Practice question
An inspection covers several contractors performing different functions under different arrangements. An official orders all workers regularized with the principal based only on a broad assertion that their services are useful, without adequately establishing the relevant employment and contracting facts. Which lesson follows from the 2024 PLDT main decision?
- Possession of inspection authority makes every conclusion unreviewable.
- Every useful service necessarily proves labor-only contracting.
- All contractors must have identical legal status.
- The authority exists, but the resulting findings and orders still require the applicable legal tests and substantial evidentiary support.
- Worker interviews can never be considered for any purpose.
Legal references
- Labor Code, DOLE consolidated 2022 edition, Articles 219, 258–260, 262–264, 274 and 278–279: https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/natlex2/files/download/15242/PHL15242%202022.pdf; Article 128.
- DOLE Department Order No. 238, series of 2023, original order text reproduced at Labor Law PH Library, Rules III, VIII–IX: https://library.laborlaw.ph/dole-department-order-no-238-series-of-2023/
- DOLE official issuance notice, DO 238-23, April 13, 2023: https://dole.gov.ph/news/department-order-no-238-23-rules-on-the-administration-and-enforcement-of-labor-standards-pursuant-to-article-128-of-the-labor-code-of-the-philippines-as-renumbered-and-republic-act-no.-11058/
- Manggagawa sa Komunikasyon ng Pilipinas v PLDT, G.R. Nos. 244695, 244752 and 245294, February 14, 2024, main decision, Article 128 authority and evidentiary limits: https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2024/feb2024/gr_244695_2024.html
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