHWHRAIN-MPHC, and respondent Holiday
TOTAL VOTES CAST = 346
Inn Manila Pavillion Hotel Labor Union
(HIMPHLU), referred the case back to Med-
NUWHRAIN-MPHC = 151 Arbiter Ma. Simonette Calabocal to decide which
among those votes would be opened and tallied.
HIMPHLU = 169 Eleven (11) votes were initially segregated
because they were cast
NO UNION = 1 by dismissed employees, albeit the legality of
their dismissal was still pending before the
Court of Appeals. Six other votes were
SPOILED = 3
segregated because the employees who cast
them were already occupying supervisory
SEGREGATED = 22 positions at the time of the election. Still five
other votes were segregated on the ground that
they were cast by probationary employees and,
pursuant to the existing Collective Bargaining
Agreement (CBA), such employees cannot vote. It bears noting early on, however, that the vote of one
Jose Gatbonton (Gatbonton), a probationary employee, was counted.
In fine, the SOLE concluded that the certification of HIMPHLU as the exclusive bargaining agent was
proper.
Issues:
The relevant issues for resolution then are first, whether employees on probationary status at the time
of the certification elections should be allowed to vote, and second, whether HIMPHLU was able to obtain
the required majority for it to be certified as the exclusive bargaining agent.
Ruling:
On the first issue, the Court rules in the affirmative.
The inclusion of Gatbonton’s vote was proper not because it was not questioned but because
probationary employees have the right to vote in a certification election. The votes of the six other
probationary employees should thus also have been counted. As Airtime Specialists, Inc. v. Ferrer-
Calleja holds:
In a certification election, all rank and file employees in the appropriate bargaining unit, whether
probationary or permanent are entitled to vote. This principle is clearly stated in Art. 255 of the Labor
Code which states that the "labor organization designated or selected by the majority of the employees
in an appropriate bargaining unit shall be the exclusive representative of the employees in such unit for
purposes of collective bargaining." Collective bargaining covers all aspects of the employment relation
and the resultant CBA negotiated by the certified union binds all employees in the bargaining unit.
Hence, all rank and file employees, probationary or permanent, have a substantial interest in the
selection of the bargaining representative. The Code makes no distinction as to their employment status
as basis for eligibility in supporting the petition for certification election. The law refers to "all" the
employees in the bargaining unit. All they need to be eligible to support the petition is to belong to the
"bargaining unit." (Emphasis supplied)
The provision in the CBA disqualifying probationary employees from voting cannot override
the Constitutionally-protected right of workers to self-organization, as well as the provisions
of the Labor Code and its Implementing Rules on certification elections and jurisprudence
thereon.
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Prescinding from the principle that all employees are, from the first day of their employment, eligible
for membership in a labor organization, it is evident that the period of reckoning in determining who
shall be included in the list of eligible voters is, in cases where a timely appeal has been
filed from the Order of the MedArbiter, the date when the Order of the Secretary of Labor and Employ
ment, whether affirming or denying the appeal, becomes final and executory.
The filing of an appeal to the SOLE from the Med-Arbiter’s Order stays its execution, in
accordance with Sec. 21, and rationally, the Med-Arbiter cannot direct the employer to furnish
him/her with the list of eligible voters pending the resolution of the appeal.
During the pendency of the appeal, the employer may hire additional employees. To exclude the
employees hired after the issuance of the Med-Arbiter’s Order but before the appeal has been resolved
would violate the guarantee that every employee has the right to be part of a labor organization from
the first day of their service.
In the present case, records show that the probationary employees, including Gatbonton, were included
in the list of employees in the bargaining unit submitted by the Hotel on May 25, 2006 in compliance
with the directive of the Med-Arbiter after the appeal and subsequent motion for reconsideration have
been denied by the SOLE, rendering the Med-Arbiter’s August 22, 2005 Order final and executory 10
days after the March 22, 2007 Resolution (denying the motion for reconsideration of the January 22
Order denying the appeal), and rightly so.
Because, for purposes of self-organization, those employees are, in light of the discussion
above, deemed eligible to vote.
A certification election is the process of determining the sole and exclusive bargaining agent
of the employees in an appropriate bargaining unit for purposes of collective bargaining.
Collective bargaining, refers to the negotiated contract between a legitimate labor
organization and the employer concerning wages, hours of work and all other terms and
conditions of employment in a bargaining unit.
The significance of an employee’s right to vote in a certification election cannot thus be overemphasized
for he has considerable interest in the determination of who shall represent him in negotiating the terms
and conditions of his employment.
Even if the Implementing Rules gives the SOLE 20 days to decide the appeal from the Order of the Med-
Arbiter, experience shows that it sometimes takes months to be resolved. To rule then that only those
employees hired as of the date of the issuance of the Med-Arbiter’s Order are qualified to vote would
effectively disenfranchise employees hired during the pendency of the appeal. More importantly,
reckoning the date of the issuance of the Med-Arbiter’s Order as the cut-off date would render inutile
the remedy of appeal to the SOLE.
But while the Court rules that the votes of all the probationary employees should be included, under the
particular circumstances of this case and the period of time which it took for the appeal to be decided,
the votes of the six supervisory employees must be excluded because at the time the certification
elections was conducted, they had ceased to be part of the rank and file, their promotion having taken
effect two months before the election.
2nd Issue:
As to whether HIMPHLU should be certified as the exclusive bargaining agent, the Court rules in the
negative. It is well-settled that under the so-called "double majority rule," for there to be a valid
certification election, majority of the bargaining unit must have voted AND the winning union
must have garnered majority of the valid votes cast.
Prescinding from the Court’s ruling that all the probationary employees’ votes should be deemed valid
votes while that of the supervisory employees should be excluded, it follows that the number of valid
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votes cast would increase – from 321 to 337. Under Art. 256 of the Labor Code, the union obtaining the
majority of the valid votes cast by the eligible voters shall be certified as the sole and exclusive
bargaining agent of all the workers in the appropriate bargaining unit. This majority is 50% + 1. Hence,
50% of 337 is 168.5 + 1 or at least 170.
HIMPHLU obtained 169 while petitioner received 151 votes. Clearly, HIMPHLU was not able to obtain a
majority vote. The position of both the SOLE and the appellate court that the opening of the 17
segregated ballots will not materially affect the outcome of the certification election as for, so they
contend, even if such member were all in favor of petitioner, still, HIMPHLU would win, is thus untenable.
It bears reiteration that the true importance of ascertaining the number of valid votes cast is
for it to serve as basis for computing the required majority, and not just to determine which
union won the elections. The opening of the segregated but valid votes has thus become material.
To be sure, the conduct of a certification election has a two-fold objective: to determine the appropriate
bargaining unit and to ascertain the majority representation of the bargaining representative, if the
employees desire to be represented at all by anyone. It is not simply the determination of who between
two or more contending unions won, but whether it effectively ascertains the will of the members of the
bargaining unit as to whether they want to be represented and which union they want to represent
them.
Having declared that no choice in the certification election conducted obtained the required majority, it
follows that a run-off election must be held to determine which between HIMPHLU and petitioner should
represent the rank-and-file employees.
A run-off election refers to an election between the labor unions receiving the two (2) highest number
of votes in a certification or consent election with three (3) or more choices, where such a certified or
consent election results in none of the three (3) or more choices receiving the majority of the valid votes
cast; provided that the total number of votes for all contending unions is at least fifty percent (50%) of
the number of votes cast.8 With 346 votes cast, 337 of which are now deemed valid and HIMPHLU
having only garnered 169 and petitioner having obtained 151 and the choice "NO UNION" receiving 1
vote, then the holding of a run-off election between HIMPHLU and petitioner is in order.
A. SORIANO AVIATION VS.EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF A. SORIANO AVIATION ET AL.
G.R. NO. 166879, AUG. 14, 2009
Facts:
A. Soriano Aviation (petitioner or the company) and respondent Employees Association of A. Soriano
Aviation (the Union), the duly-certified exclusive bargaining agent of the rank and file employees of
petitioner, entered into a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) which included a “No-Strike, No-Lock-
out” clause.
On May 1 & 12, and June 12, 1997, which were legal holidays and peak season for the company, eight
mechanics-members of respondent Union refused to render overtime work. Petitioner treated the
refusal to work as a concerted action which is a violation of the “No-Strike, No-Lockout” clause in the
CBA. It thus meted the workers a 30-day suspension. It also filed a complaint for illegal strike.
The attempted settlement between the parties having been futile, the Union filed a Notice of Strike with
the National Conciliation and Mediation Board on October 3, 1997, attributing to petitioner the following
acts: (1) union busting, (2) illegal dismissal of union officer, (3) illegal suspension of eight mechanics,
(4) violation of memorandum of agreement, (5) coercion of employees and interrogation of newly-hired
mechanics with regard to union affiliation, (6) discrimination against the aircraft mechanics, (7)
harassment through systematic fault-finding, (8) contractual labor, and (9) constructive dismissal of the
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Union President, Julius Vargas. As despite conciliation no amicable settlement of the dispute was arrived
at, the Union went on strike on October 22, 1997.
The Labor Arbiter declared that the newly implemented work-shift schedule was a valid exercise of
management prerogative and the refusal of herein individual respondents to work on three consecutive
holidays was a form of protest by the Union, hence, deemed a concerted action. Noting that the Union
failed to comply with the formal requirements prescribed by the Labor Code in the holding of strike, the
strike was declared illegal.
The Labor Arbiter declared the second strike illegal. The Labor Arbiter went on to hold that the Union
deliberately resorted to the use of violent and unlawful acts in the course of the “second strike,” hence,
the individual respondents were deemed to have lost their employment.
Issue:
In issue then is whether the strike staged by respondents is illegal due to the alleged commission of
illegal acts and violation of the “No Strike-No Lockout” clause of the CBA and, if in the affirmative,
whether individual respondents are deemed to have lost their employment status on account thereof.
Ruling:
The Court rules in the affirmative.
The Court notes that, as found by the Labor Arbiter in NLRC Case No. 07-05409-97, the first strike or
the mechanics’ refusal to work on 3 consecutive holidays was prompted by their disagreement with the
management-imposed new work schedule. Having been grounded on a non-strikeable issue and
without complying with the procedural requirements, then the same is a violation of the “No Strike-No
Lockout Policy” in the existing CBA. Respecting the second strike, where the Union complied with
procedural requirements, the same was not a violation of the “No Strike- No Lockout” provisions, as a
“No Strike-No Lockout” provision in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is a valid stipulation but
may be invoked only by employer when the strike is economic in nature or one which is conducted to
force wage or other concessions from the employer that are not mandated to be granted by the law. It
would be inapplicable to prevent a strike which is grounded on unfair labor practice. In the present case,
the Union believed in good faith that petitioner committed unfair labor practice when it went on strike
on account of the 30-day suspension meted to the striking mechanics, dismissal of a union officer and
perceived union-busting, among others.
The Court holds that the second strike became invalid due to the commission of illegal action in its
course. It is hornbook principle that the exercise of the right of private sector employees to strike is not
absolute.
Indeed, even if the purpose of a strike is valid, the strike may still be held illegal where
the means employed are illegal. Thus, the employment of violence, intimidation, restraint or coercion
in carrying out concerted activities which are injurious to the right to property renders a strike
illegal. And so is picketing or the obstruction to the free use of property or the comfortable enjoyment
of life or property, when accompanied by intimidation, threats, violence, and coercion as to constitute
nuisance.
Apropos is the following ruling in Sukhothai Cuisine v. Court of Appeals:

Well-settled is the rule that even if the strike were to be declared valid because its objective or purpose
is lawful, the strike may still be declared invalid where the means employed are illegal. Among such
limits are the prohibited activities under Article 264 of the Labor Code, particularly paragraph (e), which
states that no person engaged in picketing shall:
a) commit any act of violence, coercion, or intimidation or
b) obstruct the free ingress to or egress from the employer's premises for lawful purposes, or
c) obstruct public thoroughfares.
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The following acts have been held to be prohibited activities: where the strikers shouted slanderous and
scurrilous words against the owners of the vessels; where the strikers used unnecessary and obscene
language or epithets to prevent other laborers to go to work, and circulated libelous statements against
the employer which show actual malice; where the protestors used abusive and threatening language
towards the patrons of a place of business or against co-employees, going beyond the mere attempt to
persuade customers to withdraw their patronage; where the strikers formed a human cordon and
blocked all the ways and approaches to the launches and vessels of the vicinity of the workplace and
perpetrated acts of violence and coercion to prevent work from being performed; and where the strikers
shook their fists and threatened non-striking employees with bodily harm if they persisted to proceed
to the workplace. Permissible activities of the picketing workers do not include obstruction of access of
customers.
The appellate court found in the present case, as in fact it is not disputed, that
the Union committed illegal acts during the strike. The Union members’ repeated name-calling,
harassment and threats of bodily harm directed against company officers and non-striking employees
and, more significantly, the putting up of placards, banners and streamers with vulgar statements
imputing criminal negligence to the company, which put to doubt reliability of its operations, come within
the purview of illegal acts under Art. 264 and jurisprudence.
That the alleged acts of violence were committed in nine non-consecutive days during the almost eight
months that the strike was on-going does not render the violence less pervasive or widespread to be
excusable. Nowhere in Art. 264 does it requires that violence must be continuous or that it should be
for the entire duration of the strike.
The appellate court took against petitioner its filing of its complaint to have the strike declared illegal
almost eight months from the time it commenced. Art. 264 does not, however, state for purposes of
having a strike declared as illegal that the employer should immediately report the same. It only lists
what acts are prohibited. It is thus absurd to expect an employer to file a complaint at the first instance
that an act of violence is alleged to be committed, especially, as in the present case, when an earlier
complaint to have the refusal of the individual respondents to work overtime declared as an illegal strike
was still pending — an issue resolved in its favor only on September 25, 1998.
The records show that the Union went on strike on October 22, 1997, and the first reported harassment
incident occurred on October 29, 1997, while the last occurred in January, 1998. Those instances may
have been sporadic, but as found by the Labor Arbiter and the NLRC, the display of placards, streamers
and banners even up to the time the appeal was being resolved by the NLRC works against the Union’s
favor.
The acts complained of including the display of placards and banners imputing criminal negligence on
the part of the company and its officers, apparently with the end in view of intimidating the company’s
clientele, are, given the nature of its business, that serious as to make the “second strike” illegal.
Specifically with respect to the putting up of those banners and placards, coupled with the name-calling
and harassment, the same indicates that it was resorted to coerce the resolution of the dispute – the
very evil which Art. 264 seek to prevent.
As to the issue of loss of employment of those who participated in the illegal strike, Sukhothai instructs:
In the determination of the liabilities of the individual respondents’
In Samahang Manggagawa sa Sulpicio Lines, Inc.-NAFLU v. Sulpicio Lines, Inc., this Court explained
that the effects of such illegal strikes, outlined in Article 264, make a distinction between workers and
union officers who participate therein: an ordinary striking worker cannot be terminated for mere
participation in an illegal. There must be proof that he or she committed illegal acts during a
strike. A union officer, on the other hand, may be terminated from work when he knowingly
participates in an illegal strike, and like other workers, when he commits an illegal act during
an illegal strike. In all cases, the striker must be identified. But proof beyond reasonable doubt
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is not required. Substantial evidence available under the attendant circumstances, which may justify
the imposition of the penalty of dismissal, may suffice.
The liability for prohibited acts has thus to be determined on an individual basis. A perusal of the Labor
Arbiter’s Decision, which was affirmed in toto by the NLRC, shows that on account of the staging of the
illegal strike, individual respondents were all deemed to have lost their employment, without distinction
as to their respective participation.
Of the participants in the illegal strike, whether they knowingly participated in the illegal strike in the
case of union officers or knowingly participated in the commission of violent acts during the illegal
strike in the case of union members, the records do not indicate. While respondent Julius Vargas was
identified to be a union officer, there is no indication if he knowingly participated in the illegal
strike. The Court not being a trier of facts, the remand of the case to the NLRC is in order only for the
purpose of determining the status in the Union of individual respondents and their respective liability, if
any.
YSS EMPLOYEES UNION-PHIL TRANSPORT AND GENERAL WORKERS ORGANIZATION VS.YSS

LABORATORIES INC.
G.R. NO. 155125, DECEMBER 4, 2009
Facts:
YSS Laboratories is a domestic corporation engaged in the pharmaceutical business. YSSEU is a duly
registered labor organization and the sole and exclusive bargaining representative of the rank and file
employees of YSS Laboratories.
In order to arrest escalating business losses, YSS Laboratories implemented a retrenchment program
which affected 11 employees purportedly chosen in accordance with the reasonable standards
established by the company. Of the 11 employees sought to be retrenched, nine were officers and
members of YSSEU. Initially, these employees were given the option to avail themselves of the early
retirement program of the company. When no one opted to retire early, YSS Laboratories exercised its
option to terminate the services of its employees as allegedly authorized under Article 283 of the Labor
Code. Thus, copies of the Notices of Termination were filed with DOLE on 19 March 2001 and were
served to concerned employees on 20 March 2001.
Claiming that YSS Laboratories was guilty of discrimination and union-busting in carrying out the said
retrenchment program, YSSEU decided to hold a strike. After the necessary strike vote was taken under
the supervision of the National Conciliation Mediation Board – National Capital Region (NCMB-NCR),
YSSEU staged a strike on 20 April 2001.
In order to forge a compromise, a number of conciliation proceedings were conducted by the NCMB-
NCR, but these efforts proved futile since the parties’ stance was unbending. This prompted the
Secretary of Labor to finally intervene in order to put an end to a prolonged labor dispute. Underscoring
the government’s policy of preserving economic gains and employment levels, the Secretary of Labor
deemed that the continuation of the labor dispute was inimical to national interest. Thus, in an Order
dated 11 May 2001, the Secretary of Labor certified the labor dispute to the National Labor Relations
Commission (NLRC) for compulsory arbitration. Accordingly, all striking workers were thereby directed
to return to work within 24 hours from their receipt of the said Order, and YSS Laboratories to accept
them under the terms and conditions prevailing before the strike.
YSS Laboratories, however, refused to fully comply with the directive of the Secretary of Labor. In its
Urgent Motion for Reconsideration, YSS Laboratories argued that nine union officers and members who
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were previously terminated from service pursuant to a valid retrenchment should be excluded from the
operation of the return-to-work order. It also asserted that the union officers who participated in the
purported illegal strike should likewise not be allowed to be back to their employment for they were
deemed to have already lost their employment status.
Issues:
I. WHETHER OR NOT THE SECRETARY OF LABOR GRAVELY ABUSED ITS DISCRETION IN CERTIFYING
THE LABOR DISPUTE TO THE NLRC FOR COMPULSORY ARBITRATION.
II. WHETHER OR NOT THE RETRENCHED EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE EXCLUDED FROM THE OPERATION
OF THE RETURN TO WORK ORDER.
Ruling:
The petition is impressed with merit.
The Orders dated 11 May 2001 and 9 June 2001 of the Secretary of Labor, certifying the labor dispute
involving the herein parties to the NLRC for compulsory arbitration, and enjoining YSSEU to return to
work and YSS Laboratories to admit them under the same terms and conditions prevailing before the
strike, were issued pursuant to Article 263(g) of the Labor Code. Said provision reads:
Art. 263. Strikes, picketing, and lockouts.
xxxx
(g) When, in his opinion, there exists a labor dispute causing or likely to cause a strike or lockout in an
arbitration. Such assumption or certification shall have the effect of automatically enjoining the
intended or impending strike or lockout as specified in the assumption or certification order. If one has
already taken place at the time of assumption or certification, all striking or locked out employees
shall immediately return to work and the employer shall immediately resume operations and
readmit all workers under the same terms and conditions prevailing before the strike or
lockout. The Secretary of Labor and Employment or the Commission may seek the assistance of law
enforcement agencies to ensure compliance with this provision as well as with such orders as he may
issue to enforce the same.
After martial law was lifted and democracy was restored, the assumption of jurisdiction in Art. 263(g)
has now been viewed as an exercise of the police power of the State with the aim of promoting the
common good. The grant of these plenary powers to the Secretary of Labor makes it incumbent upon
him to bring about soonest, a fair and just solution to the differences between the employer and the
employees, so that the damage such labor dispute might cause upon the national interest may be
minimized as much as possible, if not totally averted, by avoiding stoppage of work or any lag in the
activities of the industry or the possibility of those contingencies that might cause detriment to the
national interest.
In order to effectively achieve such end, the assumption or certification order shall have the effect of
automatically enjoining the intended or impending strike or lockout. Moreover, if one has already taken
place, all striking workers shall immediately return to work, and the employer shall immediately resume
operations and readmit all workers under the same terms and conditions prevailing before the
strike or lockout.
YSS Laboratories’ vigorous insistence on the exclusion of the retrenched employees from the coverage
of the return-to-work order seriously impairs the authority of the Secretary of Labor to forestall a labor
dispute that he deems inimical to the national economy. The Secretary of Labor is afforded plenary
and broad powers, and is granted great breadth of discretion to adopt the most reasonable and
expeditious way of writing finis to the labor dispute.
Accordingly, when the Secretary of Labor directed YSS Laboratories to accept all the striking workers
back to work, the Secretary did not exceed his jurisdiction, or gravely abuse the same. It is significant
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at this point to point out that grave abuse of discretion implies a capricious and whimsical exercise of
judgment. Thus, an act may be considered as committed in grave abuse of discretion when the same is
performed in a capricious or whimsical exercise of judgment, which is equivalent to lack of
jurisdiction. The abuse of discretion must be so patent and gross as to amount to an evasion of a
positive duty or to a virtual refusal to perform a duty enjoined by law, or to act at all in contemplation
of law, as where the power is exercised in an arbitrary and despotic manner by reason of passion or
personal hostility. In the case at bar, there is no showing that the assailed orders were issued in an
arbitrary or despotic manner. The Orders dated 11 May 2001 and 9 June 2001 were issued by the
Secretary of Labor, with the end in view of preserving the status quo ante while the main issues of the
validity of the retrenchment and legality of the strike were being threshed out in the proper forum. This
was done for the promotion of the common good, considering that a lingering strike could be inimical to
the interest of both employer and employee. The Secretary of Labor acts to maintain industrial
peace. Thus, his certification for compulsory arbitration is not intended to interfere with the
management’s rights but to obtain a speedy settlement of the dispute.
By harping on the validity of the retrenchment and on the exclusion of the retrenched employees from
the coverage of the return-to-work order, YSS Laboratories undermines the underlying principle
embodied in Article 263(g) of the Labor Code on the settlement of labor disputes -- that assumption
and certification orders are executory in character and are to be strictly complied with by the parties,
even during the pendency of any petition questioning their validity. Regardless therefore of its motives,
or of the validity of its claims, YSS Laboratories must readmit all striking employees and give them back
their respective jobs. Accepting back the workers in this case is not a matter of option, but of obligation
mandated by law for YSS Laboratories to faithfully comply with. Its compulsory character is mandated,
not to cater to a narrow segment of society, or to favor labor at the expense of management, but to
serve the greater interest of society by maintaining the economic equilibrium.
Instructive is the ruling of this Court in Philippine Airlines Employees Association v. Philippine Airlines,
Inc.:
The very nature of a return-to-work order issued in a certified case lends itself to no other
construction. The certification attests to the urgency of the matter, affecting as it does an industry
indispensable to the national interest. The order is issued in the exercise of the court’s compulsory
power of arbitration, and therefore must be obeyed until set aside. x x x.
Certainly, the determination of who among the strikers could be admitted back to work cannot be made
to depend upon the discretion of employer, lest we strip the certification or assumption-of-jurisdiction
orders of the coercive power that is necessary for attaining their laudable objective. The return-to-work
order does not interfere with the management’s prerogative, but merely regulates it when, in the
exercise of such right, national interests will be affected. The rights granted by the Constitution are not
absolute. They are still subject to control and limitation to ensure that they are not exercised
arbitrarily. The interests of both the employers and employees are intended to be protected and not
one of them is given undue preference.
WHEREFORE, premises considered, the instant Petition is GRANTED.
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GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM (GSIS) VS. DINNAH VILLAVIZA, ELIZABETH DUQUE,
ADRONICO A. ECHAVEZ, RODEL RUBIO, ROWENA THERESE B. GRACIA, PILAR LAYCO, AND ANTONIO
JOSE LEGARDA,
G.R. NO. 180291, JULY 27, 2010
Facts:
Petitioner Winston Garcia (PGM Garcia), as President and General Manager of the GSIS, filed separate
formal charges against respondents Dinnah Villaviza, Elizabeth Duque, Adronico A. Echavez, Rodel
Rubio, Rowena Therese B. Gracia, Pilar Layco, and Antonio Jose Legarda for Grave Misconduct and/or
Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service pursuant to the Rules of Procedure in
Administrative Investigation (RPAI) of GSIS Employees and Officials, III, D, (1, c, f) in relation to Section
52A (3), (20), Rule IV, of the Uniform Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service (URACCS), in
accordance with Book V of the Administrative Code of 1987, committed as follows:
That on 27 May 2005, respondent, wearing red shirt together with some employees, marched to or
appeared simultaneously at or just outside the office of the Investigation Unit in a mass
demonstration/rally of protest and support for Messrs. Mario Molina and Albert Velasco, the latter having
surreptitiously entered the GSIS premises;
xxx xxx xxx
That some of these employees badmouthed the security guards and the GSIS management and defiantly
raised clenched fists led by Atty. Velasco who was barred by Hearing Officer Marvin R. Gatpayat in an
Order dated 24 May 2005 from appearing as counsel for Atty. Molina pursuant to Section 7 (b) (2) of
R.A. 6713 otherwise known as the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and
Employees;
That respondent, together with other employees in utter contempt of CSC Resolution No. 021316, dated
11 October 2002, otherwise known as Omnibus Rules on Prohibited Concerted Mass Actions in the Public
Sector caused alarm and heightened some employees and disrupted the work at the Investigation Unit
during office hours.
Respondents Duque, Echavez, Rubio, Gracia, Layco, and Legarda, together with two others, submitted
a letter-explanation to Atty. Barbo dated June 6, 2005. Denying that there was a planned mass action,
the respondents explained that their act of going to the office of the GSIS-IU was a spontaneous reaction
after learning that their former union president was there. Aside from some of them wanting to show
their support, they were interested in that hearing as it might also affect them.
PGM Garcia then filed the above-mentioned formal charges for Grave Misconduct and/or Conduct
Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service against each of the respondents, all dated June 4, 2005.
Respondents were again directed to submit their written answers under oath within three (3) days from
receipt thereof.5 None was filed.
On June 29, 2005, PGM Garcia issued separate but similarly worded decisions finding all seven (7)
respondents guilty of the charges and meting out the penalty of one (1) year suspension plus the
accessory penalties appurtenant thereto.
On appeal, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) found the respondents guilty of the lesser offense of
Violation of Reasonable Office Rules and Regulations and reduced the penalty to reprimand. The CSC
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ruled that respondents were not denied their right to due process but there was no substantial evidence
to hold them guilty of Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.
Issue: Whether or not respondents' actions on May 27, 2005 amounted to a "prohibited concerted
activity or mass action."
Ruling: As defined in Section 5 of CSC Resolution No. 02-1316 which serves to regulate the political
rights of those in the government service, the concerted activity or mass action proscribed must be
coupled with the "intent of effecting work stoppage or service disruption in order to realize their demands
of force concession." Wearing similarly colored shirts, attending a public hearing at the GSIS-IU office,
bringing with them recording gadgets, clenching their fists, some even badmouthing the guards and
PGM Garcia, are acts not constitutive of an (i) intent to effect work stoppage or service disruption and
(ii) for the purpose of realizing their demands of force concession.
Precisely, the limitations or qualifications found in Section 5 of CSC Resolution No. 02-1316 are there
to temper and focus the application of such prohibition. Not all collective activity or mass undertaking
of government employees is prohibited. Otherwise, we would be totally depriving our brothers and
sisters in the government service of their constitutional right to freedom of expression.
Government workers, whatever their ranks, have as much right as any person in the land to voice out
their protests against what they believe to be a violation of their rights and interests. Civil Service does
not deprive them of their freedom of expression. It would be unfair to hold that by joining the
government service, the members thereof have renounced or waived this basic liberty. This freedom
can be reasonably regulated only but can never be taken away.
A review of PGM Garcia's formal charges against the respondents reveals that he himself was not even
certain whether the respondents and the rest of the twenty or so GSIS employees who were at the
GSIS-IU office that fateful day marched there or just simply appeared there simultaneously.14 Thus,
the petitioners were not even sure if the spontaneous act of each of the twenty or so GSIS employees
on May 27, 2005 was a concerted one. The report of Manager Nagtalon of the GSIS-SD which was the
basis for PGM Garcia's formal charges reflected such uncertainty.
In the recent case of GSIS v. Kapisanan ng mga Manggagawa sa GSIS,16 the Court upheld the position
of petitioner GSIS because its employees, numbering between 300 and 800 each day, staged a walkout
and participated in a mass protest or demonstration outside the GSIS for four straight days. We cannot
say the same for the 20 or so employees in this case. To equate their wearing of red shirts and going
to the GSIS-IU office for just over an hour with that four-day mass action in Kapisanan ng mga
Manggagawa sa GSIS case and to punish them in the same manner would most certainly be unfair and
unjust.
Recent analogous decisions in the United States, while recognizing the government's right as an
employer to lay down certain standards of conduct, tend to lean towards a broad definition of "public
concern speech" which is protected by their First Amendment. One such case is that of Scott v. Meters.17
In said case, the New York Transit Authority (NYTA), responsible for operation of New York City's mass
transit service, issued a rule prohibiting employees from wearing badges or buttons on their uniforms.
A number of union members wore union buttons promoting their opposition to a collective bargaining
agreement. Consequently, the NYTA tried to enforce its rule and threatened to subject these union
members to discipline. The court, though recognizing the government's right to impose reasonable
restrictions, held that the NYTA's rule was "unconstitutionally overboard."
Thus, respondents' freedom of speech and of expression remains intact, and CSC's Resolution No. 02-
1316 defining what a prohibited concerted activity or mass action has only tempered or regulated these
rights. Measured against that definition, respondents' actuations did not amount to a prohibited
concerted activity or mass action. The CSC and the CA were both correct in arriving at said conclusion.
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PICOP RESOURCES INC. VS.TANECA ET.AL.,
G.R. NO. 160828, 09 AUGUST 2010
Facts: On February 13, 2001, respondents Tañeca and 14 others filed a Complaint for unfair labor
practice, illegal dismissal and money claims against petitioner PICOP Resources , Inc. (PRI).
Respondents were regular rank-and-file employees of PRI and bona fide members of Nagkahiusang
Mamumuo sa PRI Southern Philippines Federation of Labor (NAMAPRI-SPFL), which is the collective
bargaining agent for the rank-and-file employees of petitioner PRI.
PRI has a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with NAMAPRI-SPFL for a period of five (5) years from
May 22, 1995 until May 22, 2000.
On May 16, 2000, Atty. Proculo P. Fuentes, VP of PRI sent a letter to the management of PRI demanding
the termination of employees who allegedly campaigned for, supported and signed the Petition for
Certification Election of the Federation of Free Workers Union (FFW) during the effectivity of the CBA.
NAMAPRI-SPFL considered said act of campaigning for and signing the petition for certification election
of FFW as an act of disloyalty and a valid basis for termination for a cause in accordance with its
Constitution and By-Laws, and the terms and conditions of the CBA.
On October 16, 2000, PRI served notices of termination for causes to the 31 out of the 46 employees
whom NAMAPRIL-SPFL sought to be terminated on the ground of "acts of disloyalty" committed against
it. A Notice was also served on the DOLE, Caraga Region.
Respondents alleged that none of them ever withdrew their membership or submitted to PRI any union
dues and check-off disauthorizations against NAMAPRI-SPFL. They claimed that they continue to remain
on record as bona fide members. They insisted that mere affixation of signature on such authorization
was not per se an act of disloyalty. They claimed that while it may be true that they signed the said
authorization before the start of the freedom period, the petition of FFW was only filed with the DOLE
on May 18, 2000, or 58 days after the start of the freedom period.
Respondents, likewise, argued that at the time NAMAPRI-SPFL demanded their termination, it was no
longer the bargaining representative of the rank-and-file workers of PRI, because the CBA had already
expired on May 22, 2000. Hence, there could be no justification in PRI's act of dismissing respondents
due to acts of disloyalty.
Respondents asserted that the act of PRI in giving in to the wishes of the Union in discharging them on
the ground of disloyalty to the Union amounted to interference with, restraint or coercion of respondents'
exercise of their right to self-organization. The act indirectly required petitioners to support and maintain
their membership with NAMAPRI-SPFL as a condition for their continued employment.
The Labor Arbiter declared the respondents' dismissal to be illegal and ordered PRI to reinstate
respondents to their former or equivalent positions without loss of seniority rights and to jointly and
solidarily pay their backwages.
PRI and NAMAPRI-SPFL appealed to the NLRC which reversed the decision of the Labor Arbiter; thus,
declaring the dismissal of respondents from employment as legal. Respondents filed a motion for
reconsideration, but it was denied for lack of merit. Respondents filed a petition for certiorari under
Rule 65 before the CA.
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The CA reversed and set aside the assailed Resolutions of the NLRC and reinstated the Decision of the
Labor Arbiter.
Issues:
1. Whether or not an error in the interpretation of law fall within the ambit of Extraordinary Remedy
of Certiorari under Rule 65.
2. Whether or not a CBA can be given its effectivity in all its Terms and Conditions, even beyond the
5-year period when no CBA has yet been entered into, possessing just cause to terminate on the
grounds herein.
Ruling:
Issue 1:
PRI perceived an error in the mode of appeal by respondents in assailing the decision of the NLRC. It
claimed that assuming that the NLRC erred in its judgment on the legal issues, its error, if any, is not
tantamount to abuse of discretion falling within the ambit of Rule 65. WRONG.
The power of the CA to review NLRC decisions via Rule 65 or Petition for Certiorari has been settled as
early as in our decision in St. Martin Funeral Home v. NLRC.cThis Court held that the proper vehicle for
such review was a Special Civil Action for Certiorari under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court, and that this
action should be filed in the CA in strict observance of the doctrine of the hierarchy of courts.cra1aw
Issue 2: PRI argued that the dismissal of the respondents was valid and legal. It claimed to have acted
in good faith at the instance of the incumbent union pursuant to the Union Security Clause of the CBA.
Citing Article 253 of the Labor Code, PRI contends that as parties to the CBA, they are enjoined to keep
the status quo and continue in full force and effect the terms and conditions of the existing CBA during
the 60-day period until a new agreement is reached by the parties. UNTENABLE.
"Union security" is a generic term, which is applied to and comprehends "closed shop," "union shop,"
"maintenance of membership," or any other form of agreement which imposes upon employees the
obligation to acquire or retain union membership as a condition affecting employment.
However, in terminating the employment of an employee by enforcing the union security clause, the
employer needs to determine and prove that: (1) the union security clause is applicable; (2) the union
is requesting for the enforcement of the union security provision in the CBA; and (3) there is sufficient
evidence to support the decision of the union to expel the employee from the union. These requisites
constitute just cause for terminating an employee based on the union security provision of the CBA.
As to the first requisite, there is no question that the CBA between PRI and respondents included a union
security clause. Following the same provision, PRI, upon written request from the Union, can indeed
terminate the employment of the employee who failed to maintain its good standing as a union member.
Secondly, it is likewise undisputed that NAMAPRI-SPFL, in two (2) occasions demanded from PRI, in
their letters, to terminate the employment of respondents due to their acts of disloyalty to the Union.
However, as to the third requisite, there is no sufficient evidence to support the decision of PRI to
terminate the employment of the respondents.
PRI alleged that respondents were terminated based on the alleged acts of disloyalty. It contends that
their acts are a violation of the Union Security Clause, as provided in their CBA.UNCONVINCED.
The mere signing of the authorization in support of the Petition before the "freedom period," is not
sufficient ground to terminate the employment. Nothing in the records would show that respondents
failed to maintain their membership in good standing in the Union. Respondents did not resign or
withdraw their membership from the Union to which they belong. Respondents continued to pay their
union dues and never joined the FFW.
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An "authorization letter to file a petition for certification election" is different from an actual "Petition for
Certification Election." Likewise, as per records, it was clear that the actual Petition for Certification
Election of FFW was filed within the ambit of the freedom period. Strictly speaking, what is prohibited is
the filing of a petition for certification election outside the 60-day freedom period.
It can be said that while it is incumbent for the employer to continue to recognize the majority status
of the bargaining agent even after the expiration of the freedom period, they could only do so when no
petition for certification election was filed. The reason is, with a pending petition for certification, any
such agreement entered into by management with a labor organization is fraught with the risk that such
a labor union may not be chosen thereafter as the collective bargaining representative. The provision
for statusquo is conditioned on the fact that no certification election was filed during the freedom period.
Time and again, we have ruled that we adhere to the policy of enhancing the welfare of the workers.
Their freedom to choose who should be their bargaining representative is of paramount importance.
We will emphasize anew that the power to dismiss is a normal prerogative of the employer, but with
limitations. The employer is bound to exercise caution in terminating the services of his employees
especially so when it is made upon the request of a labor union pursuant to the CBA. Dismissals must
not be arbitrary and capricious. Due process must be observed in dismissing an employee, because it
affects not only his position but also his means of livelihood. Employers should, therefore, respect and
protect the rights of their employees, which include the right to labor.
WHEREFORE, the petition is DENIED.
It is the local union having a separate personality, not the mother federation that may file a
notice or declare a strike or request for preventive mediation that gives jurisdiction to the
court in cases of bargaining deadlocks and unfair labor practices.
INSULAR HOTEL EMPLOYEES UNION-NFL VS.WATERFRONT INSULAR HOTEL-DAVAO,
G.R. NO. 174040-41, SEPTEMBER 22, 2010
Facts: On November 6, 2000, respondent sent the DOLE Region XI, a Notice of Suspension of
Operations, notifying the same that it will suspend its operations for a period of six months due to severe
and serious business losses. In said notice, respondent assured the DOLE that if the company could not
resume its operations within the six-month period, the company would pay the affected employees all
the benefits legally due to them.
During the period of the suspension, Domy R. Rojas, President of Davao Insular Hotel Free Employees
Union (DIHFEU-NFL), the recognized labor organization in Waterfront Davao, sent respondent a number
of letters asking management to reconsider its decision. The letters signified, among others, the gesture
of support of the union for the economic solutions of the company, which included, suspension of the
CBA for ten years (no strike, no lock-out shall be enforced); payment of benefits be on a staggered
basis or as available; overtime hours rendered shall be off-set as practiced; reduce leave benefits;
emergency leave and birthday leave be waived, and multi-tasking of employees, among others.
After series of negotiations, respondent Hotel and DIHFEU-NFL signed a Memorandum of Agreement
wherein Hotel agreed to re-open subject to certain concessions. Accordingly, Hotel downsized its
manpower structure to 100 rank-and-file employees and a new pay scale was also prepared. The
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retained employees individually signed a “Reconfirmation of Employment”, which embodied the new
terms and conditions of their continued employment.
On June 15, 2001, respondent resumed its business operations.
On August 22, 2002, certain Darius Joves and Debbie Planas, claiming to be local officers of the National
Federation of Labor (NFL), filed a Notice of Mediation before the NCMB-Regional Office stating that the
Union involved was “DARIUS JOVES/DEBBIE PLANAS ET. AL, National Federation of Labor.” The issue
raised in said Notice was the “Diminution of wages and other benefits through unlawful Memorandum
of Agreement.”
The NCMB called Joves and Hotel to a conference to a possibility of settling the conflict. In the said
conference, Hotel and petitioner IHEU-NFL, represented by Joves, signed a Submission Agreement
wherein they chose Alfredo C. Olvida to act as voluntary arbitrator. Submitted for the resolution of
Olvida was the determination of WON there was a diminution of wages and other benefits through an
unlawful MOA. In support of his authority to file the complaint, Joves, assisted by Atty. Danilo Cullo
(Cullo), presented several Special Powers of Attorney (SPA) which were, however, undated and
unnotarized.
Hotel filed with the NCMB a Manifestation with Motion for a Second Preliminary Conference, raising the
following grounds: (1) The persons who filed the instant complaint in the name of the Insular Hotel
Employees Union-NFL have no authority to represent the Union; (2) The individuals who executed the
special powers of attorney in favor of the person who filed the instant complaint have no standing to
cause the filing of the instant complaint; and (3) The existence of an intra-union dispute renders the
filing of the instant case premature.
On September 16, 2002, a second preliminary conference was conducted in the NCMB, where Cullo
denied any existence of an intra-union dispute among the members of the union. Cullo, however,
confirmed that the case was filed not by the IHEU-NFL but by the NFL. When asked to present his
authority from NFL, Cullo admitted that the case was, in fact, filed by individual employees named in
the SPAs. The hearing officer directed both parties to elevate the aforementioned issues to AVA Olvida.
The case was docketed and referred to Olvida. Respondent again raised its objections, arguing that
the persons who signed the complaint were not the authorized representatives of the Union nor were
they parties to the MOA. AVA Olvida directed respondent to file a formal motion to withdraw its
submission to voluntary arbitration. Respondent filed its Motion to Withdraw. Cullo then filed an
Opposition.
In said Opposition, Cullo reiterated that the complainants were not representing the union but filing the
complaint through their appointed attorneys-in-fact to assert their individual rights as workers who are
entitled to the benefits granted by law and stipulated in the collective bargaining agreement.
On March 18, 2003, AVA Olvida ruled that respondent was correct when it raised its objection to NFL as
proper party-complainant. The proper party-complainant is INSULAR HOTEL EMPLOYEES UNION-NFL,
the recognized and incumbent bargaining agent of the rank-and-file employees of the respondent hotel.
In the submission agreement of the parties dated August 29, 2002, the party complainant written is
INSULAR HOTEL EMPLOYEES UNION-NFL and not the NATIONAL FEDERATION OF LABOR and 79 other
members. However, since the NFL is the mother federation of the local union, and signatory to the
existing CBA, it can represent the union, the officers, the members or union and officers or members,
as the case may be, in all stages of proceedings in courts or administrative bodies provided that the
issue of the case will involve labor-management relationship like in the case at bar.
Later, respondent filed a Motion for Inhibition alleging AVA Olvida's bias and prejudice towards the cause
of the employees. AVA Olvida voluntarily inhibited himself out of “delicadeza” and ordered the remand
of the case to the NCMB. The NCMB then required the parties to appear before the conciliator for the
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selection of a new voluntary arbitrator. Respondent, however, maintained its stand that the NCMB had
no jurisdiction over the case. Consequently, at the instance of Cullo, the NCMB approved ex parte the
selection of AVA Montejo as the new voluntary arbitrator.
Issues: WON the Accredited Voluntary Arbitrator has no jurisdiction over the case, simply because the
Notice of Mediation does not mention the name of the local union but only the affiliate federation.
WON the diminution of the benefits enjoyed by the employees is allowable.
Ruling:
While it is undisputed that a submission agreement was signed by respondent and “IHEU-NFL,”
represented by Joves and Cullo, there are two circumstances which affect its validity: first, the Notice
of Mediation was filed by a party who had no authority to do so; second, that respondent had persistently
objected questioning the authority of Joves, Cullo and the individual members of the Union to file the
complaint before the NCMB.
Who may file a notice or declare a strike or lockout or request preventive mediatioan. -
Any certified or duly recognized bargaining representative may file a notice or declare a strike
or request for preventive mediation in cases of bargaining deadlocks and unfair labor
practices.
It is clear that only a certified or duly recognized bargaining agent may file a notice or request for
preventive mediation. It is curious that even Cullo himself admitted, in a number of pleadings, that the
case was filed not by the Union but by individual members thereof. Clearly, therefore, the NCMB had
no jurisdiction to entertain the notice filed before it.
A local union does not owe its existence to the federation with which it is affiliated. It is a separate and
distinct voluntary association owing its creation to the will of its members. Mere affiliation does not
divest the local union of its own personality, neither does it give the mother federation the
license to act independently of the local union. It only gives rise to a contract of agency, where
the former acts in representation of the latter. Hence, local unions are considered principals while the
federation is deemed to be merely their agent.
We hold that the voluntary arbitrator had no jurisdiction over the case. While we commend NFL's
zealousness in protecting the rights of lowly workers, We cannot, however, allow it to go beyond what
it is empowered to do.
Anent the second issue, the same is again without merit.
Clearly, the prohibition against elimination or diminution of benefits set out in Article 100 of the Labor
Code is specifically concerned with benefits already enjoyed at the time of the promulgation of the Labor
Code. Article 100 does not, in other words, purport to apply to situations arising after the promulgation
date of the Labor Code.
A CBA is “a contract executed upon request of either the employer or the exclusive bargaining
representative incorporating the agreement reached after negotiations with respect to wages, hours of
work and all other terms and conditions of employment, including proposals for adjusting any grievances
or questions arising under such agreement.” The primary purpose of a CBA is the stabilization of labor-
management relations in order to create a climate of a sound and stable industrial peace. In construing
a CBA, the courts must be practical and realistic and give due consideration to the context in which it is
negotiated and the purpose which it is intended to serve. The right to free collective bargaining,
after all, includes the right to suspend it.
Stipulated in each Reconfirmation of Employment were the new salary and benefits scheme. In addition,
it bears to stress that specific provisions of the new contract also made reference to the MOA. Thus,
the individual members of the union cannot feign knowledge of the execution of the MOA. Each contract
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was freely entered into and there is no indication that the same was attended by fraud,
misrepresentation or duress. To this Court's mind, that signing should, therefore, be deemed an implied
ratification by the Union members of the MOA. It is iniquitous to receive benefits from a CBA and
later on disclaim its validity.
While the terms of the MOA undoubtedly reduced the salaries and certain benefits previously enjoyed
by the members of the Union, it cannot escape this Court's attention that it was the execution of the
MOA which paved the way for the re-opening of the hotel, notwithstanding its financial distress. More
importantly, the execution of the MOA allowed respondents to keep their jobs.
SOLE, in the exercise of his power to assume jurisdiction under Art. 263 (g)of the Labor
Code, may resolve all issues involved in the controversy including the award of wage
increases and benefits.
CITREK EMPLOYEES LABOY UNION-FFW VS.CITREK ELECTRONICS INC.
G.R. NO. 190515, 15 NOVEMBER 2010
Facts:
Cirtek Electronics, Inc. (respondent), an electronics and semi-conductor firm situated inside the Laguna
Technopark, had an existing CBA with Cirtek Employees Labor Union-Federation of Free Workers
(petitioner) for the period January 1, 2001 up to December 31, 2005. Prior to the 3rd year of the CBA,
the parties renegotiated its economic provisions but failed to reach a settlement, particularly on the
issue of wage increases. Petitioner thereupon declared a bargaining deadlock and filed a Notice of Strike
with the NCMB-Regional Office on April 26, 2004. Respondent, upon the other hand, filed a Notice of
Lockout on June 16, 2004.
While the conciliation proceedings were ongoing, respondent placed seven union officers including the
President, a Vice President, the Secretary and the Chairman of the Board of Directors under preventive
suspension for allegedly spearheading a boycott of overtime work. The officers were eventually
dismissed from employment, prompting petitioner to file another Notice of Strike which was, after
conciliation meetings, converted to a voluntary arbitration case. The dismissal of the officers was later
found to be legal, hence, petitioner appealed.
In the meantime, as amicable settlement of the CBA was deadlocked, petitioner went on strike on June
20, 2005. By Order dated June 23, 2005, the Secretary of Labor assumed jurisdiction over the
controversy and issued a Return to Work Order which was complied with.
Before the SOLE could rule on the controversy, respondent created a Labor Management Council (LMC)
through which it concluded with the remaining officers of petitioner a Memorandum of Agreement
providing for daily wage increases of P6.00 per day effective January 1, 2004 and P9.00 per day effective
January 1, 2005. Petitioner submitted the MOA via Motion and Manifestation to the Secretary of Labor,
alleging that the remaining officers signed the MOA under respondent’s assurance that should the
Secretary order a higher award of wage increase, respondent would comply.
Issues:
1. Whether or not the SOLE is authorized to give an award higher than that agreed upon in the MOA;
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2. Whether or not the MOA was entered into and ratified by the remaining officers of petitioner under
the condition, which was not incorporated in the MOA, that respondent would honor the SOLE’s
award in the event that it is higher.
Ruling:
The Court resolves both issues in the affirmative. It is well-settled that the SOLE, in the exercise of his
power to assume jurisdiction under Art. 263 (g)of the Labor Code, may resolve all issues involved in the
controversy including the award of wage increases and benefits. While an arbitral award cannot per se
be categorized as an agreement voluntarily entered into by the parties because it requires the
intervention and imposing power of the State thru the Secretary of Labor when he assumes jurisdiction,
the arbitral award can be considered an approximation of a collective bargaining agreement which would
otherwise have been entered into by the parties, hence, it has the force and effect of a valid contract
obligation.
That the arbitral award was higher than that which was purportedly agreed upon in the MOA is of no
moment. For the SOLE, in resolving the CBA deadlock, is not limited to considering the MOA as basis in
computing the wage increases. He could, as he did, consider the financial documents submitted by
respondent as well as the parties’ bargaining history and respondent’s financial outlook and
improvements as stated in its website.
While a contract constitutes the law between the parties, this is so in the present case with respect to
the CBA, not to the MOA in which even the union’s signatories had expressed reservations thereto. But
even assuming arguendo that the MOA is treated as a new CBA, since it is imbued with public interest,
it must be construed liberally and yield to the common good.
While the terms and conditions of a CBA constitute the law between the parties, it is not, however, an
ordinary contract to which is applied the principles of law governing ordinary contracts. A CBA, as a
labor contract within the contemplation of Article 1700 of the Civil Code of the Philippines which governs
the relations between labor and capital, is not merely contractual in nature but impressed with public
interest, thus, it must yield to the common good. As such, it must be construed liberally rather than
narrowly and technically, and the courts must place a practical and realistic construction upon it, giving
due consideration to the context in which it is negotiated and purpose which it is intended to serve.
The petition is GRANTED. The Decisions of the Court of Appeals are REVERSED and SET ASIDE and the
Order dated March 16, 2006 and Resolution dated August 12, 2008 of the Secretary of Labor are
REINSTATED.
The right to strike, while constitutionally recognized, is not absolute as it subject to the
limitation that after assumption of jurisdiction by the President or the Secretary or after
certification or submission of the dispute to compulsory or voluntary arbitration or during the
pendency of cases involving the same grounds for the strike or lockout, no strike or lockout
shall be declared.
SOLIDBANK CORP. VS.GRAMIER, ET. AL, , G.R. NO. 159460-61, NOVEMBER 15, 2010
FACTS:
Sometime in October 1999, petitioner Solidbank and respondent Solidbank Employees’ Union (Union)
were set to renegotiate the economic provisions of their 1997-2001 Collective Bargaining Agreement
(CBA) to cover the remaining two years thereof. Negotiations commenced on November 17, 1999 but
seeing that an agreement was unlikely, the Union declared a deadlock on December 22, 1999 and filed
a Notice of Strike on December 29, 1999. Sensing the impending strike, the Secretary of Labor and
Employment “assumed jurisdiction” over the labor dispute, pursuant to Article 263 (g) of the Labor
125
Code, as amended. The assumption order dated January 18, 2000 directed the parties "to cease and
desist from committing any and all acts that might exacerbate the situation.
In his Order4 dated March 24, 2000, Secretary Laguesma resolved all economic and non-economic
issues submitted by the parties.
Not satisfied with the Secretary’s ruling, on April 3, 2000, the union officers and members decided to
protest the same by holding a rally in front of the SOLE office and the bank’s head offices, simultaneous
to their filing of MR of the March 24, 2000 order. An overwhelming majority of the employees, including
the respondents, joined the “mass leave” and “protest action”. The bank’s provincial branches in Cebu,
Iloilo, Bacolod and Naga followed suit and "boycotted regular work." As a result of the employees’
concerted actions, Solidbank’s business operations were paralyzed. The protest action lasted for three
days, from April 3 until April 5, 2000.
The president of Solidbank issued a memorandum addressed to all employees to show cause why they
should not be dismissed for participating in an illegal strike. On April 5, 2000, Vistan (president of
Solidbank) issued another memorandum, this time declaring that the bank is prepared to take back
employees who will report for work starting April 6, 2000 "provided these employees were/are not part
of those who led or instigated or coerced their co-employees into participating in this illegal act." Out of
the 712 employees who took part in the three-day work boycott, a total of 513 returned to work and
were accepted by the bank. The remaining 199 employees insisted on defying Vistan’s directive, which
included herein respondents Ernesto U. Gamier, Elena R. Condevillamar, Janice L. Arriola and Ophelia
C. De Guzman.
Thus, they were dismissed. Respondents Gamier, Condevillamar, Arriola and De Guzman filed separate
complaints for illegal dismissal, moral and exemplary damages and attorney’s fees. Respondent Union
joined by the 129 dismissed employees filed a separate suit against petitioners for illegal dismissal,
unfair labor practice and damages.
ISSUE/s:
(1) whether the protest rally and concerted work abandonment/boycott staged by the respondents
violated the Order dated January 18, 2000 of the Secretary of Labor;
(2) whether the respondents were validly terminated; and
(3) whether the respondents are entitled to separation pay or financial assistance.
HELD:
I. Article 212 of the Labor Code, as amended, defines strike as any temporary stoppage of work by
the concerted action of employees as a result of an industrial or labor dispute. A labor dispute includes
any controversy or matter concerning terms and conditions of employment or the association or
representation of persons in negotiating, fixing, maintaining, changing or arranging the terms and
conditions of employment, regardless of whether or not the disputants stand in the proximate relation
of employers and employees. The term "strike" shall comprise not only concerted work stoppages, but
also slowdowns, mass leaves, sitdowns, attempts to damage, destroy or sabotage plant equipment and
facilities and similar activities. Thus, the fact that the conventional term "strike" was not used by the
striking employees to describe their common course of action is inconsequential, since the substance of
the situation, and not its appearance, will be deemed to be controlling.
After a thorough review of the records, we hold that the CA patently erred in concluding that the
concerted mass actions staged by respondents cannot be considered a strike but a legitimate exercise
of the respondents’ right to express their dissatisfaction with the Secretary’s resolution of the economic
issues in the deadlocked CBA negotiations with petitioners. It must be stressed that the concerted action
of the respondents was not limited to the protest rally infront of the DOLE Office on April 3, 2000.
Respondent Union had also picketed the Head Office and Paseo de Roxas Branch. About 712 employees,
including those in the provincial branches, boycotted and absented themselves from work in a concerted
fashion for three continuous days that virtually paralyzed the employer’s banking operations.
Considering that these mass actions stemmed from a bargaining deadlock and an order of assumption
126
of jurisdiction had already been issued by the Secretary of Labor to avert an impending strike, there is
no doubt that the concerted work abandonment/boycott was the result of a labor dispute.
The right to strike, while constitutionally recognized, is not without legal constrictions.46 Article 264 (a)
of the Labor Code, as amended, provides:
Art. 264. Prohibited activities. – (a) x x x
No strike or lockout shall be declared after assumption of jurisdiction by the President or the Secretary
or after certification or submission of the dispute to compulsory or voluntary arbitration or during the
pendency of cases involving the same grounds for the strike or lockout.
The Court has consistently ruled that once the Secretary of Labor assumes jurisdiction over a labor
dispute, such jurisdiction should not be interfered with by the application of the coercive processes of a
strike or lockout.47 A strike that is undertaken despite the issuance by the Secretary of Labor of an
assumption order and/or certification is a prohibited activity and thus illegal.48
Article 264 (a) of the Labor Code, as amended, also considers it a prohibited activity to declare a strike
"during the pendency of cases involving the same grounds for the same strike."49 There is no dispute
that when respondents conducted their mass actions on April 3 to 6, 2000, the proceedings before the
Secretary of Labor were still pending as both parties filed motions for reconsideration of the March 24,
2000 Order. Clearly, respondents knowingly violated the aforesaid provision by holding a strike in the
guise of mass demonstration simultaneous with concerted work abandonment/boycott.
II. The court also ruled that notwithstanding the illegality of the strike, they cannot sanction petitioner’s
act of indiscriminately terminating the services of individual respondents who admitted joining the mass
actions and who have refused to comply with the offer of the management to report back to work.
The court reiterates the distinction between the liabilities of a union officer and a union member when
they participate in an illegal strike, thus:
Art. 264. Prohibited activities.— x x x
xxxx
Any worker whose employment has been terminated as a consequence of an unlawful lockout shall be
entitled to reinstatement with full back wages. Any union officer who knowingly participates in an illegal
strike and any worker or union officer who knowingly participates in the commission of illegal acts during
a strike may be declared to have lost his employment status: Provided, That mere participation of a
worker in a lawful strike shall not constitute sufficient ground for termination of his employment, even
if a replacement had been hired by the employer during such lawful strike.
xxxx
The foregoing shows that the law makes a distinction between union officers and members. For
knowingly participating in an illegal strike or participating in the commission of illegal acts during a
strike, the law provides that a union officer may be terminated from employment. The law grants the
employer the option of declaring a union officer who participated in an illegal strike as having lost his
employment. It possesses the right and prerogative to terminate the union officers from service.50
However, a worker merely participating in an illegal strike may not be terminated from employment. It
is only when he commits illegal acts during a strike that he may be declared to have lost employment
status.51 We have held that the responsibility of union officers, as main players in an illegal strike, is
greater than that of the members and, therefore, limiting the penalty of dismissal only for the former
for participation in an illegal strike is in order.52Hence, with respect to respondents who are union
officers, the validity of their termination by petitioners cannot be questioned. Being fully aware that the
proceedings before the Secretary of Labor were still pending as in fact they filed a motion for
reconsideration of the March 24, 2000 Order, they cannot invoke good faith as a defense.
127
The prohibition that no strike shall be declared after the Secretary of Labor has assumed
jurisdiction over a labor dispute likewise applies to slowdown strikes.
FADRIQUELAN ET AL VS MONTEREY FOOD CORP.,
G.R. 178409, JUNE 08, 2011
Facts:
On April 30, 2002 the three-year collective bargaining agreement or CBA between the union Bukluran
ng Manggagawa sa Monterey-Ilaw at Buklod ng Manggagawa (the union) and Monterey Foods
Corporation (the company) expired. On March 28, 2003 after the negotiation for a new CBA reached a
deadlock, the union filed a notice of strike with the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB).
To head off the strike, on April 30, 2003 the company filed with the DOLE a petition for assumption of
jurisdiction over the dispute in view of its dire effects on the meat industry. In an Order dated May 12,
2003, the DOLE Secretary assumed jurisdiction over the dispute and enjoined the union from holding
any strike. It also directed the union and the company to desist from taking any action that may
aggravate the situation.
On May 21, 2003 the union filed a second notice of strike before the NCMB on the alleged ground that
the company committed unfair labor practices. On June 10, 2003 the company sent notices to the union
officers, charging them with intentional acts of slowdown. Six days later or on June 16 the company
sent new notices to the union officers, informing them of their termination from work for defying the
DOLE Secretary’s assumption order.
Issues:
1. Whether or not the CA erred in holding that slowdowns actually transpired at the company’s
farms; and
2. Whether or not the CA erred in holding that union officers committed illegal acts that warranted
their dismissal from work.
Held:
First. The law is explicit: no strike shall be declared after the Secretary of Labor has assumed jurisdiction
over a labor dispute. A strike conducted after such assumption is illegal and any union officer who
knowingly participates in the same may be declared as having lost his employment. Here, what is
involved is a slowdown strike. Unlike other forms of strike, the employees involved in a slowdown do
not walk out of their jobs to hurt the company. They need only to stop work or reduce the rate of their
work while generally remaining in their assigned post.
The union of course argues that it merely held assemblies to inform members of the developments in
the CBA negotiation, not protest demonstrations over it. But as the CA correctly observed, if the
meetings had really been for the stated reason, why did the union officers and members from separate
company farms choose to start and end their meetings at the same time and on the same day? And if
they did not intend a slowdown, why did they not hold their meetings after work.
Second. A distinction exists, however, between the ordinary workers’ liability for illegal strike and that
of the union officers who participated in it. The ordinary worker cannot be terminated for merely
participating in the strike. There must be proof that he committed illegal acts during its conduct. On the
other hand, a union officer can be terminated upon mere proof that he knowingly participated in the
illegal strike.
In termination cases, the dismissed employee is not required to prove his innocence of the charges
against him. The burden of proof rests upon the employer to show that the employee’s dismissal was
for just cause. The employer’s failure to do so means that the dismissal was not justified. Here, the
company failed to show that all 17 union officers deserved to be dismissed.
128
MIGUEL DELA BARAIRO, PENA PETITIONER, VS. OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND MST MARINE
SERVICES (PHILS,), INC. RESPONDENT,
G.R. NO. 189314, JUNE 15, 2011
Facts:
Miguel Barairo (petitioner) was hired by respondent MST Marine Services (Phils.) Inc., (MST) for its
principal, TSM International, Ltd., as Chief Mate of the vessel Maritina, for a contract period of six
months. He boarded the vessel and discharged his duties on July 23, 2004 but was relievedon August
28, 2004 ostensibly for transfer to another vessel, Solar. Petitioner thus disembarked in Manila on
August 29. 2004.
Petitioner was later to claim that he was not paid the promised "stand-by fee" in lieu of salary that he
was to receive while awaiting transfer to another vessel as in fact the transfer never materialized.
On October 20, 2004, petitioner signed a new Contract of Employmentfor a six-month deployment as
Chief Mate of M/T Haruna vessel. He was paid a 1-month “stand-by fee” in connection with the Maritina
contract. Petitioner boarded the M/T Haruna on October 31, 2004 then he disembarked a week later as
MST claimed that his boarding of M/T Haruna was a "sea trial" which, MST maintains, was priorly made
known to him on a "stand-by fee”. MST soon informed petitioner that he would be redeployed to the
M/T Haruna on November 30, 2004, but petitioner refused, prompting MST to file a complaint for breach
of contract against him before the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).
Petitioner claimed, however, that he was placed on "forced vacation” when he was made to disembark
from the M/T Haruna, and that not wanting to experience a repetition of the previous "termination" of
his employment aboard the Maritina, he refused to be redeployed to the M/T Haruna.
However, the petitioner was found guilty of the said subject matter of the complaint thus was penalized
by the POEA Administrator with one year suspension from overseas deployment. Petitioner appealed
said order of the POEA to the Secretary of Labor, who noting that it was petitioner's first
offense, modified the POEA Order by shortening the period of suspension from one year to six months.
Petitioner then appealed the order to the Office of the President (OP), who in turn dismissed the case
for on the ground of lack of jurisdiction.
Issue: Whether or not the OP’s dismissal of the case was proper.
Ruling:
It was proper because for this case the appropriate remedy to question the decisions or orders of the
Secretary of Labor is via Petition for Certiorari under Rule 65 not via an appeal to the OP. For appeals
to the OP in labor cases have indeed been eliminated, except those involving national interest over
which the President may assume jurisdiction. The rationale behind this development is grounded on the
Doctrine of Qualified Political Agency.
Also, the Petitioner's appeal of the Secretary of Labor's Decision to the Office of the President did not
toll the running of the period, hence, the assailed Decisions of the Secretary of Labor are deemed to
have attained finality.
The Court concurred with the POEA Administrator and the Secretary of Labor that petitioner's refusal to
board the M/T Haruna constituted unjustified breach of his contract of employment. That petitioner
believed that respondent company violated his rights when the period of his earlier Maritina contract
was not followed and his "stand-by fees" were not fully paid did not justify his refusal to abide by the
129
valid and existing Haruna contract requiring him to serve aboard M/T Haruna. For, as noted in the
assailed DOLE Order, "if petitioner's rights have been violated as he claims, he has various remedies
under the contract which he did not avail of.
Parenthetically, the Undersecretary of Labor declared that the real reason petitioner refused to re-
join Haruna is that he left the Philippines on to join MT Adriatiki, a vessel of another maiming agency,
which declaration petitioner has not refuted.
MAGDALA MULTIPURPOSE & LIVELIHOOD COOPERATIVE VS. KILUSANG MANGGAGAWA NG LGS ET

AL,
G.R. NOS. 191138-39, OCTOBER 19, 2011
Facts:
KMLMS filed a notice of strike on March 5, 2002 and conducted its strike-vote on April 8, 2002. However,
KMLMS only acquired legal personality when its registration as an independent labor organization was
granted on April 9, 2002 by the Department of Labor and Employment.
On April 19, 2002, it became officially affiliated as a local chapter of the Pambansang Kaisahan ng
Manggagawang Pilipino when its application was granted by the Bureau of Labor Relations.
Thereafter, on May 6, 2002, KMLMS — now a legitimate labor organization (LLO) — staged a strike
where several prohibited and illegal acts were committed by its participating members.
On the ground of lack of valid notice of strike, ineffective conduct of a strike-vote and commission of
prohibited and illegal acts, petitioners filed their Petition to Declare the Strike of May 6, 2002 Illegal
before the NLRC Regional Arbitration Board (RAB) No. IV in Quezon City.
Ruling of Labor Arbiter

The May 6, 2002 strike is illegal and 41 workers are declared to have lost their employment.
Ruling of the NLRC

Affirmed the Labor Arbiter’s decision but declared additional seven workers to have lost their
employment
Ruling of the CA
Affirmed the decision of the NLRC.
Issues:
(1) WON the strike was illegal
(2) WON the union members are validly terminated from their employment.
Ruling:
(1)
There is no question that the May 6, 2002 strike was illegal, first, because when KMLMS filed the notice
of strike on March 5 or 14, 2002, it had not yet acquired legal personality and, thus, could not legally
represent the eventual union and its members. And second, similarly when KMLMS conducted the strike-
vote on April 8, 2002, there was still no union to speak of, since KMLMS only acquired legal personality
as an independent LLO only on April 9, 2002 or the day after it conducted the strike-vote. These factual
findings are undisputed and borne out by the records.
130
Consequently, the mandatory notice of strike and the conduct of the strike-vote report were ineffective
for having been filed and conducted before KMLMS acquired legal personality as an LLO, violating Art.
263 (c), (d) and (f) of the Labor Code and Rule XXII, Book V of the Omnibus Rules Implementing the
Labor Code.
Art. 263(c):
On the other hand, Rule XXII, Book V of the Omnibus Rules Implementing the Labor Code likewise
pertinently provides:
RULE XXII
CONCILIATION, STRIKES AND LOCKOUTS
xxx xxx xxx
SEC. 6.Who may declare a strike or lockout. — Any certified or duly recognized bargaining representative
may declare a strike in cases of bargaining deadlocks and unfair labor practices. The employer may
declare a lockout in the same cases. In the absence of a certified or duly recognized bargaining
representative, any legitimate labor organization in the establishment may declare a strike but only
on grounds of unfair labor practice.
It is, thus, clear that the filing of the notice of strike and the conduct of the strike-vote by KMLMS did
not comply with the aforequoted mandatory requirements of law and its implementing rules.
Consequently, the May 6, 2002 strike is illegal.
(2)
There is likewise no dispute that when the May 6, 2002 illegal strike was conducted, the members of
respondent KMLMS committed prohibited and illegal acts which doubly constituted the strike illegal.
Art. 264. Prohibited Acts:

(a) Any union officer who knowingly participates in an illegal strike and any worker or union
officer who knowingly participates in the commission of illegal acts during a strike may be
declared to have lost his employment status: Provided, That mere participation of a worker in a
lawful strike shall not constitute sufficient ground for termination of his employment, even if a
replacement had been hired by the employer during such lawful strike.
(b) No person engaged in picketing shall commit any act of violence, coercion or intimidation
or obstruct the free ingress to or egress from the employer's premises for lawful purposes,
or obstruct public thoroughfares.
Here, the striking workers committed acts of (1) interference by obstructing the free ingress to or egress
from petitioners' compound and (2) coercion and intimidation.
Art. 264 of the Code present a substantial distinction of the consequences of an illegal strike between
union officers and mere members of the union:
A total of 34 union members have been declared to have lost their employment due to their commission
of prohibited and illegal acts during the illegal strike of May 6, 2002, 27 of which are those from the
judgment of the Labor Arbiter.
72 additional union members are however found by the court to have committed illegal acts to which
petitioners have substantially proven their identity. There was patent misappreciation of evidence both
by the LA and the NLRC, and was not corrected by the CA, in having a view that there is no substantial
proof of the identity of the other 72 striking union members who committed prohibited and illegal
activities.
131
ABERIA ET AL., VS. NATIONAL LABOR RELATION COMMISSION ET.,
[G.R. NOS. 154113, 187778, 187861, AND 196156 DECEMBER 7, 2011]
Facts:
The consolidated cases involve the legality of mass termination of hospital employees who participated
in strike and picketing activities.
Metro Cebu Community Hospital, Inc. (MCCHI), presently known as the Visayas Community Medical
Center (VCMC), is a non-stock, non-profit corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of the
Philippines. It operates the Metro Cebu Community Hospital (MCCH), a tertiary medical institution
located at Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City. MCCH is owned by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines
(UCCP) and Rev. Gregorio P. Iyoy is the Hospital Administrator.The National Federation of Labor (NFL)
is the exclusive bargaining representative of the rank-and-file employees of MCCHI. Under the previous
Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs), the signatories were Ciriaco B. Pongasi, Sr. for MCCHI, and
Atty. Armando M. Alforque (NFL Legal Counsel) and Paterno A. Lumapguid as President of NFL-MCCH
Chapter. In the CBA effective from January 1994 until December 31, 1995, the signatories were Sheila
E. Buot as Board of Trustees Chairman, Rev. Iyoy as MCCH Administrator and Atty. Fernando Yu as
Legal Counsel of NFL, while Perla Nava, President of Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa MCCH (NAMA-MCCH-
NFL) signed the Proof of Posting.
Nava wrote Rev. Iyoy expressing the union’s desire to renew the CBA, attaching to her letter a statement
of proposals signed/endorsed by 153 union members. Nava subsequently requested that the following
employees be allowed to avail of one-day union leave with pay. However, MCCHI returned the CBA
proposal for Nava to secure first the endorsement of the legal counsel of NFL as the official bargaining
representative of MCCHI employees.
Meanwhile, Atty. Alforque informed MCCHI that the proposed CBA submitted by Nava was never referred
to NFL and that NFL has not authorized any other legal counsel or any person for collective bargaining
negotiations. The collection of union fees (check-off) was temporarily suspended by MCCHI in view of
the existing conflict between the federation and its local affiliate. Thereafter, MCCHI attempted to take
over the room being used as union office but was prevented to do so by Nava and her group who
protested these actions and insisted that management directly negotiate with them for a new CBA.
MCCHI referred the matter to Atty. Alforque, NFL’s Regional Director, and advised Nava that their group
is not recognized by NFL.
The next day, several union members led by Nava and her group launched a series of mass actions such
as wearing black and red armbands/headbands, marching around the hospital premises and putting up
placards, posters and streamers. Atty. Alforque immediately disowned the concerted activities being
carried out by union members which are not sanctioned by NFL. MCCHI directed the union officers led
by Nava to submit within 48 hours a written explanation why they should not be terminated for having
engaged in illegal concerted activities amounting to strike, and placed them under immediate preventive
suspension. Responding to this directive, Nava and her group denied there was a temporary stoppage
of work, explaining that employees wore their armbands only as a sign of protest and reiterating their
demand for MCCHI to comply with its duty to bargain collectively. Rev. Iyoy, having been informed that
Nava and her group have also been suspended by NFL, directed said officers to appear before his office
for investigation in connection with the illegal strike wherein they reportedly uttered slanderous and
scurrilous words against the officers of the hospital, threatening other workers and forcing them to join
the strike. Said union officers, however, invoked the grievance procedure provided in the CBA to settle
the dispute between management and the union.
132
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office No. 7 issued certifications stating
that there is nothing in their records which shows that NAMA-MCCH-NFL is a registered labor
organization, and that said union submitted only a copy of its Charter Certificate. MCCHI then sent
individual notices to all union members asking them to submit within 72 hours a written explanation
why they should not be terminated for having supported the illegal concerted activities of NAMA-MCCH-
NFL which has no legal personality as per DOLE records. Thereafter, several complaints for illegal
dismissal and unfair labor practice were filed by the terminated employees against MCCHI, Rev. Iyoy,
UCCP and members of the Board of Trustees of MCCHI.
Issues:
1. Whether or not declaring private respondents MCCHI guilty of unfair labor practice and union
busting.
2. Whether or not the union officers and members were guilty of illegal strike and picketing
activities.
Held:
1. MCCHI not guilty of unfair labor practice
Art. 248 (g) of the Labor Code, as amended, makes it an unfair labor practice for an employer "[t]o
violate the duty to bargain collectively" as prescribed by the Code. The applicable provision in this case
is Art. 253 which provides:
ART. 253. Duty to bargain collectively when there exists a collective bargaining agreement. – When
there is a collective bargaining agreement, the duty to bargain collectively shall also mean that neither
party shall terminate nor modify such agreement during its lifetime. However, either party can serve a
written notice to terminate or modify the agreement at least sixty (60) days prior to its expiration date.
It shall be the duty of both parties to keep the status quo and to continue in full force and effect the
terms and conditions of the existing agreement during the 60-day period and/or until a new agreement
is reached by the parties.
NAMA-MCCH-NFL charged MCCHI with refusal to bargain collectively when the latter refused to meet
and convene for purposes of collective bargaining, or at least give a counter-proposal to the proposed
CBA the union had submitted and which was ratified by a majority of the union membership. MCCHI,
on its part, deferred any negotiations until the local union’s dispute with the national union federation
(NFL) is resolved considering that the latter is the exclusive bargaining agent which represented the
rank-and-file hospital employees in CBA negotiations since 1987. Records of the NCMB and DOLE Region
7 confirmed that NAMA-MCCH-NFL had not registered as a labor organization, having submitted only its
charter certificate as an affiliate or local chapter of NFL. Not being a legitimate labor organization, NAMA-
MCCH-NFL is not entitled to those rights granted to a legitimate labor organization under Art. 242,
specifically:
(a) To act as the representative of its members for the purpose of collective bargaining;
(b) To be certified as the exclusive representative of all the employees in an appropriate collective
bargaining unit for purposes of collective bargaining;
2. NAMA-MCCH-NFL and its union officers and members are guilty of illegal strike and picketing.
Art. 263 (b) of the Labor Code, as amended, provides:
ART. 263. Strikes, picketing and lockouts. – x x x
(b) Workers shall have the right to engage in concerted activities for purposes of collective bargaining
or for their mutual benefit and protection. The right of legitimate labor organizations to strike and picket
and of employers to lockout, consistent with the national interest, shall continue to be recognized and
respected. However, no labor union may strike and no employer may declare a lockout on grounds
involving inter-union and intra-union disputes.
133
As borne by the records, NAMA-MCCH-NFL was not a duly registered or an independently registered
union at the time it filed the notice of strike and when it conducted the strike. It could not then legally
represent the union members. Consequently, the mandatory notice of strike and the conduct of the
strike vote report were ineffective for having been filed and conducted by NAMA-MCCH-NFL which has
no legal personality as a legitimate labor organization, in violation of Art. 263 (c), (d) and (f) of the
Labor Code and Rule XXII, Book V of the Omnibus Rules Implementing the Labor Code. The findings of
the Executive Labor Arbiter and NLRC, as sustained by the appellate court, clearly established that the
striking union members created so much noise, disturbance and obstruction that the local government
authorities eventually ordered their removal for being a public nuisance. This was followed by an
injunction from the NCMB enjoining the union leaders from further blocking the free ingress to and
egress from the hospital, and from committing threats, coercion and intimidation against non-striking
employees and patients/vehicles desiring to enter for the purpose of seeking medical
treatment/confinement. By then, the illegal strike had lasted for almost five months.
The Supreme Court rule for MCCHI.
PICOP RESOURCES, INCORPORATED VS DEQUILLA, ET. AL.
GR NO 172666; DECEMBER 7, 2011
FACTS
Ricardo Dequilla, Cesar Atienza and Aniceto Orbeta (private respondents) were regular rank-and-file
employees of Picop Resources, Inc. (PICOP) and members of the NAMAPRI-SPFL, a duly registered labor
organization and existing bargaining agent of the PICOP rank-and-file employees. PICOP and NAMAPRI-
SPFL had a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) which would expire on May 22, 2000.
On May 16, 2000, the late Atty. Proculo P. Fuentes, Jr. (Atty. Fuentes), then National President of the
Southern Philippines Federation of Labor (SPFL), advised the PICOP management to terminate about
800 employees due to acts of disloyalty, specifically, for allegedly campaigning, supporting and signing
a petition for the certification of a rival union, the Federation of Free Workers Union (FFW) before the
60-day "freedom period" and during the effectivity of the CBA. Such acts of disloyalty were construed
to be a valid cause for termination under the terms and conditions of the CBA. Based on the CBA, the
freedom period would start on March 22, 2000.
The employees were given an opportunity to be heard and subsequently on October 16, 2000, PICOP
served a notice of termination due to acts of disloyalty to 31 employees including herein private
respondents. Thus, they filed a complaint for Unfair Labor Practice and Illegal Dismissal with money
claims, damages and attorney’s fees.
ISSUE
Whether an existing CBA can be given full force and effect in its terms and conditions, including its union
security clause, even beyond the five year period when no new CBA has been entered into.
RULING
The petition merits a denial.
134
There is no question that in the CBA entered into by the parties, there is a union security clause. The
clause imposes upon the workers the obligation to join and maintain membership in the company’s
recognized union as a condition for employment.
There is no dispute that private respondents were members of NAMAPRI-SPFL who were terminated by
PICOP due to alleged acts of disloyalty. It is basic in labor jurisprudence that the burden of proof rests
upon management to show that the dismissal of its worker was based on a just cause. When an employer
exercises its power to terminate an employee by enforcing the union security clause, it needs to
determine and prove the following: (1) the union security clause is applicable; (2) the union is requesting
for the enforcement of the union security provision in the CBA; and (3) there is sufficient evidence to
support the decision of the union to expel the employee from the union.
In this case, the resolution thereof hinges on whether PICOP was able to show sufficient evidence to
support the decision of the union to expel private respondents from it.
PICOP basically contends that private respondents were justly terminated from employment for
campaigning, supporting and signing a petition for the certification of FFW, a rival union, before the 60-
day "freedom period" and during the effectivity of the CBA. Their acts constitute an act of disloyalty
against the union which is valid cause for termination pursuant to the Union Security Clause in the CBA.
The Court finds Itself unable to agree.
PICOP failed to show in detail how private respondents campaigned and supported FFW. Their mere act
of signing an authorization for a petition for certification election before the freedom period does not
necessarily demonstrate union disloyalty. It is far from being within the definition of "acts of disloyalty.”
The act of "signing an authorization for a petition for certification election" is not disloyalty to the union
per se considering that the petition for certification election itself was filed during the freedom period
which started on March 22, 2000. Moreover, as correctly ruled by the CA, the records are bereft of proof
of any contemporaneous acts of resignation or withdrawal of union membership or non-payment of
union dues. Neither is there proof that private respondents joined FFW. The fact is, private respondents
remained in good standing with their union, NAMAPRI-SPFL.
We are constrained to believe that an "authorization letter to file a petition for certification election" is
different from an actual "Petition for Certification Election." Likewise, as per records, it was clear that
the actual Petition for Certification Election of FFW was filed only on May 18, 2000. Thus, it was within
the ambit of the freedom period which commenced from March 21, 2000 until May 21, 2000. Strictly
speaking, what is prohibited is the filing of a petition for certification election outside the 60-day freedom
period. This is not the situation in this case. If at all, the signing of the authorization to file a certification
election was merely preparatory to the filing of the petition for certification election, or an exercise of
respondents’ right to self-organization.
Moreover, PRI anchored their decision to terminate respondents’ employment on Article 253 of the Labor
Code which states that "it shall be the duty of both parties to keep the status quo and to continue in full
force and effect the terms and conditions of the existing agreement during the 60-day period and/or
until a new agreement is reached by the parties." It claimed that they are still bound by the Union
Security Clause of the CBA even after the expiration of the CBA; hence, the need to terminate the
employment of respondents.
Petitioner's reliance on Article 253 is misplaced.
Following Article 256, at the expiration of the freedom period, PRI's obligation to recognize NAMAPRI-
SPFL as the incumbent bargaining agent does not hold true when petitions for certification election were
filed, as in this case.
135
Moreover, the last sentence of Article 253 which provides for automatic renewal pertains only to the
economic provisions of the CBA, and does not include representational aspect of the CBA. An existing
CBA cannot constitute a bar to a filing of a petition for certification election. When there is a
representational issue, the status quo provision in so far as the need to await the creation of a new
agreement will not apply. Otherwise, it will create an absurd situation where the union members will be
forced to maintain membership by virtue of the union security clause existing under the CBA and,
thereafter, support another union when filing a petition for certification election. If we apply it, there
will always be an issue of disloyalty whenever the employees exercise their right to self-organization.
The holding of a certification election is a statutory policy that should not be circumvented, or
compromised.
C. ALCANTARA & SONS, INC., PETITIONER, VS. COURT OF APPEALS, G.R. NO. 155109, SEPTEMBER
29, 2010, NAGKAHIUSANG MAMUMUO SA ALSONS-SPFL (NAMAAL-SPFL)
.G.R. NO. 179220
This case is about a) the consequences of an illegally staged strike upon the employment status of the
union officers and its ordinary members and b) the right of reinstated union members to go back to
work pending the company’s appeal from the order reinstating them.
Facts:
C. Alcantara & Sons, Inc., (the Company) is a domestic corporation engaged in the manufacture and
processing of plywood. Nagkahiusang Mamumuo sa Alsons-SPFL (the Union) is the exclusive bargaining
agent of the Company’s rank and file employees. The other parties to these cases are the Union officers 1
and their striking members.2
The Company and the Union entered into a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that bound them to
hold no strike and no lockout in the course of its life. At some point the parties began negotiating the
economic provisions of their CBA but this ended in a deadlock, prompting the Union to file a notice of
strike. After efforts at conciliation by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) failed, the Union
conducted a strike vote that resulted in an overwhelming majority of its members favoring it. The Union
reported the strike vote to the DOLE and, after the observance of the mandatory cooling-off period,
went on strike.
During the strike, the Company filed a petition for the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction with
prayer for the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) Ex Parte3 with the National Labor
Relations Commission (NLRC) to enjoin the strikers from intimidating, threatening, molesting, and
impeding by barricade the entry of non-striking employees at the Company’s premises. The NLRC first
issued a 20-day TRO and, after hearing, a writ of preliminary injunction, enjoining the Union and its
officers and members from performing the acts complained of. But several attempts to implement the
writ failed. Only the intervention of law enforcement units made such implementation possible.
Meantime, the Union filed a petition4 with the Court of Appeals (CA), questioning the preliminary
injunction order. On February 8, 1999 the latter court dismissed the petition. The Union did not appeal
from such dismissal.
On June 29, 1999 the Labor Arbiter rendered a decision,6 declaring the Union’s strike illegal for violating
the CBA’s no strike, no lockout, provision. As a consequence, the Labor Arbiter held that the Union
officers should be deemed to have forfeited their employment with the Company and that they should
pay actual damages of P3,825,000.00 plus 10% interest and attorney’s fees. With respect to the striking
Union members, finding no proof that they actually committed illegal acts during the strike, the Labor
136
Arbiter ordered their reinstatement without backwages. The Labor Arbiter denied the Union’s
counterclaim for lack of merit.
On November 8, 1999 the NLRC rendered a decision,8 affirming that of the Labor Arbiter insofar as the
latter declared the strike illegal, ordered the Union officers terminated, and directed them to pay
damages to the Company. The NLRC ruled, however, that the Union members involved, who were
identified in the proceedings held in the case, should also be terminated for having committed prohibited
and illegal acts.
The Union filed a petition for certiorari9 with the CA, questioning the NLRC decision. Finding merit in the
petition, the CA rendered a decision on March 20, 2002, 10 annulling the NLRC decision and reinstating
that of the Labor Arbiter. The Company and the Union with its officers and members filed separate
petitions for review of the CA decision.
On November 8, 1999 the NLRC rendered a decision,8 affirming that of the Labor Arbiter insofar as the
latter declared the strike illegal, ordered the Union officers terminated, and directed them to pay
damages to the Company. The NLRC ruled, however, that the Union members involved, who were
identified in the proceedings held in the case, should also be terminated for having committed prohibited
and illegal acts.
The Union filed a petition for certiorari with the CA, questioning the NLRC decision. Finding merit in the
petition, the CA rendered a decision on March 20, 2002, 10 annulling the NLRC decision and reinstating
that of the Labor Arbiter. The Company and the Union with its officers and members filed separate
petitions for review of the CA decision in G.R. 155109 and 155135, respectively.
Issue:Whether or not the Union staged an illegal strike;
Ruling:
Since the Union’s strike has been declared illegal, the Union officers can, in accordance with
law be terminated from employment for their actions. This includes the shop stewards.
A strike may be regarded as invalid although the labor union has complied with the strict requirements
for staging one as provided in Article 263 of the Labor Code when the same is held contrary to an
existing agreement, such as a no strike clause or conclusive arbitration clause. 19 Here, the CBA between
the parties contained a "no strike, no lockout" provision that enjoined both the Union and the Company
from resorting to the use of economic weapons available to them under the law and to instead take
recourse to voluntary arbitration in settling their disputes.
No law or public policy prohibits the Union and the Company from mutually waiving the strike and
lockout maces available to them to give way to voluntary arbitration. Indeed, no less than the 1987
Constitution recognizes in Section 3, Article XIII, preferential use of voluntary means to settle disputes.
Thus –
The State shall promote the principle of shared responsibility between workers and employers and the
preferential use of voluntary modes in settling disputes, including conciliation, and shall enforce their
mutual compliance therewith to foster industrial peace.
The Court finds no compelling reason to depart from the findings of the Labor Arbiter, the NLRC, and
the CA regarding the illegality of the strike. Social justice is not one-sided. It cannot be used as a badge
for not complying with a lawful agreement.
Since the Union’s strike has been declared illegal, the Union officers can, in accordance with law be
terminated from employment for their actions. This includes the shop stewards. They cannot be shielded
from the coverage of Article 264 of the Labor Code since the Union appointed them as such and placed
them in positions of leadership and power over the men in their respective work units.
137
As regards the rank and file Union members, Article 264 of the Labor Code provides that termination
from employment is not warranted by the mere fact that a union member has taken part in an illegal
strike. It must be shown that such a union member, clearly identified, performed an illegal act or acts
during the strike.
DIGITAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS PHILS INC. vs. DIGITEL EMPLOYEES UNION ET AL.
[G.R. No. 184903-04, October 10, 2012]
Facts:
By virtue of a certification election, Digitel Employees Union (Union) became the exclusive bargaining
agent of all rank and file employees of Digitel in 1994. The Union and Digitel then commenced collective
bargaining negotiations which resulted in a bargaining deadlock. The Union threatened to go on strike,
but then Acting Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma assumed jurisdiction over the dispute and
eventually directed the parties to execute a CBA. However, no CBA was forged between Digitel and the
Union. Some Union members abandoned their employment with Digitel. The Union later became
dormant.
Ten (10) years thereafter or on 28 September 2004, Digitel received from Arceo Rafael A. Esplana
(Esplana), who identified himself as President of the Union, a letter containing the list of officers, CBA
proposals and ground rules. 3 The officers were respondents Esplana, Alan D. Licando (Vice-President),
Felicito C. Romero, Jr. (Secretary), Arnold D. Gonzales (Treasurer), Reynel Francisco B. Garcia (Auditor),
Zosimo B. Peralta (PRO), Regino T. Unidad (Sgt. at Arms), and Jim L. Javier (Sgt. at Arms). Digitel was
reluctant to negotiate with the Union and demanded that the latter show compliance with the provisions
of the Union's Constitution and By-laws on union membership and election of officers.
On 4 November 2004, Esplana and his group filed a case for Preventive Mediation before the National
Conciliation and Mediation Board based on Digitel's violation of the duty to bargain. On 25 November
2004, Esplana filed a notice of strike. On 10 March 2005, then Labor Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas
issued an Order 4 assuming jurisdiction over the labor dispute.
During the pendency of the controversy, Digitel Service, Inc. (Digiserv), a non-profit enterprise engaged
in call center servicing, filed with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) an Establishment
Termination Report stating that it will cease its business operation. The closure affected at least 100
employees, 42 of whom are members of the herein respondent Union. Alleging that the affected
employees are its members and in reaction to Digiserv's action, Esplana and his group filed another
Notice of Strike for union busting, illegal lock-out, and violation of the assumption order.
Issue:
Whether the Secretary of Labor erred in issuing the assumption order despite the pendency of the
petition for cancellation of union registration.
Ruling:
The pendency of a petition for cancellation of union registration does not preclude collective
bargaining.
The 2005 case of Capitol Medical Center, Inc. v. Hon. Trajano 13 is apropos. The respondent union
therein sent a letter to petitioner requesting a negotiation of their CBA. Petitioner refused to bargain
and instead filed a petition for cancellation of the union's certificate of registration. Petitioner's refusal
to bargain forced the union to file a notice of strike. They eventually staged a strike. The Secretary of
Labor assumed jurisdiction over the labor dispute and ordered all striking workers to return to work.
138
Petitioner challenged said order by contending that its petition for cancellation of union's certificate of
registration involves a prejudicial question that should first be settled before the Secretary of Labor
could order the parties to bargain collectively. When the case eventually reached this Court, we agreed
with the Secretary of Labor that the pendency of a petition for cancellation of union registration does
not preclude collective bargaining, thus: SDaHEc
That there is a pending cancellation proceeding against the respondent Union is not a bar to set in
motion the mechanics of collective bargaining. If a certification election may still be ordered despite the
pendency of a petition to cancel the union's registration certificate (National Union of Bank Employees
vs. Minister of Labor, 110 SCRA 274), more so should the collective bargaining process continue despite
its pendency. We must emphasize that the majority status of the respondent Union is not affected by
the pendency of the Petition for Cancellation pending against it. Unless its certificate of registration and
its status as the certified bargaining agent are revoked, the Hospital is, by express provision of the law,
duty bound to collectively bargain with the Union. 14
Trajano was reiterated in Legend International Resorts Limited v. Kilusang Manggagawa ng Legenda
(KML-Independent). 15 Legend International Resorts reiterated the rationale for allowing the
continuation of either a CBA process or a certification election even during the pendency of proceedings
for the cancellation of the union's certificate of registration.
AUTOMOTIVE ENGINE REBUILDERS vs. PROGRESIBONG UNYON NG MGA MANGGAGAWA SA AER
[G.R. No. 160138, January 16, 2013 & July 13, 2011 Main Decision]
Facts:
On December 22, 1998, Unyon filed a petition for certification election before the Department of Labor
and Employment(DOLE) after organizing their employees union within AER. Resenting what they did,
AER forced all of its employees to submit their urine samples for drug testing. Those who refused were
threatened with dismissal.
On January 8, 1999, the results of the drug test came out and some employees were found positive for
illegal drugs and was suspended for coming to work under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any
drug or drinking any alcoholic beverages on the premises on company time.
On January 28, 1999, eighteen (18) employees of AER, acting collectively and in concert, suddenly and
without reason staged a walkout and assembled illegally in the company premises.
Despite management’s plea for them to go back to work, the concerned employees refused and, instead,
walked out of the company premises and proceeded to the office of the AER Performance
and Service Center (AER-PSC) located on another street. They threatened and forced the company
guards and some company officers and personnel to open the gate of the AER-PSC compound. They
also urged the AER-PSC employees to likewise stop working.
On February 2, 1999, the affected workers were denied entry into the AER premises by order of
management. Because of this, the affected workers staged a picket in front of company premises hoping
that management would accept them back to work. When their picket proved futile, they filed a
complaint for unfair labor practice, illegal suspension and illegal dismissal.
On February 22, 1999, the concerned employees started a wildcat strike, barricaded company premises,
and prevented the free ingress and egress of the other employees, officers, clients, and visitors and the
transportation of company equipments. They also tried to use force and inflict violence against the other
employees. Their wildcat strike stopped after the NLRC issued and served a temporary restraining
order (TRO).
Issue:
WON the CA erred in ruling for the reinstatement of the complaining employees but without grant of
backwages.
139
Ruling:
As both the employer and the employees were, in a sense, at fault or in pari delicto, the
nonreturning employees, provided they did not participate in illegal acts; should be
considered entitled to reinstatement. But since reinstatement is no longer feasible, they
should be given separation pay.
The in pari delicto doctrine in labor cases is not novel to us. It has been applied in the case of Philippines
Inter-Fashion, Inc. v NLRC,where the Court held:
The Solicitor General has correctly stated in his comment that "from these facts are derived the following
conclusions which are likewise undisputed: that petitioner engaged in an illegal lockout while the
NAFLU engaged in an illegal strike; that the unconditional offer of the 150 striking employees to return
to work and to withdraw their complaint of illegal lockout against petitioner constitutes condonation of
the illegal lock-out; and that the unqualified acceptance of the offer of the 150 striking employees by
petitioner likewise constitutes condonation of the illegal strike insofar as the reinstated employees are
concerned."
The issues at bar arise, however, from respondent commission's approval of its commissioner's
conclusions that (1) petitioner must be deemed to have waived its right to pursue the case of illegal
strike against the 114 employees who were not reinstated and who pursued their illegal lockout claim
against petitioner; and (2) the said 114 employees are entitled to reinstatement with three months'
backwages.
The Court approves the stand taken by the Solicitor General that there was no clear and unequivocal
waiver on the part of petitioner and on the contrary the record shows that it tenaciously pursued its
application for their dismissal, but nevertheless in view of the undisputed findings of illegal strike on the
part of the 114 employees and illegal lockout on petitioner's part, both parties are in pari delicto and
such situation warrants the restoration of the status quo ante and bringing the parties back
to the respective positions before the illegal strike and illegal lockout through the reinstatement
of the said 114 employees, as follows:
The Bisaya case (102 Phil. 438) is inapplicable to the present case, because in the former, there were
only two strikers involved who were both reinstated by their employer upon their request to return to
work. However, in the present case, there were more than 200 strikers involved, of which 150 who
desired to return to work were reinstated. The rest were not reinstated because they did not signify
their intention to return to work. Thus, the ruling cited in the Bisaya case that the employer waives his
defense of illegality of the strike upon reinstatement of strikers is applicable only to strikers who signified
their intention to return to work and were accepted back ...
Truly, it is more logical and reasonable for condonation to apply only to strikers who signified their
intention to return and did return to work. The reason is obvious. These strikers took the initiative in
normalizing relations with their employer and thus helped promote industrial peace. However, as regards
the strikers who decided to pursue with the case, as in the case of the 114 strikers herein, the employer
could not be deemed to have condoned their strike, because they had not shown any willingness to
normalize relations with it.
The findings show that both petitioner and the 114 strikers are in pari delicto, a situation which
warrants the maintenance of the status quo. This means that the contending parties must be
brought back to their respective positions before the controversy; that is, before the strike.
Therefore, the order reinstating the 114 employees is proper.
With such restoration of the status quo ante it necessarily follows, as likewise submitted by the Solicitor
General, that the petition must be granted insofar as it seeks the setting aside of the award of three
months' backwages to the 114 employees ordered reinstated on the basis of the general rule that
strikers are not entitled to backwages (with some exceptions not herein applicable, such as where the
employer is guilty of oppression and union-busting activities and strikers ordered reinstated are denied
such reinstatement and therefore are declared entitled to backwages from the date of such denial).
140
More so, is the principle of "no work, no pay" applicable to the case at bar, in view of the undisputed
finding of illegality of the strike.
Likewise, the in pari delicto doctrine was applied in the case of First City Interlink Transportation Co.
Inc. v The Honorable Secretary,thus:
3) Petitioner substantially complied with the Return to Work Order. The medical examination, NBI, Police
and Barangay Clearances as well as the driver's and conductor's/conductress licenses and photographs
required as conditions for reinstatement were reasonable management prerogatives. However, the other
requirements imposed as condition for reinstatement were unreasonable considering that the employees
were not being hired for the first time, although the imposition of such requirements did not amount to
refusal on the part of the employer to comply with the Return to Work Order or constitute illegal lockout
so as to warrant payment of backwages to the strikers. If at all, it is the employees' refusal to return to
work that may be deemed a refusal to comply with the Return to Work Order resulting in loss of their
employment status. As both the employer and the employees were, in a sense, at fault or in
pari delicto, the nonreturning employees, provided they did not participate in illegal acts; should be
considered entitled to reinstatement. But since reinstatement is no longer feasible, they should
be given separation pay computed up to March 8, 1988 (the date set for the return of the
employees) in lieu of reinstatement. [Emphases and underscoring supplied]
In the case at bar, since both AER and the union are at fault or in pari delicto, they should be restored
to their respective positions prior to the illegal strike and illegal lockout. Nonetheless, if reinstatement
is no longer feasible, the concerned employees should be given separation pay up to the date set for
the return of the complaining employees in lieu of reinstatement.
Unyon filed the subject Motion for Partial Reconsideration questioning the Court's July 13, 2011 Decision
insofar as it failed to award backwages to fourteen (14) of its members.
After going over the records again, the Court holds that only nine (9) of the fourteen (14) excluded
employees deserve to be reinstated immediately with backwages.Records disclose that thirty-two (32)
employees filed a complaint for illegal suspension and unfair labor practice against AER. Out of these 32
workers, only eighteen (18) of them were charged by AER with illegal strike leaving fourteen (14) of
them excluded from its complaint.
Technically, as no charges for illegal strike were filed against these 14 employees, they cannot be among
those found guilty of illegal strike. They cannot be considered in pari delicto. They should be reinstated
and given their backwages.
Out of these 14 employees, however, five (5) failed to write their names and affix their signatures in
the Membership Resolution attached to the petition filed before the CA, authorizing the Union President
to represent them.Because of their failure to affix their names and signatures in the Membership
Resolution they cannot be granted the relief that Unyon wanted for them in its Motion for Partial
Reconsideration.
These excluded nine (9) workers, who signed their names in their petition before the CA, deserve to be
reinstated immediately and granted backwages. It is basic in jurisprudence that illegally dismissed
workers are entitled to reinstatement with backwages plus interest at the legal rate.
HOLY CHILD CATHOLIC SCHOOL vs. HON. STO TOMAS ET AL.
[G.R. No. 179146, July 23, 2013]
Facts:
141
A petition for certification election was filed by private respondent Pinag-Isang Tinig at Lakas ng
Anakpawis — Holy Child Catholic School Teachers and Employees Labor Union (HCCS-TELU-PIGLAS),
alleging that: PIGLAS is a legitimate labor organization duly registered with the Department of Labor
and Employment (DOLE) representing HCCS-TELU-PIGLAS; HCCS is a private educational institution
duly registered and operating under Philippine laws; HCCS is unorganized, there is no collective
bargaining agreement or a duly certified bargaining agent or a labor organization certified as the sole
and exclusive bargaining agent of the proposed bargaining unit within one year prior to the filing of the
petition.
Petitioner averred that of the employees who signed to support the petition, fourteen (14) already
resigned and six (6) signed twice. Petitioner raised that members of private respondent do not belong
to the same class; it is not only a mixture of managerial, supervisory, and rank-and-file employees —
as three (3) are vice-principals, one (1) is a department head/supervisor, and eleven (11) are
coordinators — but also a combination of teaching and non-teaching personnel — as twenty-seven (27)
are non-teaching personnel. It insisted that, for not being in accord with Article 245 of the Labor Code,
private respondent is an illegitimate labor organization lacking in personality to file a petition for
certification election, as held in Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation v. Toyota Motor Philippines
Corporation Labor Union; and an inappropriate bargaining unit for want of community or mutuality of
interest, as ruled in Dunlop Slazenger (Phils.), Inc. v. Secretary of Labor and Employment and De La
Salle University Medical Center and College of Medicine v. Laguesma.
Issues:
1. Whether or not a petition for certification election is dismissible on the ground that the labor
organization’s membership allegedly consists of supervisory and rank-and-file employees.
Ruling:
In case of alleged inclusion of disqualified employees in a union, the proper procedure for an
employer like petitioner is to directly file a petition for cancellation of the union’s certificate
of registration due to misrepresentation, false statement or fraud under the circumstances
enumerated in Article 239 of the Labor Code, as amended.
1. No it does not.
In Dunlop, in which the labor organization that filed a petition for certification election was one for
supervisory employees, but in which the membership included rank-and-file employees, the Court
reiterated that such labor organization had no legal right to file a certification election to represent a
bargaining unit composed of supervisors for as long as it counted rank-and-file employees among its
members.
It should be emphasized that the petitions for certification election involved in Toyota and Dunlop were
filed on November 26, 1992 and September 15, 1995, respectively; hence, the 1989 Rules was applied
in both cases.
But then, on June 21, 1997, the 1989 Amended Omnibus Rules was further amended by Department
Order No. 9, series of 1997 (1997 Amended Omnibus Rules). Specifically, the requirement under Sec.
2(c) of the 1989 Amended Omnibus Rules — that the petition for certification election indicate that the
bargaining unit of rank-and-file employees has not been mingled with supervisory employees — was
removed. Instead, what the 1997 Amended Omnibus Rules requires is a plain description of the
bargaining unit, which does not require that, for its creation and registration, a local or chapter submit
a list of its members.
All said, while the latest issuance is R.A. No. 9481, the 1997 Amended Omnibus Rules, as interpreted
by the Court in Tagaytay Highlands, San Miguel and Air Philippines, had already set the tone for it.
Toyota and Dunlop no longer hold sway in the present altered state of the law and the rules.
142
In unequivocal terms, we reiterated that the alleged inclusion of supervisory employees in a labor
organization seeking to represent the bargaining unit of rank-and-file employees does not divest it of
its status as a legitimate labor organization. Indeed, Toyota and Dunlop no longer hold true under the
law and rules governing the instant case. The petitions for certification election involved in Toyota and
Dunlop were filed on November 26, 1992 and September 15, 1995, respectively; hence, the 1989 Rules
and Regulations Implementing R.A. No. 6715 (1989 Amended Omnibus Rules) was applied. In contrast,
D.O. No. 9 is applicable in the petition for certification election of private respondent as it was filed on
May 31, 2002.
Following the doctrine laid down in Kawashima and SMCC-Super, it must be stressed that petitioner
cannot collaterally attack the legitimacy of private respondent by praying for the dismissal of the petition
for certification election:
Except when it is requested to bargain collectively, an employer is a mere bystander to any petition for
certification election; such proceeding is non-adversarial and merely investigative, for the purpose
thereof is to determine which organization will represent the employees in their collective bargaining
with the employer. The choice of their representative is the exclusive concern of the employees; the
employer cannot have any partisan interest therein; it cannot interfere with, much less oppose, the
process by filing a motion to dismiss or an appeal from it; not even a mere allegation that some
employees participating in a petition for certification election are actually managerial employees will
lend an employer legal personality to block the certification election. The employer's only right in the
proceeding is to be notified or informed thereof.
2. The Court disagrees with Petitioner. The concepts of a union and of a legitimate labor organization
are different from, but related to, the concept of a bargaining unit.
In case of alleged inclusion of disqualified employees in a union, the proper procedure for an employer
like petitioner is to directly file a petition for cancellation of the union's certificate of registration due to
misrepresentation, false statement or fraud under the circumstances enumerated in Article 239 of the
Labor Code, as amended. To reiterate, private respondent, having been validly issued a certificate of
registration, should be considered as having acquired juridical personality which may not be attacked
collaterally.
In determining the proper collective bargaining unit and what unit would be appropriate to be the
collective bargaining agency, the Court, in the seminal case of Democratic Labor Association v. Cebu
Stevedoring Company, Inc., mentioned several factors that should be considered, to wit: (1) will of
employees (Globe Doctrine); (2) affinity and unity of employees' interest, such as substantial similarity
of work and duties, or similarity of compensation and working conditions; (3) prior collective bargaining
history; and (4) employment status, such as temporary, seasonal and probationary employees. We
stressed, however, that the test of the grouping is community or mutuality of interest, because "the
basic test of an asserted bargaining unit's acceptability is whether or not it is fundamentally the
combination which will best assure to all employees the exercise of their collective bargaining rights.
As the SOLE correctly observed, petitioner failed to comprehend the full import of Our ruling in U.P. It
suffices to quote with approval the apt disposition of the SOLE when she denied petitioner's motion for
reconsideration:
[Petitioner] appears to have confused the concepts of membership in a bargaining unit and membership
in a union. In emphasizing the phrase "to the exclusion of academic employees" stated in U.P. v. Ferrer-
Calleja, [petitioner] believed that the petitioning union could not admit academic employees of the
university to its membership. But such was not the intention of the Supreme Court.
143
A bargaining unit is a group of employees sought to be represented by a petitioning union. Such

employees need not be members of a union seeking the conduct of a certification election. A union
certified as an exclusive bargaining agent represents not only its members but also other employees
who are not union members. As pointed out in our assailed Decision, there were two contending unions
in the U.P. case, namely[,] the Organization of Non-Academic Personnel of U.P. (ONAPUP) and the All
U.P. Worker's Union composed of both U.P. academic and non-academic personnel. ONAPUP sought the
conduct of a certification election among the rank-and-file non-academic personnel only, while the All
U.P. Workers Union intended to cover all U.P. rank-and-file employees, involving both academic and
non-academic personnel.
The Supreme Court ordered the "non-academic rank-and-file employees of U.P. to constitute a
bargaining unit to the exclusion of the academic employees of the institution", but did not order them
to organize a separate labor organization. In the U.P. case, the Supreme Court did not dismiss the
petition and affirmed the order for the conduct of a certification election among the non-academic
personnel of U.P., without prejudice to the right of the academic personnel to constitute a separate
bargaining unit for themselves and for the All U.P. Workers Union to institute a petition for certification
election.
In the same manner, the teaching and non-teaching personnel of [petitioner] school must form separate
bargaining units. Thus, the order for the conduct of two separate certification elections, one involving
teaching personnel and the other involving non-teaching personnel. It should be stressed that in the
subject petition, [private respondent] union sought the conduct of a certification election among all the
rank-and-file personnel of [petitioner] school. Since the decision of the Supreme Court in the U.P. case
prohibits us from commingling teaching and non-teaching personnel in one bargaining unit, they have
to be separated into two separate bargaining units with two separate certification elections to determine
whether the employees in the respective bargaining units desired to be represented by [private
respondent].
In summary, teaching and non-teaching personnel may be commingled in one union but have to be
separated for collective bargaining purposes. Thus the need for separate bargaining units, and the need
for separate certification elections, one for the teaching personnel and another for the non-teaching
personnel.
VISAYAS COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER vs. YBALLE, ET AL.
[G.R. No. 196156, January 15, 2014]
Facts:
Respondents Yballe, Angel, Cortez and Ong were hired as employees of Visayas Community Medical
Center, then Metro Cebu Community Hospital Inc. National Federation of Labor was the exclusive
bargaining agent of the rank-and-file employees of MCCHI. In the CBA effective January 1994 until
December 31, 1995, the signatories include Rev. Iyoy as MCCH administrator and Perla Nava as
president of the Nagkahiusang Mamumuno sa MCCH, a NFL chartered union.
On December 6, 1995, Nava wrote Rev. Iyoy expressing the union’s desire to renew the CBA. However,
the proposal was returned requiring Nava to secure the endorsement of the legal counsel of NFL as the
official bargaining representative of MCCHI employees. Nava insisted that the management should
directly negotiate with them. MCCHI referred the matter to Atty. Alforque, NFL’S Regional Director, who
then advised Nava that their group was no longer recognized by NFL. He sent a letter addressed to Nava
that their union membership is suspended for serious violation of the Constitution and By-Laws. The
144
violations occurred on February 27, 1996 when Nava and her group launched a series of mass actions
such as wearing of black and red armbands and headbands, marching around the hospital premises and
putting up placards.
On March 13 and 19, 1996, DOLE Regional Office issued certifications stating that there is nothing in
their records which show that NAMA-MCCH-NFL is a registered labor organization.
On March 14, 1996, NAMA-MCCG-NFL filed a Notice of Strike but was deemed not filed for want of
personality on their part. On March 30 of the same year, MCCHI sent termination letters to union
members and other members who participated in the strike and picketing activities.
Issue: Whether or not the union members were illegally dismissed based on their participation in the
alleged illegal strike.
Ruling:
Yes. The Labor Code provides that "any union officer who knowingly participates in an illegal strike and
any worker or union officer who knowingly participates in the commission of illegal acts during a strike
may be declared to have lost his employment status". In the Decision dated December 7, 2011, we
declared as invalid the dismissal of MCCH employees who participated in the illegal strike conducted by
NAMA-MCCH-NFL which is not a legitimate labor organization. Since there was no showing that the
complainants committed any illegal act during the strike, they may not be deemed to have lost their
employment status by their mere participation in the illegal strike. On the other hand, the union leaders
(Nava group) who conducted the illegal strike despite knowledge that NAMA-MCCH-NFL is not a duly
registered labor union were declared to have been validly terminated by petitioner.
A worker merely participating in an illegal strike may not be terminated from employment. It is only
when he commits illegal acts during a strike that he may be declared to have lost employment status.
In contrast, a union officer may be terminated from employment for knowingly participating in an illegal
strike or participates in the commission of illegal acts during a strike. The law grants the employer the
option of declaring a union officer who participated in an illegal strike as having lost his employment. It
possesses the right and prerogative to terminate the union officers from service.
In this case, the NLRC affirmed the finding of the Labor Arbiter that respondents supported and took
part in the illegal strike and further declared that they were guilty of insubordination. However, the mass
termination of complainants was illegal, notwithstanding the illegality of the strike in which they
participated.
An ordinary striking worker cannot be dismissed for such mere participation in the illegal strike.
However, the CA erred in awarding respondents full back wages and ordering their reinstatement despite
the prevailing circumstances.
PHILTRANCO SERVICE ENTERPRISES INC. vs. PHILTRANCO WORKERS UNION-ASSOCIATION OF

GENUINE LABOR ORGANIZATIONS
[G.R. No. 180962, February 26, 2014]
Facts:
Petitioner Philtranco Service Enterprises, Inc., a local land transportation company, retrenched 21 of its
employees on the ground that it was suffering business losses. Thus the company union, Philtranco
Workers Union-Association of Genuine Labor Organizations (PWU-AGLU), filed a Notice of Strike with
145
the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), claiming that petitioner engaged in unfair labor
practices. The NCMB conducted the preliminary conference but no settlement was arrived at. Hence,
the case was referred to the SOLE which ordered the reinstatement of the Union Officers without loss
of seniority rights. The order was received on June 14, 2007. Petitioner filed for a Motion for
Reconsideration on June 25 (Monday) or the first working day following last day which was Sunday. The
Motion was denied by SOLE on August 15, 2007 which was received by Petitioner on Aug 17. It then
filed the Petition for Certiorari on August 29, 2007.
Issues:
1. WON the remedy of Petition for Certiorari was the appropriate remedy
2. WON the said remedy was timely filed
Ruling:
1. Yes. The fact is undeniable that by referring the case to the Secretary of Labor, Conciliator-Mediator
Aglibut conceded that the case fell within the coverage of Article 263 of the Labor Code. By assuming
jurisdiction over the case, the provisions of Article 263 became applicable. It has long been settled that
the remedy of an aggrieved party in a decision or resolution of the Secretary of Labor is to timely file a
motion for reconsideration as a precondition for any further or subsequent remedy, and then seasonably
file a special civil action for certiorari under Rule 65 of the 1997 Rules on Civil Procedure.
2. Yes. Rule 65 states that where a motion for reconsideration or new trial is timely filed, whether such
motion is required or not, the petition shall be filed not later than 60 days counted from the notice of
the denial of the motion. The very nature of certiorari – which is an extraordinary remedy resorted to
only in the absence of plain, available, speedy and adequate remedies in the course of law – requires
that the office issuing the decision or order be given the opportunity to correct itself. Quite evidently,
this opportunity for rectification does not arise if no motion for reconsideration has been filed.
Clearly, before a petition for certiorari under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court may be availed of, the filing
of a motion for reconsideration is a condition sine qua non to afford an opportunity for the correction of
the error or mistake complained of. Since Petitioner filed the Petition for Certiorari on August 29, 2007
which was exactly within the 60-day period within which to file, then such petition was timely filed.
WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILS.vs. WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILS., FACULTY & STAFF ASSOCIATION
[G.R. No. 181806, March 12, 2014]
Facts:
Petitioner Wesleyan University-Philippines is a non-stock, non-profit educational institution duly
organized and existing under the laws of the Philippines. 6 Respondent Wesleyan University-Philippines
Faculty and Staff Association, on the other hand, is a duly registered labor organization 7 acting as the
sole and exclusive bargaining agent of all rank-and-file faculty and staff employees of petitioner.
In December 2003, the parties signed a 5-year CBA effective June 1, 2003 until May 31, 2008.
On 2005, petitioner, through its President, issued a Memorandum providing guidelines on the
implementation of vacation and sick leave credits as well as vacation leave commutation. Some of its
provisions are: vacation and sick leave credits are not automatic; they have to be earned; only vacation
leave is commuted or monetized to cash.
146
Respondent’s President, Cynthia L. De Lara (De Lara) informed the petitioner through a letter that
respondent is not amenable to the unilateral changes made by petitioner. Respondent questioned the
guidelines for being violative of existing practices and the CBA.
A Labor Management Committee (LMC) Meeting was held during which petitioner advised respondent
to file a grievance complaint on the implementation of the vacation and sick leave policy. In the same
meeting, petitioner announced its plan of implementing a one-retirement policy, which was unacceptable
to respondent.
Unable to settle their differences at the grievance level, the parties referred the matter to a Voluntary
Arbitrator. On November 2, 2006, the Voluntary Arbitrator rendered a Decision declaring the one-
retirement policy and the Memorandum dated August 16, 2005 contrary to law.
Aggrieved, petitioner appealed the case to the CA via a Petition for Review under Rule 43 of the Rules
of Court.
On September2007, the CA rendered a Decision finding the rulings of the Voluntary Arbitrator supported
by substantial evidence. It also affirmed the nullification of the one-retirement policy and the
Memorandum dated August 16, 2005 on the ground that these unilaterally amended the CBA without
the consent of respondent
Issue:
Whether the [CA] committed grave and palpable error in sustaining the Voluntary Arbitrator’s ruling
that a university practice of granting its employees two (2) sets of Retirement Benefits had already been
established as defined by the law and jurisprudence.
Ruling:
No. The Non-Diminution Rule found in Article 100 of the Labor Code explicitly prohibits employers from
eliminating or reducing the benefits received by their employees. This rule, however, applies only if the
benefit is based on an express policy, a written contract, or has ripened into a practice. To be considered
a practice, it must be consistently and deliberately made by the employer over a long period of time.
An exception to the rule is when "the practice is due to error in the construction or application of a
doubtful or difficult question of law." The error, however, must be corrected immediately after its
discovery; otherwise, the rule on Non-Diminution of Benefits would still apply.
The practice of giving two retirement benefits to petitioner’s employees is supported by

substantial evidence.
In this case, respondent was able to present substantial evidence in the form of affidavits to support its
claim that there are two retirement plans. Based on the affidavits, petitioner has been giving two
retirement benefits as early as 1997. Petitioner, on the other hand, failed to present any evidence to
refute the veracity of these affidavits. As we see it then, their affidavits, corroborated by the affidavits
of incumbent employees, are more than sufficient to show that the granting of two retirement benefits
to retiring employees had already ripened into a consistent and deliberate practice.
Moreover, petitioner’s assertion that there is only one retirement plan as the CBA Retirement Plan and
the PERAA Plan are one and the same is not supported by any evidence. There is nothing in Article XVI
of the CBA to indicate or even suggest that the "Plan" referred to in the CBA is the PERAA Plan. Besides,
any doubt in the interpretation of the provisions of the CBA should be resolved in favor of respondent.
147
TABANGAO SHELL REFINERY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION vs. PILIPINAS SHELL PETROLEUM CORP.
[G.R. No. 170007, April 7, 2014]
Facts:
The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) of the Company and the Union expired on 30 April 2004.
Thus, as early as 13 April 2004, the Company and the Union already met to discuss the ground rules
that would govern their upcoming negotiations. Then, on 15 April 2004, the Union submitted its
proposals for the renewal of their CBA. While a total of 41 meetings were held between the parties,
several items, including the matter of compensation, remained unresolved. The union proposed an
annual across-the-board basic salary increase for the next three years that would be covered by the
new CBA. The company made a counter-proposal to grant all covered employees a lump sum amount
of yearly for the three-year period of the new CBA. Alleging failure on the part of the company to justify
its offer, the union manifested that the company was bargaining in bad faith. The company, in turn,
expressed its disagreement with the union’s manifestation.
On 2 September 2004, the Union filed a Notice of Strike with the NCMB, Region IV based in Calamba,
Laguna anchored on a perceived unfair labor practice consisting of alleged bad faith bargaining on the
part of the Company. On September 16, 2004, during the cooling off period, the union conducted the
necessary strike vote. The members of the union, who participated in the voting, unanimously voted for
the holding of a strike. Upon being aware of this development, the company filed a Petition for
Assumption of Jurisdiction with the Secretary of Labor and Employment. The Secretary of Labor and
Employment found that the intended strike would likely affect the company’s capacity to provide
petroleum products to the company’s various clientele, including the transportation sector, the energy
sector, and the manufacturing and industrial sectors. Convinced that such a strike would have adverse
consequences on the national economy, the Secretary of Labor and Employment ruled that the labor
dispute between the parties would cause or likely to cause a strike in an industry indispensable to the
national interest. Thus, the Secretary of Labor and Employment assumed jurisdiction over the dispute
of the parties.
Issue: Whether or not the Secretary of Labor committed grave abuse of discretion when is assumed
jurisdiction over the dispute between the union and the company
Ruling:
Findings of fact of the Secretary of Labor and Employment in the Decision dated June 8, 2005 that there
already existed a bargaining deadlock when she assumed jurisdiction over the labor dispute between
the union and the company, and that there was no bad faith on the part of the company when it was
bargaining with the union are both supported by substantial evidence. The contention of the labor union
is untenable. The Secretary of Labor has jurisdiction over the labor dispute.
The Secretary of the DOLE has been explicitly granted by Article 263(g) of the Labor Code the authority
to assume jurisdiction over a labor dispute causing or likely to cause a strike or lockout in an industry
indispensable to the national interest, and decide the same accordingly. And, as a matter of necessity,
it includes questions incidental to the labor dispute; that is, issues that are necessarily involved in the
dispute itself, and not just to that ascribed in the Notice of Strike or otherwise submitted to him for
resolution.
The labor dispute between the union and the company concerned the unresolved matters between the
parties in relation to their negotiations for a new CBA. The power of the Secretary of Labor and
Employment to assume jurisdiction over this dispute includes and extends to all questions and
controversies arising from the said dispute, such as, but not limited to the union’s allegation of bad faith
bargaining. It also includes and extends to the various unresolved provisions of the new CBA such as
compensation, particularly the matter of annual wage increase or yearly lump sum payment in lieu of
such wage increase, whether or not there was deadlock in the negotiations.
In the case at bar, there was already an existing deadlock between the parties. The fact is that the
negotiations between the union and the company were stalled by the opposing offers of yearly wage
148
increase by the union, on the one hand, and annual lump sum payment by the company, on the other
hand. Each party was adamant in its position. Thus, because of the unresolved issue on wage increase,
there was actually a complete stoppage of the ongoing negotiations between the parties and the union
filed a Notice of Strike. A mutual declaration would neither add to nor subtract from the reality of the
deadlock then existing between the parties. Thus, the absence of the parties’ mutual declaration of
deadlock does not mean that there was no deadlock.
Furthermore, as the Decision dated June 8, 2005 of the Secretary of Labor and Employment already
settled the said issues with finality, the union cannot once again raise those issues in this Court through
this petition without violating the principle of res judicata, particularly in the concept of conclusiveness
of judgment.
Sonedco Workers free Labor Union et al., vs. Universal Robina Corp. GR No. 220383, Oct. 5,
2016
Doctrine: An employer who refuses to bargain with the union and tries to restrict its bargaining power
is guilty of unfair labor practice. In determining whether an employer has not bargained in good faith,
the totality of all the acts of the employer at the time of negotiations must be taken into account.
Facts: On May 6, 2002, Universal Robina Corporation Sugar Division-Southern Negros Development
Corporation (URC-SONEDCO) and Philippine Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Workers Union
(PACIWU-TUCP), then the exclusive bargaining representative of URC-SONEDCO's rank-and-file
employees, entered into a Collective Bargaining Agreement (2002 Collective Bargaining Agreement)
effective January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2006. Under the 2002 Collective Bargaining Agreement,
rank-and-file employees were entitled to a wage increase of P14.00/day for 2002 and P12.00/day for
the succeeding years until 2006. On May 17, 2002, days after the 2002 Collective Bargaining
Agreement was signed, a certification election was conducted. SONEDCO Workers Free Labor Union
won and replaced PACIWU-TUCP as the exclusive bargaining representative.
URC-SONEDCO consistently refused to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with

SONEDCO Workers Free Labor Union, despite several demands from SONEDCO Workers Free Labor
Union, allegedly due to the 2002 Collective Bargaining Agreement, which it signed with PACIWU-TUCP.
Despite being the incumbent exclusive bargaining agent, SONEDCO Workers Free Labor Union filed
before the Department of Labor and Employment a Petition for certification election on December 6,
2006 in view of the approaching expiration of the 2002 Collective Bargaining Agreement. On
December 31, 2006, the 2002 Collective Bargaining Agreement expired with no new collective
bargaining agreement being signed.
Respondent repeatedly refused to meet and bargain with SONEDCO Workers Free Labor Union, the
exclusive bargaining agent of its rank-and-file employees.
Issues:
WON respondent committed unfair labor practice (ULP).
WON petitioners, who refused to sign the 2007 and 2008 waivers, are entitled to the wage increase
and other economic benefits as a continuing employee benefit notwithstanding the 2009 Collective
Bargaining Agreement.
WON respondent is liable to pay moral and exemplary damages.
Ruling:
1. Yes. Unfair labor practice not only involves acts that violate the right to self-organization but also
covers several acts enumerated in Article 259 of the Labor Code, thus:
149
ARTICLE 259. [248] Unfair Labor Practices of Employers. — It shall be unlawful for an employer to
commit any of the following unfair labor practices:
(a) To interfere with, restrain or coerce employees in the exercise of their right to self-organization;
xxx
(e) To discriminate in regard to wages, hours of work and other terms and conditions of employment
in order to encourage or discourage membership in any labor organization…;
xxx
(g) To violate the duty to bargain collectively as prescribed by this Code;
xxx
The provisions of the preceding paragraph notwithstanding, only the officers and agents of
corporations, associations or partnerships who have actually participated in, authorized or ratified
unfair labor practices shall be held criminally liable. (Emphasis supplied)
Article 263 of the Labor Code defines the duty to bargain collectively: ARTICLE 263. [252]Meaning of
Duty to Bargain Collectively.
— The duty to bargain collectively means the performance of a mutual obligation to meet and convene
promptly and expeditiously in good faith for the purpose of negotiating an agreement with respect to
wages, hours of work and all other terms and conditions of employment including proposals for
adjusting any grievances or questions arising under such agreement and executing a contract
incorporating such agreements if requested by either party but such duty does not compel any party
to agree to a proposal or to make any concession.
Respondent's duty to bargain with SONEDCO Workers Free Labor Union as the incumbent bargaining
agent is clear. The last paragraph of Article 268 of the Labor Code states:
ARTICLE 268 [256]. Representation issue in organized establishments. — In organized

establishments, when a verified petition questioning the majority status of the incumbent bargaining
agent is filed before the Department of Labor and Employment within the sixty-day period before the
expiration of the collective bargaining agreement, the Med-Arbiter shall automatically order an election
by secret ballot when the verified petition is supported by the written consent of at least twenty-five
percent (25%) of all the employees in the bargaining unit to ascertain the will of the employees in the
appropriate bargaining unit. To have a valid election, at least a majority of all eligible voters in the
unit must have cast their votes. The labor union receiving the majority of the valid votes cast shall be
certified as the exclusive bargaining agent of all the workers in the unit. When an election which
provides for three or more choices results in no choice receiving a majority of the valid votes cast, a
run-off election shall be conducted between the labor unions receiving the two highest number of
votes: Provided, that the total number of votes for all contending unions is at least fifty percent (50%)
of the number of votes cast.
At the expiration of the freedom period, the employer shall continue to recognize the majority status
of the incumbent bargaining agent where no petition for certification election is filed. (Emphasis
supplied)
When petitioners held a conference on May 26, 2003, respondent refused to attend. Because
respondent failed to appear in the conference, petitioners wrote their demands in a letter sometime in
July 2003. The letter included, among others, a wage increase of P50.00/day from September 2003 to
2006. Instead of explaining its non-attendance to the conference or making a counter-offer,
respondent replied on August 15, 2003 acknowledging the receipt and contents of the July 2003 letter
but invoking the 2002 Collective Bargaining Agreement as an excuse not to answer petitioners'
demands to negotiate. This is contrary to Article 261 of the Labor Code, which requires the other party
to reply within 10 days from receipt of the written demand:
ARTICLE 261. [250] Procedure in Collective Bargaining. — The following procedures shall be observed
in collective bargaining:
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(a) When a party desires to negotiate an agreement, it shall serve a written notice upon the other
party with a statement of its proposals. The other party shall make a reply thereto not later than ten
(10) calendar days from receipt of such notice[.]
This was not respondent's only violation of Article 261. Respondent likewise failed to reply to the
collective bargaining agreement proposal sent by petitioners on August 21, 2007. The September 22,
2007 letter, sent with the agreement proposal, also went unheeded.
2. Yes. The NLRC did not err in granting the benefits for 2007 and 2008 to the employees who did not
sign the waiver.
It would be unfair for the employees to still not receive the benefits for 2007 and 2008 simply because
they refused to sign a waiver that was already moot. However, there is no need for the continuation of
the wage increase for 2007 and 2008 since the 2009 Collective Bargaining Agreement contains wage
increase provisions for 2009 to 2013. As explained in Samahang Manggagawa sa Top Form
Manufacturing v. National Labor Relations Commission, if a proposal is not printed in the collective
bargaining agreement, it cannot be demanded:
The CBA is the law between the contracting parties — the collective bargaining representative and the
employer-company. Compliance with a CBA is mandated by the expressed policy to give protection to
labor. In the same vein, CBA provisions should be "construed liberally rather than narrowly and
technically, and the courts must place a practical and realistic construction upon it, giving due
consideration to the context in which it is negotiated and purpose which it is intended to serve." This is
founded on the dictum that a CBA is not an ordinary contract but one impressed with public interest.
It goes without saying, however, that only provisions embodied in the CBA should be so interpreted
and complied with. Where a proposal raised by a contracting party does not find print in the CBA, it is
not a part thereof and the proponent has no claim whatsoever to its implementation. (Citations
omitted)
If petitioners wanted the wage increase for 2007 and 2008 to be carried on, the proper recourse
would have been to demand that this be included in the 2009 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
3. Yes. Unfair labor practices violate the constitutional rights of workers and employees to self-
organization, are inimical to the legitimate interests of both labor and management, including their
right to bargain collectively and otherwise deal with each other in an atmosphere of freedom and
mutual respect; and disrupt industrial peace and hinder the promotion of healthy and stable labor-
management relations. As the conscience of the government, it is the Courts sworn duty to ensure
that none trifles with labor rights. (Citations omitted)
151
Frondozo et al., vs. Manila Electric Company GR No. 178379, August 22, 2017
Writ of execution is assailable when there is a change in the situation of the parties making it unjust &
inequitable
Facts:
This case stemmed from 2 strikes conducted by MERALCO Employees and Workers Association (MEWA),
composed of MERALCO’s R&F employees, against MERALCO. The first one is grounded on Unfair Labor
Practice and the second one is on discrimination and union busting (because of termination of some
employees after the first strike). In light with this, the then DOLE Secretary issued an Order that strictly
enjoined any strike or lockout pending the resolution of the labor dispute and directed MERALCO to re-
admit the employees concerned.
The labor dispute resulted to the filing of two complaints for illegal dismissal. NLRC consolidated the
two cases and ultimately ruled in favor of MEWA ordering MERALCO to reinstate the employees without
payment of backwages. From the said order, two petitions for certiorari were filed before the CA: One
filed by MERALCO and the other by some MEWA members. Later, the NLRC issued an entry of judgment
stating that the above order of reinstatement has become final and executory. Thus, MERALCO
reinstated the employees in the payroll.
The CA 2nd division, in the case filed by MERALCO, ruled in its favor prompting it to stop its payroll
reinstatement of the said employees. Roughly a year after, the CA 14th division, in the case filed by
some MEWA members, ruled in its favor and ordered payment of their backwages. NLRC considered the
difficulty in proceeding with the execution given the conflicting decisions of the CA 2nd Division and the
CA 14th Division. The commission then decided that it had no recourse but to enjoin all proceedings
until the parties would have exhausted all available judicial remedies toward the possible reconciliation
of the contrasting decisions. It granted the prayer of preliminary injunction filed by MERALCO which was
affirmed by the CA.
Issue:
WON upholding the issuance of the writ of preliminary injunction by NLRC is proper
Ruling:
YES, the writ of preliminary injunction is proper.
In this case, the applicable rule is Article 263 of the Labor Code and the NLRC Manual on Execution of
Judgment, as amended by Resolution No. 02-02, series of 2002.
Section 1, Rule III of the NLRC Manual on Execution of Judgment provides: Section 1. Execution Upon
Final Judgment or Order. Execution shall issue only upon a judgment or order that finally disposes of an
action or proceeding, except in specific instances where the law provides for execution pending appeal.
Article 263 (i) of the Labor Code, on the other hand, provides: (i) The Secretary of Labor and
Employment, the Commission or the voluntary arbitrator shall decide or resolve the dispute within thirty
(30) calendar days from the date of the assumption of jurisdiction or the certification or submission of
the dispute, as the case may be. The decision of the President, the Secretary of Labor and Employment,
the Commission or the voluntary arbitrator shall be final and executory ten (10) calendar days after
receipt thereof by the parties.
A judicial review of the decisions of the NLRC may be filed before the Court of Appeals via a petition for
certiorari under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court but the petition shall not stay the execution of the assailed
decision unless a restraining order is issued by the Court of Appeals.
There are however instances when writs of execution may be assailed of and one of which is when there
has been a change in the situation of the parties making execution unjust. The situation in this case is
analogous to the said instance. MERALCO’s refusal to reinstate and pay backwages is justified by CA
2nd division decision, while petitioner’s insistence on the execution of judgment is anchored on CA 14th
152
division decision. We see no errors on the part of the CA in holding that the NLRC did not commit grave
abuse of discretion in suspending the proceedings. It suspended the proceedings because it cannot
revise or modify the conflicting decisions of the CA.
153
TOPIC 14: UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE
GENERAL MILLING CORP. vs. COURT OF APPEALS
[G.R. No. 146728, February 11, 2004]
Facts:
In its plants located at Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City, General Milling Corporation (GMC) employed 190
workers, who were all members of respondent General Milling Corporation Independent Labor Union
(union, for brevity), a duly certified bargaining agent. On April 28, 1989, GMC and the union concluded
a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) which included the issue of representation effective for a term
of three years. The CBA was effective for three years retroactive to December 1, 1988. Hence, it would
expire on November 30, 1991. On November 29, 1991, a day before the expiration of the CBA, the
union sent GMC a proposed CBA, with a request that a counter-proposal be submitted within ten (10)
days.
As early as October 1991, GMC received letters from workers who stated that they had withdrawn from
their union membership, on grounds of religious affiliation and personal differences. Believing that the
union no longer had standing to negotiate a CBA, GMC did not send any counter-proposal. On December
16, 1991, GMC wrote a letter to the union’s officers stating that it felt there was no basis to negotiate
with a union which no longer existed.
On January 13, 1992, GMC dismissed Marcia Tumbiga, a union member, on the ground of incompetence.
The union protested and requested GMC to submit the matter to the grievance procedure provided in
the CBA. GMC, however, advised the union to "refer to our letter dated December 16, 1991."
Thus, the union filed, on July 2, 1992, a complaint against GMC with the NLRC, Arbitration Division,
Cebu City. The complaint alleged unfair labor practice on the part of GMC for: (1) refusal to bargain
collectively; (2) interference with the right to self-organization; and (3) discrimination.
Issues:
1. Whether or not GMC is guilty of unfair labor practice.
2. Whether or not the Court of Appeals was correct when it imposed upon the GMC the draft CBA
proposes by the union for two years to begin from expiration of the original CBA.
Ruling:
GMC is guilty of unfair labor practice. Failing to comply with the mandatory obligation to
submit a reply to the union’s proposals, GMC violated its duty to bargain collectively, making
it liable for unfair labor practice.
On the first issue, Article 253-A of the Labor Code, as amended by Rep. Act No. 6715, states:
ART. 253-A. Terms of a collective bargaining agreement. – Any Collective Bargaining Agreement
that the parties may enter into shall, insofar as the representation aspect is concerned, be for a term of
five (5) years. No petition questioning the majority status of the incumbent bargaining agent shall be
entertained and no certification election shall be conducted by the Department of Labor and Employment
outside of the sixty-day period immediately before the date of expiry of such five year term of the
Collective Bargaining Agreement. All other provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement shall be
renegotiated not later than three (3) years after its execution.
The law mandates that the representation provision of a CBA should last for five years. The relation
between labor and management should be undisturbed until the last 60 days of the fifth year.
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Hence, when the union requested for a renegotiation on November 29, 1991, it was still the certified
collective bargaining agent of the workers, because it was seeking said renegotiation within 5 years
from the date of effectivity of the CBA on December 1, 1988. The union’s proposal was also submitted
within the prescribed 3-year period from the date of effectivity of the CBA, just before the last day of
said period. It was obvious that GMC had no valid reason to refuse to negotiate in good faith with the
union. For refusing to send a counter-proposal to the union and to bargain anew on the economic terms
of the CBA.
Under Article 252, both parties are required to perform their mutual obligation to meet and convene
promptly and expeditiously in good faith for the purpose of negotiating an agreement.
The union lived up to this obligation when it presented proposals for a new CBA to GMC within three (3)
years from the effectivity of the original CBA. But GMC failed in its duty under Article 252. What it did
was to devise a flimsy excuse, by questioning the existence of the union and the status of its membership
to prevent any negotiation.
GMC’s failure to make a timely reply to the proposals presented by the union is indicative of its utter
lack of interest in bargaining with the union. Its excuse that it felt the union no longer represented the
workers, was mainly dilatory as it turned out to be utterly baseless.
We hold that GMC’s refusal to make a counter-proposal to the union’s proposal for CBA negotiation is
an indication of its bad faith. Where the employer did not even bother to submit an answer to the
bargaining proposals of the union, there is a clear evasion of the duty to bargain collectively.
Failing to comply with the mandatory obligation to submit a reply to the union’s proposals, GMC violated
its duty to bargain collectively, making it liable for unfair labor practice.
The fact that the resignations of the union members occurred during the pendency of the case before
the labor arbiter shows GMC’s desperate attempts to cast doubt on the legitimate status of the union.
The ill-timed letters of resignation from the union members indicate that GMC had interfered with the
right of its employees to self-organization.
CA was correct in imposing the draft proposed by the Union on GMC following the doctrines
on Kiok Loy vs. NLRC and Divine Word University of Tacloban vs. Secretary of Labor and
Employment.
ART. 253 on the duty to bargain collectively when there exists a collective bargaining
agreement, mandates the parties to keep the status quo while they are still in the process of working
out their respective proposal and counter proposal. The general rule is that when a CBA already exists,
its provision shall continue to govern the relationship between the parties, until a new one is agreed
upon. The rule necessarily presupposes that all other things are equal. That is, that neither party is
guilty of bad faith. However, when one of the parties abuses this grace period by purposely delaying the
bargaining process, a departure from the general rule is warranted.
In Kiok Loy vs. NLRC,Sweden Ice Cream Plant, who refused to submit any counter proposal proposed
by its employees’ certified bargaining agent, had lost its right to bargain the terms and conditions of the
CBA. That Sweden’s approach and attitude – stalling the negotiation lead to a conclusion that it is
unwilling to negotiate and reach an agreement with the Union. Petitioner has not at any instance,
evinced good faith.
In Divine Word University of Tacloban vs. Secretary of Labor and Employment, Divine Word University
of Tacloban, refused to perform its duty to bargain collectively. Thus, we upheld the unilateral imposition
on the university of the CBA proposed by the Divine Word University Employees Union.
Applying the principle in the foregoing cases to the instant case, it would be unfair to the union and its
members if the terms and conditions contained in the old CBA would continue to be imposed on GMC’s
employees for the remaining two (2) years of the CBA’s duration. We are not inclined to gratify GMC
with an extended term of the old CBA after it resorted to delaying tactics to prevent negotiations.
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Since it was GMC which violated the duty to bargain collectively, based on Kiok Loy and Divine Word
University of Tacloban, it had lost its statutory right to negotiate or renegotiate the terms and conditions
of the draft CBA proposed by the union.
However, that as strictly distinguished from the facts of this case, there was no pre-existing CBA
between the parties in Kiok Loy and Divine Word University of Tacloban. Nonetheless, we deem it proper
to apply in this case the rationale of the doctrine in the said two cases. To rule otherwise would be to
allow GMC to have its cake and eat it too.
Thus, by imposing on GMC the provisions of the draft CBA proposed by the union, in our view, the
interests of equity and fair play were properly served and both parties regained equal footing, which
was lost when GMC thwarted the negotiations for new economic terms of the CBA.
STANDARD CHARTERED BANK EMPLOYEES UNION vs. CONFESOR
[G.R. No. 114974, June 16, 2004]
Facts:
The exclusive bargaining agent of the rank and file employees of the Standard Chartered Bank is the
Standard Chartered Bank Employees Union (the Union, for brevity). Prior to the expiration of the 3-year
period of their CBA, but within the 60-day freedom period, the Union initiated the negotiations. On
February 18, 1993, the Union, through its President, Eddie L. Divinagracia, sent a letter containing its
proposals covering political provisions and 34 economic provisions. Included therein was a list of the
names of the members of the Union’s negotiating panel.
The Union suggested to the Bank’s head of the negotiating panel, Cielito Diokno, that the bank lawyers
should be excluded from the negotiating team. The Bank acceded.Meanwhile, Diokno suggested to
Divinagracia that Jose P. Umali, Jr., the President of the National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE), the
federation to which the Union was affiliated, be excluded from the Union’s negotiating panel. However,
Umali was retained as a member thereof.
On March 12, 1993, the parties met and set the ground rules for the negotiation. Diokno suggested that
the negotiation be kept a "family affair." The proposed non-economic provisions of the CBA were
discussed first. Even during the final reading of the non-economic provisions on May 4, 1993, there were
still provisions on which the Union and the Bank could not agree.
On May 18, 1993, the negotiation for economic provisions commenced. Towards the end of the Bank’s
presentation, Umali requested the Bank to validate the Union’s "guestimates," especially the figures for
the rank and file staff. In the succeeding meetings, Umali chided the Bank for the insufficiency of its
counter-proposal on the provisions on salary increase, group hospitalization, death assistance and dental
benefits.
In the morning of the June 15, 1993 meeting, the Union suggested that if the Bank would not make the
necessary revisions on its counter-proposal, it would be best to seek a 3rd party assistance. After the
break, the Bank presented its revised counter-proposal, wherein, except for the provisions on signing
bonus and uniforms, the Union and the Bank failed to agree on the remaining economic provisions of
the CBA. The Union declared a deadlock and filed a Notice of Strike before the National Conciliation and
Mediation Board (NCMB) on June 21, 1993, docketed as NCMB-NCR-NS-06-380-93.26.
On the other hand, the Bank filed a complaint for Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) and Damages before the
Arbitration Branch of the NLRC in Manila against the Union on June 28, 1993. The Bank alleged that the
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Union violated its duty to bargain, as it did not bargain in good faith. It contended that the Union
demanded "sky high economic demands," indicative of blue-sky bargaining.
On July 21, 1993, then SOLE Nieves R. Confesor, pursuant to Article 263(g) of the Labor Code, issued
an Order assuming jurisdiction over the labor dispute at the Bank. An order was issued that the parties
execute a collective bargaining agreement. Thus, the Bank’s charge for unfair labor practice which it
originally filed with the NLRC but which is deemed consolidated herein, is dismissed for lack of merit.
On the other hand, the Union’s charge for unfair labor practice is similarly dismissed.
The parties then executed a Collective Bargaining Agreement wherein the wage increase was effected
and the signing bonuses based on the increased wage were distributed to the employees covered by
the CBA.
The Union filed this petition for certiorari under Rule 65 of the Rules of Procedure.
Issues:
1. Whether or not the company is guilty of unfair labor practice
2. Whether or not the Union is estopped after it executed with the company the CBA
3. Whether or not the Union is engaged in Blue-Sky Bargaining
Ruling:
The bank is not guilty of ULP.
"Interference" under Article248 (a) of the Labor Code to amount to ULP.

The petitioner asserts that respondent committed ULP, i.e., interference in the selection of the Union’s
negotiating panel, when Cielito Diokno, the Bank’s Human Resource Manager, suggested to the Union’s
President Eddie L. Divinagracia that Jose P. Umali, Jr., President of the NUBE, be excluded from the
Union’s negotiating panel. In support of its claim, Divinagracia executed an affidavit, stating that prior
to the commencement of the negotiation, Diokno approached him and suggested the exclusion of Umali
from the Union’s negotiating panel, and that during the first meeting, Diokno stated that the negotiation
be kept a "family affair."
In U.S. Postal Service and Harley Davidson Motor Co., Inc., AMF, the National Labor Relations Board
held that upon the employer’s refusal to engage in negotiations with the Union for collective-bargaining
contract when the Union includes a person who is not an employee, or one who is a member or an
official of other labor organizations, such employer is engaged in unfair labor practice under Section
8(a)(1) and (5) of the NLRA.
In, Insular Life Assurance Co., Ltd. Employees Association – NATU vs. Insular Life Assurance Co. Ltd.,
the test of whether an employer has interfered with and coerced employees in the exercise of their right
to self-organization within the meaning of subsection (a)(1) is whether the employer has engaged in
conduct which it may reasonably be said, tends to interfere with the free exercise of employees’ rights
under Section 3 of the Act.Further, it is not necessary that there be direct evidence that any employee
was in fact intimidated or coerced by statements of threats of the employer if there is a reasonable
inference that anti-union conduct of the employer does have an adverse effect on self-organization and
Under the International Labor Organization Convention (ILO) No. 87 FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND
PROTECTION OF THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE to which the Philippines is a signatory, "workers and
employers, without distinction whatsoever, shall have the right to establish and, subject only to the
rules of the organization concerned, to job organizations of their own choosing without previous
authorization.”
Workers’ and employers’ organizations shall have the right to draw up their constitutions and rules, to
elect their representatives in full freedom to organize their administration and activities and to formulate
157
their programs. Article 2 of ILO Convention No. 98 pertaining to the Right to Organize and Collective
Bargaining, provides:
Article 2
1. Workers’ and employers’ organizations shall enjoy adequate protection against any acts or
interference by each other or each other’s agents or members in their establishment, functioning or
administration.
2. In particular, acts which are designed to promote the establishment of workers’ organizations under
the domination of employers or employers’ organizations or to support workers’ organizations by
financial or other means, with the object of placing such organizations under the control of employers
or employers’ organizations within the meaning of this Article.
The aforecited ILO Conventions are incorporated in our Labor Code, particularly in Article 243 thereof,
which provides:
ART. 243. COVERAGE AND EMPLOYEES’ RIGHT TO SELF-ORGANIZATION. – All persons employed in
commercial, industrial and agricultural enterprises and in religious, charitable, medical or educational
institutions whether operating for profit or not, shall have the right to self-organization and to form,
join, or assist labor organizations of their own choosing for purposes of collective bargaining. Ambulant,
intermittent and itinerant workers, self-employed people, rural workers and those without any definite
employers may form labor organizations for their mutual aid and protection.
and Articles 248 and 249 respecting ULP of employers and labor organizations.
The 1987 Constitution, aside from making it a policy to "protect the rights of workers and promote their
welfare," devotes an entire section, emphasizing its mandate to afford protection to labor, and highlights
"the principle of shared responsibility" between workers and employers to promote industrial peace.
Article 248(a) of the Labor Code, considers it an unfair labor practice when an employer interferes,
restrains or coerces employees in the exercise of their right to self-organization or the right to form
association. The right to self-organization necessarily includes the right to collective bargaining.
If an employer interferes in the selection of its negotiators or coerces the Union to exclude from its panel
of negotiators a representative of the Union, and if it can be inferred that the employer adopted the said
act to yield adverse effects on the free exercise to right to self-organization or on the right to collective
bargaining of the employees, ULP under Article 248(a) in connection with Article 243 of the Labor Code
is committed.
Substantial Evidence required to support the claim of ULP under the Labor Code.
In order to show that the employer committed ULP under the Labor Code, substantial evidence is
required to support the claim. Substantial evidence has been defined as such relevant evidence as a
reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion. In the case at bar, the Union bases
its claim of interference on the alleged suggestions of Diokno to exclude Umali from the Union’s
negotiating panel.
The circumstances that occurred during the negotiation do not show that the suggestion made by Diokno
to Divinagracia is an anti-union conduct from which it can be inferred that the Bank consciously adopted
such act to yield adverse effects on the free exercise of the right to self-organization and collective
bargaining of the employees, especially considering that such was undertaken previous to the
commencement of the negotiation and simultaneously with Divinagracia’s suggestion that the bank
lawyers be excluded from its negotiating panel.
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The records show that after the initiation of the collective bargaining process, with the inclusion of Umali
in the Union’s negotiating panel, the negotiations pushed through. The complaint was made only on
August 16, 1993 after a deadlock was declared by the Union on June 15, 1993.
It is clear that such ULP charge was merely an afterthought. The accusation occurred after the
arguments and differences over the economic provisions became heated and the parties had become
frustrated. It happened after the parties started to involve personalities. As the public respondent noted,
passions may rise, and as a result, suggestions given under less adversarial situations may be colored
with unintended meanings.49 Such is what appears to have happened in this case.
The Duty to Bargain Collectively

If at all, the suggestion made by Diokno to Divinagracia should be construed as part of the normal
relations and innocent communications, which are all part of the friendly relations between the Union
and Bank.
The Union alleges that the Bank violated its duty to bargain; hence, committed ULP under Article 248(g)
when it engaged in surface bargaining. It alleged that the Bank just went through the motions of
bargaining without any intent of reaching an agreement, as evident in the Bank’s counter-proposals. It
explained that of the 34 economic provisions it made, the Bank only made 6 economic counterproposals.
Surface Bargaining
Surface bargaining is defined as "going through the motions of negotiating" without any legal intent to
reach an agreement. The resolution of surface bargaining allegations never presents an easy issue. The
determination of whether a party has engaged in unlawful surface bargaining is usually a difficult one
because it involves, at bottom, a question of the intent of the party in question, and usually such intent
can only be inferred from the totality of the challenged party’s conduct both at and away from the
bargaining table.51 It involves the question of whether an employer’s conduct demonstrates an
unwillingness to bargain in good faith or is merely hard bargaining. 52
The Union has not been able to show that the Bank had done acts, both at and away from the bargaining
table, which tend to show that it did not want to reach an agreement with the Union or to settle the
differences between it and the Union. Admittedly, the parties were not able to agree and reached a
deadlock. However, it is herein emphasized that the duty to bargain "does not compel either party to
agree to a proposal or require the making of a concession."53 Hence, the parties’ failure to agree did not
amount to ULP under Article 248(g) for violation of the duty to bargain.
In view of the finding of lack of ULP based on Article 248(g), the accusation that the Bank made bad-
faith provisions has no leg to stand on.
While the refusal to furnish requested information is in itself an unfair labor practice, and also supports
the inference of surface bargaining. We, likewise, find that the Union failed to substantiate its claim that
the Bank refused to furnish the information it needed.
Umali, in a meeting dated May 18, 1993, requested the Bank to validate its guestimates on the data of
the rank and file. However, Umali failed to put his request in writing as provided for in Article 242(c) of
the Labor Code. The Union, did not, as the Labor Code requires, send a written request for the issuance
of a copy of the data about the Bank’s rank and file employees. Moreover, as alleged by the Union, the
fact that the Bank made use of the aforesaid guestimates, amounts to a validation of the data it had
used in its presentation.
Estoppel not ApplicableIn the Case at Bar

The respondent Bank argues that the petitioner is estopped from raising the issue of ULP when it signed
the new CBA.
In the case, however, the approval of the CBA and the release of signing bonus do not necessarily mean
that the Union waived its ULP claim against the Bank during the past negotiations. After all, the
conclusion of the CBA was included in the order of the SOLE, while the signing bonus was included in
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the CBA itself. Moreover, the Union twice filed a motion for reconsideration respecting its ULP charges
against the Bank before the SOLE.
The Union Did Not EngageIn Blue-Sky Bargaining

Blue-Sky Bargaining is defined as "unrealistic and unreasonable demands in negotiations by either or
both labor and management, where neither concedes anything and demands the impossible." It actually
is not collective bargaining at all. (Robert’s Dictionary of Industrial Relations (Revised Edition, 1971, p.
51).
PHILIPPINE CARPET EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION vs. HON. STO. TOMAS
[G.R. No. 168719, February 22, 2006]
Facts:
Philippine Carpet Manufacturing Corporation is engaged in the business of manufacturing wool and yarn
carpets and rugs. The Corporation also had 100% equity investments in the following corporations:
Pacific Carpet Mills Corporation (PCMC-USA) which sold carpets and mats on wholesale basis; Pacific
Carpet Manufacturing Corporation (PCMC-Clark) which manufactured hand-tufted and machine-tufted
carpets and rugs; and the Philippine Woolen Spinning Corporation (PWSC) which manufactured wool
yarn. The Corporation also owned 17.95% of the shares of stocks in DI Security and General Services,
Inc., and 2.20% of such shares in the Manila Peninsula Hotel, Inc. The Corporation employed 473
employees, 355 of whom were members of the sole bargaining unit of the employees therein, the
Philippine Carpet Employees Association (Union for brevity).
In a letter dated February 10, 2004 addressed to the Corporation’s Assistant Vice President for
Administration, Manuel Ike Diaz, the Union proposed the holding of a conference between
representatives of the Union and the Corporation on February 24, 2004, to commence negotiations.
Appended to the letter were proposals on revisions of the previous CBA.
The Corporation did not respond to the letter. Diaz issued a Memorandum informing all employees that
a comprehensive cost reduction program would be implemented by the Corporation on April 15, 2004,
"on account of depressed business conditions brought about by the currency crisis in Southeast Asia,
the Middle East war and the 9/11 incident in the United States of America.
Of the 88 employees who were terminated from employment, 77 were Union members, including
Edgardo Villanueva, who was elected Union officer after the personnel reduction program commenced.
Frustrated at the Corporation’s reason for retrenchment, the Union filed a notice of strike with the DOLE.
Negotiations before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board ensued, but the Corporation stood
pat on its stance for a moratorium on increases in wages and benefits. The Union rejected this and
accused the Corporation of union busting, as 77 of its members were dismissed.
The Union filed a petitionwith the DOLE for the Secretary of Labor and Employment (SOLE) to assume
jurisdiction over the labor dispute involving economic issues on wage increases and certain benefits and
non-economic issues such as scope of bargaining unit and on the issue of unfair labor practice.
160
The Union claimed that there was no valid economic reason to retrench employees, and that a "slump"
in demand of the Corporation’s products was not a valid ground to dismiss employees. The Union also
charged the Corporation of resorting to a sinister scheme of re-channeling its carpet business to its
wholly owned subsidiary, PCMC-Clark, while negotiations for a new CBA were ongoing. According to
the Union, this was also to justify the dismissal of the 77 Union members and bust the Union
in the process. The Union insisted that the Corporation was guilty of unfair labor practice.
The Union maintained that in dismissing its employees, the Corporation violated the mandatory 30-day
notice rule because such employees received the notice of termination on March 13, 2004 (Saturday), to
take effect the following working day, March 15, 2004 (Monday). It stressed that the 30-day mandatory
notice could not be substituted by paying the affected employees their respective one month salaries.
Corporation alleged that based on the documents submitted to the SOLE, it suffered a sharp decline in
business in terms of volume and income derived since 2001, caused by the Asian financial crisis and
later aggravated by the 9/11 incident in the U.S. and the ongoing war in the Middle East. The Corporation
went on to explain that its income from the domestic market and export operations declined sharply:
from its export operations, its income of P28,855,000.00 in 2001 dropped to P23,927,000.00 in 2002;
and, thereafter, to P5,796,000.00 in 2003.
On June 23, 2004, the SOLE rendered a Decision granting wage increases totaling P8,039,330.00 to the
employees for the three years of the CBA. Relative to increased benefits for uniform, Christmas package,
rice subsidy, and early retirement plan/separation pay, the SOLE ordered the retention of the status
quo. However, the SOLE denied the demand of the Union as to the scope of the bargaining unit.
The SOLE likewise affirmed the termination of the 88 employees on the ground that, if not for the
personnel reduction program.The Union thereafter filed a petition for certiorari with the CA which
rendered judgmentdismissing the petition for lack of merit. The appellate court ruled that the
Corporation failed to prove that the SOLE committed grave abuse of discretion amounting to excess or
lack of jurisdiction in issuing the decision.
The appellate court affirmed the finding of the SOLE that there was a slump in the demand of the
Corporation’s products, holding that while low volume of work was not listed as a valid ground for
dismissal under Articles 282 and 283 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, it nevertheless justified the
dismissal on the ground of redundancy.
Issue:
Whether or not respondent corporation is guilty of unfair labor practice because of dismissing the 77
union members and bust the union in the process.
Ruling:
The petition is meritorious.
1. Retrenchment
Retrenchment is an authorized cause for the termination of employment under Article 283 of the Labor
Code.
Retrenchment is defined as the termination of employment initiated by the employer through no fault
of the employee and without prejudice to the latter, resorted by management during periods of business
recession, industrial depression or seasonal fluctuations or during lulls over shortage of materials. It is
a reduction in manpower, a measure utilized by an employer to minimize business losses incurred in
the operation of its business.
In Lopez Sugar Corporation v. Federation of Free Workers, the phrase "to prevent losses" was defined
to mean that retrenchment or termination of the services of some employees is authorized to be
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undertaken by the employer sometime before the losses anticipated are actually sustained or realized.
It is not, in other words, the intention of the lawmaker to compel the employer to stay his hand and
keep all his employees until sometime after losses shall have, in fact, materialized; if such an intent
were expressly written into the law, that law may well be vulnerable to constitutional attack as taking
property from one man to give to another. This is simple enough.
The prerogative of an employer to retrench its employees must be exercised only as a last resort,
considering that it will lead to the loss of the employees’ livelihood. It is justified only when all other
less drastic means have been tried and found insufficient or inadequate. 48 Moreover, the employer must
prove the requirements for a valid retrenchment by clear and convincing evidence; otherwise, said
ground for termination would be susceptible to abuse by scheming employers who might be merely
feigning losses or reverses in their business ventures in order to ease out employees.
The requirements are:
(1) that the retrenchment is reasonably necessary and likely to prevent business losses which, if already
incurred, are not merely de minimis, but substantial, serious, actual and real, or if only expected, are
reasonably imminent as perceived objectively and in good faith by the employer; (2) that the employer
served written notice both to the employees and to the Department of Labor and Employment at least
one month prior to the intended date of retrenchment; (3) that the employer pays the retrenched
employees separation pay equivalent to one month pay or at least ½ month pay for every year of
service, whichever is higher; (4) that the employer exercises its prerogative to retrench employees in
good faith for the advancement of its interest and not to defeat or circumvent the employees’ right to
security of tenure; and (5) that the employer used fair and reasonable criteria in ascertaining who would
be dismissed and who would be retained among the employees, such as status (i.e., whether they are
temporary, casual, regular or managerial employees), efficiency, seniority, physical fitness, age, and
financial hardship for certain workers.
What the law speaks of is serious business losses or financial reverses. Sliding incomes or decreasing
gross revenues are not necessarily losses, much less serious business losses within the meaning of the
law. The bare fact that an employer may have sustained a net loss, such loss, per se, absent any other
evidence on its impact on the business, nor on expected losses that would have been incurred had
operations been continued, may not amount to serious business losses mentioned in the law. 50 The
employer must also show that its losses increased through a period of time and that the condition of
the company will not likely improve in the near future.
2. Redundancy
Redundancy, on the other hand, exists when the service capability of the work force is in excess of what
is reasonably needed to meet the demands of the enterprise. A redundant position is one rendered
superfluous by any number of factors, such as overhiring of workers, decreased volume of business,
dropping of a particular product line previously manufactured by the company, or phasing out of a
service activity previously undertaken by the business. Under these conditions, the employer has no
legal obligation to keep in its payroll more employees than are necessary for the operation of its
business.
For the implementation of a redundancy program to be valid, the employer must comply with the
following requisites: (1) written notice served on both the employees and the Department of Labor and
Employment at least one month prior to the intended date of retrenchment; (2) payment of separation
pay equivalent to at least one month pay for every year of service, whichever is higher; (3) good faith
in abolishing the redundant positions; and (4) fair and reasonable criteria in ascertaining what positions
are to be declared redundant and accordingly abolished.
3. Respondent corporation failed to produce clear evidence for valid retrenchment.

Respondents failed to adduce clear and convincing evidence to prove the confluence of the essential
requisites for a valid retrenchment of its employees. We believe that respondents acted in bad faith in
terminating the employment of the members of petitioner Union.
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Corporation, in fact, amassed substantial earnings from 1999 to 2003. It found no need to appropriate
its retained earnings except on March 23, 2001, when it appropriated P60,000,000.00 to increase
production capacity.
The appropriation of P20,000,000.00 by the respondent Corporation on September 16, 2004 was made
barely five months after the 77 Union members were dismissed on the ground that respondent
Corporation was suffering from "chronic depression." Cash dividends were likewise declared on March
29, 2004, barely two weeks after it implemented its "retrenchment program."
There is likewise no justification for the hiring of more than 100 new employees, more than the number
of those who were retrenched, as well as the order authorizing full blast overtime work for six hours
daily. All these are inconsistent with the intransigent claim that respondent Corporation was impelled to
retrench its employees precisely because of low demand for its products and other external causes.
Admittedly, the net income of respondent Corporation of P46,559,917.00 in 2001 decreased

to P37,764,303.00 in 2002. However, such decrease ensued because respondent Corporation declared
cash dividends for its shareholders amounting to P28,000,000.00.
It also appears that respondent Corporation’s personnel costs decreased to P97,971,479.00. There was
thus no reason for respondent Corporation to implement its "retrenchment program" and terminate the
88 employees.
The net income of the respondent Corporation of P39,553,028.00 in 2002 decreased to P12,729,776.00
in 2003.It bears stressing, however, that the stockholders received cash dividends in the total amount
of P12,259,473.00.
That respondents acted in bad faith in retrenching the 77 members of petitioner is buttressed by the
fact that Diaz issued his Memorandum announcing the cost-reduction program on March 9, 2004, after
receipt of the February 10, 2004 letter of the Union president which included the proposal for additional
benefits and wage increases to be incorporated in the CBA for the ensuing year.
Moreover, respondent Corporation failed to exhaust all other means to avoid further losses without
retrenching its employees, such as utilizing the latter’s respective forced vacation leaves. Respondents
also failed to use fair and reasonable criteria in implementing the retrenchment program, and instead
chose to retrench 77 of the members of petitioner out of the dismissed 88 employees. Worse, respondent
Corporation hired new employees and even rehired the others who had been "retrenched."
Respondents failed to prove that there was a drastic or severe decrease in the product sales or that it
suffered severe business losses within an interval of three (3) months from January 2004 to March 9,
2004 when Diaz issued said Memorandum.
4. Since termination illegal, members are entitled to reinstatement with full backwages.
The retrenchment effected by respondent Corporation is invalid due to a substantive defect, non-
compliance with the substantial requirements to effect a valid retrenchment; it necessarily follows that
the termination of the employment of petitioner Union’s members on such ground is, likewise, illegal.
As such, they (petitioner Union’s members) are entitled to reinstatement with full backwages. However,
in the case of those employees-members of petitioner Union who had received their respective
separation pay, the amounts of such payments shall be deducted from the backwages due them.Where
reinstatement is no longer feasible because the positions they previously held no longer exist,
respondent Corporation shall pay the employees-members of petitioner Union backwages plus, in lieu
of reinstatement, separation pay equivalent to one month pay, or one-half month pay for every year of
service, whichever is higher.
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ST. JOHN COLLEGES, INC. vs. ST. JOHN ACADEMY FACULTY EMPLOYEES UNION
[G.R. No. 167892, October 27, 2006]
Facts:
Prior to 1998, petitioner offered a secondary course only. The high school, which it employed, then
employed about 80 teaching and non-teaching personnel who were members of the St. John Academy
Faculty & Employees Union (Union).
The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between SJCI and the Union was set to expire on May 31,
1997. During the ensuing collective bargaining negotiations, SJCI rejected all the proposals of the Union
for an increase in worker’s benefits. This resulted to a bargaining deadlock which led to the holding of a
valid strike by the Union on November 10, 1997. In order to end the strike, on November 27, 1997,
SJCI and the Union, through the efforts of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), agreed
to refer the labor dispute to the Secretary of Labor and Employment (SOLE) for assumption of
jurisdiction.
After which, the strike ended and classes resumed. Pending resolution of the labor dispute before the
SOLE, the Board of Directors of SJCI approved on February 22, 1998 a resolution recommending the
closure of the high school which was approved by the stockholders on even date because of the
irreconcilable differences between the school management and the Academy’s Union particularly the
safety of our students and the financial aspect of the ongoing CBA negotiations.
Subsequently, some teaching and non-teaching personnel of the high school agreed to the closure. On
April 2, 1998, SJCI informed the DOLE that as of March 31, 1998, 51 employees had received their
separation compensation package while 25 employees refused to accept the same.
On May 4, 1998, the 25 employees conducted a protest action within the perimeter of the high school.
The Union filed a notice of strike with the NCMB only on May 7, 1998.
On May 21, 1998, the 25 employees filed a complaint for unfair labor practice (ULP), illegal dismissal
and non-payment of monetary benefits against SJCI before the NLRC which was docketed as RAB-IV-
5-10039-98-L. The Union members alleged that the closure of the high school was done in bad faith in
order to get rid of the Union and render useless any decision of the SOLE on the CBA deadlocked issues.
Labor Arbiter Antonio dismissed the Union’s complaint for ULP and illegal dismissal while granting SJCI’s
petition to declare the strike illegal coupled with a declaration of loss of employment status of the 25
Union members involved in the strike.
On June 28, 2002, the NLRC rendered judgment reversing the decision of the Labor Arbiter. It found
SJCI guilty of ULP and illegal dismissal and ordered it to reinstate the 25 employees to their former
positions without loss of seniority rights and other benefits, and with full backwages.
On appeal, the Court of Appeals, affirmed with modification the decision of the NLRC wherein the two
month unworked summer vacation should excluded.
Issue: Whether or not St. John Colleges is guilty of unfair labor practice through its act of closing the
academy.
Ruling:
These alleged difficult labor problems merely show that SJCI and the Union had disagreements regarding
workers’ benefits which are normal in any business establishment. If SJCI found the Union’s demands
excessive, its remedy under the law is to refer the matter for voluntary or compulsory dispute resolution.
Besides, this incident complained of occurred in 1995, which could hardly establish the good faith of
SJCI or justify the closure in 1998.
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Anent the Union’s claim for the unimplemented 20% tuition fee increase in 1996, suffice it to say that
it is erroneous to rule on said issue since the same was submitted before the Voluntary Arbitrator and
is not on appeal before this Court. Besides, by referring the labor dispute to the Voluntary Arbitrator,
the parties themselves acknowledged that there is a sufficient mechanism to resolve the said dispute.
Again, we fail to see how this alleged labor problem in 1996 shows the good faith of SJCI in closing the
high school in 1998.
At any rate, even assuming that the Union’s demands were illegal or excessive, the important and crucial
point is that these alleged illegal or excessive demands did not justify the closure of the high school and
do not, in any way, establish SJCI’s good faith. The employer cannot unilaterally close its
establishment on the pretext that the demands of its employees are excessive. As already
discussed, neither party is obliged to give-in to the other’s excessive or unreasonable demands during
collective bargaining, and the remedy in such case is to refer the dispute to the proper tribunal for
resolution. This was what SJCI and the Union did when they referred the 1997 CBA bargaining deadlock
to the SOLE; however, SJCI pre-empted the resolution of the dispute by closing the high school. SJCI
disregarded the whole dispute resolution mechanism and undermined the Union’s right to collective
bargaining when it closed down the high school while the dispute was still pending with the SOLE.
The Labor Code does not authorize the employer to close down the establishment on the ground of
illegal or excessive demands of the Union. Instead, aside from the remedy of submitting the dispute for
voluntary or compulsory arbitration, the employer may file a complaint for ULP against the Union for
bargaining in bad faith. If found guilty, this gives rise to civil and criminal liabilities and allows the
employer to implement a lock out, but not the closure of the establishment resulting to the permanent
loss of employment of the whole workforce.
In fine, SJCI undermined the Labor Code’s system of dispute resolution by closing down the high school
while the 1997 CBA negotiations deadlock issues were pending resolution before the SOLE. The closure
was done in bad faith for the purpose of defeating the Union’s right to collective bargaining. Besides, as
found by the NLRC, the alleged illegality and excessiveness of the Union’s demands were not sufficiently
proved by SJCI. Even on the assumption that the Union’s demands were illegal or excessive, SJCI’s
remedy was to await the resolution by the SOLE and to file a ULP case against the Union. However, SJCI
did not have the power to take matters into its own hands by closing down the school in order to get rid
of the Union.
2. Circumstances lead to the inescapable conclusion that SJCI merely used the alleged safety and well-
being of the students as a subterfuge to justify its actions.
SJCI next argues that the Union unduly endangered the safety and well-being of the students who joined
the valid strike held on November 10, 1997, thus it closed down the high school on March 31, 1998. It
claims that the Union coerced the students to join the protest actions to pressure SJCI to give-in to the
demands of the Union.
The Union categorically denied that it put the students in harm’s way or pressured them to join the
protest actions. Given this denial by the Union, it was incumbent upon SJCI to prove that the students
were actually harmed or put in harm’s way and that the Union coerced them to join the protest
actions. The reason for this is that the employer carries the burden of proof to establish that the
closure of the business was done in good faith. In the instant case, SJCI had the burden of proving
that, indeed, the closure of the school was necessary to uphold the safety and well-being of the students.
There is insufficient evidence to hold that the safety and well-being of the students were endangered
and/or compromised, and that the Union was responsible therefor. Even assuming arguendo that the
students’ safety and well-being were jeopardized by the said protest actions, the alleged threat to the
students’ safety and well-being had long ceased by the time the high school was closed. Moreover, the
parents were vehemently opposed to the closure of the school because there was no basis to claim that
165
the students’ safety was at risk. Taken together, these circumstances lead to the inescapable conclusion
that SJCI merely used the alleged safety and well-being of the students as a subterfuge to justify its
actions.
SAN MIGUEL FOODS, INC. vs. SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION EMPLOYEES UNION-PTGWO
[G.R. No. 168569, October 5, 2007]
Facts:
On November 9, 1992, some employees of San Miguel Foods, Inc’s Finance Department, through the
Union represented by Edgar Moraleda, brought a grievance against Finance Manager Gideon Montesa
(Montesa), for "discrimination, favoritism, unfair labor practices, promoting divisiveness, etc, before
SMFI Plant Operations Manager George Nava in accordance with Step 1 of the grievance machinery. The
Union sought the "1. review, evaluation & upgrading ofall Finance staff and 2. Promotion of G.Q. Montesa
to other SMC affiliate[s] & subsidiaries."
SMFI informed the Union that it planned to address the grievance through a "work management review"
to be completed by March 1993. However, it was not completed by March 1993, prompting the Union
to, elevate the grievance to Step 2.
Almost 9 months after the grievance meeting was held or on October 6, 1993, SMFI rendered a "Decision
on Step 1 Grievance" stating that it was still in the process of completing the "work management
review," hence, the Union’s requests could not be granted.
The Union filed a complaint on October 20, 1993 before the NLRC, Arbitration Branch, against SMFI, its
President Amadeo P. Veloso, and its Finance Manager Montesa for "unfair labor practice, [and] unjust
discrimination in matters of promotion . . . " It prayed that SMFI et al. be ordered to promote the therein
named employees "with the corresponding pay increases, etc.”
SMFI et al. filed a motion to dismiss, contending that the issues raised in the complaint were grievance
issues and, therefore, "should be resolved in the grievance machinery. The Labor Arbiter granted SMFI
et al.’s motion to dismiss and ordered the remand of the case to the grievance machinery for completion
of the proceedings.
On appeal, to the NLRC by "Motion for Reconsideration/Appeal", such was granted and accordingly
ordered the Labor Arbiter to continue the proceedings on the Union’s complaint. Hence, SMFI filed a
petition for certiorari with SC which they referred the case to the CA pursuant to St. Martin Funeral
Homes v. NLRC.
Court of Appeals denied SMFI et al.’s petition for certiorari, it holding that the Labor Arbiter has
jurisdiction over the complaint of the Union, they having violated the seniority rule under the CBA by
appointing and promoting certain employees which amounted to a ULP.
Issues:
Whether or not the labor arbiter has jurisdiction over the case.
Whether or not SMFI is guilty of unfair labor practice.
Ruling:
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SMFI argues that the allegations in the Union’s complaint filed before the Labor Arbiter do not establish
a cause of action for ULP, the Union having merely contended that SMFI was guilty thereof without
specifying the ultimate facts upon which it was based. It cites Section 1 of Rule 8 of the Rules of Court
as applying suppletorily to the proceedings before the Labor Arbiter. Thus, SMFI concludes that the
Labor Arbiter has no jurisdiction over its complaint.
The jurisdiction of Labor Arbiters, enumerated in Article 217 of the Labor Code, includes complaints for
ULP.
Indeed, the particular acts of ULP alleged to have been committed by SMFI were not specified; neither
were the ultimate facts in support thereof. In its Position Paper, however, the Union detailed the
particular acts of ULP attributed to SMFI and the ultimate facts in support thereof.
Section 7, Rule V of the New Rules of Procedure of the NLRC provides: The proceedings before the
Labor Arbiter shall be non-litigious in nature. The technicalities of law and procedure and the
rules obtaining in the courts of law shall not strictly apply thereto. The Labor Arbiter may avail
himself of all reasonable means to ascertain the facts of the controversy speedily, including ocular
inspection and examination of well-informed persons.
SMFI guilty of ULP but only on the ground of violation of the CBA Agreement.
ULP on the ground of discrimination which must allege that that they were done to encourage or
discourage membership in a labor organization.
Based on Art. 248. Unfair labor practices of employers. – It shall be unlawful for an employer to commit
any of the following unfair labor practices: (e) To discriminate in regard to wages, hours of work,
and other terms and conditions of employment in order to encourage or discourage
membership in any labor organization.
On the questioned promotions, the Union did not allege that they were done to encourage or discourage
membership in a labor organization. In fact, those promoted were members of the complaining Union.
The promotions do not thus amount to ULP under Article 248(e) of the Labor Code.
ULP on the ground of violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement –

As for the alleged ULP committed under Article 248(i), for violation of a CBA, this Article is qualified by
Article 261 of the Labor Code, the pertinent portion of which latter Article reads: x x x violations of a
Collective Bargaining Agreement, except those which are gross in character, shall no longer be
treated as unfair labor practice and shall be resolved as grievances under the Collective Bargaining
Agreement. For purposes of this article, gross violations of Collective Bargaining Agreement
shall mean flagrant and/or malicious refusal to comply with the economic provisions of such
agreement.
In Silva v. NLRC, for a ULP case to be cognizable by the Labor Arbiter, and the NLRC to exercise its
appellate jurisdiction, the allegations in the complaint should show prima facie theconcurrence of two
things, namely: (1) gross violation of the CBA; AND (2) the violation pertains to the economic
provisions of the CBA.
First, Thegrievance machinery provision in the CBA is not an economic provision, however, hence, the
second requirement for a Labor Arbiter to exercise jurisdiction of a ULP is not present.
Second, the Union alleges that violated the Job Security provision in the CBA, specifically the seniority
rule, in that SMFI "appointed less senior employees to positions at its Finance Department, consequently
intentionally by-passing more senior employees who are deserving of said appointment."
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Since the seniority rule in the promotion of employees has a bearing on salary and benefits, it may,
following a liberal construction (following the rule on construction in favor of labor) of Article 261 of the
Labor Code, be considered an "economic provision" of the CBA.
the Union charges SMFI to have promoted less senior employees, thus bypassing others who were more
senior and equally or more qualified. It may not be seriously disputed that this charge is a gross or
flagrant violation of the seniority rule under the CBA, a ULP over which the Labor Arbiter has jurisdiction.
The Court of Appeals having affirmed the NLRC decision finding that the Labor Arbiter has jurisdiction
over the Union’s complaint and thus remanding it to the Labor Arbiter for continuation of proceedings
thereon, the appellate court’s said finding may be taken to have been made only for the purpose of
determining jurisdiction.
PUREFOODS CORP. vs. NAGKAKAISANG SAMAHANG MANGGAGAWA NG PUREFOODS RANK AND FILE
[G.R. No. 150896, August 28, 2008]
Facts:
The respondents in this case, 3 labor organizations and a federation: NAGSAMA-Purefoods), the
exclusive bargaining agent of the rank-and-file workers of Purefoods' meat division throughout Luzon;
STFWU, in the farm in Sto. Tomas, Batangas; PGFWU, of those in the poultry farm in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
These organizations were affiliates of the federation, Purefoods Unified Labor Organization (PULO).
STFWU, NAGSAMA-Purefoods, and PGFWU submitted their respective proposals for CBA renewal, and
their general membership resolutions which, affirmed the organizations' affiliation with PULO. Purefoods
refused to negotiate with the unions should a PULO representative be in the panel. The parties then
agreed to postpone the negotiations indefinitely.
On July 24, 1995, however, the petitioner company concluded a new CBA with another union in its farm
in Malvar, Batangas. 5 days thereafter, at around 8:00pm, 4 company employees facilitated the transfer
of around 23,000 chickens from the poultry farm in Sto. Tomas, Batangas (where STFWU was the
exclusive bargaining agent) to that in Malvar.The next day, the regular rank-and-file workers in the Sto.
Tomas farm were refused entry in the company premises; and on July 31, 1995, 22 STFWU members
were terminated from employment. The farm manager, supervisors and electrical workers of the Sto.
Tomas farm, who were members of another union, were nevertheless retained by the company in its
employ.
Aggrieved by these developments, the respondent labor organizations jointly instituted a complaint for
unfair labor practice (ULP), illegal lockout/dismissal and damages, docketed with the Labor Arbitration
Branch of the NLRC.
In the proceedings before the Labor Arbiter, Purefoods interposed, among others, the defenses that
PULO was not a legitimate labor organization or federation for it did not have the required minimum
number of member unions; that the closure of the Sto. Tomas farm was not arbitrary but was the result
of the financial non-viability of the operations; STFWU, lost its status as bargaining representative when
the Sto. Tomas farm was closed.
LA rendered a Decisiondismissing the complaint.
NLRC reversed the ruling of the LA, saying that the company's refusal to recognize the labor
organizations' affiliation with PULO was unjustified considering that the latter had been granted the
status of a federation by the Bureau of Labor Relations; and that this refusal constituted undue
interference in, and restraint on the exercise of the employees' right to self-organization and free
collective bargaining. The real motive of the company in the sudden closure and the mass dismissal was
union busting, as only the union members were locked out, and the company subsequently resumed
operations of the closed farm under a new contract with the landowner.
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The petitioner corporation filed a Rule 65 petition before the CA who dismissed the petition outright for
no proof of authority to act for and on behalf of the corporation was submitted by the corporation's
senior vice-president who signed the non-forum shopping.
Petitioner instituted before us the instant petition for review on certiorariunder Rule 45.
Issue:
1. Whether or not petitioner is guilty of ULP.
2. Whether or not the NLRC gravely abused its discretion.
Ruling:
The petition is denied.
When the petitioner is a corporation, the certification shall be executed by a natural person authorized
by the corporation's board of directors. While technical rules of procedure are not designed to frustrate
the ends of justice, they are provided to effect the proper and orderly disposition of cases and effectively
prevent the clogging of court dockets.
Section 1, Rule 65 of the Rules of Court mandates that the petition for certiorari shall be accompanied
by a sworn certification of non-forum shopping. When the petitioner is a corporation, the certification
shall be executed by a natural person authorized by the corporation's board of directors, and proof of
such authority must be attached to the petition. Failure to attach to the certification any proof of the
signatory's authority is a sufficient ground for the dismissal of the petition.
In the instant case, the senior vice-president of the petitioner corporation signed the certificate of non-
forum shopping. No proof of his authority to sign the said certificate was, however, attached to the
petition. Thus, applying settled jurisprudence,
we find that the CA committed no error when it dismissed the petition.
The Court cannot even be liberal in the application of the rules because liberality is warranted only in
instances when there is substantial compliance with the technical requirements in pleading and practice,
and when there is sufficient explanation that the non-compliance is for a justifiable cause, such that the
outright dismissal of the case will defeat the administration of justice. Here, the petitioner corporation
did not present a reasonable explanation for its non-compliance with the rules. Further, it cannot be
said that petitioner substantially complied therewith, because it did not attach to its motion for
reconsideration any proof of the authority of its signatory. It stands to reason, therefore, that this Court
now refuses to condone petitioner's procedural transgression.
We must reiterate that the rules of procedure are mandatory, except only when, for the most persuasive
of reasons, they may be relaxed to relieve a litigant of an injustice.While technical rules of procedure
are not designed to frustrate the ends of justice, they are provided to effect the proper and orderly
disposition of cases and effectively prevent the clogging of court dockets.
2. Petitioner guilty of ULP.

It is crystal clear that the closure of the Sto. Tomas farm was made in bad faith. Badges of bad faith
are evident from the following acts of the petitioner: it unjustifiably refused to recognize the STFWU's
and the other unions' affiliation with PULO; it concluded a new CBA with another union in another farm
during the agreed indefinite suspension of the collective bargaining negotiations; it surreptitiously
transferred and continued its business in a less hostile environment; and it suddenly terminated the
STFWU members, but retained and brought the non-members to the Malvar farm.
Petitioner presented no evidence to support the contention that it was incurring losses or that the subject
farm's lease agreement was pre-terminated. Ineluctably, the closure of the Sto. Tomas farm
circumvented the labor organization's right to collective bargaining and violated the members' right to
security of tenure.
3. Need to prove grave abuse of discretion of the NLRC.

It was incumbent for petitioner to prove before the appellate court that the labor commission capriciously
and whimsically exercised its judgment tantamount to lack of jurisdiction, or that it exercised its power
in an arbitrary or despotic manner by reason of passion or personal hostility, and that its abuse of
169
discretion is so patent and gross as to amount to an evasion of a positive duty enjoined or to act at all
in contemplation of law. Here, as aforesaid, no such proof was adduced by petitioner. We, thus, declare
that the NLRC ruling is not characterized by grave abuse of discretion.
3. Award of moral and exemplary damages due to existence of ULP.

We deem as proper the award of moral and exemplary damages. We hold that the sudden termination
of the STFWU members is tainted with ULP because it was done to interfere with, restrain or coerce
employees in the exercise of their right to self-organization. Thus, the petitioner company is liable for
the payment of the aforesaid damages. Correcting the dispositive portion of the NLRC ruling, payment
of P500,000.00 as moral and exemplary damages should be made to the illegally dismissed STFWU
members.
As to the order of reinstatement, since it is no longer feasible considering the length of time that the
employees have been out of petitioner's employ, the company is ordered to pay the illegally dismissed
STFWU members separation pay equivalent to one (1) month pay, or one-half (1/2) month pay for every
year of service, whichever is higher.
The releases and quitclaims, as well as the affidavits of desistance, signed by the employees, who were
then necessitous men at the time of execution of the documents, are declared invalid and ineffective.
GENERAL SANTOS COCA-COLA PLANT FREE WORKERS UNION-TUPAS vs. CCBPI(GEN. SANTOS CITY)
ET AL.
[G.R. No. 178647, Feb. 13, 2009]
Facts:
CCBPI experienced a decline in profitability due to the Asian economic crisis, decrease in sales, and
tougher competition. It implemented 3 waves of an Early Retirement Program. Meanwhile, there was
an inter-office memorandum mandating officers to put on hold “all requests for hiring to fill in vacancies
in both regular and temporary positions in the Head Office and in the Plants.” Because several employees
availed of the early retirement program, vacancies were created in some departments, including the
production department of CCBPI Gen San, where members of petitioner Union worked.
Faced with the “freeze hiring” directive, CCBPI engaged the services of JLBP Services Corporation (JLBP),
a company in the business of providing labor and manpower services, including janitorial services,
messengers, and office workers.
The Union petitioner filed with the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), a Notice of Strike
on the ground of alleged unfair labor practice for contracting-out services regularly performed by union
members (“union busting”). The parties failed to come to an amicable settlement. CCBPI filed a Petition
for Assumption of Jurisdiction with the Office of the Secretary of Labor and Employment. The Secretary
of Labor issued an Order enjoining the threatened strike and certifying the dispute to the NLRC for
compulsory arbitration.
NLRC ruled that CCBPI was not guilty of unfair labor practice for contracting out jobs to JLBP. The NLRC
anchored its ruling on the validity of the “Going-to-the-Market” (GTM) system implemented by the
company, which called for restructuring its selling and distribution system, leading to the closure of
certain sales offices and the elimination of conventional sales routes. The NLRC held that petitioner
failed to prove by substantial evidence that the system was meant to curtail the right to self-organization
of petitioner’s members.
The CA upheld the NLRC’s finding that CCBPI was not guilty of unfair labor practice. It found that JLBP
was an independent contractor and that the decision to contract out jobs was a valid exercise of
management prerogative to meet exigent circumstances.
Issue:
Whether or not CCBPI was guilty of unfair labor practice for contracting out jobs.
170
Ruling:
The petition is bereft of merit. Hence, we deny the Petition.
Dismissed for issues raised which are questions of facts.

First, an examination of the issues raised by petitioner reveals that they are questions of fact. The
issues raised, i.e., whether JLBP is an independent contractor, whether CCBPI’s contracting-out of jobs
to JLBP amounted to unfair labor practice, and whether such action was a valid exercise of management
prerogative, call for a re-examination of evidence, which is not within the ambit of this Court’s
jurisdiction.
Moreover, factual findings of the NLRC, an administrative agency deemed to have acquired expertise in
matters within its jurisdiction, are generally accorded not only respect but finality especially when such
factual findings are affirmed by the CA.
The company’s action to contract did not constitute unfair labor practice as this was not
directed at the members’ right to self-organization.
Second, the NLRC found – and the same was sustained by the CA – that the company’s action to
contract-out the services and functions performed by Union members did not constitute unfair labor
practice as this was not directed at the members’ right to self-organization.
Article 248 of the Labor Code provides: It shall be unlawful for an employer to commit any of the
following unfair labor practices:
x x x (c) To contract out services or functions being performed by union members when such will
interfere with, restrain or coerce employees in the exercise of their right to self-organization; x x x
Unfair labor practice refers to “acts that violate the workers’ right to organize.” The prohibited acts are
related to the workers’ right to self-organization and to the observance of a CBA. Without that element,
the acts, even if unfair, are not unfair labor practices.
DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY ET AL. vs. DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
[G.R. No. 177283, April 7, 2009]
Facts:
In 2001, a group of respondents led by one Belen Aliazas (Aliazas group) filed a petition for conduct of
elections with the DOLE, alleging that the then incumbent officers of respondent had failed to call for a
regular election since 1985.
Disputing the Aliazas group’s allegation, respondent claimed that an election was conducted in 1987 but
by virtue of the enactment of Republic Act 6715, which amended the Labor Code, the term of office of
its officers was extended to 5 years or until 1992 during which a general assembly was held affirming
their hold-over tenure until the termination of collective bargaining negotiations; and that a collective
bargaining agreement (CBA) was executed only on March 30, 2000.
The DOLE-NCR held that the holdover authority of respondent’s incumbent set of officers had been
extinguished by virtue of the execution of the CBA. It accordingly ordered the conduct of elections to
be placed under the control and supervision of its Labor Relations Division and subject to pre-election
conferences.
Notwithstanding the conduct of election imposed, respondent called for a regular election on July 9,
2001, without prior notice to the DOLE and without the conduct of pre-election conference, prompting
the Aliazas group to file an Urgent Motion for Intervention with the Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR) of
the DOLE. The BLR granted the Aliaza’s group’s motion for intervention directing to cease and desist
from holding the general election of DLSUEA officers.
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The Aliazas group thereupon, via letter of August 7, 2001 to Brother Rolando Dizon, FSC, President of
petitioner DLSU, requested the University “to please put on escrow all union dues/agency fees and
whatever money considerations deducted from salaries of concerned co-academic personnel until such
time that an election of union officials has been scheduled and subsequent elections has been held.
Thus, DLSU decided that, the hold-over authority of your incumbent set of officers has been considered
extinguished and an election of new union officers, to be conducted and supervised by the DOLE has
been directed to be held. It decided the following saying that it does not want itself to be unnecessarily
involved in your intra-union dispute. This is the only way that the University can maintain neutrality on
this matter of grave concern.
1. Establish a savings account for the Union where all collected union dues and agency fees will be
deposited and held in trust; and
2. Discontinue normal relations with any group within the Union including the incumbent set of
officers.
Consequently, respondent to file a complaint against petitioners for Unfair Labor Practice (ULP
complaint), claiming that petitioners unduly interfered with its internal affairs and discriminated against
its members.
During the pendency of its ULP complaint, respondent filed its First Notice of Strike with the Office of
the Secretary of Labor (OSL), charging petitioners for 1) gross violation of the CBA and 2) bargaining
in bad faith which was certified for compulsory arbitration to the NLRC (certified case). The certified
case, docketed as NLRC-NCR CC000222-02, was raffled to the NLRC Third Division.
In the meantime, Labor Arbiter Felipe Pati, by Decision of July 12, 2002, dismissed respondent’s ULP
complaint. Respondent appealed to the NLRC, and was lodged at the NLRC Second Division.
While the dismissal of its ULP complaint was pending appeal before the NLRC Second Division,
respondent, on behalf of some of its members, filed four other cases against petitioners which were
lodged at the NLRC Second Division.
Respondent thereafter filed in the certified case which was lodged at the NLRC Third Division a motion
to have its four other cases and its ULP complaint then pending appeal before the
NLRC Second Division to have these cases “subsumed” in the certified
case. The NLRC Third Division granted respondent’s motion.
The NLRC Second Division, in the meantime, affirmed the dismissal by the Arbiter of respondent’s ULP
complaint.
The Court of Appeals Tenth Division, REVERSED the said Order of the NLRC Third Divisiom with respect
to the “subsuming” of respondent’s ULP complaint, the ULP complaint having been, at the time the
NLRC Third Division Order was issued, “already disposed of” (dismissed) by the Arbiter and was in
fact pending appeal before the NLRC Second Division.
The Court of Appeals First Division SET ASIDE the NLRC Second Division Order affirming the dismissal
of respondent’s ULP complaint and ordered NLRC Second Division to transmit the entire records of the
ULP complaint to the NLRC Third Division where the ULP complaint had been ordered consolidated.
Issues:
1. Whether or not the CA’s tenth division’s decision was correct in declaring the act of subsuming
wrong.
2. Whether or not petitioner is guilty of unfair labor practice.
Ruling:
The petition is partly meritorious.
1. To transmit the records of respondent’s ULP complaint to the NLRC Third Division, the same can no
longer be effected, the CA’s Tenth Division ruling having become final.
The appellate court’s Tenth Division Decision had become final and executory on July 11, 2004.
Therefore, with respect to the herein challenged Decision of the appellate court’s First Division ordering
the NLRC Second Division to transmit the records of respondent’s ULP complaint to the
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NLRC Third Division, the same can no longer be effected, the appellate court’s Tenth Division ruling
having, it bears repeating, become final.
2. Pending the final resolution of the intra-union dispute, respondent’s officers remained duly authorized
to conduct union affairs.
On the other matter raised by petitioners – that their acts of withholding union and agency dues and
suspension of normal relations with respondent’s incumbent set of officers pending the intra-union
dispute did not constitute interference, the Court finds for respondent.
Pending the final resolution of the intra-union dispute, respondent’s officers remained duly authorized
to conduct union affairs. The clarification letter by BLR Director Hans Leo J. Cacdac enlightens:
We take this opportunity to clarify that there is no void in the DLSUEA leadership. The Decision of
DOLE-NCR Regional Director should not be construed as an automatic termination of the
incumbent officers’ tenure of office. As duly-elected officers of the DLSUEA, their leadership is not
deemed terminated by the expiration of their terms of office, for they shall continue their functions and
enjoy the rights and privileges pertaining to their respective positions in a hold-over capacity, until
their successors shall have been elected and qualified.
It bears noting that at the time petitioners’ questioned moves were adopted, a valid and existing CBA
had been entered between the parties. It thus behooved petitioners to observe the terms and conditions
thereof bearing on union dues and representation. It is axiomatic in labor relations that a CBA entered
into by a legitimate labor organization and an employer becomes the law between the parties,
compliance with which is mandated by express policy of the law.
3. The grant of nominal damages in order. No basis for exemplary damages.

Exemplary or corrective damages are imposed by way of example or correction for the public good in
addition to the moral, temperate, liquidated or compensatory damages. While the amount of exemplary
damages need not be proved, respondent must show proof of entitlement to moral, temperate or
compensatory damages before the Court may consider awarding exemplary damages. No such
damages were prayed for, however, hence, the Court finds no basis to grant the prayer for exemplary
damages.
The grant of nominal damages and attorney’s fees is in order.
In so far as the the NLRC Second Division Decision is REVERSED finding petitioners liable for Unfair
Labor Practice, and to pay respondent nominal damages in the amount of P250,000 and attorney’s fees
in the amount ofP50,000.
TUNAY NA PAGKAKAISA NG MANGGAGAWA SA ASIA BREWERY vs. ASIA BREWERY, INC.
[G.R. No. 162025, Aug. 3, 2010]
Facts:
Asia Brewery, Inc. (ABI) is engaged in the manufacture, sale and distribution of beer, shandy, bottled
water and glass products. ABI entered into a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with Bisig at Lakas
ng mga Manggagawa sa Asia-Independent (BLMA-INDEPENDENT), the exclusive bargaining
representative of ABI’s rank-and-file employees.
Article I of the CBA defined the scope of the bargaining unit, as follows:
Section 1.Recognition. The COMPANY recognizes the UNION as the sole and exclusive bargaining
representative of all the regular rank-and-file daily paid employees within the scope of the appropriate
bargaining unit with respect to rates of pay, hours of work and other terms and conditions of
employment. The UNION shall not represent or accept for membership employees outside the scope of
the bargaining unit herein defined.
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Section 2.Bargaining Unit. The bargaining unit shall be comprised of all regular rank-and-file daily-paid
employees of the COMPANY. However, the following jobs/positions as herein defined shall be excluded
from the bargaining unit, to wit:
1. Managers
2. Assistant Managers
3. Section Heads
4. Supervisors
5. Superintendents
6. Confidential and Executive Secretaries
7. Personnel, Accounting and Marketing Staff
8. Communications Personnel
9. Probationary Employees
10. Security and Fire Brigade Personnel
11. Monthly Employees
12. Purchasing and Quality Control Staff
Subsequently, a dispute arose when ABI’s management stopped deducting union dues from eighty-one
(81) employees, believing that their membership in BLMA-INDEPENDENT violated the CBA. Eighteen
(18) of these affected employees are QA Sampling Inspectors/Inspectresses and Machine Gauge
Technician who formed part of the Quality Control Staff. Twenty (20) checkers are assigned at the
Materials Department of the Administration Division, Full Goods Department of the Brewery Division and
Packaging Division. The rest are secretaries/clerks directly under their respective division managers.
BLMA-INDEPENDENT claimed that ABI’s actions restrained the employees’ right to self-organization and
brought the matter to the grievance machinery. As the parties failed to amicably settle the controversy,
BLMA-INDEPENDENT lodged a complaint before the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB).
The parties eventually agreed to submit the case for arbitration to resolve the issue of "whether or not
there is restraint to employees in the exercise of their right to self-organization."
Voluntary Arbitrator sustained the BLMA-INDEPENDENT after finding that the positions of the subject
employees qualify under the rank-and-file category because their functions are merely routinary and
clerical. On appeal, the CA reversed the Voluntary Arbitrator.
Issues:
Whether or not the 81 employees are excluded from and are not eligible for inclusion in the bargaining
unit as defined in the CBA;
Ruling:
1. Although Article 245 of the Labor Code limits the ineligibility to join, form and assist any labor
organization to managerial employees, jurisprudence has extended this prohibition to confidential
employees or those who by reason of their positions or nature of work are required to assist or act in a
fiduciary manner to managerial employees and hence, are likewise privy to sensitive and highly
confidential records. Confidential employees are thus excluded from the rank-and-file bargaining unit.
The rationale for their separate category and disqualification to join any labor organization is similar to
the inhibition for managerial employees because if allowed to be affiliated with a Union, the latter might
not be assured of their loyalty in view of evident conflict of interests and the Union can also become
company-denominated with the presence of managerial employees in the Union membership. Having
access to confidential information, confidential employees may also become the source of undue
advantage. Said employees may act as a spy or spies of either party to a collective bargaining
agreement.
In Philips Industrial Development, Inc. v. NLRC, this Court held that petitioner’s "division secretaries,
all Staff of General Management, Personnel and Industrial Relations Department, Secretaries of Audit,
EDP and Financial Systems" are confidential employees not included within the rank-and-file bargaining
unit. Earlier, in Pier 8 Arrastre & Stevedoring Services, Inc. v. Roldan-Confesor, the court declared that
legal secretaries who are tasked with, among others, the typing of legal documents, memoranda and
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correspondence, the keeping of records and files, the giving of and receiving notices, and such other
duties as required by the legal personnel of the corporation, fall under the category of confidential
employees and hence excluded from the bargaining unit composed of rank-and-file employees.
In the present case, the CBA expressly excluded "Confidential and Executive Secretaries" from the rank-
and-file bargaining unit, for which reason ABI seeks their disaffiliation from the union. Petitioner,
however, maintains that except for Daisy Laloon, Evelyn Mabilangan and Lennie Saguan who had been
promoted to monthly paid positions, several secretaries/clerks are deemed included among the rank-
and-file employees of ABI. It is rather curious that there would be several secretaries/clerks for just one
(1) department/division performing tasks which are mostly routine and clerical. ABI insisted they fall
under the "Confidential and Executive Secretaries" expressly excluded by the CBA from the rank-and-
file bargaining unit.
However, perusal of the job descriptions of these secretaries/clerks reveals that their assigned duties
and responsibilities involve routine activities of recording and monitoring, and other paper works for
their respective departments while secretarial tasks such as receiving telephone calls and filing of office
correspondence appear to have been commonly imposed as additional duties.
ABI failed to indicate who among these numerous secretaries/clerks have access to confidential data
relating to management policies that could give rise to potential conflict of interest with their Union
membership. Clearly, the rationale under our previous rulings for the exclusion of executive secretaries
or division secretaries would have little or no significance considering the lack of or very limited access
to confidential information of these secretaries/clerks.
We thus hold that the secretaries/clerks, numbering about forty (40), are rank-and-file employees and
not confidential employees.
Again, the job descriptions of these checkers assigned in the storeroom section of the Materials
Department, finishing section of the Packaging Department, and the decorating and glass sections of
the Production Department plainly showed that they perform routine and mechanical tasks preparatory
to the delivery of the finished products. Consequently, we hold that the twenty (20) checkers may not
be considered confidential employees under the category of Quality Control Staff who were expressly
excluded from the CBA of the rank-and-file bargaining unit.
Confidential employees are defined as those who (1) assist or act in a confidential capacity, (2) to
persons who formulate, determine, and effectuate management policies in the field of labor relations.
The two (2) criteria are cumulative, and both must be met if an employee is to be considered a
confidential employee – that is, the confidential relationship must exist between the employee and his
supervisor, and the supervisor must handle the prescribed responsibilities relating to labor relations.
The exclusion from bargaining units of employees who, in the normal course of their duties, become
aware of management policies relating to labor relations is a principal objective sought to be
accomplished by the "confidential employee rule.
2. Unfair labor practice refers to "acts that violate the workers’ right to organize." The prohibited acts
are related to the workers’ right to self-organization and to the observance of a CBA. For a charge of
unfair labor practice to prosper, it must be shown that ABI was motivated by ill will, "bad faith, or fraud,
or was oppressive to labor, or done in a manner contrary to morals, good customs, or public policy, and,
of course, that social humiliation, wounded feelings or grave anxiety resulted from ABI’s act in
discontinuing the union dues deduction from those employees it believed were excluded by the CBA.
Considering that the herein dispute arose from a simple disagreement in the interpretation of the CBA
provision on excluded employees from the bargaining unit, respondent cannot be said to have committed
unfair labor practice that restrained its employees in the exercise of their right to self-organization, nor
have thereby demonstrated an anti-union stance.
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MANILA MINING CORP. EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION-FFW vs. MANILA MINING CORP.
[G.R. No. 178222-23, Sept. 29, 2010]
Facts:
Respondent Manila Mining Corporation (MMC) is a publicly-listed corporation engaged in large-scale
mining for gold and copper ore. MMC is required by law to maintain a tailings containment facility to
store the waste material generated by its mining operations. Consequently, MMC constructed several
tailings dams to treat and store its waste materials. One of these dams it constructed in 1993 and was
operated under a permit issued by the DENR, through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in
Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
Eleven (11) rank-and-file employees of MMC, who later became complainants before the labor arbiter,
attended the organizational meeting of MMC-Makati Employees Association-Federation of Free Workers
Chapter (Union). The Union filed with the DOLE all the requirements for its registration, acquired its
legitimate registration status and subsequently, submitted letters to MMC relating its intention to bargain
collectively. The Union submitted its Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) proposal to MMC.
Upon expiration of the tailings permit, DENR-EMB did not issue a permanent permit due to the inability
of MMC to secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). MMC was compelled to temporarily
shut down its mining operations, resulting in the temporary lay-off of more than 400 employees in the
mine site.
MMC called for the suspension of negotiations on the CBA with the Union until resumption of mining
operations.
Among the employees laid-off, the 11 complainants, together with the Union filed a complaint before
the labor arbiter praying for reinstatement, recognition of the Union as the sole and exclusive
representative of its rank-and-file employees, and payment of moral and exemplary damages and
attorney’s fees.
The labor arbiter ruled in favor of MMC and held that the temporary shutdown of the mining operation,
as well as the temporary lay-off of the employees, is valid. The NLRC modified the judgment of the labor
arbiter and ordered the payment of separation pay equivalent to one month pay for every year of
service. It ratiocinated that the temporary lay-off, which exceeded more than six (6) months, had the
effect of severance of the employer-employee relationship. The Court of Appeals maintained the order
to pay separation pay but set aside the MMC liability to pay the Union attorney’s fees equivalent to 10%
of the award.
Issue: Whether or not MMC is guilty of unfair labor practice
Ruling:
The lay-off is neither illegal nor can it be considered as unfair labor practice.
Despite all efforts exerted by MMC, it did not succeed in obtaining the consent of the residents of the
community where the tailings pond would operate, one of the conditions imposed by DENR-EMB in
granting its application for a permanent permit. It is precisely MMC’s faultless failure to secure a permit
which caused the temporary shutdown of its mining operations. As aptly put by the Court of Appeals:
The evidence on record indeed clearly shows that MMC’s suspension of its mining operations was
bonafide and the reason for such suspension was supported by substantial evidence. MMC cannot
conduct mining operations without a tailings disposal system. For this purpose, MMC operates TP No. 7
176
under a valid permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its
Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).
For a charge of unfair labor practice to prosper, it must be shown that the employer was motivated by
ill-will, bad faith or fraud, or was oppressive to labor. The employer must have acted in a manner
contrary to morals, good customs, or public policy causing social humiliation, wounded feelings or grave
anxiety. While the law makes it an obligation for the employer and the employees to bargain collectively
with each other, such compulsion does not include the commitment to precipitately accept or agree to
the proposals of the other. All it contemplates is that both parties should approach the negotiation with
an open mind and make reasonable effort to reach a common ground of agreement.
PRINCE TRANSPORT ET AL. vs. GARCIA ET AL.
[G.R. No. 167291, January 12, 2011]
Facts:
Prince Transport, Inc. (PTI) is a company engaged in the business of transporting passengers by land.
Respondents alleged in their complaints that: that they were hired by petitioner either as drivers,
conductors, mechanics or inspectors, except for respondent Diosdado Garcia, who was assigned as
Operations Manager.; in addition to their regular monthly income, they also received commissions
equivalent to 8 to 10% of their wages.; sometime in October 1997, the said commissions were reduced
to 7 to 9%; this led respondents and other employees of PTI to hold a series of meetings to discuss the
protection of their interests as employees; these meetings led Renato Claros, who is the president of
PTI, to suspect that respondents are about to form a union; he made known to Garcia his objection to
the formation of a union; in December 1997, PTI employees requested for a cash advance, but the same
was denied by management which resulted in demoralization on the employees' ranks; later, PTI
acceded to the request of some, but not all, of the employees; the foregoing circumstances led
respondents to form a union for their mutual aid and protection; in order to block the continued
formation of the union, PTI caused the transfer of all union members and sympathizers to one of its
sub-companies, Lubas Transport (Lubas); despite such transfer, the schedule of drivers and conductors,
as well as their company identification cards, were issued by PTI; the daily time records, tickets and
reports of the respondents were also filed at the PTI office; and, all claims for salaries were transacted
at the same office; later, the business of Lubas deteriorated because of the refusal of PTI to maintain
and repair the units being used therein, which resulted in the virtual stoppage of its operations and
respondents' loss of employment.
Petitioners, on the other hand, denied the material allegations of the complaints contending that herein
respondents were no longer their employees, since they all transferred to Lubas at their own request;
petitioners have nothing to do with the management and operations of Lubas as well as the control and
supervision of the latter's employees; petitioners were not aware of the existence of any union in their
company and came to know of the same only in June 1998 when they were served a copy of the
summons in the petition for certification election filed by the union; that before the union was registered
on April 15, 1998, the complaint subject of the present petition was already filed; that the real motive
in the filing of the complaints was because PTI asked respondents to vacate the bunkhouse where they
(respondents) and their respective families were staying because PTI wanted to renovate the same.
The Labor Arbiter ruled that petitioners are not guilty of unfair labor practice in the absence of evidence
to show that they violated respondents' right to self-organization. The Labor Arbiter also held that Lubas
is the respondents' employer and that it is an entity which is separate, distinct and independent from
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PTI. Nonetheless, the Labor Arbiter found that Lubas is guilty of illegally dismissing respondents from
their employment. The NLRC partly sustained the Labor Arbiter’s ruling.
The CA granted respondents' petition, ruling that petitioners are guilty of unfair labor practice; that
Lubas is a mere instrumentality, agent conduit or adjunct of PTI; and that petitioners' act of transferring
respondents' employment to Lubas is indicative of their intent to frustrate the efforts of respondents to
organize themselves into a union.
Issues:
(1) Whether or not Lubas is a separate and independent entity from PTI
(2) Whether or not PTI is guilty of unfair labor practice
Held:
(1) The Court agrees with the CA that Lubas is a mere agent, conduit or adjunct of PTI. A settled
formulation of the doctrine of piercing the corporate veil is that when two business enterprises are
owned, conducted and controlled by the same parties, both law and equity will, when necessary to
protect the rights of third parties, disregard the legal fiction that these two entities are distinct and treat
them as identical or as one and the same. In the present case, it may be true that Lubas is a single
proprietorship and not a corporation. However, petitioners' attempt to isolate themselves from and hide
behind the supposed separate and distinct personality of Lubas so as to evade their liabilities is precisely
what the classical doctrine of piercing the veil of corporate entity seeks to prevent and remedy.
Thus, the Court agrees with the observations of the CA, to wit:
As correctly pointed out by petitioners, if Lubas were truly a separate entity, how come that it was Prince
Transport who made the decision to transfer its employees to the former? Besides, Prince Transport
never regarded Lubas Transport as a separate entity. In the aforesaid letter, it referred to said entity as
"Lubas operations." Moreover, in said letter, it did not transfer the employees; it "assigned" them. Lastly,
the existing funds and 201 file of the employees were turned over not to a new company but a "new
management."
The Court also agrees with respondents that if Lubas is indeed an entity separate and independent from
PTI why is it that the latter decides which employees shall work in the former?
Moreover, petitioners failed to refute the contention of respondents that despite the latter's transfer to
Lubas of their daily time records, reports, daily income remittances of conductors, schedule of drivers
and conductors were all made, performed, filed and kept at the office of PTI. In fact, respondents'
identification cards bear the name of PTI. It may not be amiss to point out at this juncture that in two
separate illegal dismissal cases involving different groups of employees transferred by PTI to other
companies, the Labor Arbiter handling the cases found that these companies and PTI are one and the
same entity; thus, making them solidarily liable for the payment of backwages and other money claims
awarded to the complainants therein.
Petitioners likewise aver that the CA erred and committed grave abuse of discretion when it ordered
petitioners to reinstate respondents to their former positions, considering that the issue of reinstatement
was never brought up before it and respondents never questioned the award of separation pay to them.
(2) As to whether petitioners are guilty of unfair labor practice, the Court finds no cogent reason to
depart from the findings of the CA that respondents' transfer of work assignments to Lubas was designed
by petitioners as a subterfuge to foil the former's right to organize themselves into a union. Under Article
248 (a) and (e) of the Labor Code, an employer is guilty of unfair labor practice if it interferes with,
restrains or coerces its employees in the exercise of their right to self-organization or if it discriminates
in regard to wages, hours of work and other terms and conditions of employment in order to encourage
or discourage membership in any labor organization.
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Indeed, evidence of petitioners' unfair labor practice is shown by the established fact that, after
respondents' transfer to Lubas, petitioners left them high and dry insofar as the operations of Lubas
was concerned. The Court finds no error in the findings and conclusion of the CA that petitioners
"withheld the necessary financial and logistic support such as spare parts, and repair and maintenance
of the transferred buses until only two units remained in running condition." This left respondents
virtually jobless.
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PARK HOTEL ET AL. vs. SORIANO ET AL.
[G.R. No. 17118, September 10, 2012]
Facts:
Soriano was initially hired by Park Hotel but was transferred to Burgos Corporation.Gonzales and Badilla
were employees of Burgos Corporation.Burgos is a sister company of Park Hotel. Harbutt and Percy are
the General Managerand owner, respectively, of Park Hotel. Percy, Harbutt and Atty. Roberto Enriquez
are also theofficers and stockholders of Burgos Corporation.Soriano, Gonzales and Badilla were
dismissed from work for allegedly stealing companyproperties. As a result, respondents filed complaints
for illegal dismissal, unfair labor practice,before the Labor Arbiter (LA). In their complaints, respondents
alleged that the real reason fortheir dismissal was that they were organizing a union for the company's
employees.
Issue:
Whether or not corporate officers are solidarily and personally liable in a case for illegaldismissal and
unfair labor practice
Ruling:
A corporation, being a juridical entity, may act only through its directors, officers andemployees.
Obligations incurred by them, while acting as corporate agents, are not theirpersonal liability but the
direct accountability of the corporation they represent. However,corporate officers may be deemed
solidarily liable with the corporation for the termination ofemployees if they acted with malice or bad
faith. In the present case, the lower tribunalsunanimously found that Percy and Harbutt, in their capacity
as corporate officers of Burgos,acted maliciously in terminating the services of respondents without any
valid ground and inorder to suppress their right to self-organization.Section 31 of the Corporation Code
makes a director personally liable for corporatedebts if he willfully and knowingly votes for or assents
to patently unlawful acts of thecorporation. It also makes a director personally liable if he is guilty of
gross negligence or badfaith in directing the affairs of the corporation. Thus, Percy and Harbutt, having
acted in badfaith in directing the affairs of Burgos, are jointly and severally liable with the latter
forrespondents' dismissal.
GOYA, INC. vs. GOYA, INC. EMPLOYEES UNION-FFW
[G.R. No. 170054, January 21, 2013]
Facts:
Sometime in January 2004, petitioner Goya, Inc. (Company), a domestic corporation engaged in the
manufacture, importation, and wholesale of top quality food products, hired contractual employees from
PESO Resources Development Corporation (PESO) to perform temporary and occasional services in its
factory in Parang, Marikina City. This prompted respondent Goya, Inc. Employees Union-FFW (Union)
to request for a grievance conference on the ground that the contractual workers do not belong to the
categories of employees stipulated in the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). When the
matter remained unresolved, the grievance was referred to the National Conciliation and Mediation
Board (NCMB) for voluntary arbitration.
During the hearing on July 1, 2004, the Company and the Union manifested before Voluntary Arbitrator
(VA) Bienvenido E. Laguesma that amicable settlement was no longer possible; hence, they agreed to
submit for resolution the solitary issue of "[w]hether or not [the Company] is guilty of unfair labor acts
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in engaging the services of PESO, a third party service provider[,] under the existing CBA, laws[,] and
jurisprudence." Both parties thereafter filed their respective pleadings.
The Union asserted that the hiring of contractual employees from PESO is not a management prerogative
and in gross violation of the CBA tantamount to unfair labor practice (ULP). It noted that the contractual
workers engaged have been assigned to work in positions previously handled by regular workers and
Union members, in effect violating Section 4, Article I of the CBA, which provides for three categories
of employees in the Company, to wit:
Section 4.Categories of Employees. — The parties agree on the following categories of employees:
(a)Probationary Employee. — One hired to occupy a regular rank-and-file position in the Company and
is serving a probationary period. If the probationary employee is hired or comes from outside the
Company (non-Goya, Inc. employee), he shall be required to undergo a probationary period of six (6)
months, which period, in the sole judgment of management, may be shortened if the employee has
already acquired the knowledge or skills required of the job. If the employee is hired from the casual
pool and has worked in the same position at any time during the past two (2) years, the probationary
period shall be three (3) months.
(b)Regular Employee. — An employee who has satisfactorily completed his probationary period and
automatically granted regular employment status in the Company.
(c)Casual Employee. — One hired by the Company to perform occasional or seasonal work directly
connected with the regular operations of the Company, or one hired for specific projects of limited
duration not connected directly with the regular operations of the Company.
It was averred that the categories of employees had been a part of the CBA since the 1970s and that
due to this provision, a pool of casual employees had been maintained by the Company from which it
hired workers who then became regular workers when urgently necessary to employ them for more
than a year. Likewise, the Company sometimes hired probationary employees who also later became
regular workers after passing the probationary period. With the hiring of contractual employees, the
Union contended that it would no longer have probationary and casual employees from which it could
obtain additional Union members; thus, rendering inutile Section 1, Article III (Union Security) of the
CBA, which states:
Section 1.Condition of Employment. — As a condition of continued employment in the Company, all

regular rank-and-file employees shall remain members of the Union in good standing and that new
employees covered by the appropriate bargaining unit shall automatically become regular employees of
the Company and shall remain members of the Union in good standing as a condition of continued
employment.
The Union moreover advanced that sustaining the Company's position would easily weaken and
ultimately destroy the former with the latter's resort to retrenchment and/or retirement of employees
and not filling up the vacant regular positions through the hiring of contractual workers from PESO, and
that a possible scenario could also be created by the Company wherein it could "import" workers from
PESO during an actual strike.
In countering the Union's allegations, the Company argued that: (a) the law expressly allows contracting
and subcontracting arrangements through Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Order No. 18-
02; (b) the engagement of contractual employees did not, in any way, prejudice the Union, since not a
single employee was terminated and neither did it result in a reduction of working hours nor a reduction
or splitting of the bargaining unit; and (c) Section 4, Article I of the CBA merely provides for the definition
of the categories of employees and does not put a limitation on the Company's right to engage the
services of job contractors or its management prerogative to address temporary/occasional needs in its
operation.
Issue:
Whether or not the voluntary artbitrator committed an error in declaring that the engagement of PESO
is not keeping with the intent and spirit of the CBA .
Ruling:
We confirm that the VA ruled on a matter that is covered by the sole issue submitted for voluntary
arbitration. Resultantly, the CA did not commit serious error when it sustained the ruling that the hiring
181
of contractual employees from PESO was not in keeping with the intent and spirit of the CBA. Indeed,
the opinion of the VA is germane to, or, in the words of the CA, "interrelated and intertwined with," the
sole issue submitted for resolution by the parties. This being said, the Company's invocation of Sections
4 and 5, Rule IV 20 and Section 5, Rule VI 21 of the Revised Procedural Guidelines in the Conduct of
Voluntary Arbitration Proceedings dated October 15, 2004 issued by the NCMB is plainly out of order.
Likewise, the Company cannot find solace in its cited case of Ludo & Luym Corporation v. Saornido. 22
In Ludo, the company was engaged in the manufacture of coconut oil, corn starch, glucose and related
products. In the course of its business operations, it engaged the arrastre services of CLAS for the
loading and unloading of its finished products at the wharf. The arrastre workers deployed by CLAS to
perform the services needed were subsequently hired, on different dates, as Ludo's regular rank-and-
file employees. Thereafter, said employees joined LEU, which acted as the exclusive bargaining agent
of the rank-and-file employees. When LEU entered into a CBA with Ludo, providing for certain benefits
to the employees (the amount of which vary according to the length of service rendered), it requested
to include in its members' period of service the time during which they rendered arrastre services so
that they could get higher benefits.
Lastly, the Company kept on harping that both the VA and the CA conceded that its engagement of
contractual workers from PESO was a valid exercise of management prerogative. It is confused. To
emphasize, declaring that a particular act falls within the concept of management prerogative is
significantly different from acknowledging that such act is a valid exercise thereof. What the VA and the
CA correctly ruled was that the Company's act of contracting out/outsourcing is within the purview of
management prerogative. Both did not say, however, that such act is a valid exercise thereof. Obviously,
this is due to the recognition that the CBA provisions agreed upon by the Company and the Union delimit
the free exercise of management prerogative pertaining to the hiring of contractual employees. Indeed,
the VA opined that "the right of the management to outsource parts of its operations is not totally
eliminated but is merely limited by the CBA," while the CA held that "[t]his management prerogative of
contracting out services, however, is not without limitation. . . . [These] categories of employees
particularly with respect to casual employees [serve] as limitation to [the Company's] prerogative to
outsource parts of its operations especially when hiring contractual employees."
A collective bargaining agreement is the law between the parties:
It is familiar and fundamental doctrine in labor law that the CBA is the law between the parties and they
are obliged to comply with its provisions. We said so in Honda Phils., Inc. v. Samahan ng Malayang
Manggagawa sa Honda:
A collective bargaining agreement or CBA refers to the negotiated contract between a legitimate labor
organization and the employer concerning wages, hours of work and all other terms and conditions of
employment in a bargaining unit. As in all contracts, the parties in a CBA may establish such stipulations,
clauses, terms and conditions as they may deem convenient provided these are not contrary to law,
morals, good customs, public order or public policy. Thus, where the CBA is clear and unambiguous, it
becomes the law between the parties and compliance therewith is mandated by the express policy of
the law.
Moreover, if the terms of a contract, as in a CBA, are clear and leave no doubt upon the
intention of the contracting parties, the literal meaning of their stipulations shall control.
BAPTISTA ET AL. vs. VILLANUEVA ET AL.
[G.R. No. 194709, July 31, 2013]
Facts:
Petitioners were former union members of Radio Philippines Network Employees Union (RPNEU), a
legitimate labor organization and the sole and exclusive bargaining agent of the rank and file employees
of Radio Philippines Network (RPN), a government-sequestered corporation involved in commercial radio
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and television broadcasting affairs, while the respondents were the union’s elected officers and
members.
On April 26, 2005, on suspicion of union mismanagement, petitioners, together with some other union
members, filed a complaint for impeachment of their union president, Reynato Siozon, before the
executive board of RPN, which was eventually abandoned. They later re-lodged the impeachment
complaint, this time, against all the union officers and members of RPNEU before the Department of
Labor and Employment (DOLE). They likewise filed various petitions for audit covering the period from
2000 to 2004.
Issue:
Whether or not respondents committed unfair labor practices
Ruling:
The petition is bereft of merit.
In essence, ULP relates to the commission of acts that transgress the workers’ right to organize. As
specified in Articles 248 and 249 of the Labor Code, the prohibited acts must necessarily relate to the
workers' right to self-organization and to the observance of a CBA. Absent the said vital elements, the
acts complained, although seemingly unjust, would not constitute ULP
Based on RPNEU’s Constitution and By-Laws, the charges against petitioners were not mere internal
squabbles, but violations that demand proper investigation because, if proven, would constitute grounds
for their expulsion from the union.
Besides, any supposed procedural flaw in the proceedings before the Committee was deemed cured
when petitioners were given the opportunity to be heard. Due process, as a constitutional precept, is
satisfied when a person was notified of the charge against him and was given an opportunity to explain
or defend himself. In administrative proceedings, the filing of charges and giving reasonable opportunity
for the person so charged to answer the accusations against him constitute the minimum requirements
of due process.
It is well-settled that workers’ and employers’ organizations shall have the right to draw up their
constitutions and rules to elect their representatives in full freedom, to organize their administration
and activities and to formulate their programs. In this case, RPNEU’s Constitution and By-Laws expressly
mandate that before a party is allowed to seek the intervention of the court, it is a pre-condition that
he should have availed of all the internal remedies within the organization. Petitioners were found to
have violated the provisions of the union’s Constitution and By-Laws when they filed petitions for
impeachment against their union officers and for audit before the DOLE without first exhausting all
internal remedies available within their organization. This act is a ground for expulsion from union
membership. Thus, petitioners’ expulsion from the union was not a deliberate attempt to curtail or
restrict their right to organize, but was triggered by the commission of an act, expressly sanctioned by
Section 2.5 of Article IX of the union’s Constitution and By-Laws.
For a charge of ULP against a labor organization to prosper, the onus probandi rests upon the party
alleging it to prove or substantiate such claims by the requisite quantum of evidence. In labor cases, as
in other administrative proceedings, substantial evidence or such relevant evidence as a reasonable
mind might accept as sufficient to support a conclusion is required. Moreover, it is indubitable that all
the prohibited acts constituting unfair labor practice should materially relate to the workers' right to
self-organization.
Unfortunately, petitioners failed to discharge the burden required to prove the charge of ULP against
the respondents. Aside from their self-serving allegations, petitioners were not able to establish how
they were restrained or coerced by their union in a way that curtailed their right to self-organization.
The records likewise failed to sufficiently show that the respondents unduly persuaded management into
discriminating against petitioners. other than to bring to its attention their expulsion from the union,
which in turn, resulted in the implementation of their CBA' s union security clause.
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TH SHOPFITTERS CORP. ET AL. vs. T&H SHOPFITTERS CORP. UNION
[G.R. No. 191714, February 26, 2014]
Facts:
On September 7, 2004, the T&H Shopfitters Corporation/ Gin Queen Corporation workers union (THS-
GQ Union), its officers and/or members of THS-GQ union, filed their Complaint7 for Unfair Labor Practice
(ULP) by way of union busting, and Illegal Lockout, with moral and exemplary damages and attorney’s
fees, against T&H Shopfitters Corporation (T&H Shopfitters) and Gin Queen Corporation (Gin Queen)
(collectively referred to as "petitioners"), before the Labor Arbiter (LA).
Respondents treated T&H Shopfitters and Gin Queen as a single entity and their sole employer. In their
desire to improve their working conditions, respondents and other employees of petitioners held their
first formal meeting on November 23, 2003 to discuss the formation of a union. The following day or on
November 24, 2003, seventeen (17) employees were barred from entering petitioners’ factory premises
located in Castillejos, Zambales, and ordered to transfer to T&H Shopfitters’ warehouse at Subic Bay
Freeport Zone (SBFZ) purportedly because of its expansion. Afterwards, the said seventeen (17)
employees were repeatedly ordered to go on forced leave due to the unavailability of work.
On December 18, 2003, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Regional Office No. III
issued a certificate of registration in favor of THS-GQ Union.
On March 24, 2004, THS-GQ Union filed a petition for certification election. On July 12, 2004, an order
was issued to hold the certification election in both T&H Shopfitters and Gin Queen. Eventually, the
certification election was scheduled on October 11, 2004.
Meanwhile, through a memorandum, dated August 17, 2004, petitioner Ben Huang (Huang), Director
for Gin Queen, informed its employees of the expiration of the lease contract between Gin Queen and
its lessor in Castillejos, Zambales and announced the relocation of its office and workers to Cabangan,
Zambales. Some of the respondents, who visited the site in Cabangan, discovered that it was a
"talahiban" or grassland. Later, the said union officers and members were made to work as grass cutters
in Cabangan, under the supervision of a certain Barangay Captain Greg Pangan. Due to these
circumstances, the employees assigned in Cabangan did not report for work. As a consequence, the
THS-GQ Union president was made to explain why he should not be terminated for insubordination. The
other employees who likewise failed to report in Cabangan were meted out with suspension.
On October 10, 2004, petitioners sponsored a field trip to Iba, Zambales, for its employees. The officers
and members of the THS-GQ Union were purportedly excluded from the field trip. On the evening of the
field trip, a certain Angel Madriaga, a sales officer of petitioners, campaigned against the union in the
forthcoming certification election.
The following day or on October 11, 2004, the employees were escorted from the field trip to the polling
center in Zambales to cast their votes. On October 13, 2004, the remaining employees situated at the
SBFZ plant cast their votes as well. Due to the heavy pressure exerted by petitioners, the votes for "no
union" prevailed. On October 14, 2004, the THS-GQ Union filed its protest with respect to the
certification election proceedings.
Issue:
Whether or not acts of unfair labor practices were committed by petitioners against respondents
Ruling:
As to the issue of ULP, petitioners’ argument is utterly without merit.
The questioned acts of petitioners, namely: 1) sponsoring a field trip to Zambales for its employees, to
the exclusion of union members, before the scheduled certification election; 2) the active campaign by
the sales officer of petitioners against the union prevailing as a bargaining agent during the field trip;
3) escorting its employees after the field trip to the polling center; 4) the continuous hiring of
subcontractors performing respondents’ functions; 5) assigning union members to the Cabangan site to
work as grass cutters; and 6) the enforcement of work on a rotational basis for union members, all reek
of interference on the part of petitioners.
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Indubitably, the various acts of petitioners, taken together, reasonably support an inference that,
indeed, such were all orchestrated to restrict respondents’ free exercise of their right to self-
organization. The Court is of the considered view that petitioners’ undisputed actions prior and
immediately before the scheduled certification election, while seemingly innocuous, unduly meddled in
the affairs of its employees in selecting their exclusive bargaining representative.
Philippine Electric Corporation (PHILEC), petititoner vs CA, NCMB, DOLE, Jimez in his capacity as
Voluntary Arbitrator, PHILEC Worker’s Union (PWU), Lipio and Ignacio, respondents.
An appeal to reverse or modify a Voluntary Arbitrator's award or decision must be filed before the CA
within 10 calendar days from receipt of the award or decision.
Facts:
PHILEC, a domestic corporation, and its rank-and-file employees were governed by collective
bargaining agreements (CBA) providing for the step increases in employee’s basic salary in case of
promotion. The CBA expired and PHILEC selected Lipio for promotion from Machinist under Pay Grade
VII to Foreman I under Pay Grade B and will be payed training allowance for his training for the said
position. Ignacio was also selected to undergo for the same position and will be payed also the
training allowance. Later, PHILEC and PWU entered into a new CBA and they stipulated that a rank-
and-file employee promoted shall be entitled increases in his/her basic salary. Lipio and Ignacio
claimed that the training allowance did not conform to the CBA, so PWU submitted the grievance to
the grievance machinery but PWU and PHILEC failed to settle the grievance. Thus, the partues
submitted the issue with the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) and they designated
Jimez as the voluntary arbitrator (VA). The parties were then asked to submit their respective position
papers. PWU maintained that PHILEC failed to follow the schedule of step increases under the CBA and
for its failure to follow the step, PHILEC committed an unfair labor practice under Article 248 of the
Labor Code. PHILEC, on the other hand, said that it applied the ‘Modified SGV’ pay grade scale in
computing their training allowance and that Lipio and Ignacio were promoted when PWU had not yet
negotiated a new CBA. PHILEC argued that even assuming that it violated the CBA, the violation was
not gross or flagrant, hence, it was not guilty of unfair labor practice. The VA ruled in favor of PWU
and said that the new CBA being the law between the parties, PHILEC should have computed Lipio and
Ignacio’s training allowance based on it. PHILEC filed a motion for reconsideration (MR) but the same
was denied by the VA. PHILEC then filed a petition for certiori before the CA alleging that the VA
gravely abused his discretion in rendering the assailed decision. But CA affirmed the VA’s decision and
dismissed the petition for lack of merit. PHILEC filed a MR which was also denied by the CA.
Subsequently, PHILEC filed a petition for review on certiorari with the SC.
Issue: Whether PHILEC correctly resorted to petition for certiorari under Rule 65 after the MR was
denied by the VA
Ruling: No. The proper remedy to reverse or modify a VA’s decision or award is to appeal the award or
decision before the CA under Rule 43 pursuant to Sec 1 and 3 of the Rules of Court. The VA, whether
acting solely or in a panel, enjoys in law the status of a quasi-judicial agency but independent of and
apart from NLRC since his decisions are not appealable to the latter. Hence, being a quasi-judicial
agency, a decision or award of a VA is appealable before the CA. The CA has the exclusive original
jurisdiction over decisions and awards of quasi-judicial agencies and instrumetalities. The appeal must
185
be within the period of 10 days from receipt of the copy of the award or decision by the parties as
provided for under Article 262-A of the Labor Code although Rule 43 provides 15-day period to appeal.
SC said that Rules of court are subordinate to the statute and in case of conflict, the statute will
prevail. Being provided in the statute, the 10-day period must be complied with, otherwise, no
appeallate court will have jurisdiction over the appeal. Should the party choose to file a motion for
reconsideration with the VA, the motion must also be filed within the 10-day period since a motion is
filed within the period for taking an appeal. There being no appeal seasonably filed in the present
case, VA’s decision became final and executory after 10 calendar days from PHILEC’s receipt of the
resolution denying its motion for reconsideration. The decision is already beyond the purview of the
court to act upon.
17. Zambrano et al., vs. Phil Carpet Corp. GR No. 224099, June 21, 2017
One-liner:
Unfair labor practice refers to acts that violate the workers' right to organize. Thus, an employer may
only be held liable for unfair labor practice if it can be shown that his acts affect in whatever manner
the right of his employees to self-organize.
Facts:
A petition for certiorari was filed by the petitioners seeking to reverse and set aside the resolution of
the Court of Appeals (CA) which affirmed the resolution of the National Labor Relations Commission
(NLRC) for five (5) consolidated complaints for illegal dismissal and unfair labor practice.
The petitioners averred that they were employees of private respondent Philippine Carpet
Manufacturing Corporation (Phil Carpet) and that they were notified of the termination of their
employment on January 3, 2011 effective February 3, 2011 on the ground of cessation of operation
due to serious business losses.
They were of the belief that their dismissal was without just cause and in violation of due process
because the closure of Phil Carpet was a mere pretense to transfer its operations to its wholly owned
and controlled corporation, Pacific Carpet Manufacturing Corporation (Pacific Carpet). They claimed
that the job orders of some regular clients of Phil Carpet were transferred to Pacific Carpet; and that
from October to November 2011, several machines were moved from the premises of Phil Carpet to
Pacific Carpet. They asserted that their dismissal constituted unfair labor practice as it involved the
mass dismissal of all union officers and members of the Philippine Carpet Manufacturing Employees
Association (PHILCEA).
In its defense, Phil Carpet countered that it permanently closed and totally ceased its operations
because there had been a steady decline in the demand for its products due to global recession, stiffer
competition, and the effects of a changing market. Phil Carpet likewise faithfully complied with the
requisites for closure or cessation of business under the Labor Code. The petitioners were also paid
their separation pay and they voluntarily executed their respective Release and Quitclaim before the
DOLE officials.
Issue:
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WON the petitioners’ termination from the employment constitutes unfair labor practice
Ruling:
The court ruled that the dismissal of the petitioners did not amount to unfair labor practice. Unfair
labor practice refers to acts that violate the workers' right to organize. There should be no dispute
that all the prohibited acts constituting unfair labor practice in essence relate to the workers' right to
self-organization (Article 259 of the Labor Code).
Thus, an employer may only be held liable for unfair labor practice if it can be shown that his acts
affect in whatever manner the right of his employees to self-organize. The petitioners miserably failed
to discharge the duty imposed upon them. They did not identify the acts of Phil Carpet which, they
claimed, constituted unfair labor practice. They did not even point out the specific provisions which
Phil Carpet violated.
Thus, they would have the Court pronounce that Phil Carpet committed unfair labor practice on the
ground that they were dismissed from employment simply because they were union officers and
members. The constitutional commitment to the policy of social justice, however, cannot be
understood to mean that every labor dispute shall automatically be decided in favor of labor.
In this case, as far as the pieces of evidence offered by the petitioners are concerned, there is no
showing that the closure of the company was an attempt at union-busting.
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TOPIC 15: REVISED GUIDELINES OF THE NCMB FOR THE CONDUCT OF VOLUNTARY
ARBITRATION PROCEEDINGS
SANYO PHILIPPINE WORKERS UNION-PPSLU vs. CANIZARES
[G.R. No. 101619, July 8, 1992]
Facts:
PSSLU had an existing CBA with Sanyo Philippines Inc. effective July 1, 1989 to June 30, 1994. The
same CBA contained a union security clause which provided: xxx members must retain their
membership in good standing in the union as condition of his/her continued employment with the
company. The union shall have the right to demand from the company the dismissal of the members of
the union by reason of xxx their having formed, organized, joined, affiliated, supported another labor
organization xxx
PSSLU through its national and local presidents, wrote another letter to Sanyo recommending the
dismissal of the following non-union workers: Bernardo Yap, Arnel Salvo, Renato Baybon, Reynaldo
Ricohermoso, Salvador Solibel, Benito Valencia, and Allan Misterio, allegedly because: 1) they were
engaged and were still engaging in anti-union activities; 2) they willfully violated the pledge of
cooperation with PSSLU which they signed and executed on February 14, 1990; and 3) they threatened
and were still threatening with bodily harm and even death the officers of the union.
Also recommended for dismissal were the following union members who allegedly joined, supported and
sympathized with a minority union, KAMAO: Gerardo Lasala, Legardo Tangkay, Alexander Atanacio, and
Leonardo Dionisio.
As per the attached letter from the local union President SPWU and the federation President, PSSLU,
requesting management to put the respondent employees on preventive suspension, effective
immediately, and the company having received no information on whether said employees appealed to
PSSLU, it considered them dismissed as of March 23, 1991.
On May 20, 1991, the dismissed employees filed a complaint with the NLRC for illegal dismissal. Named
respondent were PSSLU and Sanyo. On June 20, 1991, PSSLU filed a motion to dismiss the complaint
alleging that the Labor Arbiter was without jurisdiction over the case, relying on Article 217 (c) of P.D.
442, as amended by Section 9 of Republic Act No. 6715 which provides that cases arising from the
interpretation or implementation of the collective bargaining agreements shall be disposed of by the
labor arbiter by referring the same to the grievance machinery and voluntary arbitration.
On August 7, 1991, the respondent Labor Arbiter issued the first questioned order. It held that: xxx
xxx xxx While there are seemingly contradictory provisions in the aforecited article of the Labor Code,
the better interpretation will be to give effect to both, and termination dispute being clearly spelled as
falling under the jurisdiction of the Labor Arbiter, the same shall be respected. The jurisdiction of the
grievance machinery and voluntary arbitration shall cover other controversies. However, the resolution
of the instant issue shall be suspended until both parties have fully presented their respective positions.
Issue:
Whether or not the resolution between an employee versus the union and the employer need to be
referred to the labor arbiter.
Ruling:
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1. Only disputes involving the union and the company shall be referred to the grievance
machinery or voluntary arbitrators.
It is clear from Article 217 that termination cases fall under the jurisdiction of the Labor Arbiter. It should
be noted however that said article at the outset excepted from the said provision cases otherwise
provided for in other provisions of the same Code, thus the phrase "Except as otherwise provided under
this Code . . . ." Under paragraph (c) of the same article, it is expressly provided that "cases arising
from the interpretation or implementation of collective bargaining agreements and those arising from
the interpretation and enforcement of company personnel policies shall be disposed of by the Labor
Arbiter by referring the same to the grievance machinery and voluntary arbitration as may be provided
in said agreements.
It was provided in the CBA executed between PSSLU and Sanyo that a member's voluntary resignation
from membership, willful refusal to pay union dues and his/her forming, organizing, joining, supporting,
affiliating or aiding directly or indirectly another labor union shall be a cause for it to demand his/her
dismissal from the company. The demand for the dismissal and the actual dismissal by the company on
any of these grounds is an enforcement of the union security clause in the CBA. This act is authorized
by law provided that enforcement should not be characterized by arbitrariness (Manila Mandarin
Employee Union v. NLRC, G.R. No. 76989, 29 Sept. 1987, 154 SCRA 368) and always with due process
(Tropical Hut Employees Union v. Tropical Food Market, Inc., L-43495-99, Jan. 20, 1990).
The reference to a Grievance Machinery and Voluntary Arbitrators for the adjustment or resolution of
grievances arising from the interpretation or implementation of their CBA and those arising from the
interpretation or enforcement of company personnel policies is mandatory. The law grants to voluntary
arbitrators original and exclusive jurisdiction to hear and decide all unresolved grievances arising from
the interpretation or implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and those arising from the
interpretation or enforcement of company personnel policies (Art. 261, Labor Code).
The failure of the parties to the CBA to establish the grievance machinery and its unavailability is not
an excuse for the Labor Arbiter to assume jurisdiction over disputes arising from the implementation
and enforcement of a provision in the CBA. In the existing CBA between PSSLU and Sanyo, the procedure
and mechanics of its establishment had been clearly laid out. All that needs to be done to set the
machinery into motion is to call for the convening thereof. If the parties to the CBA had not designated
their representatives yet, they should be ordered to do so.The procedure introduced in RA 6715 of
referring certain grievances originally and exclusively to the grievance machinery and when not settled
at this level, to a panel of voluntary arbitrators outlined in CBA's does not only include grievances arising
from the interpretation or implementation of the CBA but applies as well to those arising from the
implementation of company personnel policies. No other body shall take cognizance of these cases. The
last paragraph of Article 261 enjoins other bodies from assuming jurisdiction thereof:
The commission, its Regional Offices and the Regional Directors of the Department of Labor and
Employment shall not entertain disputes, grievances or matters under the exclusive and original
jurisdiction of the Voluntary Arbitrator or panel of voluntary arbitrators and shall immediately dispose
and refer the same to the grievance machinery or voluntary arbitration provided in the Collective
In the instant case, however, We hold that the Labor Arbiter and not the Grievance Machinery provided
for in the CBA has the jurisdiction to hear and decide the complaints of the private respondents. While
it appears that the dismissal of the private respondents was made upon the recommendation
of PSSLU pursuant to the union security clause provided in the CBA, We are of the opinion
that THESE FACTS DO NOT COME WITH IN THE PHRASE "grievances arising from the
interpretation or implementation of (their) Collective Bargaining Agreement and those
arising from the interpretation or enforcement of company personnel policies," the jurisdiction
189
of which pertains to the Grievance Machinery or thereafter, to a voluntary arbitrator or panel of voluntary
arbitrators.
Article 260 of the Labor Code on grievance machinery and voluntary arbitrator states that
"(t)he parties to a Collective Bargaining Agreement shall include therein provisions that will ensure the
mutual observance of its terms and conditions. They shall establish a machinery for the adjustment and
resolution of grievances arising from the interpretation or implementation of their Collective Bargaining
Agreement and those arising from the interpretation or enforcement of company personnel policies." It
is further provided in said article that the parties to a CBA shall name or designate their respective
representatives to the grievance machinery and if the grievance is not settled in that level, it shall
automatically be referred to voluntary arbitrators (or panel of voluntary arbitrators) designated in
advance by the parties. It need not be mentioned that the parties to a CBA are the union and the
company. Hence, only disputes involving the union and the company shall be referred to the
grievance machinery or voluntary arbitrators.
In the instant case, both the union and the company are united or have come to an agreement regarding
the dismissal of private respondents. No grievance between them exists which could be brought to a
grievance machinery. The problem or dispute in the present case is between the union and the company
on the one hand and some union and non-union members who were dismissed, on the other hand. The
dispute has to be settled before an impartial body. The grievance machinery with members
designated by the union and the company cannot be expected to be impartial against the
dismissed employees. Due process demands that the dismissed workers grievances be ventilated before
an impartial body. Since there has already been an actual termination, the matter falls within the
jurisdiction of the Labor Arbiter.
NAVARRO III vs. DAMASCO
[G.R. No. 101875, July 14, 1995]
Facts:
Petitioner Navarro was employed as typist of private respondent at its plant in Bukidnon. Petitioner went
to visit Mercy Baylas, a co-employee, at the ladies' dormitory inside the compound of private respondent.
Upon seeing petitioner, Baylas hid behind the divider at the reception room. Rosemarie Basa and Isabel
Beleno, co-boarders of Baylas, told petitioner that Baylas was not at the dormitory and advised him to
stop courting her because she had no feelings towards him. Afterwards, the two left leaving petitioner
alone in the room. When he peeped behind the divider, he saw Baylas, followed her, and after taking
hold of her left hand, pulled her towards him. The force caused her to fall on the floor. He then placed
himself on top of her. She resisted and futilely struggled to free herself from his grasp. The dormitory
housekeeper, responded to Baylas' shouts for help, and saw petitioner embracing and kissing Baylas.
She tried to separate petitioner from Baylas but to no avail. So she went outside and asked Basa, Beleno
and Subong to help Baylas. According to the medical report issued by Dr. Letecia P. Maraat, Baylas
complained of pains on her shoulder and left foot.
Petitioner was informed of the complaint against him and was placed under preventive suspension. In
the report of Densing who was the one who investigated the incident, he recommended that the
maximum penalty be meted out against petitioner. Petitioner was then dismissed from the service for
having violated paragraph 3.B (Conduct and Behavior) of the Code of Employee Discipline.
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A decision was rendered by the Voluntary Arbitrator dismissing petitioner from his employment and
holding that private respondent did not violate the provisions of the grievance procedure under the
Collective Bargaining Agreement. Not satisfied with the decision, petitioner filed the instant petition.
Issues:
1. Whether or not the Voluntary Arbitrator exceeded in his authority in taking cognizance of the
labor case?
2. Whether or not petitioner Navarro was denied due process of law because no hearing was held
and he was not given an opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses.
3. Whether or not the quarrel between Baylas and him was a purely private affair.
Ruling:
1. No, the Voluntary Arbitrator did not exceed in his authority.
The instant case is not a grievance that must be submitted to the grievance machinery. What are subject
of the grievance procedure for adjustment and resolution are grievances arising from the interpretation
or implementation of the collective bargaining agreement. The acts of petitioner involved a violation of
the Code of Employee Discipline, particularly the provision penalizing the immoral conduct of employees.
Consequently, there was no justification for petitioner to invoke the grievance machinery provisions of
the CBA.
The case of petitioner was submitted to voluntary arbitration by agreement of the president of the labor
union to which petitioner belongs, and his employer, through its personnel officer. Petitioner himself
voluntarily submitted to the jurisdiction of the Voluntary Arbitrator when he, through his counsel, filed
his position paper with the Voluntary Arbitrator and even submitted additional documentary evidence.
In addition thereto, during the initial conference on March 27, 1991, the parties manifested that they
were not questioning the authority of the Voluntary Arbitrator.
It is the policy of the State to promote voluntary arbitration as a mode of settling labor.
2. NO, he was not denied of due process.

The essence of due process is simply an opportunity to be heard, or as applied to administrative
proceedings, an opportunity to explain one's side or an opportunity to seek a reconsideration of the
action or ruling complained of. A formal or trial-type hearing is not at all times and in all instances
essential. The requirements are satisfied where the parties are fair and reasonable opportunity to explain
their side of the controversy at hand. What is frowned upon is the absolute lack of notice and hearing.
Concerning the allegation that petitioner was not allowed to cross-examine the witnesses, the record
shows that the parties had agreed not to cross-examine their witnesses anymore.
SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION vs. NLRC
[G.R. No. 108001, March 15, 1996]
Facts:
Private respondents, employed by petitioner San Miguel Corporation (SMC) as mechanics, machinists,
and carpenters, were and still are, bona fide officers and members of private respondent Ilaw at Buklod
ng Manggagawa.
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On or about July 31, 1990, private respondents were served a Memorandum from petitioner Angel G.
Roa, Vice-President and Manager of SMC’s Business Logistics Division (BLD), to the effect that they had
to be seperated from the service effective October 31, 1990 on the ground of “redundancy or excesss
personnel.” Respondent union, in behalf of private respondents, opposed the intended dismissal and
asked for a dialogue with management.
On February 25, 1991, respondents filed a complaint against petitioners for Illegal Dismissal and Unfair
Labor Practices, with a prayer for damages and attorney’s fees, with the Arbitration Branch of
respondent National Labor Relations Commission. The complaint was assigned to Labor Arbiter Eduardo
F. Carpio for hearing and proper disposition.
On April 15, 1991, petitioners filed a motion to dismiss the complaint, alleging that respondent Labor
Arbiter had no jurisdiction over the subject matter of the complaint, and that respondent Labor Arbiter
must defer consideration of the unfair labor practice complaint until after the parties have gone through
the grievance procedure provided for in the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement
(CBA). Respondent Labor Arbiter denied this motion.
The petitioners appealed the denial to respondent Commission and were unimpressed by the grounds
therefor, thus, dismissed the appeal. Hence, the instant petition for certiorari.
Issues:
1. Whether or not the labor arbiter can exercise jurisdiction over the alleged illegal termination and
ULP cases without prior resort to the grievance and arbitration provided under the CBA.
2. Whether or not the strong state policy on the promotion of voluntary modes of settlement of
labor disputes crafted in the Constitution and the Labor Code dictates the submission of the CBA
dispute to grievance and arbitration.
Ruling:
FIRST ISSUE: LABOR ARBITER has original and exclusive jurisdiction over termination
disputes and unfair labor practices and the exceptions not present in the case at bar.
The CBA between the petitioners and respondent union provides, under Section 1, Article V entitled
ARBITRATION, that “wages, hours of work, conditions of employment and/or employer-employee
relations shall be settled by arbitration.” Petitioners’ thesis is that the dispute as to the termination of
the union members and the unfair labor practice should first be settled by arbitration, and not directly
by the labor arbiter, following their CBA, which ought to be treated as the law between the parties
thereto.
The argument is unmeritorious. The law in point is Article 217 (a) of the Labor Code. It is elementary
that this law is deemed written into the CBA. In fact, the law speaks in plain and unambiguous terms
that termination disputes, together with unfair labor practices, are matters falling under the original and
exclusive jurisdiction of the Labor Arbiter.
The sole EXCEPTION to the above rule can be found under Article 262 of the same Code, which provides:
“Aricle 262. Jurisdiction over other labor disputes - The voluntary arbitrator or panel of voluntary
arbitrators, upon agreement of the parties, shall also hear and decide all other labor disputes
including unfair labor practices and bargaining deadlocks.” (As added by R.A. 6715)
Based on the CBA, Section 1, Article V of the CBA does not provide that petitioners and the respondent
union conform to the submission of termination disputes and unfair labor practices to voluntary
arbitration. Hence, consistent with the general rule under Article 217 (a) of the Labor Code, the Labor
Arbiter properly has jurisdiction over the complaint filed by the respondent union on February 25, 1991
for illegal dismissal and unfair labor practice.
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Petitioners point however to Section 2, Article III of the CBA, under the heading Job Security, to show
that the dispute is a proper subject of the grievance procedure, viz:
“x x x The UNION, however, shall have the right to seek reconsideration of any discharge, lay-off or
disciplinary action, and such requests for reconsideration shall be considered a dispute or grievance to
be dealt with in accordance with the procedure outlined in Article IV hereof [on Grievance Machinery] x
x x”
Petitioners fail miserably to prove that, indeed, the respondent union requested for a reconsideration or
review of the management decision to dismiss the private respondents. The filing of a request for
reconsideration by the respondent union, which is the condition sine qua non to categorize the
termination dispute and the ULP complaint as a grievable dispute, was absent in the case at bench.
The only relevant provision under Article III that may need interpretation or implementation is Section
2 which was cited herein. However, as patiently pointed out by this court, said provision does not come
into play considering that the union never exercised its right to seek reconsideration of the discharges
effected by the company. It would have been different had the union sought reconsideration. Such
recourse under Section 2 would have been treated as a grievance under Article IV (Grievance Machinery)
of the CBA, thus calling for the possible interpretation or implementation of the entire provision on
Grievance Machinery as agreed upon by the parties. This was not the case however. The union brought
the termination dispute directly to the Labor Arbiter rendering Articles III and IV of the CBA inapplicable
for the resolution of this case.
Hence, the respondent union acted well within their rights in filing their complaint for illegal dismissal
and ULP directly with the Labor Arbiter under Article 217 (a) of the Labor Code.
A. There is no connection whatsoever between SMC’s management prerogative to effect the discharges
and the interpretation or implementation of Articles III and IV of the CBA
.
Second. Petitioners insist that involved in the controversy is the interpretation and implementation of
the CBA which is grievable and arbitrable by law under Article 217(c) of the Labor Code which xxx shall
be disposed of by the Labor Arbiter by referring the same to the grievance machinery and voluntary
arbitration as may be provided in said agreements.” (As amended by R.A. 6715).
Petitioners questions whether SMC had the management right or prerogative to effect the discharges
on the ground of redundancy, and this necessarily calls for the interpretation or implementation of Article
III (Job Security) in relation to Article IV Grievance Machinery)of the CBA.
Petitioner’s theory does not hold water. There is no connection whatsoever between SMC’s
management prerogative to effect the discharges and the interpretation or implementation of Articles
III and IV of the CBA, except the one stated above if a reconsideration was filed.
B. The questioned discharges due to alleged redundancy can hardly be considered company personnel
policies and therefore need not directly be subject to the grievance machinery nor to voluntary
arbitration.
The discharges, petitioners also contend, call for the interpretation or enforcement of company
personnel policies, particularly SMC’s personnel policies on lay-offs arising from redundacy, and so, they
may be considered grievable and arbitrable by virtue of Article 2 17(c).
Not necessarily so. Company personnel policies are guiding principles stated in broad, long-range terms
that express the philosophy or beliefs of an organization’s top authority regarding personnel
matters. They deal with matters affecting efficiency and well-being of employees and include, among
others, the procedure in the administration of wages, benefits, promotions, transfer and other personnel
193
movements which are usually not spelled out in the collective agreement. The usual source of
grievances, however, is the rules and regulations governing disciplinary actions. Judging
therefrom, the questioned discharges due to alleged redundancy can hardly be considered company
personnel policies and therefore need not directly be subject to the grievance machinery nor to voluntary
arbitration.
C. We find that based on the circumstances surrounding this case, the complaint filed by the private
respondents on alleges facts sufficient to constitute a bona fide case of ULP, and cognizable by the Labor
Arbiter. This is consistent with the rule that jurisdiction over the subject matter is determined by the
allegations of the complaint.
Third. Petitioners would like to persuade us that respondents’ ULP claims are merely conclusory and
cannot serve to vest jurisdiction to the Labor Arbiters. Petitioners maintain that respondents’ complaint
does not allege a genuine case for ULP.
The Court is not convinced.
The complaint alleges that:

“5. Individual complainants are bona fide officers and members of complainant Ilaw at Buklod ng
Manggagawa (IBM).
xxx xxx xxx
23. The dismissal or lock-out from work of the individual complainants clearly constitutes an act of unfair
labor practices in the light of the fact that the work being performed by the individual complainants are
being contracted out by the respondent company.
xxx xxx xxx

25. The acts of the respondent company in economically coercing employees to accept payment of
separation and/or retirement benefits, pending final resolution of the labor xxxx there is undue
interference, restraint, and coercion of employees in the exercise of their right to self-organization and
collective bargaining.”
Short of pre-empting the proceedings before the Labor Arbiter, the above complaint, makes Out a
genuine case for ULP.
In Manila Pencil Co. v. CIR, where business conditions justified a lay-off of employees, unfair labor
practices were committed in the form of discriminatory dismissal where only unionists were permanently
dismissed. This was despite the valid excuse given by the Manila Pencil Company that the dismissal of
the employees was due to the reduction of the company’s dollar allocations for importation and that
both union members and non-union members were laid-off.
A similar ruling was made by this Court in People’s Bank and Trust Co. v. People’s Bank and Trust Co.
Employees Union involving the lay-off by a bank of 65 employees who were active union members
allegedly by reason of retrenchment. The Court likewise found the employer in that case to have
committed ULP in effecting the discharges.
This Court was more emphatic however in Bataan Shipyard and Engineering Co., Inc. v. NLRC, et al.:
Under the circumstances, we are inclined to believe that the company had indeed been discriminatory
in selecting the employees who were to be retrenched. All of the retrenched employees are officers
and members of the NAFLU. As such, the action taken by the firm becomes highly suspect. It leads
us to conclude that the firm had been discriminating against membership in the NAFLU, an
act which amounts to interference in the employees’ exercise of their right of self-
organization. Under Art. 249 (now Art. 248) of the Labor Code of the Philippines, such interference is
considered an act of unfair labor practice on the part of the Company
194
x x x.
It matters not that the cause of termination in the above cited cases was retrenchment while that in the
instant case was redundancy. The important fact is that in all of these cases, including the one at bar,
all of the dismissed employees were officers and members of their respective unions, and their
employers failed to give a satisfactory explanation as to why this group of employees was singled out.
It may be the case that employees other than union members may have been terminated also by
petitioner SMC on account of its redundancy program. If that is true, the discharges may really be for
a bona fide authorized cause under Article 283 of the Labor Code. On the other hand, it is also possible
that such may only be a clever scheme of the petitioner company to camouflage its real intention of
discriminating against union members particularly the private respondents. In any case, these matters
will be best ventilated in a hearing before the Labor Arbiter.
It is for the above reason that we cannot hold the petitioners guilty of the ULP charge. This will be the
task of the Labor Arbiter. We however find that based on the circumstances surrounding this case, the
complaint filed by the private respondents on February 25, 1991 alleges facts sufficient to constitute a
bona fide case of ULP, and therefore properly cognizable by the Labor Arbiter under Article 2 17(a) of
the Labor Code. This is consistent with the rule that jurisdiction over the subject matter is determined
by the allegations of the complaint.
SECOND ISSUE:
Finally, petitioners try to impress on this Court the strong State policy on the promotion of voluntary
modes of settlement of labor disputes crafted in the Constitution and the Labor Code which dictate the
submission of the CBA dispute to grievance and arbitration.
In the absence of an express legal conferment thereof, jurisdiction cannot be appropriated by an official
or tribunal no matter how well-intentioned it is, even in the pursuit of the clearest substantial right.
In the same manner, petitioners cannot arrogate into the powers of voluntary arbitrators the original
and exclusive jurisdiction of Labor Arbiters over unfair labor practices, termination disputes, and claims
for damages, in the absence of an express agreement between the parties in order for Article 262 of the
Labor Law to apply in the case at bar.
PANTRANCO NORTH EXPRESS INC. VS. NLRC
[G.R. No. 95940, July 24, 1996]
Facts:
Private respondent Suñiga was hired by petitioner as a bus conductor, and joined the Pantranco
Employees Association-PTGWO. He continued in petitioner's employ until he retired at the age of fifty-
two (52) after having rendered twenty five years' service. The basis of his retirement was the
compulsory retirement provision of the CBA between the petitioner and the union. Private respondent
received P49,300.00 as retirement pay. Suñiga filed a complaint for illegal dismissal against petitioner
with the Sub-Regional Arbitration Branch of the respondent Commission. LA found that the three
complainants are illegally and unjustly dismissed and ordered the respondent to reinstate them to their
former or substantially equivalent positions without loss of seniority rights with full backwages and other
benefits.
The amounts already received by complainants shall be considered as advanced payment of their
retirement pay which shall be deducted when they shall actually retire or (be) separated from the
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service. The order of reinstatement was immediately executory even pending appeal. Petitioner
appealed to public respondent, which issued the questioned Resolution affirming the labor arbiter's
decision in toto.
Issues:
1. Whether or not the Labor Arbiter has jurisdiction
2. Whether or not the CBA stipulation on compulsory retirement after twenty-five years of service is
legal and enforceable.
Ruling:
I. Jurisdiction of Labor Arbiter
Pantranco contends that the labor arbiter had no jurisdiction because the dispute concerns a provision
of the CBA and its interpretation. It claims that the case falls under the jurisdiction of the voluntary
arbitrator or panel of arbitrators under Article 261 of the Labor Code. The Labor Arbiter believed
otherwise.
First, this is a complaint of illegal dismissal of which original and exclusive jurisdiction under Article 217
has been conferred to the Labor Arbiters. The interpretation of the CBA or enforcement of the company
policy is only corollary to the complaint of illegal dismissal. Otherwise, an employee who was on AWOL,
or who committed offenses contrary to the personnel polices (sic) can no longer file a case of illegal
dismissal because the discharge is premised on the interpretation or enforcement of the company
polices.
Second. Respondent voluntarily submitted the case to the jurisdiction of this labor tribunal. It adduced
arguments to the legality of its act, whether such act may be retirement and/or dismissal, and prayed
for reliefs on the merits of the case. A litigant cannot pray for reliefs on the merits and at the same
time attacks (sic) the jurisdiction of the tribunal. A person cannot have one's cake and eat it too. x x
x."
The Court agrees with the public respondent's affirmance of the arbiter's decision in respect of the
question of jurisdiction.
In Sanyo Philippines Workers Union — PSSLU vs. Cañizares
“x x x Hence, only disputes involving the union and the company shall be referred to the grievance
machinery or voluntary arbitrators.
In the instant case, both the union and the company are united or have come to an agreement regarding
the dismissal of private respondents. No grievance between them exists which could be brought to a
grievance machinery. The problem or dispute in the present case is between the union and the company
on the one hand and some union and non-union members who were dismissed, on the other hand. The
dispute has to be settled before an impartial body. The grievance machinery with members designated
by the union and the company cannot be expected to be impartial against the dismissed employees. Due
process demands that the dismissed workers’ grievances be ventilated before an impartial body. Since
there has already been an actual termination, the matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Labor
Arbiter."
Applying the same rationale to the case at bar, it cannot be said that the "dispute" is between the union
and petitioner company because both have previously agreed upon the provision on "compulsory
retirement" as embodied in the CBA. Also, it was only private respondent on his own who questioned
the compulsory retirement. Thus, the case is properly denominated as a "termination dispute" which
comes under the jurisdiction of labor arbiters.
Therefore, public respondent did not commit a grave abuse of discretion in upholding the jurisdiction of
the labor arbiter over this case.
II. Legality and enforceability of CBA stipulation

YES, the CBA stipulation on compulsory retirement after twenty-five years of service is legal and
enforceable.
Article XI, Section 1 (e) (5) of the CBA states:
"Section 1. The COMPANY shall formulate a retirement plan with the following main features:
xxx xxx xxx
196
(e) The COMPANY agrees to grant the retirement benefits herein provided to regular employees who
may be separated from the COMPANY for any of the following reasons:
xxx xxx xxx
A CBA incorporates the agreement reached after negotiations between employer and bargaining agent
with respect to terms and conditions of employment. A CBA is not an ordinary contract. "(A)s a labor
contract within the contemplation of Article 1700 of the Civil Code of the Philippines which governs the
relations between labor and capital, (it) is not merely contractual in nature but impressed with public
interest, thus it must yield to the common good. As such, it must be construed liberally rather than
narrowly and technically, and the courts must place a practical and realistic construction upon it, giving
due consideration to the context in which it is negotiated and purpose which it is intended to serve.”
Being a product of negotiation, the CBA between the petitioner and the union intended the provision on
compulsory retirement to be beneficial to the employees-union members, including herein private
respondent. When private respondent ratified the CBA with the union, he not only agreed to the CBA
but also agreed to conform to and abide by its provisions. Thus, it cannot be said that he was illegally
dismissed when the CBA provision on compulsory retirement was applied to his case.
Incidentally, we call attention to Republic Act No. 7641, known as "The Retirement Pay Law," which
went into effect on January 7, 1993. Although passed many years after the compulsory retirement of
herein private respondent, nevertheless, the said statute sheds light on the present discussion when it
amended Art. 287 of the Labor Code, to make it read as follows:
"ART. 7. Retirement. — Any employee may be retired upon reaching the retirement age establish in
the collective bargaining agreement or other applicable employment contract.
xxx xxx xxx
In the absence of a retirement plan or agreement providing for retirement benefits of employees in the
establishment, an employee upon reaching the age of sixty (60) years or more, but not beyond sixty-
five (65) years which is hereby declared the compulsory retirement age, who has served at least five
(5) years in the said establishment may retire x x x."
The aforequoted provision makes clear the intention and spirit of the law to give employers and
employees a free hand to determine and agree upon the terms and conditions of retirement. Providing
in a CBA for compulsory retirement of employees after twenty-five (25) years of service is legal and
enforceable so long as the parties agree to be governed by such CBA. The law presumes that employees
know what they want and what is good for them absent any showing that fraud or intimidation was
employed to secure their consent thereto.
On this point then, public respondent committed a grave abuse of discretion in affirming the decision of
the labor arbiter. The compulsory retirement of private respondent effected in accordance with the CBA
is legal and binding.
SILVA ET AL vs. NLRC
[G.R. No. 110226, June 19, 1997]
Facts:
Petitioners, then rank-and-file employees and members of Philtread Workers Union (PWU), volunteered
for, and availed of, the retrenchment program instituted by Philtread with the understanding that they
would have priority in re-employment in the event that the company recovers from its financial crisis,
in accordance with their CBA. Philtread, apparently having recovered from its financial reverses,
197
expanded its operations and hired new personnel. Upon discovery of this development, petitioners filed
their respective applications for employment with Philtread, which however, merely agreed to consider
them for future vacancies. Subsequent demands for re-employment made by petitioners were
ignored. Even the request of the incumbent union for Philtread to stop hiring new personnel until
petitioners were first hired failed to elicit any favorable response. Thus, petitioners lodged a complaint
with the NCR Arbitration Branch of the NLRC for unfair labor practice, damages and attorney’s fees
against Philtread.
LA dismissed the complaint but directing Philtread to give petitioners priority in hiring, as well as those
former employees similarly situated for available positions provided they meet the necessary current
qualifications. Petitioners duly appealed the decision of the Labor Arbiter to the NLRC. Philtread opted
not to interpose an appeal despite the Labor Arbiter’s failure to rule squarely on the question of
jurisdiction. NLRC revered the decision of the LA. It directed Philtread to re-employ petitioners and
other employees similarly situated, regardless of age qualifications and other pre-employment
conditions, subject only to existing vacancies and a finding of good physical condition.
Atty. Borreta filed with the NLRCVan ex parte manifestation explaining that he was returning the copy
of the resolution rendered on April 15, 1992, which, according to him, was erroneously served on him
by the process server of the NLRC. NLRC, acting on a motion for reconsideration filed by Atty.
Gutierrez, promulgated one of its challenged resolutions dismissing the complaint of petitioners. It ruled
that while petitioners had standing to sue, the complaint should have been filed with the voluntary
arbitrator, pursuant to Article 261 of the Labor Code, since the primary issue was the implementation
and interpretation of the CBA.
Petitioners moved for reconsideration. NLRC affirmed its earlier resolution, ruling that even before the
amendatory law took effect, matters involving bargaining agreements were already within the exclusive
jurisdiction of the voluntary arbitrator, as set forth in Article 262 of the Labor Code. Hence, this petition.
Issues:
1. Whether or not NLRC acted with grave abuse of discretion for issuing 2 resolutions which reconsidered
a resolution it rendered on April 15, 1992, despite that the latter became final and executory when
Philtread failed to seasonably file a motion for reconsideration within the ten-day reglementary period
required by Article 223 of the Labor Code.
2. Who has jurisdiction, the voluntary arbitrator or LA and NLRC? Can RA 6715 be applied retroactively?
Ruling:
1. YES, NLRC acted with grave abuse of discretion.
The seasonable filing of a motion for reconsideration within the 10-day reglementary period following
the receipt by a party of any order, resolution or decision of the NLRC, is a mandatory requirement to
forestall the finality of such order, resolution or decision. The statutory bases for this are found in Article
223 of the Labor Code and Section 14, Rule VII of the New Rules of Procedure of the NLRC. Philtread’s
counsel filed a motion for reconsideration 31 days after receipt of said resolution. It was thus incumbent
upon the NLRC to have dismissed outright Philtread’s late motion for reconsideration. By doing exactly
the opposite, its actuation was not only whimsical and capricious but also a demonstration of its utter
disregard for its very own rules. Certiorari, therefore, lies.
NLRC, as an administrative and quasi-judicial body, is not bound by the rigid application of technical
rules of procedure in the conduct of its proceedings. However, the filing of a motion for reconsideration
and filing it ON TIME are not mere technicalities of procedure. These are jurisdictional and mandatory
requirements which must be strictly complied with. Although there are exceptions to said rule, the case
at bar presents no peculiar circumstances warranting a departure therefrom.
198
According to PhilTread, jurisdiction lies instead with the voluntary arbitrator so that when the Labor
Arbiter and the NLRC took cognizance of the case, their decisions thereon were null and void and,
therefore, incapable of attaining finality. In short, Philtread maintains that the ten-day reglementary
period could not have started running and, therefore, its motion could not be considered late.
The argument is not tenable. While we agree with the dictum that a void judgment cannot attain finality,
said rule, however, is only relevant if the tribunal or body which takes cognizance of a particular subject
matter indeed lacks jurisdiction over the same. In this case, the rule adverted to is misapplied for it is
actually the Labor Arbiter and the NLRC which possess jurisdiction over petitioners’ complaint and NOT
the voluntary arbitrator, as erroneously contended by Philtread.
There is confusion in the minds of both Philtread and the NLRC with respect to the proper jurisdiction of
the voluntary arbitrator. When the issue concerns an interpretation or implementation of the CBA, one
cannot immediately jump to the conclusion that jurisdiction is with the voluntary arbitrator. There is an
equally important need to inquire further if the disputants involved are the union and the employer;
otherwise, the voluntary arbitrator cannot assume jurisdiction.
In Sanyo Philippines Workers Union - PSSLU v. Canizares, we clarified the jurisdiction of the
voluntary arbitrator:
We hold that the Labor Arbiter and not the Grievance Machinery provided for in the CBA has the
jurisdiction to hear and decide the complaints of the private respondents. While it appears that the
dismissal of the private respondents was made upon the recommendation of PSSLU pursuant to the
union security clause provided in the CBA, We are of the opinion that these facts do not come within
the phrase ’grievances arising from the interpretation or implementation of (their) CBA and those
arising from the interpretation or enforcement of company personnel policies,’ the jurisdiction of which
pertains to the Grievance Machinery or thereafter, to a voluntary arbitrator or panel of voluntary
arbitrators.
Article 260 of the Labor Code on grievance machinery and voluntary arbitrator states that ‘(t)he parties
to a CBA shall include therein provisions that will ensure the mutual observance of its terms and
conditions. They shall establish a machinery for the adjustment and resolution of grievances arising
from the interpretation or implementation of their CBA and those arising from the interpretation or
enforcement of company personnel policies.’ The parties to a CBA shall name or designate their
respective representatives to the grievance machinery and if the grievance is not settled in that level,
it shall automatically be referred to voluntary arbitrators (or panel of voluntary arbitrators) designated
in advance by the parties. It need not be mentioned that the parties to a CBA are the union and the
company. Hence, only disputes involving the union and the company shall be referred to the grievance
machinery or voluntary arbitrators.”
In the case at bar, since the contending parties in the instant case are not the union and Philtread,
then pursuant to the Sanyo doctrine, it is not the voluntary arbitrator who can take cognizance of the
complaint, notwithstanding Philtread’s claim that the real issue is the interpretation of the CBA provision
on re-employment.
If the voluntary arbitrator could not have assumed jurisdiction over the case, did the Labor
Arbiter and the NLRC validly acquire jurisdiction when both of them entertained the
complaint?
At the time petitioners filed their complaint for unfair labor practice, damages and attorney’s fees, the
governing provision of the Labor Code with respect to the jurisdiction of the Labor Arbiter and the NLRC
was Article 217:
“ART. 217. Jurisdiction of Labor Arbiters and the Commission.
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(a) The Labor Arbiters shall have the original and exclusive jurisdiction to hear and decide within thirty
(30) working days after submission of the case by the parties for decision, the following cases involving
all workers, whether agricultural or non-agricultural:
1. Unfair labor practice cases;
2. Those that workers may file involving wages, hours of work and other terms and conditions of
employment;
3. All money claims of workers, including those based on non-payment or underpayment of wages,
overtime compensation, separation pay and other benefits provided by law or appropriate agreement,
except claims for employees’ compensation, social security, medicare and maternity benefits;
4. Cases involving household services; and
5. Cases arising from any violation of Article 265 of this Code, including questions involving the legality
of strikes and lockouts.
(b) The Commission shall have exclusive appellate jurisdiction over all cases decided by Labor Arbiters.”
Articles 261 and 262, on the other hand, defined the jurisdiction of the voluntary arbitrator, viz.:
“ART. 261. Grievance machinery. - Whenever a grievance arises from the interpretation or
implementation of a collective agreement, including disciplinary actions imposed on members of the
bargaining unit, the employer and the bargaining representative shall meet to adjust the
grievance. Where there is no collective agreement and in cases where the grievance procedure as
provided herein does not apply, grievances shall be subject to negotiation, conciliation or arbitration as
provided elsewhere in this Code.
ART. 262. Voluntary arbitration. - All grievances referred to in the immediately preceding Article which
are not settled through the grievance procedure provided in the collective agreement shall be referred
to voluntary arbitration prescribed in said agreement: Provided, That termination disputes shall be
governed by Article 278 of this Code, as amended, unless the parties agree to submit them to voluntary
arbitration.”
Under the above provisions then prevailing, one can understand why petitioners lodged their complaint
for ULP with the Labor Arbiter. To their mind, Philtread’s refusal to re-employ them was tantamount to
a violation of the re-employment clause in the 1983 CBA which was also substantially reproduced in the
1986 CBA. At the time, any violation of the CBA was unqualifiedly treated as ULP of the employer falling
within the competence of the Labor Arbiter to hear and decide.
“ART. 248. Unfair labor practices of employers. - It shall be unlawful for an employer to commit any of
the following unfair labor practice:
xxx xxx
(i) To violate a collective bargaining agreement.”
On March 21, 1989, however, Republic Act 6715, or the so-called “Herrera-Veloso Amendments,” took
effect, amending several provisions of the Labor Code, including the respective jurisdictions of the Labor
Arbiter, the NLRC and the voluntary arbitrator.
“ART. 217. Jurisdiction of Labor Arbiters and the Commission. - (a) Except as otherwise provided under
this Code the Labor Arbiters shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction to hear and decide, within
thirty (30) calendar days after the submission of the case by the parties for decision without extension,
even in the absence of stenographic notes, the following cases involving all workers, whether
agricultural or non-agricultural:
1. Unfair labor practice cases;
2. Termination disputes;
3. If accompanied with a claim for reinstatement, those cases that workers may file involving wages,
rates of pay, hours of work and other terms and conditions of employment;
200
4. Claims for actual, moral, exemplary and other forms of damages arising from the employer-employee
relations;
5. Cases arising from any violation of Article 264 of this Code, including questions involving the legality
of strikes and lockouts; and
6. Except claims for Employees Compensation, Social Security, Medicare and maternity benefits, all
other claims, arising from employer-employee relations, including those of persons in domestic or
household service, involving an amount exceeding five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) regardless of
whether accompanied with a claim for reinstatement.
(b) The Commission shall have exclusive appellate jurisdiction over all cases decided by Labor Arbiters.
(c) Cases arising from the interpretation or implementation of collective bargaining agreements and
those arising from the interpretation or enforcement of company personnel policies shall be disposed of
by the Labor Arbiter by referring the same to the grievance machinery and voluntary arbitration as may
be provided in said agreements.”
For a ULP case to be cognizable by the Labor Arbiter, and the NLRC to exercise its appellate
jurisdiction, the allegations in the complaint should show prima facie the concurrence of two
things, namely:

RA 6715 is in the nature of a curative statute. Thus, it can be applied retroactively to pending cases.
Briad Agro Development Corporation v. Dela Cerna - Republic Act No. 6715 has retroactive
application. Thus, when this new law divested Regional Directors of the power to hear money claims,
the divestment affected pending litigations. (Note that under par. 6, where the claim does not exceed
P5,000.00, regional directors have jurisdiction)
Garcia v. Martinez - The lack of jurisdiction was cured by the issuance of the amendatory decree which
is in the nature of a curative statute with retrospective application to a pending proceeding, like Civil
Case No. 9657.
With the Briad ruling in place, the implication is that the qualified jurisdiction of the Labor
Arbiter and the NLRC should have been applied when the ULP complaint was still pending. This means
that petitioners should have been required to show in their complaint the gross nature of the CBA
violation, as well as the economic provision violated, without which the complaint would be dismissible.
Thus, given the foregoing considerations, may the Briad doctrine be applied to the instant case
and cause its dismissal for want of jurisdiction of the Labor Arbiter and the NLRC?
NO, it cannot be applied.

We adopt instead the more recent case of Erectors, Inc. v. National Labor Relations Commission, where
we refused to give retroactive application to Executive Order No. 797 which created the Philippine
Overseas Employment Administration (POEA). Under said law, POEA was vested with “original and
exclusive jurisdiction over all cases, including money claims, involving employer-employee relations
arising out of or by virtue of any law or contract involving Filipino workers for overseas employment,”
which jurisdiction was originally conferred upon the Labor Arbiter. As in the instant case, the Labor
Arbiter’s assumption of jurisdiction therein was likewise questioned in view of the subsequent enactment
of E.O. 797.
“The rule is that jurisdiction over the subject matter is determined by the law in force at the time of the
commencement of the action. On March 31, 1982, at the time private respondent filed his complaint
against the petitioner, the prevailing laws were Presidential Decree No. 1691 and Presidential Decree
No. 1391 which vested the Regional Offices of the Ministry of Labor and the Labor Arbiters with ‘original
and exclusive jurisdiction over all cases involving employer-employee relations including money claims
201
arising out of any law or contracts involving Filipino workers for overseas employment.’ At the time of
the filing of the complaint, the Labor Arbiter had clear jurisdiction over the same.
E.O. No. 797 did not divest the Labor Arbiter’s authority to hear and decide the case filed by private
respondent prior to its effectivity. Laws should only be applied prospectively unless the legislative intent
to give them retroactive effect is expressly declared or is necessarily implied from the language
used. We fail to perceive in the language of E.O. No. 797 an intention to give it retroactive effect.
E.O. No. 111, amended Article 217 of the Labor Code to widen the worker’s access to the government
for redress of grievances by giving the Regional Directors and Labor Arbiters concurrent jurisdiction over
cases involving money claims. This amendment, however, created a situation where the jurisdiction of
the Regional Directors and the Labor Arbiters overlapped. As a remedy, R.A. 6715 further amended
Article 217 by delineating their respective jurisdictions. Under R.A. 6715, the Regional Director has
exclusive original jurisdiction over cases involving money claims provided: (1) the claim is presented by
an employer or person employed in domestic or household service, or househelper under the Code; (2)
the claimant, no longer being employed, does not seek reinstatement; and (3) the aggregate money
claim of the employee or househelper does not exceed P5,000.00. All other cases within the exclusive
and original jurisdiction of the Labor Arbiter. E.O. No. 111 and R.A. 6715 are therefore curative
statutes. A curative statute is enacted to cure defects in a prior law or to validate legal proceedings,
instruments or acts of public authorities which would otherwise be void for want of conformity with
certain existing legal requirements.
The law at bar, E.O. No. 797, is not a curative statute. x x x.”
Hence, RA 6715 cannot be applied retroactively.

In Briad, the underlying reason for applying RA 6715 retroactively was the fact that prior to its
amendment, Article 217 of the Labor Code, as amended by then E.O. 111, created a scenario where the
Labor Arbiters and the Regional Directors of the (DOLE) had overlapping jurisdiction over money
claims. This situation was viewed as a defect in the law so that when RA No. 6715 was passed and
delineated the jurisdiction of the Labor Arbiters and Regional Directors, the Court deemed it a
rectification of such defect; hence, the conclusion that it was curative in nature and, therefore, must be
applied retroactively.
The same thing cannot be said of the case at bar. Like in Erectors, the instant case presents no defect
in the law requiring a remedy insofar as the jurisdiction of the Labor Arbiter and the Voluntary Arbitrator
is concerned. There is here no overlapping of jurisdiction to speak of because matters involving
interpretation and implementation of CBA provisions, as well as interpretation and enforcement of
company personnel policies, have always been determined by the Voluntary Arbitrator even prior to RA
6715. Similarly, all ULP cases were exclusively within the jurisdiction of the Labor Arbiter. What RA
6715 merely did was to re-apportion the jurisdiction over ULP cases by conferring exclusive jurisdiction
over such ULP cases that do not involve gross violation of a CBA’s economic provision upon the voluntary
arbitrator. We do not see anything in the act of re-apportioning jurisdiction curative of any defect in
the law as it stood prior to the enactment of RA 6715. The Court view it as merely a matter of change
in policy of the lawmakers, especially since the 1987 Constitution adheres to the preferential use of
voluntary modes of dispute settlement. This, instead of the inherent defect in the law, must be the
rationale that prompted the amendment. Hence, we uphold the jurisdiction of the Labor Arbiter which
attached to this case at the time of its filing on December 5, 1988.
WHEREFORE, the instant petition is hereby GRANTED.
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UNION OF NESTLE WORKERS CAGAYAN DE ORO FACTORY vs. NESTLE PHILIPPINES INC.
[G.R. No. 148303, October 17, 2002]
Facts:
On August 1, 1999, Nestle Philippines, Inc. adopted Policy No. HRM 1.8, otherwise known as the "Drug
Abuse Policy." Pursuant to this policy, the management shall conduct simultaneous drug tests on all
employees from different factories and plants.
However, there was resistance to the policy in the Nestle Cagayan de Oro factory. Out of 496 employees,
only 141 or 28.43% submitted themselves to drug testing. On August 20, 1999, the Union of Nestle
Workers Cagayan de Oro Factory and its officers, petitioners, wrote Nestle challenging the
implementation of the policy and branding it as a mere subterfuge to defeat the employees’
constitutional rights.
Nestle claimed that the policy is in keeping with the government’s thrust to eradicate the proliferation
of drug abuse, explaining that the company has the right: (a) to ensure that its employees are of sound
physical and mental health and (b) to terminate the services of an employee who refuses to undergo
the drug test.
On August 23, 1999, petitioners filed with the RTC, Cagayan de Oro City, a complaint for injunction with
prayer for the issuance of a temporary restraining order against Nestle.
On August 24, 1999, the RTC issued a temporary restraining order enjoining respondents. Nestle filed
a motion to dismiss the complaint on the ground that the RTC has no jurisdiction over the case as it
involves a labor dispute or enforcement of a company personnel policy cognizable by the Voluntary
Arbitrator or Panel of Voluntary Arbitrators. Petitioners filed their opposition, contending that the RTC
has jurisdiction since the complaint raises purely constitutional and legal issues.
RTC dismissed the complaint for lack of jurisdiction since the constitutional issue is closely related or
intertwined with the labor issue, so much so that this Court is inclined to believe that it has no jurisdiction
but the NLRC.
Petitioners filed with this Court a petition for certiorari under Rule 65 of the 1997 Rules of Civil Procedure
but was referred to the Court of Appeals.
The Appellate Court rendered its Decision dismissing the petition for petitioners xxx submitted
themselves to the drug test required by management and was confirmed free from illegal drug abuse.
In view thereof, the instant petition, which prays for an injunction had become moot and academic. The
remedy of injunction could no longer be entertained because the act sought to be prevented had been
consummated.
Hence this petition for review on certiorari.
Issues:
1. Whether or not the Regional Trial Court has jurisdiction over petitioners’ suit for injunction
2. Whether or not petitioners’ resort to certiorari under Rule 65 is in order.
Ruling:
I. Considering that the Drug Abuse Policy is a company personnel policy, it is the Voluntary
Arbitrators or Panel of Voluntary Arbitrators, not the RTC, which exercises jurisdiction over
this case.
On the first issue, we hold that petitioners’ insistence that the RTC has jurisdiction over their complaint
since it raises constitutional and legal issues is sorely misplaced. The fact that the complaint was
denominated as one for injunction does not necessarily mean that the RTC has jurisdiction. Well-settled
is the rule that jurisdiction is determined by the allegations in the complaint.
It is indubitable from the allegations in the complaint that petitioners are not per se questioning "whether
or not the person will undergo the drug test" or the constitutionality or legality of the Drug Abuse Policy.
They are assailing the manner by which respondents are implementing the policy. According to them, it
is "arbitrary in character" because: (1) the employees were not consulted prior to its implementation;
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(2) the policy is punitive inasmuch as an employee who refuses to abide with the policy may be dismissed
from the service; and (3) such implementation is subject to limitations provided by law which were
disregarded by the management.
Is the complaint, on the basis of its allegations, cognizable by the RTC?
Respondent Nestle’s Drug Abuse Policy is a guiding principle adopted by Nestle to safeguard its
employees’ welfare and ensure their efficiency and well-being. To our minds, this is a company personnel
policy. In San Miguel Corp. vs. NLRC, this Court held: "Company personnel policies are guiding principles
stated in broad, long-range terms that express the philosophy or beliefs of an organization’s top
authority regarding personnel matters. They deal with matter affecting efficiency and well-being of
employees and include, among others, the procedure in the administration of wages, benefits,
promotions, transfer and other personnel movements which are usually not spelled out in the collective
agreement."
Considering that the Drug Abuse Policy is a company personnel policy, it is the Voluntary Arbitrators or
Panel of Voluntary Arbitrators, not the RTC, which exercises jurisdiction over this case. Article 261 of
the Labor Code, as amended, pertinently provides:
Art. 261. Jurisdiction of Voluntary Arbitrators or Panel of Voluntary Arbitrators. – The Voluntary
Arbitrator or panel of Voluntary Arbitrators shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction to hear and
decide all unresolved grievances arising from the interpretation or implementation of the Collective
Bargaining Agreement and those arising from the interpretation or enforcement of company personnel
policies x x x."
II. What should have interposed is an appeal to the Court of Appeals, not a petition for
certiorari since the assailed RTC order is final. Certiorari is not a substitute for an appeal.
With respect to the second issue raised by petitioners, what they should have interposed is an appeal
to the Court of Appeals, not a petition for certiorari which they initially filed with this Court, since the
assailed RTC order is final. Certiorari is not a substitute for an appeal. For certiorari to prosper, it is not
enough that the trial court committed grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of
jurisdiction, as alleged by petitioners. The requirement that there is no appeal, nor any plain, speedy
and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law must likewise be satisfied. 10 We must stress that
the remedy of appeal was then available to petitioners, but they did not resort to it. And while this Court
in exceptional instances allowed a party’s availment of certiorari instead of appeal, we find that no such
exception exists here.
TABIGUE ET AL. vs. INTERNATIONAL COPRA EXPORT CORPORATION
[G.R. No. 183335, December 23, 2009]
Facts:
Juanito Tabigue and his 19 co-petitioners, employees of International Copra Export Corp-oration
(INTERCO), filed a Notice of Preventive Mediation with the Department of Labor and Employment –
National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), Regional Branch No. XI, Davao City against
respondent, for violation of Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and failure to sit on the grievance
conference/meeting.
As the parties failed to reach a settlement before the NCMB, petitioners requested to elevate the case
to voluntary arbitration. The NCMB thus set a date for the parties to agree on a Voluntary Arbitrator.
Before the parties could finally meet, respondent presented before the NCMB a letter stating that
petitioners “are not duly authorized by [the] board or the officers to represent the union, [hence] . . .
all actions, representations or agreements made by these people with the management will not be
honored or recognized by the union.” Respondent thus moved to dismiss petitioners’ complaint for lack
of jurisdiction.
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The parties having failed to arrive at a settlement, NCMB Director Teodorico O. Yosores wrote petitioner
Alex Bibat and respondent’s plant manager Tangente of the lack of willingness of both parties to submit
to voluntary arbitration, which willingness is a pre-requisite to submit the case thereto; and that under
the CBA forged by the parties, the union is an indispensable party to a voluntary arbitration but that
since Tan informed respondent that the union had not authorized petitioners to represent it, it would be
absurd to bring the case to voluntary arbitration.
The NCMB Director thus concluded that “the demand of [petitioners] to submit the issues . . . to
voluntary arbitration CAN NOT BE GRANTED.” He thus advised petitioners to avail of the compulsory
arbitration process to enforce their rights.
On petitioners’ Motion for Reconsideration,the NCMB Director, by letter of April 11, 2007 to petitioners’
counsel, stated that the NCMB “has no rule-making power to decide on issues [as it] only facilitates
settlement among the parties to . . . labor disputes.”
Via Petition for Review before the Court of Appeals, it dismissed said petition, x x x x Considering that
NCMB is not a quasi-judicial agency exercising quasi-judicial functions but merely a conciliatory body
for the purpose of facilitating settlement of disputes between parties, its decisions or that of its
authorized officer cannot be appealed either through a petition for review under Rule 43 or under Rule
65 of the Revised Rules of Court.
Petitioners filed the present Petition for Review on Certiorari.
Issues:
1. Whether or not the NCMB, when exercising adjudicative powers acts as a quasi-judicial agency.
2. Whether or not final judgments of RTCs and quasi-judicial bodies like the NCMB are appealable by
petition for review to the CA.
Ruling:
The petition fails.
Section 7 of Rule 43 of the Rules of Court provides that: The failure of the petitioner to comply with any
of the foregoing requirements regarding the payment of the docket and other lawful fees, the deposit
for costs, proof of service of the petition, and the contents of and the documents which should
accompany the petition shall be sufficient ground for the dismissal thereof. (underscoring and
emphasis supplied)
Petitioners claim that they had completed the payment of the appellate docket fee and other legal fees
when they filed their motion for reconsideration before the Court of Appeals. While the Court has, in the
interest of justice, given due course to appeals despite the belated payment of those fees, petitioners
have not proffered any reason to call for a relaxation of the above-quoted rule. On this score alone, the
dismissal by the appellate court of petitioners’ petition is in order.
But even if the above-quoted rule were relaxed, the appellate court’s dismissal would just the same be
sustained. Under Section 9 (3) of the Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980,the Court of Appeals
exercises exclusive appellate jurisdiction over all final judgments, decisions, resolutions, orders or
awards of Regional Trial Courts and quasi-judicial agencies, instrumentalities, boards or commissions.
Rule 43 of the Rules of Court under applies to awards, judgments, final orders or resolutions of or
authorized by any quasi-judicial agency in the exercise of its quasi-judicial functions.
A[n agency] is said to be exercising judicial function where [it] has the power to determine what the
law is and what the legal rights of the parties are, and then undertakes to determine these questions
and adjudicate upon the rights of the parties. Quasi-judicial function is a term which applies to the
action, discretion, etc. of public administrative officers or bodies, who are required to investigate facts
or ascertain the existence of facts, hold hearings, and draw conclusions from them as a basis for their
official action and to exercise discretion of a judicial nature. (underscoring supplied)
Given NCMB’s following functions, as enumerated in Section 22 of Executive Order No. 126 (the
Reorganization Act of the Ministry of Labor and Employment), viz:
(a) Formulate policies, programs, standards, procedures, manuals of operation and guidelines
pertaining to effective mediation and conciliation of labor disputes;
(b) Perform preventive mediation and conciliation functions;
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(c) Coordinate and maintain linkages with other sectors or institutions, and other government
authorities concerned with matters relative to the prevention and settlement of labor disputes;
(d) Formulate policies, plans, programs, standards, procedures, manuals of operation and
guidelines pertaining to the promotion of cooperative and non-adversarial schemes, grievance
handling, voluntary arbitration and other voluntary modes of dispute settlement;
(e) Administer the voluntary arbitration program; maintain/update a list of voluntary arbitrations;
compile arbitration awards and decisions;
(f) Provide counseling and preventive mediation assistance particularly in the administration of
collective agreements;
(g) Monitor and exercise technical supervision over the Board programs being implemented in the
regional offices; and
(h) Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the Minister;
It cannot be considered a quasi-judicial agency.

Petitioners have not, been duly authorized to represent the union. Apropos is this Court’s
pronouncement in Atlas Farms, Inc. v. National Labor Relations Commission, viz: x x x Pursuant to
Article 260 of the Labor Code, the parties to a CBA shall name or designate their respective
representatives to the grievance machinery and if the grievance is unsettled in that level, it shall
automatically be referred to the voluntary arbitrators designated in advance by parties to a
CBA. Consequently only disputes involving the union and the company shall be referred to the
grievance machinery or voluntary arbitrators.
Clutching at straws, petitioners invoke the first paragraph of Article 255 of the Labor Code which states:
Art. 255. The labor organization designated or selected by the majority of the employees in an
appropriate collective bargaining unit shall be the exclusive representative of the employees in such unit
for the purpose of collective bargaining. However, an individual employee or group of employees shall
have the right at any time to present grievances to their employer.
To petitioners, the immediately quoted provision “is meant to be an exception to the exclusiveness of
the representative role of the labor organization/union.”
SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY vs. COBARRUBIAS
[G.R. No. 187104, August 3, 2010]
Facts:
Evangeline C. Cobarrubias is an associate professor of ST. Louis University, College of Human Sciences.
She is an active member of the Union of Faculty and Employees of Saint Louis University (UFESLU).
The 2001-2006 and 2006-2011 Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) between SLU and UFESLU
contain the following common provision on forced leave:
Section 7.7. For teaching employees in college who fail the yearly evaluation, the following provisions
shall apply:
(a) Teaching employees who are retained for three (3) cumulative years in five (5) years shall be on
forced leave for one (1) regular semester during which period all benefits due them shall be suspended.
SLU placed Cobarrubias on forced leave for the first semester of School Year (SY) 2007-2008 when she
failed the evaluation for SY 2002-2003, SY 2005-2006, and SY 2006-2007, with the rating of 85, 77,
and 72.9 points, respectively, below the required rating of 87 points.
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To reverse the imposed forced leave, Cobarrubias sought recourse from the CBA’s grievance machinery.
Despite the conferences held, the parties still failed to settle their dispute, prompting Cobarrubias to file
a case for illegal forced leave or illegal suspension with the NCMB. When circulation and mediation again
failed, the parties submitted the issues between them for voluntary arbitration before Voluntary
Arbitrator (VA) Daniel T. Fariñas.
The voluntary arbitrator dismissed the case. He noted that the CBA clearly authorized SLU to place its
teaching employees on forced leave when they fail in the evaluation for three (3) years within a five-
year period, without a distinction on whether the three years fall within one or two CBA periods.
Cobarrubias filed with the CA a petition for review under Rule 43 of the Rules of Court, but failed to pay
the required filing fees and to attach to the petition copies of the material portions of the record.14
SLU insisted that the VA decision had already attained finality for Cobarrubias’ failure to pay the docket
fees on time.
The CA brushed aside SLU’s insistence on the finality of the VA decision and annulled it, declaring that
the "three (3) cumulative years in five (5) years" phrase in Section 7.7(a) of the 2006-2011 CBA means
within the five-year effectivity of the CBA. Thus, the CA ordered SLU to pay all the benefits due
Cobarrubias for the first semester of SY 2007-2008, when she was placed on forced leave.
Issue:
Whether the CA erred in reinstating Cobarrubias’ petition despite her failure to pay the appeal fee within
the reglementary period, and in reversing the VA decision.
Ruling:
Payment of Appellate Court Docket Fees
Appeal is not a natural right but a mere statutory privilege, thus, appeal must be made strictly in
accordance with the provision set by law.25 Rule 43 of the Rules of Court provides that appeals from
the judgment of the VA shall be taken to the CA, by filing a petition for review within fifteen (15) days
from the receipt of the notice of judgment.26 Furthermore, upon the filing of the petition, the petitioner
shall pay to the CA clerk of court the docketing and other lawful fees non-compliance with the procedural
requirements shall be a sufficient ground for the petition’s dismissal. Thus, payment in full of docket
fees within the prescribed period is not only mandatory, but also jurisdictional. It is an essential
requirement, without which, the decision appealed from would become final and executory as if no
appeal has been filed.
As early as the 1932 case of Lazaro v. Endencia and Andres we stressed that the payment of the full
amount of the docket fee is an indispensable step for the perfection of an appeal. In Lee v. Republic, we
decided that even though half of the appellate court docket fee was deposited, no appeal was deemed
perfected where the other half was tendered after the period within which payment should have been
made. In Aranas v. Endona, we reiterated that the appeal is not perfected if only a part of the docket
fee is deposited within the reglementary period and the remainder is tendered after the expiration of
the period.
In the present case, Cobarrubias filed her petition for review on December 5, 2007, fifteen (15) days
from receipt of the VA decision on November 20, 2007, but paid her docket fees in full only after seventy-
two (72) days, when she filed her motion for reconsideration on February 15, 2008 and attached the
postal money orders for P4,230.00. Undeniably, the docket fees were paid late, and without payment
of the full docket fees, Cobarrubias’ appeal was not perfected within the reglementary period.
Exceptions to the Rule on Payment of Appellate Court Docket Fees not applicable
Procedural rules do not exist for the convenience of the litigants; the rules were established primarily
to provide order to and enhance the efficiency of our judicial system. While procedural rules are liberally
construed, the provisions on reglementary periods are strictly applied, indispensable as they are to the
prevention of needless delays, and are necessary to the orderly and speedy discharge of judicial
business.
Viewed in this light, procedural rules are not to be belittled or dismissed simply because their non-
observance may have prejudiced a party's substantive rights; like all rules, they are required to be
followed. However, there are recognized exceptions to their strict observance, such as: (1) most
persuasive and weighty reasons; (2) to relieve a litigant from an injustice not commensurate with his
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failure to comply with the prescribed procedure; (3) good faith of the defaulting party by immediately
paying within a reasonable time from the time of the default; (4) the existence of special or compelling
circumstances; (5) the merits of the case; (6) a cause not entirely attributable to the fault or negligence
of the party favored by the suspension of the rules; (7) a lack of any showing that the review sought is
merely frivolous and dilatory; (8) the other party will not be unjustly prejudiced thereby; (9) fraud,
accident, mistake or excusable negligence without the appellant's fault; (10) peculiar, legal and
equitable circumstances attendant to each case; (11) in the name of substantial justice and fair play;
(12) importance of the issues involved; and (13) exercise of sound discretion by the judge, guided by
all the attendant circumstances.52 Thus, there should be an effort, on the part of the party invoking
liberality, to advance a reasonable or meritorious explanation for his/her failure to comply with the rules.
In Cobarrubias' case, no such explanation has been advanced. Other than insisting that the ends of
justice and fair play are better served if the case is decided on its merits, Cobarrubias offered no excuse
for her failure to pay the docket fees in full when she filed her petition for review. To us, Cobarrubias’
omission is fatal to her cause.
We, thus, find that the CA erred in reinstating Cobarrubias’ petition for review despite the nonpayment
of the requisite docket fees within the reglementary period. The VA decision had lapsed to finality when
the docket fees were paid; hence, the CA had no jurisdiction to entertain the appeal except to order its
dismissal.
TENG vs. PAHAGAC ET AL.
[G.R. No. 169704, November 17, 2010]
Facts:
Albert Teng Fish Trading is engaged in deep sea fishing and, for this purpose, owns boats (basnig),
equipment, and other fishing paraphernalia. As owner of the business, Teng claims that he customarily
enters into joint venture agreements with master fishermen (maestros) who are skilled and are experts
in deep sea fishing; they take charge of the management of each fishing venture, including the hiring
of the members of its complement. He avers that the maestros hired the respondent workers as checkers
to determine the volume of the fish caught in every fishing voyage.
On February 20, 2003, the respondent workers filed a complaint for illegal dismissal against Albert Teng
Fish Trading, Teng, and Chua before the NCMB, Region Branch No. IX, Zamboanga City.
The VA rendered a decision in Teng’s favor and declared that no employer-employee relationship existed
between Teng and the respondent workers.
The respondent workers received the VA’s decision on June 12, 2003. They filed a motion for
reconsideration, which was denied in an order dated June 27, 2003 and which they received on July 8,
2003. The VA reasoned out that Section 6, Rule VII of the 1989 Procedural Guidelines in the Conduct of
Voluntary Arbitration Proceedings (1989 Procedural Guidelines) does not provide the remedy of a motion
for reconsideration to the party adversely affected by the VA’s order or decision.
Respondent-workers elevated the case to the CA, which reversed the decision of the VA. Teng moved
to reconsider the CA’s decision, but the CA denied the motion in its resolution of September 1, 2005.
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He, thereafter, filed the present Petition for Review on Certiorari under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court,
claiming that:
a. the VA’s decision is not subject to a motion for reconsideration; and

b. no employer-employee relationship existed between Teng and the respondent workers.
Issue: Whether or not the VA’s decision is subject to a motion for reconsideration.
Ruling:
Article 262-A of the Labor Code does not prohibit the filing of a motion for reconsideration.
These rulings fully establish that the absence of a categorical language in Article 262-A does not preclude
the filing of a motion for reconsideration of the VA’s decision within the 10-day period. Teng’s allegation
that the VA’s decision had become final and executory by the time the respondent workers filed an
appeal with the CA thus fails. We consequently rule that the respondent workers seasonably filed a
motion for reconsideration of the VA’s judgment, and the VA erred in denying the motion because no
motion for reconsideration is allowed.
By allowing a 10-day period, the obvious intent of Congress in amending Article 263 to Article 262-A is
to provide an opportunity for the party adversely affected by the VA’s decision to seek recourse via a
motion for reconsideration or a petition for review under Rule 43 of the Rules of Court filed with the CA.
Indeed, a motion for reconsideration is the more appropriate remedy in line with the doctrine of
exhaustion of administrative remedies. For this reason, an appeal from administrative agencies to the
CA via Rule 43 of the Rules of Court requires exhaustion of available remedies as a condition precedent
to a petition under that Rule.
The requirement that administrative remedies be exhausted is based on the doctrine that in providing
for a remedy before an administrative agency, every opportunity must be given to the agency to resolve
the matter and to exhaust all opportunities for a resolution under the given remedy before bringing an
action in, or resorting to, the courts of justice. Where Congress has not clearly required exhaustion,
sound judicial discretion governs,[38] guided by congressional intent.
By disallowing reconsideration of the VA’s decision, Section 7, Rule XIX of DO 40-03 and Section 7 of
the 2005 Procedural Guidelines went directly against the legislative intent behind Article 262-A of the
Labor Code. These rules deny the VA the chance to correct himself[40] and compel the courts of justice
to prematurely intervene with the action of an administrative agency entrusted with the adjudication of
controversies coming under its special knowledge, training and specific field of expertise. In this era of
clogged court dockets, the need for specialized administrative agencies with the special knowledge,
experience and capability to hear and determine promptly disputes on technical matters or intricate
questions of facts, subject to judicial review, is indispensable.[41] In Industrial Enterprises, Inc. v. Court
of Appeals,[42] we ruled that relief must first be obtained in an administrative proceeding before a
remedy will be supplied by the courts even though the matter is within the proper jurisdiction of a court.
CAONG, JR. vs. BEGUALOS
[G.R. No. 179428, January 26, 2011]
Facts:
Petitioners Primo E. Caong, Jr. (Caong), Alexander J. Tresquio (Tresquio), and Loriano D. Daluyon
(Daluyon) were employed by respondent Avelino Regualos under a boundary agreement, as drivers of
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his jeepneys. In November 2001, they filed separate complaints for illegal dismissal against respondent
who barred them from driving the vehicles due to deficiencies in their boundary payments.
Labor Arbiter decided in favor of respondent. Petitioners appealed to the NLRC which agreed with the
decision of the LA and dismissed the appeal. The petitioners’ motion for reconsideration was also denied.
Petitioners filed a petition for certiorari with the CA. The CA found no grave abuse of discretion on the
part of the NLRC. They filed a motion for reconsideration but was denied.
Petitioners thus elevated the case to the Supreme Court arguing that they were illegally dismissed and
were not afforded due process of law.
Issues:
1. Whether or not the respondents were illegally dismissed.
2. Whether or not the policy of suspending drivers pending payment of arrears in their boundary
obligations reasonable.
Ruling:
We have no reason to deviate from such findings. Indeed, petitioners’ suspension cannot be categorized
as dismissal, considering that there was no intent on the part of respondent to sever the employer-
employee relationship between him and petitioners. In fact, it was made clear that petitioners could put
an end to the suspension if they only pay their recent arrears. As it was, the suspension dragged on for
years because of petitioners’ stubborn refusal to pay. It would have been different if petitioners complied
with the condition and respondent still refused to readmit them to work. Then there would have been a
clear act of dismissal. But such was not the case. Instead of paying, petitioners even filed a complaint
for illegal dismissal against respondent.
Respondent’s policy of suspending drivers who fail to remit the full amount of the boundary was fair and
reasonable under the circumstances. Respondent explained that he noticed that his drivers were getting
lax in remitting their boundary payments and, in fact, herein petitioners had already incurred a
considerable amount of arrears. He had to put a stop to it as he also relied on these boundary payments
to raise the full amount of his monthly amortizations on the jeepneys. Demonstrating their obstinacy,
petitioners, on the days immediately following the implementation of the policy, incurred deficiencies in
their boundary remittances.
It is acknowledged that an employer has free rein and enjoys a wide latitude of discretion to regulate
all aspects of employment, including the prerogative to instill discipline on his employees and to impose
penalties, including dismissal, if warranted, upon erring employees. This is a management prerogative.
Indeed, the manner in which management conducts its own affairs to achieve its purpose is within the
management’s discretion. The only limitation on the exercise of management prerogative is that the
policies, rules, and regulations on work-related activities of the employees must always be fair and
reasonable, and the corresponding penalties, when prescribed, commensurate to the offense involved
and to the degree of the infraction
A company policy must be implemented in such manner as will accord social justice and compassion to
the employee. In case of noncompliance with the company policy, the employer must consider the
surrounding circumstances and the reasons why the employee failed to comply. When the circumstances
merit the relaxation of the application of the policy, then its noncompliance must be excused.
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ESTATE OF DULAY vs. ABOITIZ JEBSEN MARITIME INC. ET AL.
[G.R. No. 172642, June 13, 2012]
Facts:
Nelson R. Dulay (Nelson, for brevity) was employed by [herein respondent] General Charterers, Inc.
(GCI), a subsidiary of co-petitioner [herein co-respondent] Aboitiz Jebsen Maritime, Inc. since 1986. He
initially worked as an ordinary seaman and later as bosun on a contractual basis. From September 3,
1999 up to July 19, 2000, Nelson was detailed in petitioners' vessel, the MV Kickapoo Belle.
On August 13, 2000, or 25 days after the completion of his employment contract, Nelson died due to
acute renal failure secondary to septicemia. At the time of his death, Nelson was a bona fide member
of the Associated Marine Officers and Seaman's Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP), GCI's collective
bargaining agent. Nelson's widow, Merridy Jane, thereafter claimed for death benefits through the
grievance procedure of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between AMOSUP and GCI. However,
on January 29, 2001, the grievance procedure was "declared deadlocked" as petitioners refused to grant
the benefits sought by the widow.
On March 5, 2001, Merridy Jane filed a complaint with the NLRC Sub-Regional Arbitration Board in
General Santos City against GCI for death and medical benefits and damages.
On March 8, 2001, Joven Mar, Nelson's brother, received P20,000.00 from [respondents] pursuant to
article 20(A)2 of the CBA and signed a "Certification" acknowledging receipt of the amount and releasing
AMOSUP from further liability. Merridy Jane contended that she is entitled to the aggregate sum of
Ninety Thousand Dollars ($90,000.00) pursuant to [A]rticle 20 (A)1 of the CBA . . .
Merridy Jane averred that the P20,000.00 already received by Joven Mar should be considered advance
payment of the total claim of US$90,000.[00].
[Herein respondents], on the other hand, asserted that the NLRC had no jurisdiction over the action on
account of the absence of employer-employee relationship between GCI and Nelson at the time of the
latter's death. Nelson also had no claims against petitioners for sick leave allowance/medical benefit by
reason of the completion of his contract with GCI. They further alleged that private respondent is not
entitled to death benefits because petitioners are only liable for such "in case of death of the seafarer
during the term of his contract pursuant to the POEA contract" and the cause of his death is not work-
related. Petitioners admitted liability only with respect to article 20(A)2 [of the CBA]. . . .
However, as petitioners stressed, the same was already discharged.
The Labor Arbiter ruled in favor of private respondent. It took cognizance of the case by virtue of Article
217 (a), paragraph 6 of the Labor Code and the existence of a reasonable causal connection between
the employer-employee relationship and the claim asserted. It ordered the petitioner to pay
P4,621,300.00, the equivalent of US$90,000.00 less P20,000.00, at the time of judgment . . .
The Labor Arbiter also ruled that the proximate cause of Nelson's death was not work-related.
On appeal, [the NLRC] affirmed the Labor Arbiter's decision as to the grant of death benefits under the
CBA but reversed the latter's ruling as to the proximate cause of Nelson's death.
Issue:
Whether or not the CA committed error in ruling that the Labor Arbiter has no jurisdiction over the case.
Ruling:
Petitioner contends that Section 10 of Republic Act (R.A.) 8042, otherwise known as the Migrant Workers
and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, vests jurisdiction on the appropriate branches of the NLRC to
entertain disputes regarding the interpretation of a collective bargaining agreement involving migrant
or overseas Filipino workers. Petitioner argues that the abovementioned Section amended Article 217
(c) of the Labor Code which, in turn, confers jurisdiction upon voluntary arbitrators over interpretation
or implementation of collective bargaining agreements and interpretation or enforcement of company
personnel policies.
The pertinent provisions of Section 10 of R.A. 8042 provide as follows:
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SEC. 10.Money Claims. — Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Labor Arbiters of
the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) shall have the original and exclusive jurisdiction to
hear and decide, within ninety (90) calendar days after filing of the complaint, the claims arising out of
an employer-employee relationship or by virtue of any law or contract involving Filipino workers for
overseas deployment including claims for actual, moral, exemplary and other forms of damages.
Article 217 (c) of the Labor Code, on the other hand, states that:
xxx xxx xxx
(c)Cases arising from the interpretation or implementation of collective bargaining agreements and
those arising from the interpretation or enforcement of company personnel policies shall be disposed by
the Labor Arbiter by referring the same to the grievance machinery and voluntary arbitration as may be
provided in said agreements. cCSHET
On their part, respondents insist that in the present case, Article 217, paragraph (c) as well as Article
261 of the Labor Code remain to be the governing provisions of law with respect to unresolved
grievances arising from the interpretation and implementation of collective bargaining agreements.
Under these provisions of law, jurisdiction remains with voluntary arbitrators.
Article 261 of the Labor Code reads, thus:
ARTICLE 261.Jurisdiction of Voluntary Arbitrators or panel of Voluntary Arbitrators. — The Voluntary
Arbitrator or panel of Voluntary Arbitrators shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction to hear and
decide all unresolved grievances arising from the interpretation or implementation of the Collective
Bargaining Agreement and those arising from the interpretation or enforcement of company personnel
policies referred to in the immediately preceding article. Accordingly, violations of a Collective Bargaining
Agreement, except those which are gross in character, shall no longer be treated as unfair labor practice
and shall be resolved as grievances under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. For purposes of this
article, gross violations of Collective Bargaining Agreement shall mean flagrant and/or malicious refusal
to comply with the economic provisions of such agreement.
The Commission, its Regional Offices and the Regional Directors of the Department of Labor and
Employment shall not entertain disputes, grievances or matters under the exclusive and original
jurisdiction of the Voluntary Arbitrator or panel of Voluntary Arbitrators and shall immediately dispose
and refer the same to the Grievance Machinery or Voluntary Arbitration provided in the Collective
The petition is without merit.

It is true that R.A. 8042 is a special law governing overseas Filipino workers. However, a careful reading
of this special law would readily show that there is no specific provision thereunder which provides for
jurisdiction over disputes or unresolved grievances regarding the interpretation or implementation of a
CBA. Section 10 of R.A. 8042, which is cited by petitioner, simply speaks, in general, of "claims arising
out of an employer-employee relationship or by virtue of any law or contract involving Filipino workers
for overseas deployment including claims for actual, moral, exemplary and other forms of damages."
On the other hand, Articles 217 (c) and 261 of the Labor Code are very specific in stating that voluntary
arbitrators have jurisdiction over cases arising from the interpretation or implementation of collective
bargaining agreements. Stated differently, the instant case involves a situation where the special statute
(R.A. 8042) refers to a subject in general, which the general statute (Labor Code) treats in particular.
5 In the present case, the basic issue raised by Merridy Jane in her complaint filed with the NLRC is:
which provision of the subject CBA applies insofar as death benefits due to the heirs of Nelson are
concerned. The Court agrees with the CA in holding that this issue clearly involves the interpretation or
implementation of the said CBA. Thus, the specific or special provisions of the Labor Code govern.
In any case, the Court agrees with petitioner's contention that the CBA is the law or contract between
the parties. Article 13.1 of the CBA entered into by and between respondent GCI and AMOSUP, the
union to which petitioner belongs, provides as follows:
The Company and the Union agree that in case of dispute or conflict in the interpretation or application
of any of the provisions of this Agreement, or enforcement of Company policies, the same shall be
settled through negotiation, conciliation or voluntary arbitration. The Company and the Union further
agree that they will use their best endeavor to ensure that any dispute will be discussed, resolved and
settled amicably by the parties hereof within ninety (90) days from the date of filing of the dispute or
212
conflict and in case of failure to settle thereof any of the parties retain their freedom to take appropriate
action.
From the foregoing, it is clear that the parties, in the first place, really intended to bring to conciliation
or voluntary arbitration any dispute or conflict in the interpretation or application of the provisions of
their CBA. It is settled that when the parties have validly agreed on a procedure for resolving grievances
and to submit a dispute to voluntary arbitration then that procedure should be strictly observed.
It may not be amiss to point out that the abovequoted provisions of the CBA are in consonance with
Rule VII, Section 7 of the present Omnibus Rules and Regulations Implementing the Migrant Workers
and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, which states that "[f]or
OFWs with collective bargaining agreements, the case shall be submitted for voluntary arbitration in
accordance with Articles 261 and 262 of the Labor Code." The Court notes that the said Omnibus Rules
and Regulations were promulgated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and that these departments were mandated to consult with the
Senate Committee on Labor and Employment and the House of Representatives Committee on Overseas
Workers Affairs.
In the same manner, Section 29 of the prevailing Standard Terms and Conditions Governing the
Employment of Filipino Seafarers on Board Ocean Going Vessels, promulgated by the Philippine Overseas
Employment Administration (POEA), provides as follows:
Section 29.Dispute Settlement Procedures. — In cases of claims and disputes arising from this
employment, the parties covered by a collective bargaining agreement shall submit the claim or dispute
to the original and exclusive jurisdiction of the voluntary arbitrator or panel of arbitrators. If the parties
are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the parties may at their option submit the claim
or dispute to either the original and exclusive jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Commission
(NLRC), pursuant to Republic Act (RA) 8042, otherwise known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas
Filipinos Act of 1995 or to the original and exclusive jurisdiction of the voluntary arbitrator or panel of
arbitrators. If there is no provision as to the voluntary arbitrators to be appointed by the parties, the
same shall be appointed from the accredited voluntary arbitrators of the National Conciliation and
Mediation Board of the Department of Labor and Employment. DHSEcI
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) shall exercise original and exclusive
jurisdiction to hear and decide disciplinary action on cases, which are administrative in character,
involving or arising out of violations of recruitment laws, rules and regulations involving employers,
principals, contracting partners and Filipino seafarers. (Emphasis supplied)
It is clear from the above that the interpretation of the DOLE, in consultation with their counterparts in
the respective committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as the DFA and the
POEA is that with respect to disputes involving claims of Filipino seafarers wherein the parties are
covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the dispute or claim should be submitted to the
jurisdiction of a voluntary arbitrator or panel of arbitrators. It is only in the absence of a collective
bargaining agreement that parties may opt to submit the dispute to either the NLRC or to voluntary
arbitration. It is elementary that rules and regulations issued by administrative bodies to interpret the
law which they are entrusted to enforce, have the force of law, and are entitled to great respect. 8 Such
rules and regulations partake of the nature of a statute and are just as binding as if they have been
written in the statute itself. 9 In the instant case, the Court finds no cogent reason to depart from this
rule.
The above interpretation of the DOLE, DFA and POEA is also in consonance with the policy of the state
to promote voluntary arbitration as a mode of settling labor disputes.
No less than the Philippine Constitution provides, under the third paragraph, Section 3, Article XIII,
thereof that "[t]he State shall promote the principle of shared responsibility between workers and
employers and the preferential use of voluntary modes in settling disputes, including conciliation, and
shall enforce their mutual compliance therewith to foster industrial peace."
Consistent with this constitutional provision, Article 211 of the Labor Code provides the declared policy
of the State "[t]o promote and emphasize the primacy of free collective bargaining and negotiations,
including voluntary arbitration, mediation and conciliation, as modes of settling labor or industrial
disputes."
213
On the basis of the foregoing, the Court finds no error in the ruling of the CA that the voluntary arbitrator
has jurisdiction over the instant case.
LEPANTO CONSOLIDATED MINING COMPANY vs. THE LEPANTO CAPATAZ UNION
[G.R. No. 157086, February 18, 2013]
Facts:
As a domestic corporation authorized to engage in large-scale mining, Lepanto operated several mining
claims in Mankayan, Benguet. On May 27, 1998, respondent Lepanto Capataz Union (Union), a labor
organization duly registered with DOLE, filed a petition for consent election with the Industrial Relations
Division of the Cordillera Regional Office (CAR) of DOLE, thereby proposing to represent 139 capatazes
of Lepanto.
In due course, Lepanto opposed the petition, contending that the Union was in reality seeking a
certification election, not a consent election, and would be thereby competing with the Lepanto
Employees Union (LEU), the current collective bargaining agent. Lepanto pointed out that the capatazes
were already members of LEU, the exclusive representative of all rank-and-file employees of its Mine
Division.
On May 2, 2000, Med-Arbiter Michaela A. Lontoc of DOLE-CAR issued a ruling to the effect that the
capatazes could form a separate bargaining unit due to their not being rank-and-file employees.
On the day of the certification election, however, Lepanto presented an opposition/protest. Hence, on
February 8, 2001, a hearing was held on Lepanto's opposition/protest. Although the parties were
required in that hearing to submit their respective position papers, Lepanto later opted not to submit its
position paper, and contended that the issues identified during the hearing did not pose any legal issue
to be addressed in a position paper.
On April 26, 2001, Med-Arbiter Florence Marie A. Gacad-Ulep of DOLE-CAR rendered a decision certifying
the Union as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent of all capatazes of Lepanto.
On May 18, 2001, Lepanto appealed the decision of Med-Arbiter Gacad-Ulep to the DOLE Secretary.
By her Resolution dated September 17, 2002, 15 DOLE Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas affirmed the
decision dated April 26, 2001, holding and disposing thus:
Appellant accused Med-Arbiter Ulep of grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack of jurisdiction based
on her failure to resolve appellant's motion to modify order to submit position papers and on rendering
judgment on the basis only of appellee's position paper.
We deny.
Section 5, Rule XXV of Department Order No. 9, otherwise known as the New Rules Implementing Book
V of the Labor Code, states that "in all proceedings at all levels, incidental motions shall not be given
due course, but shall remain as part of the records for whatever they may be worth when the case is
decided on the merits".
Further, the motion to modify order to submit position papers filed by appellant is without merit.
Appellant claimed that the issues over which Med-Arbiter Ulep directed the submission of position papers
were: (1) failure to challenge properly; (2) failure (especially of LEU) to participate actively in the
proceedings before the decision calling for the conduct of certification election; and (3) validity of earlier
arguments. According to appellant, the first issue was for appellee LCU to reply to in its position paper,
the second issue was for the LEU and the third issue for appellant company to explain in their respective
position paper. It was the position of appellant company that unless the parties filed their position paper
on each of their respective issues, the other parties cannot discuss the issues they did not raise in the
same position papers and have to await receipt of the others' position paper for their appropriate reply.
214
Section 9, Rule XI of Department Order No. 9, which is applied with equal force in the disposition of
protests on the conduct of election, states that "the Med-Arbiter shall in the same hearing direct all
concerned parties, including the employer, to simultaneously submit their respective position papers
within a non-extendible period of ten days". The issues as recorded in the minutes of 28 February 2001
hearing before the Med-Arbiter are clear. The parties, including appellant company were required to
submit their respective positions on whether there was proper challenge of the voters, whether LEU
failed to participate in the proceedings, if so, whether it should be allowed to participate at this belated
stage and whether the arguments raised during the pre-election conferences and in the protests are
valid. The parties, including appellant company were apprised of these issues and they agreed thereto.
The minutes of the hearing even contained the statement that "no order will issue" and that "the parties
are informed accordingly". If there is any matter that had to be clarified, appellant should have clarified
the same during the said hearing and refused to file its position paper simultaneously with LCU and LEU.
It appears that appellant did not do so and acquiesced to the filing of its position paper within fifteen
days from the date of said hearing.
Issue:
Whether or not the secretary of labor acted without or in excess of jurisdiction, [o]r with grave abuse
of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction in issuing the decision dated september 17,
2002, when she deliberately ignored the facts and ruled in favor of the respondent union, despite her
own finding that there had been a premature canvass of votes.
Ruling:
The filing of the motion for reconsideration is a pre-requisite to the filing of a petition for
certiorari to assail the decision of the DOLE Secretary.
We hold to be untenable and not well taken Lepanto's submissions that: (1) a motion for reconsideration
was not an available remedy from the decision of the DOLE Secretary because of Section 15, Rule XI,
Book V of the Omnibus Rules Implementing the Labor Code, as amended; and (2) the ruling in National
Federation of Labor v. Laguesma 21 (recognizing the remedy of certiorari against the decision of the
DOLE Secretary to be filed initially in the CA) actually affirms its position that an immediate recourse to
the CA on certiorari is proper even without the prior filing of a motion for reconsideration.
To start with, the requirement of the timely filing of a motion for reconsideration as a precondition to
the filing of a petition for certiorari accords with the principle of exhausting administrative remedies as
a means to afford every opportunity to the respondent agency to resolve the matter and correct itself if
need be. 22 SIEHcA
And, secondly, the ruling in National Federation of Labor v. Laguesma reiterates St. Martin's Funeral
Home v. National Labor Relations Commission, where the Court has pronounced that the special civil
action of certiorari is the appropriate remedy from the decision of the National Labor Relations
Commission (NLRC) in view of the lack of any appellate remedy provided by the Labor Code to a party
aggrieved by the decision of the NLRC. Accordingly, any decision, resolution or ruling of the DOLE
Secretary from which the Labor Code affords no remedy to the aggrieved party may be reviewed through
a petition for certiorari initiated only in the CA in deference to the principle of the hierarchy of courts.
Agreeing with Med-Arbiter Lontoc's findings, then DOLE Undersecretary Baldoz, acting by authority of
the DOLE Secretary, observed in the resolution dated July 12, 2000, thus:
The bargaining unit sought to be represented by the appellee are the capataz employees of
the appellant. There is no other labor organization of capatazes within the employer unit
except herein appellant. Thus, appellant is an unorganized establishment in so far as the
bargaining unit of capatazes is concerned. In accordance with the last paragraph of Section
11, Rule XI, Department Order No. 9 which provides that "in a petition filed by a legitimate
labor organization involving an unorganized establishment, the Med-Arbiter shall, pursuant
to Article 257 of the Code, automatically order the conduct of certification election after
determining that the petition has complied with all requirements under Sections 1, 2 and 4
of the same rules and that none of the grounds for dismissal thereof exists", the order for the
conduct of a certification election is proper.
215
We cannot undo the affirmance by the DOLE Secretary of the correct findings of her subordinates in the
DOLE, an office that was undeniably possessed of the requisite expertise on the matter in issue. In
dealing with the matter, her subordinates in the DOLE fairly and objectively resolved whether the Union
could lawfully seek to be the exclusive representative of the bargaining unit of capatazes in the company.
Their factual findings, being supported by substantial evidence, are hereby accorded great respect and
finality. Such findings cannot be made the subject of our judicial review by petition under Rule 45 of the
Rules of Court, because:
. . . [T]he office of a petition for review on certiorari under Rule 45 of the Rules of Court requires that it
shall raise only questions of law. The factual findings by quasi-judicial agencies, such as the Department
of Labor and Employment, when supported by substantial evidence, are entitled to great respect in view
of their expertise in their respective field. Judicial review of labor cases does not go far as to evaluate
the sufficiency of evidence on which the labor official's findings rest. It is not our function to assess and
evaluate all over again the evidence, testimonial and documentary, adduced by the parties to an appeal,
particularly where the findings of both the trial court (here, the DOLE Secretary) and the appellate court
on the matter coincide, as in this case at bar. The Rule limits that function of the Court to review or
revision of errors of law and not to a second analysis of the evidence. Here, petitioners would have us
re-calibrate all over again the factual basis and the probative value of the pieces of evidence submitted
by the Company to the DOLE, contrary to the provisions of Rule 45. Thus, absent any showing of
whimsical or capricious exercise of judgment, and unless lack of any basis for the conclusions made by
the appellate court may be amply demonstrated, we may not disturb such factual findings.
In any event, we affirm that capatazes or foremen are not rank-and-file employees because they are
an extension of the management, and as such they may influence the rank-and-file workers under them
to engage in slowdowns or similar activities detrimental to the policies, interests or business objectives
of the employers.
7K CORP. vs. ALBARICO
[G.R. No. 182295, June 26, 2013]
Facts:
Petitioner 7K Corporation terminated Albarico’s employment allegedly for his poor sales performance.
Respondent submitted his money claims against petitioner for arbitration before the NCMB. While the
NCMB arbitration case was pending, Albarico filed a complaint for illegal dismissal with money claims
against petitioner before the Regional Arbitration Branch of the NLRC. Petitioner filed its position paper
in the NCMB arbitration case denying that respondent was terminated from work, much less illegally
dismissed. It claimed that Albarico was guilty of abandonment of employment. The NCMB voluntary
arbitrator rendered a decision finding petitioner corporation liable for illegal dismissal. In lieu of
reinstatement, however, the voluntary arbitrator ordered the corporation to pay Albarico his separation
pay, backwages, and attorney’s fee.
Issue:
Whether the voluntary arbitrator properly assumed jurisdiction to decide the issue of the legality of the
dismissalof respondent even if the same was not expressly claimed in the Submission Agreement of the
parties.
Ruling:
The voluntary arbitrator rightly assumed jurisdiction to decide the said issue.
Voluntary arbitrators may, by agreement of the parties, assume jurisdiction over a termination dispute
such asthe present case, contrary to the assertion of petitioner that they may not. Under the Labor
Code, separation pay may be given not only when there is illegal dismissal. In fact, it is also given to
216
employees who are terminated for authorized causes, such as redundancy, retrenchment or installation
oflabor-saving devices under Article 283 of the Labor Code. Additionally, jurisprudence holds that
separation pay may also be awarded for considerations of social justice, even if an employee has been
terminated for a just cause other thanserious misconduct or an act reflecting on moral character. The
Court has also ruled that separation pay may be awarded if it has become an established practice of the
company to pay the said benefit to voluntarily resigningemployees or to those validly dismissed for non-
membership in a union as required in a closed-shop agreement. Having established that the issue of the
legality of dismissal of Albarico was in fact necessarily albeit not explicitly included in the Submission
Agreement signed by the parties, this Court rules that the voluntary arbitrator rightly assumed
jurisdiction to decide the said issue. Consequently, we also rule that the voluntary arbitrator may award
backwages upon a finding of illegal dismissal, even though the issue of entitlement thereto is not
explicitly claimed inthe Submission Agreement. Backwages, in general, are awarded on the ground of
equity as a form of relief that restores the income lost by the terminated employee by reason of his
illegal dismissal.
G.R. No. 161006, October 14, 2015
ROGELIO BARONDA, Petitioner, v. HON. COURT OF APPEALS, AND HIDECO SUGAR MILLING CO.,
INC., Respondents.
FACTS:
Respondent Hideco Sugar Milling Co., Inc. (HIDECO) employed the petitioner as a mud press truck driver
with a daily salary of P281.00. On May 1, 1998, he hit HIDECO's transmission lines while operating a
dump truck, causing a total factory blackout the next day. Power was eventually restored but the
restoration cost HIDECO damages totaling P26,481.11. Following the incident, HIDECO served a notice
of offense requiring him to explain the incident within three days from notice. He complied. Thereafter,
the management conducted its investigation, and, finding him guilty of negligence, recommended his
dismissal. On June 15, 1998, the resident manager served a termination letter and informed him of the
decision to terminate his employment effective at the close of office hours of that day. Hence, HIDECO
no longer allowed him to report to work on the next day.
Petitioner filed in the Office of the Voluntary Arbitrator of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board
a complaint for illegal dismissal against HIDECO.
Voluntary Arbitrator:
- Rendered his decision by finding the petitioner's dismissal illegal, and ordering his
reinstatement.
- deemed the petitioner's separation from the service from June 16, 1998 to January 15, 1999 as
a suspension from work without pay
- commanded him to pay on installment basis the damages sustained by HIDECO from the May
1, 1998 incident he had caused
Petitioner was reinstated. He filed his manifestation with motion for the issuance of the writ of execution
in the Office of the Voluntary Arbitrator,11 praying for the execution of the decision, and insisting on
being entitled to backwages and other benefits.
Voluntary Arbitrator denied the petitioner's motion for execution on the ground that the decision did not
award any backwages; and granted HIDECO's motion for execution by directing the petitioner to pay
HIDECO P26,484.41 at the rate of P1,500.00/month.
217
Petitioner filed another motion for execution praying that a writ of execution requiring HIDECO to pay
to him unpaid wages, 13th month pay and bonuses from January 16, 2001, the date when his
reinstatement was effected, until his actual reinstatement
Voluntary Arbitrator granted the petitioner's second motion for execution
ISSUE:
Whether or not the reinstatement aspect of the Voluntary Arbitrator's decision was executory pending
appeal.
RULING:
Voluntary Arbitrator's order of reinstatement of the petitioner was immediately executor
Although the timely filing of a motion for reconsideration or of an appeal forestalls the finality of the
decision or award of the Voluntary Arbitrator,33 the reinstatement aspect of the Voluntary Arbitrator's
decision or award remains executory regardless of the filing of such motion for reconsideration or appeal.
The immediate reinstatement of the employee pending the appeal has been introduced by Section 12
of Republic Act No. 6715, which amended Article 223 of the Labor Code, to wit:
SEC. 12. Article 223 of the same code is amended to read as follows:
Art. 223. Appeal. -

In any event, the decision of the Labor Arbiter reinstating a dismissed or separated employee, in so far
as the reinstatement aspect is concerned, shall immediately be executory, even pending appeal. The
employee shall either be admitted back to work under the same terms and conditions prevailing prior
to his dismissal or separation or, at the option of the employer, merely reinstated in the payroll. The
posting of a bond by the employer shall not stay the execution for reinstatement provided herein, (bold
underscoring supplied for emphasis)
The normal consequences of a finding that an employee was illegally dismissed are, firstly, that the
employee becomes entitled to reinstatement to his former position without loss of seniority rights; and,
secondly, the payment of wages corresponding to the period from his illegal dismissal up to the time of
actual reinstatement. These two consequences give meaning and substance to the constitutional right
of labor to security of tenure.34 Reinstatement pending appeal thus affirms the constitutional mandate
to protect labor and to enhance social justice, for, as the Court has said in Aris (Phil.) Inc. v. National
Labor Relations Commission:
In such cases, the poor employees had been deprived of their only source of livelihood, their only means
of support for their family their lifeblood. To Us, this special circumstance is far better than any other
which a judge, in his sound discretion, may determine. In short, with respect to decisions reinstating
employees, the law itself has determined sufficiently overwhelming reason for its execution pending
appeal.
x x x Then, by and pursuant to the same power (police power), the State may authorize an immediate
implementation, pending appeal, of a decision reinstating a dismissed or separated employee since that
saving act is designed to stop, although temporarily since the appeal may be decided in favor of the
appellant, a continuing threat or danger to the survival or even the life of the dismissed or separated
employee and its family.
COCA-COLA FEMSA PHILIPPINES, INC vs. BACOLOD SALES FORCE UNION-CONGRESS OF

INDEPENDENT ORGANIZATION-ALU
Two-liner: Any agreement stipulating that 'the decision of the arbitrator shall be final and
unappealable' and 'that no further judicial recourse if either party disagrees with the whole or any part
of the arbitrator's award may be availed of' cannot be held to preclude in proper cases the power of
judicial review which is inherent in courts.
218
Facts: Petitioner employed Cosmos integrees who were assigned as Account-developer (AD) positions.
Eventually, petitioner hired new ADS who received a higher basic monthly pay although occupying the
same position, job description, and functions as that of the Cosmos integrees.
Respondent, the recognized collective bargaining agent of the rank-and-file sales, submitted its
concerns to the grievance machinery. After the grievance process failed, the parties agreed to submit
the unresolved matters to voluntary arbitration pursuant to Article 5 of the CBA.
VA ruled in favor of respondent. that the lower salary rate given to the Cosmos integrees smacks of
discrimination given that they hold the same position, perform the same work, share the same
functions, and have the same job description as that of the newly-hired ADs.
Petitioner filed MR to CA.
CA denied the petition on the ground that the VA Decision had attained finality pursuant to Section 5,
33 Article 5 of the CBA, which explicitly provides that "[t]he decision of the Arbitration Committee
shall be final and binding upon the COMPANY and the UNION, and the employees and may be enforced
in any court of competent jurisdiction."
Issue: WON the CA correctly held that the VA Decision can no longer be the subject of its review for
having attained finality pursuant to the express provision under Section 5, Article 5 of the CBA.
Ruling: No. Petitioner availed of the correct mode of review of the VA Decision by filing a petition for
review with the CA under Rule 43 of the Rules, and in conformity with prevailing jurisprudence.
In view of the nature of their functions, voluntary arbitrators act in a quasi-judicial capacity; 38 hence,
their judgments or final orders which are declared final by law are not so exempt from judicial review
when so warranted. "Any agreement stipulating that 'the decision of the arbitrator shall be final and
unappealable' and 'that no further judicial recourse if either party disagrees with the whole or any part
of the arbitrator's award may be availed of' cannot be held to preclude in proper cases the power of
judicial review which is inherent in courts.
Case law holds that the proper remedy to reverse or modify a Voluntary Arbitrator's or a Panel of
Voluntary Arbitrators' decision or award is to appeal the award or decision before the CA under Rule
43 of the Rules 41 on questions of fact, of law, mixed questions of fact and law, 42 or a mistake of
judgment. 43 However, in several cases, the Court allowed the filing of a petition for certiorari from
the VA's judgment to the CA under Rule 65 of the same Rules, 44 where the VA was averred to have
acted without or in excess of his jurisdiction or with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or
excess of jurisdiction.
219
COMPILATION OF ONE-LINERS
TOPIC 12 RIGHT TO SELF-ORGANIZATION
San Miguel Corp. v MPPP-SMPP-SMAMRFU-FFW

GR No. 152356, 16 August 2005
Principle: A managerial employee is one who is vested with powers or prerogatives to lay down and
execute management policies and/or to hire, transfer, suspend, layoff, recall, discharge, assign or
discipline employees. A supervisory employee is one who, in the interest of the employer, effectively
recommends managerial actions if the exercise of such recommendatory authority is not merely
routinary or clerical in nature but requires the use of independent judgment. Finally, all employees not
falling within the definition of managerial or supervisory employee are considered rank-and-file
employees. It is also well-settled that the actual functions of an employee, not merely his job title, are
determinative in classifying such employee as managerial, supervisory or rank and file.
GSIS v Kapisanan ng mga Manggagawa sa GSIS

GR No. 170132, 6 December 2006
Principle: Employees in the public service may not engage in strikes or in concerted and unauthorized
stoppage of work; that the right of government employees to organize is limited to the formation of
unions or associations, without including the right to strike. Public employees going on disruptive
unauthorized absences to join concerted mass actions may be held liable for conduct prejudicial to the
best interest of the service.
Diokno v Cacdac
GR No. 168475, 4 July 2007
Principle: BLR shall have original and exclusive authority to act on all inter-union and intra-union
conflicts, there should be no more doubt as to its jurisdiction. As defined, an intra-union conflict would
refer to a conflict within or inside a labor union, while an inter-union controversy or dispute is one
occurring or carried on between or among unions.
SAN MIGUEL CORP. EMPLOYEES UNION-PTGWO VS.SAN MIGUEL PACKAGING PRODUCTS EMPLOYEES
UNION, G.R. NO.171153, SEPT. 12, 2007
Principle: The Implementing Rules stipulate that a local or chapter may be directly created by a
federation or national union. A duly constituted local or chapter created in accordance with the foregoing
shall acquire legal personality from the date of filing of the complete documents with the BLR. The
issuance of the certificate of registration by the BLR or the DOLE Regional Office is not the operative act
that vests legal personality upon a local or a chapter. Further, the legal personality of a legitimate labor
organization, such as PDMP, cannot be subject to a collateral attack.
DONG SEUNG INC., VS. BUREAU OF LABOR RELATIONS, G.R. NO. 162356, APRIL 14, 2008
Principle: All that Article 235 requires is that the secretary’s certification be under oath. It does not
prescribe a specific manner of its notarization. Based on its interpretation of Article 235, the BLR, in its
October 14, 1998 Advisory, allows for the wholesale notarization of a union’s application for registration
and recognizes the effects thereof even on the attachments, including the secretary’s certification.
DEL PILAR ACADEMY ET AL., VS.DEL PILAR ACADEMY EMPLOYEES UNION, G.R. NO. 170112, APRIL 30,
2008
220
Principle: The collection of agency fees in an amount equivalent to union dues and fees, from employees
who are not union members, is recognized by Article 248(e) of the Labor Code. No requirement of
written authorization from the non-union employees is necessary if the non-union employees accept the
benefits resulting from the CBA. The employee's acceptance of benefits resulting from a collective
bargaining agreement justifies the deduction of agency fees from his pay and the union's entitlement
thereto.
S.S. Ventures v. S.S. Labor Union
One Liner: The right to form, join, or assist a union is specifically protected by Art. XIII, Section 3 of
the Constitution and such right, according to Art. III, Sec. 8 of the Constitution and Art. 246 of the Labor
Code, shall not be abridged.
Inguillo v. First Philippine Scales
One Liner: While it is recognized that an employee shall have the right to self-organization, it is at the
same time postulated that such rights shall not injure the right of the labor organization to prescribe its
own rules with respect to acquisition or retention of membership.
Sta. Lucia v. SOLE
One Liner: Article 212 (g) of the Labor Code defines a labor organization as “any union or association
of employees which exists in whole or in part for the purpose of collective bargaining or of dealing with
employers concerning terms and conditions of employment.”
10. Mariwasa Siam Ceramics Inc. vs. Secretary of DOLE, et al., G.R. No. 183317, December 21, 2009
Registration of union; membership requirement: Article 234 of the Labor Code merely requires a 20%
minimum membership during the application for union registration. It does not mandate that a union
must maintain the 20% minimum membership requirement all throughout its existence.
Cancellation of registration of a union: The bare fact that two signatures appeared twice on the list of
those who participated in the organizational meeting would not provide a valid reason to cancel a union’s
certificate of registration. For fraud and misrepresentation to be grounds for cancellation of union
registration under the Labor Code, the nature of the fraud and misrepresentation must be grave and
compelling enough to vitiate the consent of a majority of union members (e.g. misrepresentation, false
statement or fraud in connection with the adoption or ratification of the constitution and by-laws or
amendments thereto; the minutes of ratification; or, in connection with the election of officers).
11. General Milling Corp vs. Casio et al., GR No. 149552, March 10, 2010
Validity of closed shop stipulation: It is State policy to promote unionism to enable workers to negotiate
with management on an even playing field and with more persuasiveness than if they were to
individually and separately bargain with the employer. For this reason, the law has allowed stipulations
for “union shop” and “closed shop” as means of encouraging workers to join and support the union of
their choice in the protection of their rights and interest vis-à-vis the employer. Moreover, a stipulation
in the CBA authorizing the dismissal of employees are of equal import as the statutory provisions on
dismissal under the Labor Code, since “a CBA is the law between the company and the union and
compliance therewith is mandated by the express policy to give protection to labor.”
Termination of employment due to closed shop stipulation/union security clause: In terminating the
employment of an employee by enforcing the union security clause, the employer needs only to
determine and prove that: (1) the union security clause is applicable; (2) the union is requesting for the
enforcement of the union security provision in the CBA; and (3) there is sufficient evidence to support
the decision of the union to expel the employee from the union. These requisites constitute just cause
for terminating an employee based on the union security provision of the CBA.
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12. The Heritage Hotel Manila vs. Natl Union of Workers in Hotel etc., GR No. 178296, January 12, 2011
Cancellation of registration of a union: the mere failure to submit or the belated submission of annual
financial reports of the labor union is not sufficient ground to cancel the union’s registration. The
cancellation of registration of labor unions by administrative authorities should only be taken as a last
resort and after exhausting other possibilities with less serious effects on the organization since it
interferes with the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of association and right of workers to self-
organization. The union members and, in fact, all the employees belonging to the appropriate bargaining
unit should not be deprived of a bargaining agent, merely because of the negligence of the union officers
who were responsible for the submission of the documents to the BLR.
13. Legend International Resorts Ltd., vs. Kilusang Manggagawa ng Legenda, G.R. No. 169754, Feb.
23, 2011
An order to hold a certification election is proper despite the pendency of the petition for cancellation of
the registration certificate of the respondent union. The rationale is that at the time the union filed the
petition, it still had the legal personality to perform such act absent an order directing the cancellation.
14. Samahang Manggagawa sa Charter Chemical Solidarity of Unions in the Phils for Empowerment and
Reforms (SMCC-SUPER) et al., vs. Charter Chemical and Coating Corp., G.R. No. 169717, March 16,
2011
The Court ruled that it was not necessary for the charter certificate to be certified and attested by the
local/chapter officers. Any mingling between supervisory and rank-and-file employees in its membership
cannot affect its legitimacy for that is not among the grounds for cancellation of its registration, unless
such mingling was brought about by misrepresentation, false statement or fraud under Article 239 of
the Labor Code.
15. San Miguel Foods vs. san Miguel Corp Supervisors and exempt Union G.R. No. 146206 August 1,
2011
Certain factors, such as specific line of work, working conditions, location of work, mode of
compensation, and other relevant conditions do not affect or impede their commonality of interest.
Payroll master not confidential, human resource assistant and personnel assistant are confidential.
16. BPI., vs. BPI Employees Union-Davao

G.R. No. 164301, October 19, 2011
Doctrine: "Union security" is a generic term which is applied to and comprehends "closed shop," "union
shop," "maintenance of membership" or any other form of agreement which imposes upon employees
the obligation to acquire or retain union membership as a condition affecting employment. There is
union shop when all new regular employees are required to join the union within a certain period for
their continued employment. There is maintenance of membership shop when employees, who are union
members as of the effective date of the agreement, or who thereafter become members, must maintain
union membership as a condition for continued employment until they are promoted or transferred out
of the bargaining unit or the agreement is terminated. A closed-shop, on the other hand, may be defined
as an enterprise in which, by agreement between the employer and his employees or their
representatives, no person may be employed in any or certain agreed departments of the enterprise
unless he or she is, becomes, and, for the duration of the agreement, remains a member in good
standing of a union entirely comprised of or of which the employees in interest are a part.
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17. Octavio vs. PLDT Comp.

G.R. No. 175492, February 27, 2013
Doctrine: Before e a party is allowed to seek the intervention of the court, it is a precondition that he
should have availed of all the means of administrative processes afforded him. Hence, if a remedy within
the administrative machinery can still be resorted to by giving the administrative officer concerned every
opportunity to decide on a matter that comes within his jurisdiction, then such remedy should be
exhausted first before the courts judicial power can be sought. The premature invocation of the courts
judicial intervention is fatal to ones cause of action. By failing to question the Committee Resolution
through the proper procedure prescribed in the CBA, that is, by raising the same before a Board of
Arbitrators, Octavio is deemed to have waived his right to question the same.
18. National Union of Bank Employees vs. Philnabank Employees Association

G.R. No. 174287, Aug.12, 2013
Doctrine: The right of the local members to withdraw from the federation and to form a new local union
depends upon the provisions of the union's constitution, by-laws and charter and, in the absence of
enforceable provisions in the federation's constitution preventing disaffiliation of a local union, a local
may sever its relationship with its parent. In the case at bar, there is nothing shown in the records nor
is it claimed by NUBE that PEMA was expressly forbidden to disaffiliate from the federation nor were
there any conditions imposed for a valid breakaway. This being so, PEMA is not precluded to disaffiliate
from NUBE after acquiring the status of an independent labor organization duly registered before the
DOLE.
Takata Phils Corp. vs. Bureau of Labor Relations, et al.

Two-liner: Article 234 (c) that requires the names of all its members comprising at least twenty percent
(20%) of all the employees in the bargaining unit where it seeks to operate. The 20% minimum
requirement pertains to the employees’ membership in the union and not to the list of workers who
participated in the organizational meeting. Since the law does not provide for the required number of
members to attend the organizational meeting, at least the majority of the union members would
already constitute a quorum for the meeting to proceed and to validly ratify the Constitution and By-
laws of the union.
Takata Phils Corp. vs. Bureau of Labor Relations, et al.

Two-liner: Article 234 (c) that requires the names of all its members comprising at least twenty percent
(20%) of all the employees in the bargaining unit where it seeks to operate. The 20% minimum
requirement pertains to the employees’ membership in the union and not to the list of workers who
participated in the organizational meeting. Since the law does not provide for the required number of
members to attend the organizational meeting, at least the majority of the union members would
already constitute a quorum for the meeting to proceed and to validly ratify the Constitution and By-
laws of the union.
Samahan ng Manggagawa sa Hanjin Shipyard vs. BLR, et al

Two-liner: The right to self-organization is not limited to unionism. Workers may also form or join an
association for mutual aid and protection and for other legitimate purposes.
22. HSBC Employees Union vs. NLRC

One-liner: A strike staged without compliance with the requirements of Article 263 of the Labor Code is
illegal, and may cause the termination of the employment of the participating union officers and
members. To warrant the termination of an officer of the labor organization on that basis, the employer
must show that the officer knowingly participated in the illegal strike. An ordinary striking employee
cannot be terminated based solely on his participation in the illegal strike, for the employer must further
show that the employee committed illegal acts during the strike.
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23. Hijo Resources Corp.vs. Mejares, GR No. 208986, Jan. 13, 2016
One-liner: The Labor Arbiter, in an illegal dismissal case, is not bound by the ruling of the Med-Arbiter
regarding the existence or non-existence of employer-employee relationship between the parties in the
certification election case. It does not constitute res judicata and could not be a basis in dismissing the
action filed by the employees.
TOPIC 13 RIGHTS OF A LEGITIMATE LABOR ORGANIZATION
2. Rivera vs. Espiritu, G.R. No. 135547, January 23, 2002
Right to collective bargaining; suspension of CBA; upon the intention of the parties, a close shop or
union shop may still be effective during suspension of the CBA as means of encouraging workers to join
and support the union of their choice in the protection of their rights and interests vis-à-vis the employer.
3. Manila Diamond Hotel Employees Union vs. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 140518, December 16, 2004
Payroll reinstatement as exception; As an exception to the general rule of reinstatement, in payroll

reinstatement, there must be a showing of special circumstances rendering actual reinstatement
impracticable, or otherwise not conducive to attaining the purpose of the law in providing for assumption
of jurisdiction by the Secretary of Labor and Employment in a labor dispute that affects the national
interest.
4. University of Immaculate Concepcion vs. Sec. Of Labor, G.R. No. 151379, January 14, 2005
Payroll reinstatement; superseding circumstances; superseding circumstances may justify the

application of payroll reinstatement as exception to the rule of actual reinstatement if such
circumstances may exacerbate prevailing situations.
CAPITOL MEDICAL CENTER VS NLRC
Doctrine:
A union is mandated to notify the NCMB of an impending dispute in a particular bargaining unit via a
notice of strike. The failure of a union to comply with the requirement of the giving of notice to the
NCMB at least 24 hours prior to the holding of a strike vote meeting will render the subsequent strike
staged by the union illegal.
LIGHT RAILWAY TRANSIT VS VENUS, JR.
Doctrine:
An employee who forthwith takes steps to protest his lay-off cannot by any logic be said to have
abandoned his work.
SUKHOTAI CUISINE & RESTAURANT VS COURT OF APPEALS
Doctrine:
The effects of such illegal strikes, outlined in Article 264, make a distinction between workers and union
officers who participate therein: an ordinary striking worker cannot be terminated for mere participation
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in an illegal strike; a union officer, on the other hand, may be terminated from work when he knowingly
participates in an illegal strike.
PHILCOM EMPLOYEES UNION VS.PHIL. GLOBAL COMMUNICATION, G.R. NO. 144315, JULY 17, 2006
SOLE can take cognizance of the issue on the legality of the strike notwithstanding the absence of a
proper petition to declare illegality of strike. The authority of the Secretary is plenary and discretionary
to assume jurisdiction over a labor dispute causing or likely to cause a strike or lockout in an industry
indispensable to national interest includes and extends to all questions and controversies arising from
such labor dispute to enable him to effectively and efficiently dispose of the dispute.
The right of government employees to organize is limited to the formation of unions or associations
only, without including the right to strike, adding that public employees going on disruptive unauthorized
absences to join concerted mass actions may be held liable for conduct prejudicial to the best interest
of the service.
BIFLEX PHILS., INC., LABOR UNION VS. FILFLEX INDUSTRIAL & MFG., CORP., G.R. NO. 155679,
DECEMBER 19, 2006
Employees who have no labor dispute with their employer but who, on a day they are scheduled to
work, refuse to work and instead join a “Welga ng Bayan" commit an illegal work stoppage. A Union
officer who knowingly participates in an illegal strike and any worker or union officer who knowingly
participates in the commission of illegal acts during a strike may be declared to have lost his employment
status.
Manila Hotel Employees Association vs. Manila Hotel Corp., G.R. No. 154591, March 5, 2007, citing
Grand Boulevard Hotel vs. Dacanay, G.R. No. 153665, July 18, 2003
The assumption of jurisdiction by the SOLE over labor disputes causing or likely to cause a strike or
lockout in an industry indispensable to the national interest is in the nature of a police power measure.
Once the SOLE assumes jurisdiction over a labor dispute, such jurisdiction should not be interfered with
by the application of the coercive processes of a strike or lockout. Defiance of the assumption order or
a return-to work order by a striking employee, whether a union officer or a member, is an illegal act
and, therefore, a valid ground for loss of employment status.
San Miguel Foods Inc., vs. San Miguel Corp Employees Union-PTGWO, G.R. No. 168569,
October 5, 2007
ULP case to be cognizable by the Labor Arbiter, and the NLRC to exercise its appellate jurisdiction, the
allegations in the complaint should show prima facie the concurrence of two things, namely: (1) gross
violation of the CBA; AND (2) the violation pertains to the economic provisions of the CBA. In
determining jurisdiction over a case, allegations made in the complaint, as well as those in the position
paper, may thus be considered.
Toyota Motor Phils Workers Asso. Vs. NLRC, G.R. No. 158786, October 19, 2007
A strike means any temporary stoppage of work by the concerted action of employees as a result of an
industrial or labor dispute. A labor dispute, in turn, includes any controversy or matter concerning terms
or conditions of employment or the association or representation of persons in negotiating, fixing,
maintaining, changing, or arranging the terms and conditions of employment, regardless of whether the
disputants stand in the proximate relation of the employer and the employee. The term strike has been
elucidated to encompass not only concerted work stoppages, but also slowdowns, mass leaves, sit-
downs, attempts to damage, destroy, or sabotage plant equipment and facilities, and similar activities.
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6 categories of an illegal strike, viz: (I know more than ni sa max sentences but need i.emphasize and
situations constituting illegal strike) (1) [when it] is contrary to a specific prohibition of law, such as
strike by employees performing governmental functions; or (2) [when it] violates a specific requirement
of law[, such as Article 263 of the Labor Code on the requisites of a valid strike]; or (3) [when it] is
declared for an unlawful purpose, such as inducing the employer to commit an unfair labor practice
against non-union employees; or (4) [when it] employs unlawful means in the pursuit of its objective,
such as a widespread terrorism of non-strikers [for example, prohibited acts under Art. 264(e) of the
Labor Code]; or (5) [when it] is declared in violation of an existing injunction[, such as injunction,
prohibition, or order issued by the DOLE Secretary and the NLRC under Art. 263 of the Labor Code]; or
(6) [when it] is contrary to an existing agreement, such as a no-strike clause or conclusive arbitration
clause.
Yokohama Tire Phils vs. Yokohama Employees Union G.R. No. 159553, December 10, 2007
The OLD RULE regarding certification election was used in this case. Nevertheless, it was reconciled that
both the old and new rules impart that without a final judgment declaring the legality of dismissal,
dismissed employees are eligible or qualified voters in a certification election.
Philippine Airlines vs. Philippine Airlines Employees Association
It is a well-settled doctrine that the benefits of a CBA extend to the laborers and employees in the
collective bargaining unit, including those who do not belong to the chosen bargaining labor
organization.[32] Hence, to be entitled to the benefits under the CBA, the employees must be members
of the bargaining unit, but not necessarily of the labor organization designated as the bargaining agent.
A “bargaining unit” has been defined as a group of employees of a given employer, comprised of all or
less than all of the entire body of employees, which the collective interest of all the employees, consistent
with equity to the employer, indicates to be the best suited to serve the reciprocal rights and duties of
the parties under the collective bargaining provisions of the law.[33] At this point, the allegation of
petitioner PAL that the non-regular employees do not belong to the collective bargaining unit and are
thus not covered by the CBA is unjustified and unsubstantiated. Where the CBA is clear and
unambiguous, it becomes the law between the parties, and compliance therewith is mandated by the
express policy of the law.
Steel Corporation vs. SCP Employees
A union-recognition-strike is when a union stages the strike to compel petitioner to recognize it as the
collective bargaining agent, and such is considered illegal. Even if this Court were to uphold the validity
of respondent's purpose or objective in staging a strike, still, the strike would be declared illegal for
having been conducted in utter defiance of the Secretary's return-to-work order and after the dispute
had been certified for compulsory arbitration. The moment the Secretary of Labor assumes jurisdiction
over a labor dispute in an industry indispensable to national interest, such assumption shall have the
effect of automatically enjoining the intended or impending strike. The powers granted to the Secretary
under Article 263(g) of the Labor Code have been characterized as an exercise of the police power of
the State, aimed at promoting the public good. While the workers may choose not to obey, they do so
at the risk of severing their relationship with their employer.
Standard Chartered Bank Employees vs. Standard Chartered Bank
The disqualification of managerial and confidential employees from joining a bargaining unit for rank
and file employees is already well-entrenched in jurisprudence. While Article 245 of the Labor Code
limits the ineligibility to join, form and assist any labor organization to managerial employees,
jurisprudence has extended this prohibition to confidential employees or those who by reason of their
positions or nature of work are required to assist or act in a fiduciary manner to managerial employees
and hence, are likewise privy to sensitive and highly confidential records. In Philips Industrial
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Development, Inc. v. National Labor Relations Commission, the Court designated personnel staff, in
which human resources staff may be qualified, as confidential employees because by the very nature of
their functions, they assist and act in a confidential capacity to, or have access to confidential matters
of, persons who exercise managerial functions in the field of labor relations.
Samma-Likha vs Samma Corporation
A certification proceeding, even though initiated by a "petition," is not litigation, but an investigation of
a non-adversarial and fact-finding character, hence it does not need a certificate of non-forum shopping.
The erroneous inclusion of one supervisory employee in the union of rank-and-file employees does not
prevent the right of the union to file a petition for certification election. Such legal personality cannot
thereafter be subject to collateral attack, but may be questioned only in an independent petition for
cancellation of certificate of registration. Unless petitioner’s union registration is cancelled in
independent proceedings, it shall continue to have all the rights of a legitimate labor organization,
including the right to petition for certification election.
19. Hotel Enterprises of the Phils., (Hyatt Regency) vs. Samahan ng mga Manggagawa sa Hyatt-
(NUWHRAIN), G.R. No.165756, June 5, 2009
A valid and legal strike must be based on "strikeable" grounds, because if it is based on a "non-
strikeable" ground, it is generally deemed an illegal strike. Corollarily, a strike grounded on ULP is illegal
if no acts constituting ULP actually exist. As an exception, even if no such acts are committed by the
employer, if the employees believe in good faith that ULP actually exists, then the strike held pursuant
to such belief may be legal. As a general rule, therefore, where a union believes that an employer
committed ULP and the surrounding circumstances warranted such belief in good faith, the resulting
strike may be considered legal although, subsequently, such allegations of unfair labor practices were
found to be groundless.
20. Miranda vs. Asian Terminals Inc., et. al., G.R. No. 174316, June 23, 2009
The jurisdiction of shop stewards and the supervisors includes the determination of the issues arising
from the interpretation or even implementation of a provision of the CBA, or from any order or
memorandum, circular or assignments issued by the appropriate authority in the establishment. In fine,
they are part and parcel of the continuous process of grievance resolution designed to preserve and
maintain peace among the employees and their employer. They occupy positions of trust and laden with
awesome responsibilities. Since the Shop Steward is a union position, the controversy surrounding his
recall from his position as Shop Steward becomes a dispute within the union, which the Bureau of Labor
Relations and the Labor Relations Division vests jurisdiction.
21. National Union of Workers in Hotels Restaurants and Allied Industries-Manila Pavilion Hotel Chapter
vs. SOLE., et. al., G.R. No. 181531, July 31, 2009.
Collective bargaining covers all aspects of the employment relation and the resultant CBA negotiated by
the certified union binds all employees in the bargaining unit. Hence, all rank and file employees,
probationary or permanent, have a substantial interest in the selection of the bargaining representative.
The Code makes no distinction as to their employment status as basis for eligibility in supporting the
petition for certification election. The law refers to "all" the employees in the bargaining unit. All they
need to be eligible to support the petition is to belong to the "bargaining unit." The provision in the CBA
disqualifying probationary employees from voting cannot override the Constitutionally-protected right
of workers to self-organization, as well as the provisions of the Labor Code and its Implementing Rules
on certification elections and jurisprudence thereon.
A. SORIANO AVIATION VS.EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF A. SORIANO AVIATION ET AL.

G.R. NO. 166879, AUG. 14, 2009
One-Liner: Well-settled is the rule that even if the strike were to be declared valid because its objective
or purpose is lawful, the strike may still be declared invalid where the means employed are illegal like
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name-calling, harassment and threats of bodily harm directed against company officers and non-striking
employees and, more significantly, the putting up of placards, banners and streamers with vulgar
statements imputing criminal negligence to the company, which put to doubt reliability of its operations,
come within the purview of illegal acts under Art. 264 and jurisprudence.
YSS EMPLOYEES UNION-PHIL TRANSPORT AND GENERAL WORKERS ORGANIZATION VS.YSS

LABORATORIES INC.
G.R. NO. 155125, DECEMBER 4, 2009
One-Liner: Article 263(g) of the Labor Code (Return to Work order of the SOLE) on the settlement of
labor disputes implies that assumption and certification orders are executory in character and are to be
strictly complied with by the parties, even during the pendency of any petition questioning their validity.
Accepting back the workers in this case is not a matter of option, but of obligation mandated by law for
the employer to faithfully comply with. Its compulsory character is mandated, not to cater to a narrow
segment of society, or to favor labor at the expense of management, but to serve the greater interest
of society by maintaining the economic equilibrium.
GOVERNMENT SERVICE INSURANCE SYSTEM (GSIS) VS. DINNAH VILLAVIZA, ELIZABETH DUQUE,
ADRONICO A. ECHAVEZ, RODEL RUBIO, ROWENA THERESE B. GRACIA, PILAR LAYCO, AND ANTONIO
JOSE LEGARDA,
G.R. NO. 180291, JULY 27, 2010
One-Liner: The prohibited acts of concerted activity or mass action which is prohibited from government
employees should constitute the elements of (i) intent to effect work stoppage or service disruption and
(ii) for the purpose of realizing their demands of force concession.
PICOP RESOURCES INC. VS.TANECA ET.AL.,

G.R. NO. 160828, 09 AUGUST 2010
One-Liner: While it is incumbent for the employer to continue to recognize the majority status of the
bargaining agent even after the expiration of the freedom period, they could only do so when no petition
for certification election was filed. An "authorization letter to file a petition for certification election" is
different from an actual "Petition for Certification Election." Thus such could still be made even before
the 60 day freedom period. What is prohibited is the filing of petition for certification election before the
60 day freedom period.
Barairo vs Office of the President, GR NO. 189314

One Liner: “ Following settled jurisprudence, the proper remedy to question the decisions or orders of
the Secretary of Labor is via Petition for Certiorari under Rule 65, not via an appeal to the OP. For
appeals to the OP in labor cases have indeed been eliminated, except those involving national interest
over which the President may assume jurisdiction”
Magdala Multipurpose vs Kilusang Manggagawa, GR NO. 191138-39

One liner: “The requirements that the notice of strike and the conduct of strike vote must be filed by a
legitimate labor organization who has legal personality are mandatory. Failure of a union to comply
renders the strike illegal.”
Abaria et al. vs NLRC, GR NO. 154113

One Liner: “The mandatory notice of strike and the conduct of strike vote report must be filed and
conducted by a legitimate labor organization who has legal personality for it to be effective.”
TOPIC 13 RIGHTS OF LEGITIMATE LABOR ORGANIZATION
38. VISAYAS COMMUNITY MEDICAL CENTER vs. YBALLE, ET AL.
Doctrine:
228
A worker merely participating in an illegal strike may not be terminated from employment. It is only
when he commits illegal acts during a strike that he may be declared to have lost employment status.
In contrast, a union officer may be terminated from employment for knowingly participating in an illegal
strike or participates in the commission of illegal acts during a strike. The law grants the employer the
option of declaring a union officer who participated in an illegal strike as having lost his employment. It
possesses the right and prerogative to terminate the union officers from service.
39. PHILTRANCO SERVICE ENTERPRISES INC. vs. PHILTRANCO WORKERS UNION-ASSOCIATION OF

GENUINE LABOR ORGANIZATIONS
Doctrine:
Before a petition for certiorari under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court may be availed of, the filing of a
motion for reconsideration is a condition sine qua non to afford an opportunity for the correction of the
error or mistake complained of. Since Petitioner filed the Petition for Certiorari on August 29, 2007 which
was exactly within the 60-day period within which to file, then such petition was timely filed.
40. WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILS. VS. WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY-PHILS., FACULTY & STAFF

ASSOCIATON
Doctrine:
The Non-Diminution Rule found in Article 100 of the Labor Code explicitly prohibits employers from
eliminating or reducing the benefits received by their employees. This rule, however, applies only if the
benefit is based on an express policy, a written contract, or has ripened into a practice. To be considered
a practice, it must be consistently and deliberately made by the employer over a long period of time.
An exception to the rule is when "the practice is due to error in the construction or application of a
doubtful or difficult question of law." The error, however, must be corrected immediately after its
discovery; otherwise, the rule on Non-Diminution of Benefits would still apply.
41. TABANGAO SHELL REFINERY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION vs. PILIPINAS SHELL PETROLEUM CORP.
Doctrine:
The power of SOLE to assume jurisdiction also includes and extends to the various unresolved provisions
of the new CBA such as compensation, particularly the matter of annual wage increase or yearly lump
sum payment in lieu of such wage increase, whether or not there was deadlock in the negotiations.
TOPIC 14 UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE
General Milling Corp. vs. Court of Appeals

One-liner: The duty to bargain collectively means the performance of a mutual obligation to meet and
convene promptly and expeditiously in good faith for the purpose of negotiating an agreement. Refusal
to make a counter-proposal to the union’s proposal for CBA negotiation is an indication of its
(employer’s) bad faith. Where the employer did not even bother to submit an answer to the bargaining
proposals of the union, there is a clear evasion of the duty to bargain collectively, making it liable for
unfair labor practice.
Standard Chartered Bank Employees Union vs. Confesor

One-liner: If an employer interferes in the selection of its negotiators or coerces the Union to exclude
from its panel of negotiators a representative of the Union, and if it can be inferred that the employer
adopted the said act to yield adverse effects on the free exercise to right to self-organization or on the
right to collective bargaining of the employees, unfair labor practice (ULP) is committed. In order to
show that the employer committed ULP, substantial evidence is required to support the claim.
Phil . Carpet Employees Asso. Vs. Sto. Tomas
229
One-liner: Retrenchment is defined as the termination of employment initiated by the employer through
no fault of the employee and without prejudice to the latter, resorted by management during periods of
business recession, or seasonal fluctuations or during lulls over shortage of materials. It is a reduction
in manpower, a measure utilized by an employer to minimize business losses incurred in the operation
of its business. The prerogative of an employer to retrench its employees must be exercised only as a
last resort, considering that it will lead to the loss of the employees’ livelihood. (Walay unfair labor
practice discussion sa case)
St. John Colleges Inc., vs. St. John Academy Faculty Employees Union
One-liner: By admitting that the closure (of the school) was due to irreconcilable differences between
the Union and school management, specifically, the financial aspect of the ongoing CBA negotiations,
Petitioner in effect admitted that it wanted to end the bargaining deadlock and eliminate the problem of
dealing with the demands of the Union (in other words, there was bad faith). This is precisely what the
Labor Code abhors and punishes as unfair labor practice since the net effect is to defeat the Unions right
to collective bargaining.
5. San Miguel Foods Inc., vs. San Miguel Corp Employees Union-PTGWO
G.R. No. 168569, October 5, 2007
Doctrine: Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) case to be cognizable by the Labor Arbiter, and the NLRC to
exercise its appellate jurisdiction, the allegations in the complaint should show prima facie the
concurrence of two things, namely: (1) gross violation of the CBA; AND (2) the violation pertains to the
economic provisions of the CBA. In this case, SMFI have promoted less senior employees, thus bypassing
others who were more senior and equally or more qualified. SC regarded this charge as gross or flagrant
violation of the seniority rule under the CBA, a ULP over which the Labor Arbiter has jurisdiction.
6. Purefoods Corp vs. Nagkakaisang Samahang Manggagawa ng Purefoods Rank and File, G.R. No.
150896, August 28, 2008
Doctrine: Sudden termination of members constitutes ULP because it was done to interfere with, restrain
or coerce employees in the exercise of their right to self-organization. In this case, badges of bad faith
are evident from the following acts of the petitioner: it unjustifiably refused to recognize the STFWUs
and the other unions affiliation with PULO; it concluded a new CBA with another union in another farm
during the agreed indefinite suspension of the collective bargaining negotiations; it surreptitiously
transferred and continued its business in a less hostile environment; and it suddenly terminated the
STFWU members, but retained and brought the non-members to the Malvar farm.
7. General Santos Coca-Cola Plant Free Workers Union-TUPAS vs. CCBPI (Gen. Santos City) et al., G.R.
No. 178647, Feb. 13, 2009
Doctrine: Unfair labor practice refers to acts that violate the workers right to organize. The prohibited
acts are related to the workers right to self-organization and to the observance of a CBA. Without that
element, the acts, even if unfair, are not unfair labor practices. In this case, the company’s action to
contract-out the services and functions performed by Union members did not constitute unfair labor
practice as this was not directed at the member’s right to self-organization.
8. De La Salle University et al., vs. De La Salle University Employees Association, GR No. 177283, April
7, 2009
Doctrine: The acts of withholding union and agency dues and suspension of normal relations with
incumbent set of officers pending the intra-union dispute constitutes interference. In this case, De La
Salle’s interim measure of placing the collected union dues and agency fee in escrow deposit constituted
interference in union affairs and, therefore, is an unfair labor practice act.
230
Tunay na Pagkakaisa ng Manggagawa sa Asia Brewery vs. Asia Brewery Inc.

GR No. 162025, Aug. 3, 2010
Unfair labor practice refers to "acts that violate the workers’ right to organize." The prohibited acts are
related to the workers’ right to self organization and to the observance of a CBA. For a charge of unfair
labor practice to prosper, it must be shown that ABI was motivated by ill will, "bad faith, or fraud, or
was oppressive to labor, or done in a manner contrary to morals, good customs, or public policy, and,
of course, that social humiliation, wounded feelings or grave anxiety resulted from ABI’s act in
discontinuing the union dues deduction from those employees it believed were excluded by the CBA.
Considering that the herein dispute arose from a simple disagreement in the interpretation of the CBA
provision on excluded employees from the bargaining unit, respondent cannot be said to have committed
unfair labor practice that restrained its employees in the exercise of their right to self-organization, nor
have thereby demonstrated an anti-union stance.
Manila Mining Corp. Employees Association-FFW vs. Manila Mining Corp.

GR No. 178222-23, Sept. 29, 2010
For a charge of unfair labor practice to prosper, it must be shown that the employer was motivated by
ill-will, bad faith or fraud, or was oppressive to labor. The employer must have acted in a manner
contrary to morals, good customs, or public policy causing social humiliation, wounded feelings or grave
anxiety. While the law makes it an obligation for the employer and the employees to bargain collectively
with each other, such compulsion does not include the commitment to precipitately accept or agree to
the proposals of the other. All it contemplates is that both parties should approach the negotiation with
an open mind and make reasonable effort to reach a common ground of agreement.
Prince Transport et al., vs. Garcia et al.

G.R. No. 167291, January 12, 2011
Respondents' transfer of work assignments to Lubas was designed by petitioners as a subterfuge to foil
the former's right to organize themselves into a union. Under Article 248 (a) and (e) of the Labor Code,
an employer is guilty of unfair labor practice if it interferes with, restrains or coerces its employees in
the exercise of their right to self-organization or if it discriminates in regard to wages, hours of work
and other terms and conditions of employment in order to encourage or discourage membership in any
labor organization. Indeed, evidence of petitioners' unfair labor practice is shown by the established fact
that, after respondents' transfer to Lubas, petitioners left them high and dry insofar as the operations
of Lubas was concerned. This left respondents virtually jobless.
Park Hotel et al., vs. Soriano et al.

GR. No. 17118, September 10, 2012
In order to show that the employer committed unfair labor practice under the Labor Code, substantial
evidence is required to support the claim. Respondents were indeed unceremoniously dismissed from
work by reason of their intent to form and organize a union. Corporate officers may be deemed solidarily
liable with the corporation for the termination of employees if they acted with malice or bad faith. The
lower tribunals unanimously found that Percy and Harbutt, in their capacity as corporate officers of
Burgos, acted maliciously in terminating the services of respondents without any valid ground and in
order to suppress their right to self-organization.
Unfair Labor Practice

13. GOYA, INC. v. GOYA, INC. EMPLOYEES UNION-FFW [G.R. No. 170054, January 21, 2013]
Principle: Violations of a CBA, except those which are gross in character, shall no longer be treated as
unfair labor practice. Gross violations of a CBA means flagrant and/or malicious refusal to comply with
the economic provisions of such agreement. In cases where in the CBA of the parties has already
provided for the categories of the employees in the Company’s establishment, such serve as limitation
231
to the Company’s prerogative to outsource parts of its operations especially when hiring contractual
employees. Thus, where the CBA is clear and unambiguous, it becomes the law between the parties and
compliance therewith is mandated by the express policy of the law.
14. BAPTISTA v. Villanueva [GR 194709, July 31, 2013]
Principle: Unfair Labor Practice relates to the commission of acts that transgress the workers’ right to
organize. If the Union’s Constitution and By-Laws expressly mandate that before a party is allowed to
seek the intervention of the court, he must satisfy the pre-condition that he should have availed of all
the internal remedies within the organization; failure to do so would be considered a violation of the
union’s Constitution and By-Laws and is a ground for expulsion from union membership. Such expulsion
from the union is not an unfair labor practice or a deliberate attempt to curtail or restrict the employee’s
right to organize, but is a result of a commission of an act, expressly sanctioned by the union’s
Constitution and By-Laws.1
15. TH Shopfitters Corp, et al. v T&H Shopfitters Corp. Union [GR 191714, Feb 26, 2014]
Principle: Unfair labor practices violate the constitutional right of workers and employees to self-
organization. The test of whether an employer has interfered with and coerced employees in the exercise
of their right to self-organization is if there is a reasonable inference that the anti-union conduct of the
employer does have an adverse effect on self-organization and collective bargaining. If a Company’s
undisputed actions prior and immediately before a scheduled certification election is seemingly
inoffensive but unduly meddles in the affairs of its employees in selecting their exclusive bargaining
representative, such would be tantamount to an Unfair Labor Practice.
TOPIC 15 REVISED GUIDELINES OF THE NCMB
1. Sanyo Philippine Workers Union –PSSLU v Canizares [G.R. No. 101619, July 8, 1992]
The failure of the parties to the CBA to establish the grievance machinery and its unavailability is not
an excuse for the Labor Arbiter to assume jurisdiction over disputes arising from the implementation
and enforcement of a provision in the CBA. No other body shall take cognizance of these cases but in
instances wherein the dispute is between the union and the company on the one hand and some union
and non-union members who were dismissed, on the other hand, the dispute has to be settled before
an impartial body. Due process demands that the dismissed workers grievances be ventilated before an
impartial body. If there has already been an actual termination, the matter falls within the jurisdiction
of the Labor Arbiter.
Navarro III vs Damasco, 246 SCRA 260

One liner: “It is the policy of the State to promote voluntary arbitration as a mode of settling labor
disputes (Manguiat, Mechanisms of Voluntary Arbitration in Labor Disputes 2-6 [1978]).”
San Miguel Corp vs NLRC, 255 SCRA 140

One liner: “ART. 217(c). Cases arising from the interpretation or implementation of collective bargaining
agreements and those arising from the interpretation or enforcement of company personnel policies
shall be disposed of by the Labor Arbiter by referring the same to the grievance machinery and voluntary
arbitration as may be provided in said agreements. (As amended by R.A. 6715).”
UNION OF NESTLE WORKERS CAGAYAN DE ORO FACTORY vs. NESTLE PHILIPPINES INC.
[G.R. No. 148303, October 17, 2002]
ONE LINER: Considering that the Drug Abuse Policy is a company personnel policy, it is the Voluntary
Arbitrators or Panel of Voluntary Arbitrators, not the RTC, which exercises jurisdiction over this case.
The Voluntary Arbitrator or panel of Voluntary Arbitrators shall have original and exclusive jurisdiction
232
to hear and decide all unresolved grievances arising from the interpretation or implementation of the
Collective Bargaining Agreement and those arising from the interpretation or enforcement of company
personnel policies.
TABIGUE ET AL. vs. INTERNATIONAL COPRA EXPORT CORPORATION

[G.R. No. 183335, December 23, 2009]
ONE LINER: NCMB is not a quasi-judicial agency exercising quasi-judicial functions but merely a
conciliatory body for the purpose of facilitating settlement of disputes between parties, its decisions or
that of its authorized officer cannot be appealed either through a petition for review under Rule 43 or
under Rule 65 of the Revised Rules of Court.
SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY vs. COBARRUBIAS

[G.R. No. 187104, August 3, 2010]
ONE LINER: Rule 43 of the Rules of Court provides that appeals from the judgment of the VA shall be
taken to the CA, by filing a petition for review within fifteen (15) days from the receipt of the notice of
judgment. Furthermore, upon the filing of the petition, the petitioner shall pay to the CA clerk of court
the docketing and other lawful fees non-compliance with the procedural requirements shall be a
sufficient ground for the petition’s dismissal.
TENG vs. PAHAGAC ET AL.

[G.R. No. 169704, November 17, 2010]
ONE LINER: Congress in amending Article 263 to Article 262-A is to provide an opportunity for the party
adversely affected by the VA’s decision to seek recourse via a motion for reconsideration or a petition
for review under Rule 43 of the Rules of Court filed with the CA within the 10-day period. Indeed, a
motion for reconsideration is the more appropriate remedy in line with the doctrine of exhaustion of
administrative remedies.
PRIMO E. CAONG, petitioner vs. AVELINO REGUALOS, respondent.

[G.R. No. 179428. January 26, 2011]
ONE LINER: An employer enjoys a wide latitude of discretion to regulate all aspect of employment,
including the prerogative to instill discipline. PROVIDED, such policies, rules and regulations are fair and
reasonable, and the corresponding penalties are proportionate to the degree of the infraction.
ESTATE OF NELSON R. DULAY, petitioner vs. ABOITIZ JEBSEN MARITIME, INC., respondent.
[G.R. No. 172642. June 13, 2012]
ONE LINER: With respect to disputes involving claims of Filipino seafarers wherein the parties are
covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the dispute or claim should be submitted to the
jurisdiction of a voluntary arbitrator or panel of arbitrators. It is only in the absence of a collective
bargaining agreement that parties may opt to submit the dispute to either the NLRC or to voluntary
arbitration.
LEPANTO CONSOLIDATED MINING COMP., petitioner vs. THE LEPANTO CAPATAZ UNION, respondent.
[G.R. No. 157086. February 18, 2013]
233
ONE LINER: In a petition filed by a legitimate labor organization involving an unorganized establishment,
the Med-Arbiter shall, pursuant to Article 257 of the Code, automatically order the conduct of certification
election after determining that the petition has complied with all requirements under Section 1, 2 and 4
of the same rules and that none of the grounds for dismissal thereof exists.
7K CORPORATION, petitioner vs. EDDIE ALBARICO, respondent.

[G.R. No. 182295. June 26, 2013]
ONE LINER: Voluntary arbitrators may, by agreement of the parties, assume jurisdiction over a
termination dispute; Separation pay may be given when there is illegal dismissal, termination for
authorized causes, or for considerations of social justice.
ROGELIO BARONDA, petitioner vs. COURT OF APPEALS, respondent.

[G.R. No. 161006. October 14, 2015]
ONE LINER: Voluntary Arbitrator's order for reinstatement is immediately executory, regardless of a
timely filed motion for reconsideration or appeal.
234

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YBARITA, JULIUS REYES – EH406 1

SCHOOL OF LAW AND GOVERNANCE

UNIVERSITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION VS SEC OF LABOR, GR 151379 .... 50

PICOP RESOURCES INC. VS.TANECA ET.AL., .............................................................................. 119

DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY ET AL. vs. DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES

[G.R. No. 148303, October 17, 2002] ............................................................................................ 203

TOPIC 12: RIGHT TO SELF-ORGANIZATION

Section 3.Acquisition of legal personality by local chapter. – A local/chapter constituted in accordance

DIOKNO VS.CACDAC, G.R. NO. 168475, JULY 4, 2007

SAN MIGUEL CORP. EMPLOYEES UNION-PTGWO VS.SAN MIGUEL PACKAGING PRODUCTS

(a) Fifty pesos (P50.00) registration fee;

Petitioner's argument creates a predicament as it hinges on the legitimacy of PDMP as a labor

Implementing Rules, under Department Order No. 9.

Hence, this petition for review under Rule 45.

Legitimate Labor Organization

A Legitimate Labor Organization Representing an Inappropriate Bargaining Unit

Employers Participation in a Petition for Certification Election

Aggrieved, respondent appealed to the Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR).

The CBA contained the following union security provisions:

Section 3. MAINTENANCE OF MEMBERSHIP – All employees/workers employed by the

clause or a union shop clause in a collective bargaining agreement. An employee is entitled to be

WHEREFORE, the instant petition is hereby DENIED.

LEGEND INTERNATIONAL RESORTS LTD., VS. KILUSANG MANGGAGAWA NG LEGENDA, G.R.

SAMAHANG MANGGAGAWA SA CHARTER CHEMICAL SOLIDARITY OF ET AL., VS.CHARTER

DOLE: Granted petitioner union’s petition for certification election.

The legal personality of petitioner union cannot be collaterally attacked by respondent

OCTAVIO vs. PHILIPPINE LONG DISTANCE TELEPHONE COMPANY

[G.R. No. 175492, February 27, 2013]

NATIONAL UNION OF BANK EMPLOYEES vs. PHILNABANK EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION [G.R.

We deny the petition.

TAKATA PHILS CORP VS BLR, GR NO 196276, JUNE 4, 2014

We find no merit in the arguments. Art. 234 of the Labor Code provides:

(a) Fifty pesos (P50.00) registration fee;

UNIVERSITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION VS SEC OF LABOR, GR 151379

Issue: WON payroll reinstatement, instead of actual reinstatement, is proper.

particular industry can be detrimental to the national interest.

Samahan ng Manggagawa sa Hanjin Shipyard vs Bureau of Labor Relations, GR

Whether the Samahan may validly be registered.

And Section 8, Article III of the 1987 Constitution also states:

In relation thereto, Article 3 of the Labor Code provides:

HSBS Termination of Workers, Lawful?

Article 264. Prohibited Activities. — . . .

xxx xxx xxx

HIJO RESOURCES CORPORATION, Petitioner, v. EPIFANIO P. MEJARES, G.R. No. 208986,

Stike on instalment plan is inherently illicit and unjustifiable.

Held: Yes, petitioners were found guilty of such instigation.

statute or rule. Jurisprudence defines a slowdown as follows:

xxx xxx xxx

Peninsula Employees Union vs. Esquivel GR No. 218454, Dec. 1, 2016

SUMIFRU (PHILIPPINES) CORP. (surviving entity of a merger with Fresh Banana

DOLE Secretary: Affirmed DOLE Med-Arbiter.

Petitioner filed a Petition for Certiorari before the CA,

'ART. 212. Definitions. - x x x

The Assailed Ruling of the Court of Appeals

The petition lacks merit

(c) Voluntary dissolution by the members.

TOPIC 13: RIGHTS OF LEGITIMATE LABOR ORGANIZATION

SARMIENTO VS TUICO, G.R. NOS L-75271-73, June 27, 1988

RIVERA VS.ESPIRITU, G.R. NO. 135547, JANUARY 23, 2002

The questioned proviso of the agreement reads:

UNIVERSITY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPCION VS.SEC. OF LABOR, G.R. NO. 151379, JANUARY

The decision of the CA is affirmed

Issue: Whether or not private respondents were illegally dismissed.

Decision of the CA is affirmed.

We find no merit in the arguments. Art. 234 of the Labor Code provides:

 (a) Fifty pesos (P50.00) registration fee;