Prohibition vs. elimination or diminution of benefits under Article 100 of the Labor Code

Clearly, the prohibition against elimination or diminution of benefits set out in Article 100 of the Labor Code is specifically concerned with benefits already enjoyed at the time of the promulgation of the Labor Code. Article 100 does not, in other words, purport to apply to situations arising after the promulgation date of the Labor Code. Section 6 of the Rules Implementing Wage Order No. 6 relates to "supplements and other benefits" which employees are already "enjoying without cost at the time of the effectivity of [Wage] Order [No. 6]." Such benefits which employees are already enjoying "without cost" could not, under Section 6, suddenly be ascribed monetary value so as to offset or diminish increases in the minimum wage rates prescribed by statute. (G.R. No. 86200, February 25, 1992)