Case Summary (G.R. No. 57682)
Facts of the Case
In March 1979, Samuel Tamayo entered into a contract with Ronald and Purita Cabe to construct their residential house for a total cost of P106,000, adhering to architectural plans and specifications. During the execution of this contract, the Cabes terminated Tamayo's services due to alleged deviations from the agreed plans. Subsequently, the construction of the house was completed by other workers.
Legal Proceedings Initiated by Tamayo
On June 28, 1979, Tamayo filed a complaint with the Regional Office of the Department of Labor in Laoag City, seeking to recover P7,000 for payment of labor and materials. He claimed these amounts as a head carpenter on behalf of his 18 co-workers, whose wages he had advanced, alongside his reimbursement for materials purchased during the construction process.
Decision of the Assistant Regional Director
The Assistant Regional Director for Arbitration ruled in favor of Tamayo, ordering the Cabes to pay him P6,400 in contractual wages and P600 in reimbursement for materials. This ruling was contested by the Cabes through a certiorari petition, asserting that the Assistant Director had acted without proper jurisdiction in rendering the decision.
Jurisdictional Issues
The central issue in this case pertains to whether the Labor Regional Office possessed the jurisdiction to entertain Tamayo's complaint. The Supreme Court determined that Tamayo operated as an independent contractor, distinguishing his status from that of an employee. As such, the claims made by Tamayo did not fall within the jurisdiction of the Labor Regional Office or the National Labor Relations Commission. The relevant legal provisions, specifically Article 217 of the Labor Code, restrict the jurisdiction of these bodies to disputes arising strictly from an employer-employee relationship.
Co
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 57682)
Case Background
- This case revolves around a dispute concerning the jurisdiction of the Labor Regional Office over a breach of contract related to construction work.
- The petitioners are Ronald Cabe and Purita Cabe, who engaged the services of Samuel Tamayo to construct their residential house for a total cost of P106,000.
- The construction was to be executed following plans and specifications provided by an architect.
Factual Circumstances
- Samuel Tamayo commenced the construction work as agreed upon in March 1979.
- The Cabes terminated Tamayo's services, alleging deviations from the approved plans.
- Following the termination, the construction was completed by other individuals.
- On June 28, 1979, Tamayo filed a case in the Regional Office of the Department of Labor in Laoag City, seeking recovery of P7,000 for labor and materials.
Legal Proceedings
- Tamayo's case was filed on behalf of himself and 18 co-workers for whom he had advanced wages and for materials he had personally purchased.
- The Assistant Regional Director for Arbitration ruled in favor of Tamayo, ordering the Cabes to pay him P6,400 in contractual wages and P600 fo