This case has been cited 1 times or more.
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2009-06-16 |
NACHURA, J. |
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| It should be noted that petitioners' complaint involved underpayment of wages and other benefits. In order to verify the allegations in the complaint, DOLE conducted an inspection, which yielded proof of violations of labor standards. By the nature of the complaint and from the result of the inspection, the authority of the DOLE, under Article 128, came into play regardless of the monetary value of the claims involved.[17] The extent of this authority and the powers flowing therefrom are defined and set forth in Article 128 of the Labor Code, as amended by R.A. No. 7730,[18] the pertinent portions of which read as follows:ART. 128. Visitorial and enforcement power. - (a) The Secretary of Labor or his duly authorized representatives, including labor regulation officers, shall have access to employer's records and premises at any time of the day or night whenever work is being undertaken therein, and the right to copy therefrom, to question any employee and investigate any fact, condition or matter which may be necessary to determine violations or which may aid in the enforcement of this Code and of any labor law, wage order or rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto. | |||||