FACTS:

The case involves a Petition for Review filed by sixty-two employees of Coca-Cola Bottlers, Inc. and its officers, alleging unfair labor practices, illegal dismissal, violation of security of tenure, and the perpetuation of the "Cabo System". Fifty-two complainants were dismissed for failure to prosecute, while the remaining ten complainants claimed to be illegally dismissed when they were replaced and prevented from entering the company premises. The complainants sought reinstatement with full back wages and the declaration of their regular employment status. Respondent Coca-Cola Bottlers argued that there was no employer-employee relationship between the complainants and the company, and that the complainants were employed by bona fide independent contractors.

Labor Arbiter Jose De Vera rendered a decision in favor of the complainants, ordering their reinstatement and payment of back wages. The NLRC affirmed the decision, and the Court of Appeals agreed that an employer-employee relationship existed between the parties but dismissed the complaints of some complainants for lack of sufficient evidence.

The petitioners argue that labor cases are decided based on position papers and affidavits, and that the rules of court should not be strictly applied. The respondent argues that the affidavits of the complainants should be stricken off the record for lack of affirmation and cross-examination.

ISSUES:

1. Whether the Court of Appeals erred in dismissing the complaints of certain complainants due to the lack of probative value of their affidavits.

2. Whether labor cases are decided based solely on position papers and affidavits, without the need for cross-examination.

RULING:

1. The Court of Appeals did not err in dismissing the complaints of certain complainants due to the lack of probative value of their affidavits. The court held that the failure of these complainants to affirm the contents of their affidavits and to undergo cross-examination rendered their affidavits unreliable and thus should not be given probative value.

2. Labor cases are not solely decided based on position papers and affidavits. In this case, the Labor Arbiter conducted clarificatory hearings to establish the truth between the opposing claims of the parties. Cross-examination was deemed necessary to allow the parties to rebut each other's statements. While labor cases have their own rules of procedure, the Rules of Court should still be applied and cross-examination should be given weight to ensure a fair and just resolution of the dispute.

PRINCIPLES:

• In labor cases, affidavits without cross-examination may be deemed unreliable and lacking in probative value.

• Labor cases are not solely decided based on position papers and affidavits. Clarificatory hearings and cross-examination may be conducted to establish the truth and allow the parties to rebut each other's statements.