[G.R. No. 212054. March 11, 2015.] ST. LUKE'S MEDICAL CENTER, INC vs. MARIA THERESA V. SANCHEZ
Facts:
Sanchez is a Staff Nurse at St. Luke's Meica! "enter, #nc. #nc. $SLM"%. Recors re&ea! that at the en of her shift on Ma 2(, 2011, Sanchez )asse throu*h the SLM" "entra!ization +ntrance+-it here she as su/ecte to the stanar ins)ection )roceure / the securit )ersonne!. he Securit Guar onut, notice a )ouch in her /a* an aske her to o)en the sa3e. sa3e. he sai )ouch )ouch contain containe e assort assort3en 3entt of 3eica 3eica!! stocks stocks hich hich ere ere su/se su/seuent uent! ! confiscate confiscate.. Sanchez as /rou*ht to the SLM" #nouse #nouse Securit Securit 6e)art3ent 6e)art3ent $#S6% here she co3)!ie ith the irecti&e to rite an #ncient Re)ort an a!so su/3itte an unate hanritten !etter of a)o!o*. 7n initia! in&esti*ation as a!so conucte / the SLM" 6i&ision of Nursin* hich thereaf thereafter ter ser&e ser&e Sanchez Sanchez a notice notice to e-)!ain e-)!ain.. "onse "onseuent uent! !,, Sanchez Sanchez as )!ace )!ace uner uner )re&enti&e sus)ension effecti&e 8une 9, 2011 unti! the conc!usion of the in&esti*ation / SLM"'s +3)!oee an La/or Re!ations 6e)art3ent $+LR6% hich, thereafter, reuire her to e-)!ain h she shou! not /e ter3inate fro3 ser&ice for acts of ishonest ue to her )ossession of the uestione ite3s in &io!ation of Section Section 1, Ru!e # of the SLM" "oe of 6isci)!ine. 6isci)!ine. #n res)onse, she su/3itte a !etter, hich 3ere! reiterate her c!ai3s in her )re&ious !etter. She !ikeise reueste for a case conference, hich hich SLM" *rante. 7fter hearin* her sie, SLM", on 8u! 4, 2011, 2011, infor3e infor3e Sanchez of its ecision to ter3inate ter3inate her e3)!o3ent e3)!o3ent effecti&e effecti&e c!osin* c!osin* hours of 8u! :, 2011. his )ro3)te her to fi!e a co3)!aint for i!!e*a! is3issa! is3issa! /efore the NLR". #n her )ositi )osition on )a)er, )a)er, Sanchez Sanchez 3ainta 3aintaine ine her innoce innocence, nce, c!ai3i c!ai3in* n* that that she ha no intent intention ion of /rin*i /rin*in* n* outsi outsiee the SLM"'s SLM"'s )re3is )re3ises es the uestio uestione ne ite3s ite3s since since she 3ere! 3ere! ina&ertent! !eft the )ouch containin* the3 in her /a* as she *ot cau*ht u) in ork that a. She further asserte that she cou! not /e foun *ui!t of )i!fera*e since the uestione ite3s foun in her )ossession ere neither SLM"'s nor its e3)!oees' )ro)ert. She a!so stresse the fact that SLM" i not fi!e an cri3ina! cri3ina! char*es a*ainst her. 7nent 7nent her su))ose su))ose a3ission a3ission in her hanritten !etter, she c!ai3e that she as unassiste / counse! hen she e-ecute the sa3e an, thus, as ina3issi/!e for /ein* unconstitutiona!. ;or its )art, SLM" contene that Sanchez as &a!i! is3isse for ust cause as she ha co33itte co33itte theft in &io!ation &io!ation of Section Section 1, Ru!e # of the SLM" "oe of 6isci)!ine, 6isci)!ine, hich )unishes acts of ishonest, i.e., i.e., ro//er, theft, )i!fera*e, an 3isa))ro)riation of funs, ith ter3ination fro3 ser&ice. he La/or 7r/iter $L7% ru!e that Sanchez as &a!i! is3isse for intentiona!! takin* the )ro)er )ro)ert t of SLM"'s SLM"'s c!ient c!ientss for her on )erson )ersona! a! /enefi /enefit, t, hich hich consti constitut tutes es an act of ishonest as )ro&ie uner SLM"'s "oe of 6isci)!ine. he NLR" re&erse an set asie the
L7 ru!in*, an he! that Sanchez as i!!e*a!! is3isse. "7 u)he! the NLR", ru!in* that the !atter i not *ra&e! a/use its iscretion in finin* that Sanchez as i!!e*a!! is3isse.
Issue:
Held:
7rtic!e 2(: $for3er! 7rtic!e 2=2% of the La/or "oe )ro&ies that an e3)!oer 3a ter3inate an e3)!o3ent for an of the fo!!oin* causes> $a $a% serious 3isconuct or wll!ul ds"#ede$ce #% t&e e(l"%ee "! t&e law!ul ")de)s "! &s e(l"%e) ") &s )e()ese$tat*e $ c"$$ect"$ wt& &s w")+ ? -- Note that for an e3)!oee to /e &a!i! is3isse on this *roun, the e3)!oer's orers, re*u!ations, or instructions 3ust /e> $1% )eas"$a#le a$d law!ul , $2% su!!ce$tl% +$"w$ t" t&e e(l"%ee , an $9% $ c"$$ect"$ wt& t&e dutes w&c& t&e e(l"%ee &as #ee$ e$aed t" dsc&a)e . he "ourt fins that Sanchez as &a!i! is3isse / SLM" for her i!!fu! isre*ar an iso/eience of Section 1, Ru!e # of the SLM" "oe of 6isci)!ine, hich reasona/! )unishes acts of ishonest, i.e., i.e., @theft, )i!fera*e of hos)ita! or coe3)!oee )ro)ert, . . . or its atte attempt mpt in any any form form or mann manner er fro3 fro3 the hos)it hos)ita!, a!, coe3) coe3)!o !oees ees,, octors octors,, &isito &isitors, rs, [an] [an] custo3ers custo3ers $e-terna! $e-terna! an interna!%@ interna!%@ ith ter3ination ter3ination fro3 e3)!o3ent. Such act is o/&ious! connecte ith Sanchez's ork, ho, as a staff nurse, is taske ith the )ro)er stearshi) of 3eica! su))!ies. Si*nificant!, Si*nificant!, recors sho that that Sanchez 3ae a cate*orica! a3ission in her hanritten hanritten !etter !etter A i.e., i.e., "[k]a "[k]ahi hitt alam alam kong kong bawa bawall ay nagaw nagawa a kong kong [maka [makapa pag-u g-uwi wi]] ng gamit" A that es)ite her kno!e*e of its e-)ress )rohi/ition uner the SLM" "oe of 6isci)!ine, she sti!! knoin*! /rou*ht out the su/ect 3eica! ite3s ith her. #t is a)t to c!arif that SLM" cannot /e fau!te in construin* the takin* of the uestione ite3s as an act of ishonest $)articu!ar!, as theft, )i!fera*e, or its atte3)t in an for3 or 3anner% consierin* that the intent to *ain 3a /e reasona/! )resu3e fro3 the furti&e takin* of usefu! )ro)ert a))ertainin* to another. Note that Section 1, Ru!e 1 of the SLM" "oe of 6isci)!ine is further su))!e3ente / the co3)an co3)an )o!ic )o!ic reuir reuirin* in* the turno turno&er &er of e-cess e-cess 3eica 3eica!! su))!i su))!ies esite ite3s 3s for )ro)er )ro)er han!i han!in* n* an )ro&i )ro&iin* in* a restr restrict iction ion on takin* takin* an /rin*i /rin*in* n* such such ite3s ite3s out of the SLM" SLM" )re3ises ithout the )ro)er authorization or @)ass@ fro3 the officia! concerne, hich Sanchez as eua!! aare thereof. 7s it is c!ear that the co3)an )o!icies su/ect of this case are reasona/!e an !afu!, sufficient! knon to the e3)!oee, an e&ient! connecte ith the !atter's ork, the "ourt conc!ues that SLM" is3isse Sanchez for a ust cause.
;ina!!, the "ourt fins it inconseuentia! that SLM" has not suffere an actua! a3a*e.
[G.R. No. 1B12=2. No&e3/er 2B, 2019.]
SKM ART CRAFT C-R-RATI-N *s. /AUCA
Facts:
he 29 res)onents here ere e3)!oe / )etitioner SCM 7rt "raft "or)oration hich is en*a*e in the hanicraft /usiness. Dn 7)ri! 1=, 2000, aroun 1>12 a.3., a fire occurre at the ins)ection an recei&in*re)air)ackin* area of )etitioner's )re3ises in #ntra3uros, Mani!a. he fire in&esti*ation re)ort 0 state that the structure an the /each ru//er /ui!in* ere tota!! a3a*e. 7!so /urne ere four container &ans an a trai!er truck. he esti3ate a3a*e as E22 3i!!ion. Dn Ma =, 2000, )etitioner infor3e res)onents that it i!! sus)en its o)erations for si- 3onths, effecti&e Ma (, 2000. Dn Ma 1:, 2000, on! ei*ht as after recei&in* notice of the sus)ension of )etitioner's o)erations, the 29 res)onents $an other coorkers% fi!e a co3)!aint for i!!e*a! is3issa! in NLR". he a!!e*e that there as iscri3ination in choosin* the orkers to /e !ai off an that )etitioner ha isco&ere that 3ost of the3 ere 3e3/ers of a ne!or*anize union. Eetitioner enie the c!ai3 of i!!e*a! is3issa! an sai that 7rtic!e 2=: of the La/or "oe a!!os the bona fide sus)ension of a /usiness or unertakin* for a )erio not e-ceein* si3onths. Eetitioner c!ai3e that the fire cost it 3i!!ions in !osses an that it is i3)ossi/!e to resu3e its nor3a! o)erations for a si*nificant )erio of ti3e. 1 he La/or 7r/iter ru!e that res)onents ere i!!e*a!! is3isse an orere )etitioner to reinstate the3 an )a the3 /ack a*es. he Nationa! La/or Re!ations "o33ission set asie the La/or 7r/iter's 6ecision an ru!e that there as no i!!e*a! is3issa!. he "7 set asie the NLR" 6ecision an Reso!ution an reinstate the La/or 7r/iter's 6ecision. Issue:
7rtic!e 2=: of the La/or "oe )ro&ies that Fthe bona fide sus)ension of the o)erations of a /usiness or unertakin* for a )erio not e-ceein* si- $:% 3onths, or the fu!fi!!3ent / the e3)!oee of a 3i!itar or ci&ic ut sha!! not ter3inate e3)!o3ent. #n a!! such cases, the e3)!oer sha!! reinstate the e3)!oee to his for3er )osition ithout !oss of seniorit ri*hts if he inicates his esire to resu3e his ork not !ater than one $1% 3onth fro3 the resu3)tion of o)erations of his e3)!oer or fro3 his re!ief fro3 the 3i!itar or ci&ic ut. he NLR" correct! note that the co3)!aint for i!!e*a! is3issa! fi!e / res)onents as )re3ature since it as fi!e on! ei*ht a s after )etitioner announce that it i!! sus)en its o)erations for si- 3onths. #n Nippon Housing Phil., In. !. eynes, e sai that a co3)!aint for
i!!e*a! is3issa! fi!e )rior to the !a)se of sai si- 3onths is *enera!! consiere as )re3ature! fi!e. #n this case, hoe&er, e a*ree ith the La/or 7r/iter an the "7 that res)onents ere a!rea consiere i!!e*a!! is3isse since )etitioner fai!e to reca!! the3 after si- 3onths, hen its bona fide sus)ension of o)erations !a)se.
[G.R. No. 1(0059. March 24, 2014.] NAV-TAS SHI2ARD C-R-RATI-N a$d 3ESUS VILLAFL-R vs. INN-CENCIM-NTALLANA
Facts:
he Res)onents fi!e a co3)!aint for i!!e*a! $constructi&e% is3issa!, ith 3one c!ai3s, a*ainst the )etitioners, Na&otas Shi)ar "or)oration #ompany$ an its EresientGenera! Mana*er, 8esus Ii!!af!or. he res)onents a!!e*e that on Dcto/er 20, 2009, the co3)an's e3)!oees $a/out 100% ere ca!!e to a 3eetin* here Ii!!af!or to! the3> @ %agsasara na ako ng negosyo, babayaran ko na lang kayo ng separation pay dahil wala na akong pangsweldo sa inyo. %arami akong mga utang sa krudo, yelo, at iba pa.@ Since then, the ere not a!!oe to re)ort for ork /ut Ii!!af!or's )ro3ise to *i&e the3 se)aration )a ne&er 3ateria!ize es)ite their )ersistent e3ans an fo!!ou)s. he )etitioners, on the other han, c!ai3e that ue to the @seasona! !ack of fish cau*ht an unco!!ecte recei&a/!es, the co3)an suffere financia! re&erses. #t as thus constraine to te3)orari! cease o)erations. he )roecte that the co3)an cou! resu3e o)erations /efore the en of si- 3onths or on 7)ri! 22, 2004. #t re)orte the te3)orar shuton to the 6e)art3ent of La/or an +3)!o3ent, Nationa! "a)ita! Re*ion #&'(-N)*$ an fi!e an +sta/!ish3ent er3ination Re)ort. he La/or 7r/iter is3isse the co3)!aint for !ack of 3erit, /ut aare the res)onents 19th 3onth )a an ser&ice incenti&e !ea&e )a for the ear 2009. L7 ru!e that the res)onents cou! not ha&e /een i!!e*a!! is3isse. he NLR" is3isse the a))ea! for !ack of 3erit an affir3e the L7. he "7 foun 3erit in the res)onents' su/3ission that the co3)an's shuton as not te3)orar, /ut )er3anent.
2=9 of the La/or "oe. he 3aintain that a!thou*h the @suffere /usiness !osses that !e to the is)osition of their fishin* &esse!s in orer to )a their e/ts, iese!, sa!aries an others, the *a&e the se)aration )as of their e3)!oees.@
Issues: 4
2
Held:
1. 7ccorin* to the "7, the @)etitioners anchor their ar*u3ents 3ain! on 7rtic!e 2=9 of the La/or "oe, statin* that )ri&ate res)onents resorte to retrench3ent an )er3anent c!osure of /usiness, hi!e )ri&ate res)onents 3aintain that hat is a))!ica/!e is 7rtic!e 2=: . . . as the c!osure of /usiness as 3ere! te3)orar.@ he )etitioners unertook a te3)orar shuton. #n fact, the co3)an notifie the 6DL+ of the shuton an fi!e an +sta/!ish3ent er3ination Re)ort containin* the na3es of the affecte e3)!oees. he )etitioners e-)ecte the co3)an to reco&er /efore the en of the si- 3onth shuton )erio, /ut unfortunate!, no reco&er took )!ace. hus, the shuton /eca3e )er3anent. 7ccorin* to the )etitioners, the *a&e the co3)an's e3)!oees their se)aration )a.
@he te3)orar shuton has ri)ene into a c!osure or cessation of o)erations. #n this situation[,] )ri&ate res)onents are efinite! entit!e to the corres)onin* /enefits of se)aration.@ 55 +&en the res)onents ha an ink!in* of the co3)an's fate hen the c!ai3e /efore the L7 that on Dcto/er 20, 2009, the ere ca!!e, to*ether ith a!! the other e3)!oees of the co3)an, / Ii!!af!or? the !atter a!!e*e! to! the3 that he ou! /e c!osin* the co3)an, /ut ou! *i&e the3 their se)aration )a. e a!so isc!ose to the3 the reason A
he cou! no !on*er )a their sa!aries ue to the co3)an's unsett!e financia! o/!i*ations on fue! an ice an other ine/teness. he res)onents' &er/a! account of hat ha))ene urin* the 3eetin*, )articu!ar! the co3)an's i33inent c!osure, to our 3in, confir3e the co3)an's ire situation. he te3)orar shuton, it a))ears, as a !ast itch effort on the )art of Ii!!af!or to 3ake the co3)an's o)erations &ia/!e /ut, as it turne out, the effort )ro&e futi!e. he shuton /eca3e )er3anent as the "7 itse!f ackno!e*e. he "7 3isa))reciate the facts hen it o)ine that the res)onents ere i!!e*a!! is3isse /ecause the ere not reinstate / the )etitioners after the !a)se of the co3)an's te3)orar shuton. #t !ost si*ht of the fact that the co3)an i not resu3e o)erations an3ore, a situation the "7 itse!f reco*nize. he res)onents, therefore, ha no 3ore o/s to *o /ack to? hence, their nonreinstate3ent. #n these !i*hts, the "7 as not on! incorrect fro3 the )oint of !a? it !ikeise isre*are, or at the &er !east, *ross! 3isa))reciate the e&ience on recor A that the )etitioner as in istress an &ad te(")a)l% sus(e$ded ts "(e)at"$s , an u! ref!ecte these circu3stances to the 6DL+. ;ro3 this )ers)ecti&e, there as no *ra&e a/use of iscretion to ustif the "7's re&ersa! of the NLR"'s finin*s an conc!usions. S$ce t&e)e was $" lleal dsssal, t&e )es("$de$ts a)e $"t e$ttled t" #ac+waes . he e&ience on han su/stantia!! shos that the co3)an c!ose on ue to serious /usiness re&erses, an authorize cause for ter3ination of e3)!o 3ent. ;ai!ure to notif the res)onents in ritin* of the c!osure of the co3)an i!! not in&a!iate the ter3ination of their e3)!o3ent, /ut the co3)an has to )a the3 no3ina! a3a*es for the &io!ation of their ri*ht to )roceura! ue )rocess. C"$sde)$ t&at t&e c"(a$%'s cl"su)e was due t" se)"us !$a$cal )e*e)ses, t s $"t leall% #"u$d t" *e t&e se(a)ated e(l"%ees se(a)at"$ (a% .
[G.R. No. 204B:1. 7)ri! 2, 2014.] EMERITUS SECURIT2 AND MAINTENANCE S2STEMS, INC. vs. 3ANRIE C. DAILI7 Facts:
#n 7u*ust 2000, )etitioner hire res)onent as one of its securit *uars. 6urin* his e3)!o3ent, res)onent as assi*ne to )etitioner's &arious c!ients. Dn 10 6ece3/er 2005, res)onent as re!ie&e fro3 his )ost. Dn 14 8u! 200:, res)onent fi!e a co3)!aint for i!!e*a! is3issa!, uner)a3ent of sa!aries an non)a3ent of fu!! /acka*es /efore the NLR". Res)onent c!ai3e that on &arious ates in 6ece3/er 2005 an fro3 8anuar to Ma 200:, he ent to )etitioner's office to fo!!ou) his ne-t assi*n3ent. 7fter 3ore than si- 3onths since his !ast assi*n3ent, sti!! res)onent as not *i&en a ne assi*n3ent. Res)onent ar*ue that if an e3)!oee is on f!oatin* status for 3ore than si- 3onths, such e3)!oee is ee3e i!!e*a!! is3isse. Eetitioner enie is3issin* res)onent. Eetitioner a3itte that it re!ie&e res)onent fro3 his !ast assi*n3ent on 10 6ece3/er 2005? hoe&er, )etitioner reuire res)onent to re)ort to the hea office ithin 4= hours fro3 recei)t of the orer of re!ief. Res)onent a!!e*e! fai!e to co3)!. Eetitioner further a!!e*e that it ha infor3e res)onent that he ha /een a/sent ithout officia! !ea&e for the 3onth of 8anuar 200:, an that his fai!ure to re)ort ithin B2 hours fro3 recei)t of the notice ou! 3ean that he as no !on*er intereste to continue his e3)!o3ent. Eetitioner a!so c!ai3e that there as no shoin* that res)onent as )re&ente fro3 returnin* to his ork an that it ha consistent! 3anifeste its i!!in*ness to reinstate hi3 to his for3er )osition. #n aition, the fact that there as no ter3ination !etter sent to res)onent )ur)orte! )ro&e that res)onent as not is3isse. he La/or 7r/iter ru!e that co3)!ainant as i!!e*a!! is3isse. Eetitioner a))ea!e /efore the NLR", hich is3isse the a))ea! for !ack of 3erit. he "ourt of 7))ea!s affir3e the finin* of the La/or 7r/iter an the NLR" that res)onent as i!!e*a!! is3isse / )etitioner. oe&er, the "ourt of 7))ea!s set asie the La/or 7r/iter an the NLR"'s reinstate3ent orer. #nstea, the "ourt of 7))ea!s orere the )a3ent of se)aration )a, in&okin* the octrine of straine re!ations /eteen the )arties.
Issues:
1 2
Held:
1. Eetitioner a3its re!ie&in* res)onent fro3 his )ost as securit *uar on 10 6ece3/er 2005. here is a!so no is)ute that res)onent re3aine on f!oatin* status at the ti3e he fi!e his co3)!aint for i!!e*a! is3issa! on 1: 8une 200:. #n other ors, res)onent as on f!oatin* status fro3 10 6ece3/er 2005 to 1: 8une 200: or 3ore than si- 3onths. Eetitioner's a!!e*ation of senin* res)onent a notice so3eti3e in 8anuar 200:, reuirin* hi3 to re)ort for ork, is unsu/stantiate, an thus, se!fser&in*. he "ourt a*rees ith the ru!in* of the La/or 7r/iter, NLR" an "ourt of 7))ea!s that a f!oatin* status of a securit *uar, such as res)onent, for 3ore than si- 3onths constitutes constructi&e is3issa!. 2. Reinstate3ent is the *enera! ru!e, hi!e the aar of se)aration )a is the e-ce)tion. #n this case, )etitioner c!ai3s that it co3)!ie ith the reinstate3ent orer of the La/or 7r/iter. Dn 29 8anuar 200=, )etitioner sent res)onent a notice infor3in* hi3 of the La/or 7r/iter's ecision to reinstate hi3. Res)onent a3its recei&in* a reinstate3ent notice fro3 )etitioner. hereafter, res)onent as assi*ne to one of )etitioner's c!ients. oe&er, res)onent )oints out that he as not reinstate / )etitioner +3eritus Securit an Maintenance Sste3s, #nc. /ut as e3)!oe / another co3)an, +33e Securit an Maintenance Sste3s, #nc. $+33e%. hus, accorin* to res)onent, he as not reinstate at a!!. Eetitioner counters that +3eritus an +33e are sister co3)anies ith the sa3e Hoar of 6irectors an officers, ar*uin* that +3eritus an +33e are in effect one an the sa3e cor)oration. "onsierin* )etitioner's unis)ute c!ai3 that +3eritus an +33e are one an the sa3e, there is no /asis in res)onent's a!!e*ation that he as not reinstate to his )re&ious e3)!o3ent. Hesies, res)onent assai!s the cor)orate )ersona!ities of +3eritus an +33e on! in his "o33ent fi!e /efore this "ourt. ;urther, res)onent i not a))ea! the La/or 7r/iter's reinstate3ent orer. "ontrar to the "ourt of 7))ea!s' ru!in*, there is nothin* in the recors shoin* an straine re!ations /eteen the )arties to arrant the aar of se)aration )a. here is neither a!!e*ation nor )roof that such ani3osit e-iste /eteen )etitioner an res)onent. #n fact, )etitioner co3)!ie ith the La/or 7r/iter's reinstate3ent orer. hus, consierin* that $1% )etitioner reinstate res)onent in co3)!iance ith the La/or 7r/iter's ecision, an $2% there is no *roun, )articu!ar! straine re!ations /eteen the )arties, to ustif the *rant of se)aration )a, the "ourt of 7))ea!s erre in orerin* the )a3ent thereof, in !ieu of reinstate3ent.
[G.R. No. 20B259. 7u*ust 20, 2014.] CRISIN /. L-EZ vs. IRVINE C-NSTRUCTI-N C-R. a$d T-MAS S2 SANT-S
Facts:
Res)onent #r&ine "onstruction "or). $#r&ine% is a construction hich initia!! hire )etitioner Lo)ez as !a/orer in No&e3/er 1((4 an, thereafter, esi*nate hi3 as a *uar at its arehouse in the ear 2000, ith a orkin* hours fro3 B o'c!ock in the 3ornin* unti! 4 o'c!ock in the afternoon. Dn 6ece3/er 1=, 2005, Lo)ez as )ur)orte! ter3inate fro3 his e3)!o3ent, hereu)on he as to! "Ikaw ay lay-off muna." hus, on 8anuar 10, 200:, he fi!e a co3)!aint for i!!e*a! is3issa! ith )raer for the )a3ent of se)aration /enefits a*ainst #r&ine /efore the NLR". ;or its )art, res)onent #r&ine enie Lo)ez's c!ai3s, a!!e*in* that he as e3)!oe on! as a !a/orer ho, hoe&er, so3eti3es ou/!e as a *uar. 7s !a/orer, Lo)ez's ut as to /rin* construction 3ateria!s fro3 the su))!iers' &ehic!es to the co3)an arehouse hen there is a construction )roect in "a&ite. 7s e&ience / an +sta/!ish3ent er3ination Re)ort ate 6ece3/er 2=, 2005 hich #r&ine )re&ious! su/3itte /efore the 6e)art3ent of La/or an +3)!o3ent $6DL+%, Lo)ez as, hoe&er, te3)orari! !aioff on 6ece3/er 2B, 2005 after the "a&ite )roect as finishe. +&entua!!, Lo)ez as aske to return to ork throu*h a !etter ate 8une 5, 200: $return to ork orer%, a!!e*e! sent to hi3 ithin the si- $:% 3onth )erio uner 7rtic!e 2=: of the La/or "oe hich )ertinent! )ro&ies that @[t]he bona-fide sus)ension of the o)eration of a /usiness or unertakin* for a )erio not e-ceein* si- $:% 3onths . . . sha!! not ter3inate e3)!o3ent.@ 7s such, #r&ine ar*ue that Lo)ez's fi!in* of the co3)!aint for i!!e*a! is3issa! as )re3ature. he La/or 7r/iter ru!e that Lo)ez as i!!e*a!! is3isse. NLR" u)ho! the L7's ru!in*. he "7 *rante #r&ine's ertiorari )etition in a 6ecision ate Se)te3/er 14, 2012, there/ re&ersin* the NLR". #t he! that Lo)ez's co3)!aint for i!!e*a! is3issa! as )re3ature! fi!e since there as no indiia that Lo)ez as actua!! )re&ente / #r&ine fro3 returnin* to ork or as e)ri&e of an ork assi*n3ents or uties. Dn the contrar, the "7 foun that Lo)ez as aske to return to ork ithin the si-3onth )erio uner 7rtic!e 2=: of the La/or "oe. 7ccorin*!, it conc!ue that Lo)ez as 3ere! te3)orari! !ai off, an, thus, he cou! not ha&e /een is3isse.
Issue:
Held:
Ru!in* on the )ro)riet of #r&ine's course of action in this case )re!i3inari! ca!!s for a eter3ination of Lo)ez's e3)!o3ent status A that is, hether Lo)ez as a )roect or a re*u!ar e3)!oee. he NLR" foun that no su/stantia! e&ience ha /een )resente / #r&ine to sho that Lo)ez ha /een assi*ne to carr out a @s)ecific )roect or unertakin*,@ ith its uration an sco)e s)ecifie at the ti3e of en*a*e3ent. #n &ie of the ei*ht accore / the courts to factua! finin*s of !a/or tri/una!s such as the NLR", the "ourt, a/sent an co*ent reason to ho! otherise, concurs ith its ru!in* that Lo)ez as not a )roect /ut a re*u!ar e3)!oee. his conc!usion is /o!stere / the unis)ute fact that Lo)ez ha /een e3)!oe / #r&ine since No&e3/er 1((4, or 3ore than 10 ears fro3 the ti3e he as !ai off on 6ece3/er 2B, 2005. 7rtic!e 2=0 of the La/or "oe )ro&ies that an e3)!oee ho has renere at !east one ear of ser&ice, hether such ser&ice is continuous or /roken, sha!! /e consiere a re*u!ar e3)!oee. 7s a re*u!ar e3)!oee, Lo)ez is entit!e to securit of tenure, an, hence, is3issi/!e on! if a ust or authorize cause e-ists therefor. 73on* the authorize causes for ter3ination uner 7rtic!e 2=9 of the La/or "oe is retrench3ent, or hat is so3eti3es referre to as a @!aoff@> #n the case at /ar, #r&ine asserts that it on! te3)orari! !aioff Lo)ez fro3 ork on 6ece3/er 2B, 2005 for the reason that its )roect in "a&ite ha a!rea /een finishe. #t is reai! a))arent that the su))ose !aoff of Lo)ez as har! ustifie consierin* the a/sence of an causa! re!ation /eteen the cessation of #r&ine's )roect in "a&ite ith the sus)ension of Lo)ez's ork. o re)eat, Lo)ez is a re*u!ar an not a )roect e3)!oee. ence, the continuation of his en*a*e3ent ith #r&ine, either in "a&ite, or )ossi/!, in an of its /usiness !ocations, shou! not ha&e /een affecte / the cu!3ination of the "a&ite )roect a!one. #n !i*ht of the e!!entrenche ru!e that the /uren to )ro&e the &a!iit an !e*a!it of the ter3ination of e3)!o3ent fa!!s on the e3)!oer, #r&ine shou! ha&e esta/!ishe the bona fide sus)ension of its /usiness o)erations or unertakin* that ou! ha&e resu!te in the te3)orar !aoff of its e3)!oees for a )erio not e-ceein* si- $:% 3onths in accorance ith 7rtic!e 2=: of the La/or "oe. #n this case, #r&ine fai!e to )ro&e co3)!iance ith the )ara3eters of 7rtic!e 2=: of the La/or "oe. 7s the recors ou! sho, it 3ere! co3)!ete one of its nu3erous construction )roects hich oes not, / an of itse!f, a3ount to a bona fide sus)ension of /usiness o)erations or unertakin*. #n in&okin* 7rtic!e 2=: of the La/or "oe, t&e (a)a"u$t c"$sde)at"$ s&"uld #e t&e d)e e8e$c% "! t&e #us$ess "! t&e e(l"%e) t&at c"(els t t" (ut s"e "! ts e(l"%ees te(")a)l% "ut "! w")+ . his 3eans that the e3)!oer shou! /e a/!e to )ro&e that it is face ith a c!ear an co3)e!!in* econo3ic reason hich reasona/! forces it to te3)orari! shut on its /usiness o)erations or a )articu!ar unertakin*, incienta!! resu!tin* to the te3)orar !aoff of its e3)!oees. 6ue to the *ri3 econo3ic conseuences to the e3)!oee, case !a states that the e(l"%e) s&"uld als" #ea) t&e #u)de$ "! ()"*$ t&at t&e)e a)e $" ("sts a*ala#le t" w&c& t&e e(l"%ee te(")a)l% "ut "! w")+ ca$ #e ass$ed.
he sa3e can /e sai of the e3)!oee in this case as no e&ience as su/3itte / #r&ine to sho an ire e-i*enc hich renere it inca)a/!e of assi*nin* Lo)ez to an of its )roects. 7 to this the fact that #r&ine i not )roffer an sufficient ustification for sin*!in* out Lo)ez for !aoff a3on* its other three hunre e3)!oees, there/ castin* a c!ou of ou/t on #r&ine's *oo faith in )ursuin* this course of action. Ieri!, #r&ine cannot con&enient! sus)en the ork of an of its e3)!oees in the *uise of a te3)orar !aoff hen it has not shon co3)!iance ith the !e*a! )ara3eters uner 7rtic!e 2=: of the La/or "oe.
[G.R. No. 1(=59=. Se)te3/er 2(, 2014.] E9-CET SECURIT2 AND ALLIED SERVICES C-R-RATI-N a$d") MA. TERESA MARCEL- vs. ARMAND- D. SERRAN-
Facts:
Eetitioner +-ocet Securit an 7!!ie Ser&ices "or)oration $+-ocet% is en*a*e in the )ro&ision of securit )ersonne! to its &arious c!ients or )rinci)a!s. Eetitioner assi*ne res)onent 7r3ano 6. Serrano $Serrano% as @c!osein@ securit )ersonne! to its c!ients startin* Se)te3/er 24, 1((4. Dn 7u*ust 15, 200:, Serrano as re!ie&e / 8G Su33it fro3 his uties. ;or 3ore than si- 3onths after he re)orte /ack to +-ocet, Serrano as ithout an reassi*n3ent. Dn March 15, 200B, Serrano fi!e a co3)!aint for i!!e*a! is3issa! a*ainst +-ocet ith the Nationa! La/or Re!ations "o33ission. $NLR"%. ;or its efense, +-ocet enie is3issin* Serrano a!!e*in* that, after 7u*ust 15, 200:, Serrano no !on*er re)orte for ut assi*n3ent as I#E securit for 8G Su33it, an that on Se)te3/er 200:, he as e3anin* for I#E Securit etai! to another c!ient. oe&er, since, at that ti3e, +-ocet i not ha&e c!ients in nee of I#E securit assi*n3ent, Serrano as te3)orari! assi*ne to *enera! securit ser&ice. ; +-ocet 3aintaine that it as Serrano ho ec!ine the assi*n3ent on the *roun that he is not use to /ein* a re*u!ar securit *uar. Serrano, +-ocet ae, e&en refuse to re)ort for i33eiate ut, as he as not *i&en a I#E securit assi*n3ent. he La/or 7r/iter foun that Serrano, hi!e not actua!! is3isse, as )!ace on a f!oatin* status for 3ore than si- 3onths an so, as ee3e constructi&e! is3isse. Not satisfie ith the aar, Serrano a))ea!e the La/or 7r/iter's 6ecision to the NLR". he NLR" ru!e that Serrano as not constructi&e! is3isse, as his ter3ination as ue to his on fau!t, stu//orn refusa!, an e!i/erate fai!ure to acce)t a reassi*n3ent. he a))e!!ate court renere a 6ecision in Serrano's fa&or an orerin* +-ocet to )a Serrano se)aration )a an /acka*es.
Issue:
he cru- of the contro&ers !ies on the conseuence of the !a)se of the si-3onth )erio, urin* hich res)onent Serrano as )!ace on a @f!oatin* status@ an )etitioner +-ocet cou! not assi*n hi3 to a )osition he ants.
/ )ri&ate securit a*encies, this situation as consiere / this "ourt in se&era! cases as a for3 of te3)orar retrench3ent or !aoff. Since it in&o!&es a circu3stance that is *enera!! outsie the contro! of the securit a*enc or the e3)!oer, the "ourt has ru!e that w&e$ a secu)t% ua)d s (laced "$ a u)ed #% law a$d ?u)s()ude$ce. E8"cet dd, $ !act, a+e a$ "!!e) t" Se))a$" t" " #ac+ t" w")+. #t is ust that the assi*n3ent A a!thou*h it oes not in&o!&e a e3otion in rank or i3inution in sa!ar, )a, /enefits or )ri&i!e*es A as not the securit etai! esire / Serrano. "!ear!, Serrano's !ack of assi*n3ent for 3ore than si- 3onths cannot /e attri/ute to )etitioner +-ocet. he securit *uar's ri*ht to securit of tenure oes not *i&e hi3 a &este ri*ht to the )osition as ou! e)ri&e the co3)an of its )rero*ati&e to chan*e the assi*n3ent of, or transfer the securit *uar to, a station here his ser&ices ou! /e 3ost /eneficia! to the c!ient. hus, it is 3anifest! unfair an unacce)ta/!e to i33eiate! ec!are the 3ere !a)se of the si-3onth )erio of f!oatin* status as a case of constructi&e is3issa!, ithout !ookin* into
the )ecu!iar circu3stances that resu!te in the securit *uar's fai!ure to assu3e another )ost. his is es)ecia!! true in the )resent case here the securit *uar's on refusa! to acce)t a non I#E etai! as the reason that he as not *i&en an assi*n3ent ithin the si-3onth )erio. he securit a*enc, +-ocet, shou! not then /e he! !ia/!e. #nee, Serrano as *ui!t of i!fu! iso/eience to a !afu! orer of his e3)!oer in connection ith his ork, hich is a ust cause for his ter3ination uner 7rt. 2== $)re&ious! 7rt. 2=2% of the La/or "oe. Nonethe!ess, +-ocet i not take Serrano's i!fu! iso/eience a*ainst hi3. ence, +-ocet is consiere to ha&e ai&e its ri*ht to ter3inate Serrano on such *roun. #n this factua! 3i!ieu, since res)onent Serrano as not actua!! or constructi&e! is3isse fro3 his e3)!o3ent / )etitioner +-ocet, it is /est that )etitioner +-ocet irect hi3 to re)ort for ork, if an securit assi*n3ent is sti!! a&ai!a/!e to hi3. #f res)onent Serrano sti!! refuses to /e assi*ne to an a&ai!a/!e *uar )osition, he sha!! /e ee3e to ha&e a/anone his e3)!o3ent ith )etitioner. #f no securit assi*n3ent is a&ai!a/!e for res)onent, )etitioner +-ocet shou! co3)! ith the reuire3ents of 6D 1401, in re!ation to 7rt. 2=( of the La/or "oe, an ser&e a ritten notice on Serrano an the 6DL+ one $1% 3onth /efore the intene ate of ter3ination, an )a Serrano se)aration )a eui&a!ent to ha!f 3onth )a for e&er ear of his actua! ser&ice.
[G.R. No. 202((:. 8une 1=, 2014.] MARL- A. DE-FERI- vs. INTEL TECHN-L-72 HILIINES, INC. a$d") MIKE @ENTLIN7
Facts:
Dn ;e/ruar 1, 1((:, res)onent #nte! echno!o* Ehi!i))ines, #nc. #Intel$ e3)!oe 6eoferio as a )rouct ua!it an re!ia/i!it en*ineer. #n 8u! 2001, #nte! assi*ne hi3 to the Knite States as a &a!iation en*ineer for an a*ree )erio of to ears. Dn 8anuar 2B, 2002, 6eoferio as re)atriate to the Ehi!i))ines after /ein* confine at Ero&ience St. Iincent Meica! "enter for 3aor e)ression ith )schosis. #n the Ehi!i))ines, he orke as a )rouct en*ineer. 6eoferio unerent a series of 3eica! an )schiatric treat3ent at #nte!'s e-)ense after his confine3ent in the Knite States. 7fter se&era! consu!tations, 6r. Lee issue a )schiatric re)ort ate 8anuar 1B, 200: conc!uin* an statin* that 6eoferio's )schotic s3)to3s are not cura/!e ithin a )erio of si- 3onths an @i!! ne*ati&e! affect his ork an socia! re!ation ith his coorker[s].@ Eursuant to these finin*s, #nte! issue 6eoferio a notice of ter3ination on March 10, 200:. 6eoferio res)one to his ter3ination of e3)!o3ent / fi!in* a co3)!aint for i!!e*a! is3issa! ith )raer for 3one c!ai3s a*ainst res)onents #nte! an Mike $1% his schizo)hrenia as not cura/!e ithin a )erio of si- 3onths e&en ith )ro)er 3eica! treat3ent? an $2% his continue e3)!o3ent ou! /e )reuicia! to his an to the other e3)!oees' hea!th. he res)onents a!so insiste that 6eoferio's )resence at #nte!'s )re3ises ou! )ose an actua! har3 to his coe3)!oees as shon / his )re&ious acts. he res)onents further asserte that the tinnotice reuire3ent in is3issa!s oes not a))! to ter3inations uner 7rtic!e 2=4 of the La/or "oe. he e3)hasize that the La/or "oe's i3)!e3entin* ru!es #I**$ on! reuires a co3)etent )u/!ic hea!th authorit's certification to effecti&e! ter3inate the ser&ices of an e3)!oee.
he La/or 7r/iter #$ ru!e that 6eoferio ha /een &a!i! is3isse. he L7 *a&e ei*ht to 6r. Lee's certification that 6eoferio ha /een sufferin* fro3 schizo)hrenia an as not fit for e3)!o3ent. he e&ience on recor shos that 6eoferio's continue e3)!o3ent at #nte! ou! )ose a threat to the hea!th of his coe3)!oees. he L7 further he! that the La/or "oe an its #RR o not reuire the e3)!oer to co3)! ith the tinnotice reuire3ent in is3issa!s ue to isease. he Nationa! La/or Re!ations "o33ission #N*)$ ho!! affir3e the L7's ru!in*. he "7 affir3e the NLR" ecision
Issues:
1
2
$a%
9
Held:
1. #nte! ha an authorize cause to is3iss 6eoferio fro3 e3)!o3ent. he )resent case in&o!&es ter3ination ue to isease A an authorize cause for is3issa! uner 7rtic!e 2=4 of the La/or "oe. 7s su#sta$t*e )e>u)ee$ts , the La/or "oe an its #RR reuire the )resence of the fo!!oin* e!e3ents> $1% 7n e3)!oer n has /een foun to /e sufferin* fro3 an isease. $2% is continue e3)!o3ent is )rohi/ite / !a or )reuicia! to his hea!th, as e!! as to the hea!th of his coe3)!oees. $9% 7 co3)etent )u/!ic hea!th authorit certifies that the isease is of such nature or at such a sta*e that it cannot /e cure ithin a )erio of si- 3onths e&en ith )ro)er 3eica! treat3ent. he thir e!e3ent substantiates the contention that the e3)!oee has inee /een sufferin* fro3 a isease that> $1% is )reuicia! to his hea!th as e!! as to the hea!th of his coe3)!oees? an $2% cannot /e cure ithin a )erio of si- 3onths e&en ith )ro)er 3eica! treat3ent.
Si3)! state, this reuire3ent s $"t e)el% a ()"cedu)al )e>u)ee$t , /ut a su/stanti&e one. #n the current case, e a*ree ith the "7 that 6r. Lee's )schiatric re)ort su/stantia!! )ro&es that 6eoferio as sufferin* fro3 schizo)hrenia, that his isease as not cura/!e ithin a )erio of si- 3onths e&en ith )ro)er 3eica! treat3ent, an that his continue e3)!o3ent ou! /e )reuicia! to his 3enta! hea!th. his conc!usion is further su/stantiate / the unusua! an /izarre acts that 6eoferio co33itte hi!e at #nte!'s e3)!o. 2. he tinnotice reuire3ent a))!ies to ter3inations uner 7rtic!e 2=4 of the La/or "oe. he La/or "oe an its #RR are si!ent on the ()"cedu)al due ()"cess reuire in ter3inations ue to isease. 6es)ite the see3in* *a) in the !a, Section 2, Ru!e 1, Hook I# of the #RR e-)ress! states that the e3)!oee shou! /e affore )roceura! ue )rocess in all cases of is3issa!s. $a% #nte!'s &io!ation of 6eoferio's ri*ht to statutor )roceura! ue )rocess arrants the )a3ent of ine3nit in the for3 of no3ina! a3a*es. $/% #nte! sha!! /e so!e! !ia/!e to 6eoferio for the satisfaction of no3ina! a3a*es.
[G.R. No. 2005B5. ;e/ruar 5, 2014.] INTEL TECHN-L-72 HILIINES, INC. vs. NATI-NAL LA/-R RELATI-NS C-MMISSI-N AND 3EREMIAS CA/ILES
Facts:
"a/i!es as initia!! hire / #nte! Ehi!. on 7)ri! 1:, 1((B as an #n&entor 7na!st. e as su/seuent! )ro3ote se&era! ti3es o&er the ears an as a!so assi*ne at #nte! 7rizona an #nte! "hen*u. e !ater a))!ie for a )osition at #nte! Se3iconuctor Li3ite on* Con* #Intel H$. #n a !etter, ate 6ece3/er 12, 200:, "a/i!es as offere the )osition of ;inance Mana*er / #nte! C. Hefore acce)tin* the offer, he inuire fro3 #nte! Ehi!., throu*h an e3ai!, the conseuences of acce)tin* the ne! )resente o))ortunit in on* Con*. Dn 8anuar 29, 200B, #nte! Ehi!. Re)!ie that "a/i!es is $"t el#le t" )ece*e %"u) )et)ee$t #e$e!t *e$ t&at %"u &a*e $"t )eac&ed 4B %ea)s "! se)*ce at the ti3e ou 3o&e to on* Con*, that it i!! not roun u) the ears of ser&ice. Dn 8anuar 91, 200B, "a/i!es si*ne the o/ offer. Dn March =, 200B, #nte! Ehi!. issue "a/i!es his @#nte! ;ina! Ea Se)aration Ioucher.@ Dn March 2:, 200B, "a/i!es e-ecute a Re!ease,
to his assi*n3ents to #nte! 7rizona an #nte! "hen*u. a&in* renere (.5 ears of ser&ice ith #nte! Ehi!. an an aitiona! se&en 3onths ith #nte! C, he c!ai3s that he ha co3)!ete the reuire 10 ear continuous ser&ice 54 ith #nte! Ehi!., thus, ua!ifin* hi3 for retire3ent /enefits.
Issues:
1 2 9
Held:
1. Eri&ate res)onent "a/i!es as not entit!e to retire3ent )a uner #nte! Ehi!i))ineJs retire3ent )!an. ere, he resi*ne fro3 #nte! Ehi!i))ines. "a/i!es ca!!s the attention of the "ourt to the !ack of e&ience )ro&in* his resi*nation. e states that no se&erance of re!ationshi) as 3ae u)on his transfer to #nte! C. he "ourt is not con&ince. Resi*nation is the for3a! re!inuish3ent of an office, the o&ert act of hich is cou)!e ith an intent to renounce. his intent cou! /e inferre fro3 the acts of the e3)!oee /efore an after the a!!e*e resi*nation. #n this case, "a/i!es, hi!e sti!! on a te3)orar assi*n3ent in #nte! "hen*u, as offere / #nte! C the o/ of a ;inance Mana*er. #n conte3)!atin* hether to acce)t the offer, "a/i!es rote #nte! Ehi!i))ines, in hich he 3anifeste to of his 3ain concerns> a% c!earance )roceures? an /% the )ro/a/i!it of *ettin* his retire3ent )a es)ite the nonco3)!etion of the reuire 10 ears of e3)!o3ent ser&ice. Heon these concerns, hoe&er, as his acce)tance of the fact that he ou! /e enin* his re!ationshi) ith #nte! Ehi!. as his e3)!oer. he ors he use A loal hire, lose, learane A enote nothin* /ut his fir3 reso!&e to &o!untari! isassociate hi3se!f fro3 #nte! Ehi!. an take on ne res)onsi/i!ities ith #nte! C. is acce)tance of the offer 3eant !ettin* *o of the retire3ent /enefits he no c!ai3s as he as infor3e throu*h e3ai! corres)onence that his (.5 ears of ser&ice ith #nte! Ehi!. ou! not /e roune off in his fa&or. "a/i!es &ies his e3)!o3ent in on* Con* as an assi*n3ent or an e-tension of his e3)!o3ent ith #nte! Ehi!. e cite as e&ience the offer 3ae to hi3 as e!! as the !etter, ate 8anuar =, 200B, /oth of hich use the or @assi*n3ent@ in reference to his en*a*e3ent in on* Con* as a c!ear inication of the a!!e*e continuation of his ties ith #nte! Ehi!. he "ourt, hoe&er, is a*ain not con&ince. he continuit, e-istence or ter3ination of an e3)!oer e3)!oee re!ationshi) in a t)ica! secon3ent contract or an e3)!o3ent contract for that
3atter is 3easure / the fo!!oin* arsticks> $1% the se!ection an en*a*e3ent of the e3)!oee? $2% the )a3ent of a*es? $9% the )oer of is3issa!? an $4% the e3)!oer's )oer to contro! the e3)!oee's conuct. 7s a))!ie, a!! of the a/o&e /ench3arks cease u)on "a/i!es' assu3)tion of uties ith #nte! C on ;e/ruar 1, 200B. #nte! C /eca3e the ne e3)!oer. #t )ro&ie "a/i!es his co3)ensation. "a/i!es then /eca3e su/ect to on* Con* !a/or !as, an necessari!, the ri*hts a))urtenant thereto, inc!uin* the ri*ht of #nte! C to fire hi3 on a&ai!a/!e *rouns. Last!, #nte! C ha contro! an su)er&ision o&er hi3 as its ne ;inance Mana*er. +&ient!, #nte! Ehi!. no !on*er ha an contro! o&er hi3. 2. he
[G.R. No. 1(910B. March 24, 2014.] SUTHERLAND 7L-/AL SERVICES &l(($es, INC. a$d 3ANETTE 7. LA7AZ- vs. LARR2 S. LA/RAD-R
Facts:
Eetitioner Suther!an G!o/a! Ser&ices $Ehi!i))ines%, #nc. #+utherland$ is en*a*e in the /usiness of )rocess outsourcin* an techno!o* consu!tin* ser&ices for internationa! c!ients. #n 7u*ust 200:, Suther!an hire La/raor as one of its ca!! center a*ents ith the 3ain res)onsi/i!it of anserin* &arious ueries an co3)!aints throu*h )honein ca!!s. #n his to ears of orkin* at Suther!an, La/raor co33itte se&era! infractions. Hut it as on! on 8une 1B, 200= that La/raor as fina!! char*e ith &io!ation for trans*ressin* the @Non "o3)!iance Sa!e 7ttri/ute@ )o!ic c!ause state in the +3)!oee an/ook. Kner Suther!an's +3)!oee an/ook, La/raor's action is c!assifie as an act of ishonest or frau. Dn Ma 24, 200=, Suther!an sent La/raor a Notice to +-)!ain in ritin* h he shou! not /e he! a3inistrati&e! !ia/!e. Dn Ma 2=, 200=, an a3inistrati&e hearin* as conucte that took into consieration La/raor's )ast infractions. 7fter in&esti*ation, a reco33enation as issue finin* La/raor *ui!t of &io!atin* the +3)!oee an/ook ue to *ross or ha/itua! ne*!ect of ut. Dn 8une 1B, 200=, La/raor su/3itte his resi*nation !etter. Dn Dcto/er 2B, 200=, La/raor fi!e a co3)!aint for constructi&ei!!e*a! is3issa! /efore the NLR". Dn ;e/ruar 2B, 200(, La/or 7r/iter #$ Rena!o 7/on is3isse the co3)!aint for !ack of 3erit. e foun ust cause to ter3inate La/raor's e3)!o3ent, an that his resi*nation !etter ha /een &o!untari! e-ecute. NLR" re&erse the L7's ru!in*. he he "7 a!so affir3e the NLR"'s finin* that La/raor ha /een i!!e*a!! is3isse. he "7 ru!e that Suther!an's ecision to ter3inate La/raor's ser&ices as the )ro-i3ate cause of his resi*nation? the resi*nation !etter as su/3itte so!e! for the )ur)ose of a&oiin* an ero*ator recor that ou! a&erse! affect his future e3)!o3ent. #n effect, he cannot /e ee3e to ha&e &o!untari! resi*ne /ecause he as force to re!inuish his )osition in orer to a&oi the ine&ita/!e ter3ination of e3)!o3ent.
Issues:
1.
Held:
7rtic!e 2=2 of the La/or "oe )ro&ies ust causes of ter3ination of an e3)!oee fro3 the ser&ice hich inc!ue )"ss a$d &a#tual $elect #% t&e e(l"%ee "! &s dutes ? an other causes analogous to the foregoing . he fai!ure to faithfu!! co3)! ith the co3)an ru!es an re*u!ations is consiere to /e a ust cause in ter3inatin* one's e3)!o3ent, e)enin* on the nature, se&erit an circu3stances of nonco3)!iance. @7n e3)!oer 'has the ri*ht to re*u!ate, accorin* to its iscretion an /est u*3ent, a!! as)ects of e3)!o3ent, inc!uin* ork assi*n3ent, orkin* 3ethos, )rocesses to /e fo!!oe, orkin* re*u!ations, transfer of e3)!oees, ork su)er&ision, !aoff of orkers an the isci)!ine, is3issa! an reca!! of orkers. hus, it as ithin Suther!an's )rero*ati&e to ter3inate La/raor's e3)!o3ent hen he co33itte a serious infraction an, es)ite a )re&ious arnin*, re)eate it. o reiterate, he o)ene another c!ient account ithout the !etter's consent, ith farreachin* an cost! effects on the co3)an. ;or one, the re)eate )ast infractions ou! ha&e resu!te in ne*ati&e fee/acks on Suther!an's )erfor3ance an re)utation. #t ou! !ikeise entai! aitiona! a3inistrati&e e-)ense since Suther!an ou! ha&e to aress the co3)!aints A an effort that ou! entai! in&esti*ation costs an the return of the ou/!e!i&ere 3erchanise. 7s a ru!e, @an e3)!oer cannot /e co3)e!!e to continue ith the e3)!o3ent of orkers hen continue e3)!o3ent i!! )ro&e ini3ica! to the e3)!oer's interests.@ o Suther!an's creit, it u! co3)!ie ith the )roceura! reuire3ent in is3issin* an e3)!oee? it c!ear! o/ser&e /oth su/stanti&e an )roceura! ue )rocess. #ts action as /ase on a ust an authorize cause, an the is3issa! as effecte after ue notice an hearin*. 7fter La/raor's su/seuent infraction, Suther!an sent hi3 a Notice to +-)!ain an an a3inistrati&e hearin* as thereafter conucte. 6urin* the hearin*, La/raor hi3se!f a3itte his fau!ts. hese incients ere )ro)er! recore an ere )ro)er! iscusse in Suther!an's reco33enation. Hut /efore Suther!an cou! fina!! )ronounce its &erict, La/raor su/3itte his resi*nation !etter, i3)e!!e no ou/t, as Suther!an a!!e*e, / the nee to )rotect his re)utation an his future e3)!o3ent chances. o /e sure, Suther!an's e-)!anation as not re3ote, farfetche or un/e!ie&a/!e *i&en the unis)uta/!e e&ience on recor of infractions.
;ina!!, e fin the issue of hether the resi*nation !etter as &o!untari! e-ecute 3oot. +&en if La/raor ha not su/3itte his resi*nation !etter, Suther!an cou! sti!! not /e he! !ia/!e for constructi&e is3issa! *i&en the e-istin* ust cause to ter3inate La/raor's e3)!o3ent.
[G.R. No. 1=(45:. 7)ri! 2, 2014.] CHIAN7 KAI SHEK C-LLE7E a$d CARMELITA ESIN- vs. R-SALINDA M. T-RRES
Facts:
Eetitioner "hian* Cai Shek "o!!e*e is a )ri&ate eucationa! institution that offers e!e3entar to co!!e*e eucation to the )u/!ic. #ni&iua! )etitioner "ar3e!ita +s)ino is the Iice Eresient of the schoo!. Res)onent ha /een e3)!oe as a *rae schoo! teacher of the schoo! fro3 8u! 1(B0 unti! 91 Ma 2009. he 3anner of her se&erance fro3 e3)!o3ent is the 3atter at han. Res)onent as accuse of !eakin* a co) of a s)ecia! uiz *i&en to Grae 5 stuents of H(+I #H(+I /$. 7n a3inistrati&e hearin* as conucte herein res)onent an Mrs. 7nuan ere aske uestions / the #n&esti*atin* "o33ittee re!ati&e to the !eaka*e of test )a)er. he #n&esti*atin* "o33ittee he! a 3eetin* an foun res)onent an Mrs. 7nuan *ui!t of co33ittin* a *ra&e offense of the schoo! )o!icies / !eakin* a s)ecia! uiz. 7ccorin* to )etitioners, their #n&esti*atin* "o33ittee ha actua!! ecie to ter3inate res)onent an ha in fact )re)are a 3e3oranu3 of ter3ination, /ut res)onent a!!e*e! )!eae for a chan*e of )unish3ent in a short !etter ate 5 Se)te3/er 2002, here res)onent reuest for chan*e of )unish3ent fro3 ter3ination to sus)ension an that she i!! resi*n at the en of the schoo! ear. Eetitioners accee to the reuest an sus)ene res)onent an Mrs. 7nuan effecti&e 1: Se)te3/er to Dcto/er 2002. he uo as irecte to re)ort to ork on 4 No&e3/er 2002. Res)onent continue her e3)!o3ent fro3 4 No&e3/er 2002 unti! the en of the schoo! ear on 2: March 2009. Dn 10 8une 2009, res)onent fi!e a co3)!aint for constructi&e is3issa! an i!!e*a! sus)ension ith the La/or 7r/iter. She a!so sou*ht )a3ent of un)ai sa!ar, /acka*es, ho!ia )a, ser&ice incenti&e !ea&e )a, 19th 3onth )a, se)aration )a, retire3ent /enefits, a3a*es an attorne's fees. Res)onent a!!e*e that she as force an )ressure to su/3it the ritten reuest for a chan*e of )ena!t an co33it3ent to resi*n at the en of the schoo! ear.
She as threatene / the schoo! 3ana*e3ent ith i33eiate is3issa! fro3 ser&ice if she i not su/3it the rittens state3ent. She c!ai3e that she as not for3a!! char*e ith an offense an she as not ser&e a co) of the notice of the schoo!'s ecision to ter3inate her ser&ices.
Issue:
Held:
Resi*nation is the &o!untar act of an e3)!oee ho is in a situation here one /e!ie&es that )ersona! reasons cannot /e sacrifice for the fa&or of e3)!o3ent, an o)ts to !ea&e rather than sta e3)!oe. #t is a for3a! )ronounce3ent or re!inuish3ent of an office, ith the intention of re!inuishin* the office acco3)anie / the act of re!inuish3ent. 7s the intent to re!inuish 3ust concur ith the o&ert act of re!inuish3ent, the acts of the e3)!oee /efore an after the a!!e*e resi*nation 3ust /e consiere in eter3inin* hether, he or she, in fact, intene to se&er his or her e3)!o3ent. Res)onent ha a3itte to !eakin* a co) of the H(+I / s)ecia! uiz. She re!uctant! 3ae the a3ission an a)o!o*ize to Mrs. Coo hen the !atter confronte her. She a3itte urin* the 2= 7u*ust 2002 hearin* of e-ecutin* to $2% contraictor state3ents. Dn 90 7u*ust 2002, the #n&esti*atin* "o33ittee foun res)onent *ui!t of !eakin* a co) of the s)ecia! uiz. Hase on this infraction a!one, "hian* Cai Shek "o!!e*e ou! ha&e /een ustifie to &a!i! ter3inate res)onent fro3 ser&ice. 7cae3ic ishonest is the orst offense a teacher can 3ake /ecause teachers cau*ht co33ittin* acae3ic ishonest !ose their crei/i!it as eucators an cease to /e ro!e 3oe!s for their stuents. More so that uner "hian* Cai Shek "o!!e*e ;acu!t
Manua!, !eakin* an se!!in* of test uestions is c!assifie as a *ra&e offense )unisha/!e / is3issa!ter3ination.
[G.R. No. 1=544(. No&e3/er 12, 2014.] 7--D2EAR HILIINES, INC. a$d REME7I- M. RAM-S vs. MARINA L. AN7US
Facts:
7n*us as e3)!oe / Gooear on No&e3/er 1:, 1(:: an occu)ie the )osition of Secretar to the Mana*er of ua!it an echno!o*. #n orer to 3aintain the &ia/i!it of its o)erations in the 3ist of econo3ic re&ersa!s, Gooear i3)!e3ente costsa&in* 3easures hich inc!ue the strea3!inin* of its orkforce. "onseuent!, on Se)te3/er 1(, 2001, 7n*us recei&e fro3 Ra3os, the u3an Resources 6irector of Gooear, a !etter hich states that she i!! /e ter3inate effecti&e Dcto/er 1=, 2001 ue to reunanc or retrench3ent. Dn ;e/ruar 5, 2002, 7n*us fi!e ith the La/or 7r/iter a co3)!aint for i!!e*a! is3issa! ith c!ai3s for se)aration )a, a3a*es an attorne's fees a*ainst )etitioners. 7n*us c!ai3e that her ter3ination / reason of reunanc as effecte in &io!ation of the La/or "oe for it as not ti3e! re)orte to the 6DL+ an no se)aration )a as *i&en to her? that the se)aration )a to hich she is entit!e / !a is entire! ifferent fro3 the retire3ent /enefits that she recei&e? that nothin* in the co3)an's Retire3ent E!an uner the "H7, the "H7 itse!f or the +3)!o3ent "ontract )rohi/its the *rant of 3ore than one kin of se)aration )a? an, that she as on! force to si*n a uitc!ai3 after acce)tin* her retire3ent /enefits. Dn the other han, )etitioners asse&erate in their Eosition Ea)er that 7n*us as &a!i! is3isse for an authorize cause? that she &o!untari! acce)te her ter3ination /enefits an free! e-ecute the corres)onin* uitc!ai3? that her recei)t of ear! retire3ent /enefits eui&a!ent to 4B as' )a for e&er ear of ser&ice, hich a3ount is hi*her than the re*u!ar se)aration )a, ha effecti&e! /arre her fro3 reco&erin* se)aration )a ue to reunanc?
an, that the fo!!oin* Section 1, 7rtic!e # of the !ast co3)an "H7 su))orts the *rant of on! one /enefit. #n her Reoiner, 7n*us is)ute the e-istence of the aforesai )ro&ision in the co3)an's "H7. he La/or 7r/iter u)he! the &a!iit of 7n*us' ter3ination fro3 e3)!o3ent. #t he! that the *rant of /oth is not a!!oe uner the Retire3ent E!an"H7. Moreo&er, it as he! that her c!ai3 of &itiate consent in si*nin* the uitc!ai3 is unorth of creence consierin* that she fair! ne*otiate the 3atter ith the 3ana*e3ent an that the consieration for its e-ecution is hi*her than hat she is 3anate to recei&e. he NLR" affir3e the ru!in* of the L7.
1 2
Held:
1. Res)onent 7n*us is entit!e to /oth se)aration )a an ear! retire3ent /enefit ue to the a/sence of a s)ecific )ro&ision in the "H7 )rohi/itin* reco&er of /oth. #n 0uino !. National abor *elations )ommission, the "ourt he! that an e3)!oee is entit!e to reco&er /oth se)aration )a an retire3ent /enefits in the a/sence of a s)ecific )rohi/ition in the Retire3ent E!an or "H7. "onco3itant!, the "ourt ru!e that an e3)!oee's ri*ht to recei&e se)aration )a in aition to retire3ent /enefits e)ens u)on the )ro&isions of the co3)an's Retire3ent E!an anor "H7. ere, )etitioners a!!e*e that there is a )ro&ision in the !ast "H7 a*ainst the reco&er of /oth retire3ent /enefits an se)aration )a. o su))ort their c!ai3, )etitioners su/3itte a co) of hat a))ears to /e a )ortion of the co3)an "H7 entit!e @Retire3ent E!an, Life #nsurance, Ehsica! 6isa/i!it Ea an Resi*nation Ea.@ Section 1, 7rtic!e # thereof )ro&ies that the a&ai!3ent of retire3ent /enefits )rec!ues entit!e3ent to an se)aration )a. he sa3e, hoe&er, can har! /e consiere as su/stantia! e&ience /ecause it oes not a))ear to /e an inte*ra! )art of Gooear's "H7. +&en assu3in* that it is, it ou! sti!! not suffice as there is no shoin* if the "H7 uner hich the sai )ro&ision is foun as the one in force at the ti3e 3ateria! to this case. Dn the other han, 7n*us )resente the )arties' 20012004 "H7 an u)on e-a3ination of the sa3e, the "ourt a*rees ith her that it oes not contain an restriction on the a&ai!3ent of /enefits uner the co3)an's Retire3ent E!an an of se)aration )a. #nee, the La/or 7r/iter
an the NLR" erre in i*norin* this 3ateria! )iece of e&ience hich is ecisi&e of the issue )resente /efore the3. he "7, thus, co33itte no error in re&ersin* the 6ecisions of the !a/or tri/una!s hen it ru!e in fa&or of 7n*us' entit!e3ent to /oth retire3ent /enefits an se)aration )a. Moreo&er, the "ourt a*rees ith the "7 that the a3ount 7n*us recei&e fro3 )etitioners re)resente on! her retire3ent )a an not se)aration )a. Eetitioners further ar*ue that 7n*us is not entit!e to retire3ent )a /ecause she oes not 3eet the reuire3ents enu3erate in the Retire3ent E!an )ro&ision of the "H7. he "ourt isa*rees.