FACTS:
Private respondent was employed by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center – Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC) until he was terminated due to the organization experiencing financial constraints and was assured to receive separation benefits. He filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) against SEAFDEC for the latter’s failure to pay separation pay.
ISSUE(S):
Whether or not NLRC has jurisdiction to hear and decide given SEAFDEC’s immunity from suit.
HELD:
NO. Being an intergovernmental organization, SEAFDEC enjoys functional independence and freedom form control of the State in whose territory its office is located.
