Case Digest (G.R. No. 235820)
Facts:
The case involves Adelio Abillar (petitioner) and the People's Television Network, Inc. (PTNI), represented by its General Manager, Cleo Dongga-as (respondent). Abillar was employed as a writer in PTNI's news department from September 16, 1994, until May 15, 2011. On March 23, 2011, he submitted a letter expressing his intention to retire early under the government rationalization plan, hoping to receive economic incentives due to his long service. His request for an indefinite leave of absence without pay was also included in the letter. On June 6, 2011, PTNI accepted his early retirement, effective May 15, 2011, and assured him that his last salary and retirement benefits would be processed. However, when the early retirement program was implemented in August 2012, Abillar discovered he was not included among those eligible for retirement benefits. His request for reinstatement was denied. Consequently, on February 3, 2014, he filed a complaint for illegal dismissal...
Case Digest (G.R. No. 235820)
Facts:
Employment and Early Retirement Request
- Adelio Abillar (petitioner) was employed as a writer in the news department of People's Television Network, Inc. (PTNI) from September 16, 1994, to May 15, 2011.
- On March 23, 2011, petitioner submitted a letter expressing his intention to avail of early retirement under the government rationalization plan. He also requested an indefinite leave of absence without pay starting April 1, 2011.
Acceptance of Early Retirement
- On June 6, 2011, PTNI accepted petitioner's early retirement, effective May 15, 2011, and thanked him for his 16 years of service. The letter stated that his last salary and retirement benefits would be processed upon completion of documentary requirements.
Exclusion from Retirement Benefits
- When PTNI implemented its early retirement program in August 2012, petitioner discovered he was excluded from the list of employees entitled to retirement pay and benefits. He requested reinstatement, but this was denied.
Complaint for Illegal Dismissal
- On February 3, 2014, petitioner filed a Complaint for Illegal Dismissal with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), alleging that former General Manager Renato Caluag advised him to avail of early retirement, promising benefits under the government rationalization plan.
CSC Ruling
- On February 26, 2015, the CSC dismissed the complaint, ruling that petitioner voluntarily retired before the early retirement program was implemented. However, on July 1, 2015, the CSC reversed its decision, finding that PTNI acted in bad faith by excluding petitioner from the program.
CA Ruling
- The Court of Appeals (CA) initially upheld the CSC's reversal but later amended its decision on June 23, 2017, dismissing petitioner's complaint. The CA ruled that petitioner did not meet the minimum qualification under Section 19 of Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10390, which requires at least one year of service at the time of the law's effectivity.
Issue:
- Whether petitioner is entitled to early retirement benefits under R.A. No. 10390.
- Whether PTNI acted in bad faith by excluding petitioner from the coverage of R.A. No. 10390.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)