G.R. Nos.

92981-83 January 9, 1992

INTERNATIONAL PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., petitioner,

vs.
HON. SECRETARY OF LABOR and ASSOCIATED LABOR UNION
(ALU), respondents.

Facts:
On January 1, 1989 the Union submitted to the International Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
their economic and political demands. This action of the Union resulted in an impasse
between them and the Company. Then, on June 27, 1989 the Union filed a notice of strike
with the regional office. By August 8, 1989 the Union went on with the strike paralyzing the
company operations due to the failure of both parties to reach an agreement.

Subsequently, three other labor cases involving the same parties were filed with the
National Labor Relations Commission. Meanwhile, the then acting labor Secretary, Ricardo C.
Castro, assumed jurisdiction over the cases. On January 15, 1990, the Union filed a motion
seeking consolidation of the three cases, and was granted. In response, the Company filed a
motion for reconsideration but was denied.

Issue:
Whether or not the Secretary of Labor has jurisdiction over the consolidated labor
cases in accordance to Article 263 (g) of the Labor Code.

Held:
Yes. Clearly the Article 263 (g) states that the Secretary of Labor “may assume
jurisdiction over the dispute and decide it” , if the Secretary opines that the instant dispute
can cause a strike or lockout. Moreover, Article 217 that provides exclusive jurisdiction to
the labor arbiter is not without exceptions, as the opening proviso states “except as
otherwise provided by law”. The Court further explained that the rule in interpretation of
labor laws should be resolved in favor of labor.