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 There was agreement between Ang Tibay and the National Labor Union, Inc (NLU).
The NLU alleged that the supposed lack of leather material claimed by Toribio Teodoro was
but a scheme adopted to systematically discharge all the members of the NLU, from work.
And this averment is desired to be proved by the petitioner with the records of the Bureau
of Customs and Books of Accounts of native dealers in leather. That National Worker's
Brotherhood Union of Ang Tibay is a company or employer union dominated by Toribio
Teodoro, which was alleged by the NLU as an illegal one. The CIR, decided the case and
elevated it to the Supreme Court, but a motion for new trial was raised by the NLU. But the
Ang Tibay filed a motion for opposing the said motion.


| Whether or Not, the motion for new trial is meritorious to be granted.


R To begin with the issue before us is to realize the functions of the CIR. The CIR is a
special court whose functions are specifically stated in the law of its creation which is the
Commonwealth Act No. 103). It is more an administrative board than a part of the
integrated judicial system of the nation. It is not intended to be a mere receptive organ of
the government. Unlike a court of justice which is essentially passive, acting only when its
jurisdiction is invoked and deciding only cases that are presented to it by the parties
litigant, the function of the CIR, as will appear from perusal of its organic law is more active,
affirmative and dynamic. It not only exercises judicial or quasi-judicial functions in the
determination of disputes between employers and employees but its functions are far more
comprehensive and extensive. It has jurisdiction over the entire Philippines, to consider,
investigate, decide, and settle any question, matter controversy or disputes arising
between, and/ or affecting employers and employees or laborers, and landlords and tenants
or farm-laborers, and regulates the relations between them, subject to, and in accordance
with, the provisions of CA 103.

As laid down in the case of Goseco v. CIR, the SC had the occasion to point out that the CIR
is not narrowly constrained by technical rules of procedure, and equity and substantial
merits of the case, without regard to technicalities or legal forms and shall not be bound by
any technical rules of legal evidence but may inform its mind in such manner as it may
deem just and equitable.

The fact, however, that the CIR may be said to be free from rigidity of certain procedural
requirements does not mean that it can in justiciable cases coming before it, entirely ignore
or disregard the fundamental and essential requirements of due process in trials and
investigations of an administrative character. There cardinal primary rights which must be
respected even in proceedings of this character:

(1) the right to a hearing, which includes the right to present one's cause and submit
evidence in support thereof;
(2) The tribunal must consider the evidence presented;
(3) The decision must have something to support itself;
(4) The evidence must be substantial;
(5) The decision must be based on the evidence presented at the hearing; or at least
contained in the record and disclosed to the parties affected;
(6) The tribunal or body or any of its judges must act on its own independent consideration
of the law and facts of the controversy, and not simply accept the views of a subordinate;
(7) The Board or body should, in all controversial questions, render its decision in such
manner that the parties to the proceeding can know the various Issue involved, and the
reason for the decision rendered.

The failure to grasp the fundamental issue involved is not entirely attributable to the parties
adversely affected by the result. Accordingly, the motion for a new trial should be, and the
same is hereby granted, and the entire record of this case shall be remanded to the CIR,
with instruction that it reopen the case receive all such evidence as may be relevant, and
otherwise proceed in accordance with the requirements set forth. So ordered.

 
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