<P> The Labor Code of the Philippines is the legal code governing employment practices and labor relations in the Philippines . It was enacted on Labor day, May 1, 1974 by Late President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos in the exercise of his then extant legislative powers . </P> <P> The Labor Code sets the rules for hiring and firing of private employees; the conditions of work including maximum work hours and overtime; employee benefits such as holiday pay, thirteenth - month pay and retirement pay; and the guidelines in the organization and membership in labor unions as well as in collective bargaining . </P> <P> The Labor Code contains several provisions which are beneficial to labor . It prohibits termination of employment of Private employees except for just or authorized causes as prescribed in Article 282 to 284 of the Code . The right to self - organization of a union is expressly recognized, as is the right of a union to insist on a closed shop . </P>

Who are covered by the labor code of the philippines