Lasco v.

UN Revolving Fund, 241 S 681

FACTS:

Petitioners filed a complaint for illegal dismissal and damages after

being dismissed from their employment with the United Nations
Revolving Fund for Natural Resources Exploration (UNRFNRE)
which was involved in a joint project of the Philippine Government
and the United Nations for exploration work in Dinagat Island.
The UNRFNRE filed a Motion to Dismiss and alleged that
respondent Labor Arbiter had no jurisdiction over its personality
since the UNRFNRE enjoyed diplomatic immunity pursuant to the
1946 Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United
Nations. The respondent attached a letter from the Department of
Foreign Affairs acknowledging its immunity from suit, prompting the
Labor Arbiter to issue an order dismissing the complaints.
Petitioners filed a motion for reconsideration which was denied.

ISSUE:

Did the private respondent waive its diplomatic immunity when it

engaged in exploration work and entered into a contract of
employment with the petitioners?

HELD:

No. The Supreme Court dismissed the petition, stating that the
presence of the private respondent in the Philippines was not
because of a commercial venture but because of a joint project
entered into by the Philippine Government and the United Nations
for mineral exploration in Dinagat Island. The mission of
the UNRFNRE was not to exploit our natural resources and gain
monetarily but to help improve the quality of life of the people which
included that of the petitioners.