Case Digest (G.R. No. 91307)
Facts:
This is Singer Sewing Machine Company v. Hon. Franklin M. Drilon, Med-Arbiter Felix B. Chaguile, Jr., and Singer Machine Collectors Union‑Baguio (SIMACUB), G.R. No. 91307, January 24, 1991, Supreme Court Third Division, Gutierrez, Jr., J., writing for the Court.On February 15, 1989, SIMACUB filed a petition for direct certification as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent of all collectors of Singer Sewing Machine Company (the Company), Baguio branch, docketed as OS‑MA‑A‑7‑119‑89 (IRD CASE NO. 02‑89 MED). The Company opposed the petition primarily on the ground that the collectors were commission agents and independent contractors under signed Collection Agency Agreements, not employees.
The Med‑Arbiter Designate, Felix B. Chaguile, Jr., found that an employer‑employee relationship existed and granted the petition for certification election. On appeal, then Secretary of Labor Franklin M. Drilon affirmed the Med‑Arbiter’s order; his denial of the Company’s motion for reconsideration followed. The Company then filed a petition for certiorari with this Court challenging the Med‑Arbiter’s order, the Secretary’s resolution of November 2, 1989, and the order denying reconsideration dated December 14, 1989. The Company alleged excess of jurisdiction and grave abuse of discretion on grounds that DOLE lacked jurisdiction over the dispute on employer‑employee status, that its due process rights were violated when evidence of independent contractor status was disregarded,...(Pro-only)
Issues:
- Did the Department of Labor and Employment have jurisdiction to adjudicate the petition for direct certification where the existence of an employer‑employee relationship was disputed?
- Was petitioner’s right to due process violated when the Labor Secretary allegedly disregarded evidence that the collectors were commission agents/independent contractors?
- Were the collecting agents employees of the Company such that they could be certified as a bargaining unit and...(Pro-only)
Ruling:
- (Pro-only)
Ratio:
- (Pro-only)
Doctrine:
- (Pro-only)