Case Summary (G.R. No. 187604)
Sequence of Events
On December 16, 1952, the National Labor Union filed demands for wage increases and other concessions from San Beda College. When these demands were not met, the union formally petitioned the Court of Industrial Relations on January 20, 1953. Subsequently, San Beda College moved to dismiss the petition, arguing that the reduction in membership of the labor union (from 46 to less than 30) negated the union's standing to file the petition. The Court denied this dismissal on August 1, 1953, reasoning that the jurisdiction was established upon the submission of the petition before any withdrawal of members occurred.
Jurisdiction and Dismissal Motions
On August 10, 1953, San Beda College filed a motion for reconsideration on the grounds that the dispute did not qualify as an industrial dispute and involved fewer than thirty employees. The motion for rehearing was denied, and the Court determined that it was imperative for the college to present evidence to clarify its characterization as an educational institution rather than an industrial one. The hearings continued, with motions for dismissal and reconsiderations taking place, focusing on whether the case pertained to an industrial or agricultural dispute under Commonwealth Act No. 103 and its amendments.
Educational Institution vs. Industrial Pursuit
The Court examined whether San Beda College was engaged in industrial activity under the definition provided by relevant laws. The evidence demonstrated that San Beda College served as an educational establishment, focusing on the education and development of young men, and not designed primarily for profit generation. Testimonies and documents supported the assertion that the college, operated by the Benedictine Order, was not profit-driven, which further strengthened the case that the labor dispute was not an industrial dispute as defined by law.
Judicial Findings
The Court rejected the notion that the employment disputes of those working at San Beda College fell under the jurisdiction of the Court of Industrial Relations, adhering to pre
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Background of the Case
- The case originated from a demand made by the National Labor Union on behalf of over 30 members employed by San Beda College for wage increases and other concessions on December 16, 1952.
- San Beda College did not grant these demands, prompting the union to file a petition with the Court of Industrial Relations on January 20, 1953.
- The college subsequently moved to dismiss the petition, asserting that 30 out of 46 union members had withdrawn their membership, reducing the union's representation below the required threshold.
Procedural History
- The Court of Industrial Relations denied the college's motion to dismiss on August 1, 1953, affirming its jurisdiction despite the withdrawal of members, as the withdrawals occurred after the petition was filed.
- The college filed further motions questioning the nature of the dispute and jurisdiction, which were denied, leading to hearings set for the case's merits.
- The college eventually sought a writ of certiorari to overturn the orders from the Court of Industrial Relations.
Jurisdictional Issues
- The college argued that t