Practice question
A worker files an illegal-dismissal complaint seeking reinstatement and PHP 4,000 in unpaid wages. No special jurisdictional exception applies. Does the small wage amount remove the termination dispute from Labor Arbiter jurisdiction?
- Yes, every claim below PHP 5,000 belongs only to a Regional Director
- No; termination and reinstatement-related claims fall within the Labor Arbiter’s jurisdiction despite that amount
- Yes, unless the worker abandons reinstatement
- Yes, because reinstatement is never a labor remedy
- No, because the Labor Arbiter hears every civil dispute regardless of subject
Legal references
- https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1989/ra_6715_1989.html — RA 6715, section 9: Labor Code Article 217, now Article 224, original and appellate jurisdiction and grievance referral.
- https://lawphil.net/judjuris/juri2021/nov2021/gr_216716_2021.html — Esico v. Alphaland Corp., G.R. 216716, November 17, 2021, main decision: Article 224 categories and reasonable causal connection; distinct civil contract claims.
- https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1994/ra_7730_1994.html — RA 7730, Article 128(b): distinct DOLE inspection and compliance jurisdiction.
Answer this question in flashcards to review your response and continue practicing.