3. Full Protection to Labor (Art. XIII)

Labor as Property Right

One’s employment is a property right, and the wrongful interference therewith is an actionable wrong. The right is considered to be property within the protection of the constitutional guarantee of due process of law. (Texon Mfg. v. Millena, G.R. No. 141380, 2004)

Sec. 4. No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.

Wearing armbands and putting up placards to express one’s views without violating the rights of 3rd parties are legal per se and even constitutionally protected. (Bascon v. CA, G.R. No. 144899, 2004)

Sec. 8. The right of the people, including those employed in the public and private sectors, to form unions, associations, or societies for purposes not contrary to law shall not be abridged.

Sec. 16. All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies.

Sec. 18(2). No involuntary servitude in any form shall exist except as a punishment for a crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.

Rights Guaranteed by the Labor Code

The State shall afford protection to labor, promote full employment, ensure equal work opportunities regardless of sex, race or creed and regulate the relations between workers and employers. The State shall assure the right of workers to self-organization, collective bargaining, security of tenure, and just and humane conditions of work. (Labor Code, Art. 3)

The constitutional policy to provide full protection to labor is not meant to be a sword to oppress employers. The commitment of this Court to the cause of labor does not prevent us from sustaining the employer when it is in the right. (Sarocam v. Interorient Marine, G.R. No. 167813, 2006)