Title
ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. vs. Nazareno
Case
G.R. No. 164156
Decision Date
Sep 26, 2006
ABS-CBN employees, classified as project workers, sought recognition as regular employees and CBA benefits. Courts ruled in their favor, affirming regular status and entitlement to benefits under labor law principles.
Font Size:

Case Digest (G.R. No. 164156)

Facts:

Background of the Case
The petitioner, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation, is a broadcasting company with a franchise and authority to operate radio and television stations. The respondents, Marlyn Nazareno, Merlou Gerzon, Jennifer Deiparine, and Josephine Lerasan, were employed as production assistants (PAs) at ABS-CBN’s Cebu Broadcasting Station. They were tasked with various duties necessary for the station’s operations, including preparing for airing, coordinating interviews, and assisting in program production.

Employment Details
The respondents were issued employee identification cards, worked a minimum of eight hours daily (including Sundays and holidays), and were paid a monthly salary of ₱4,000. They were under the supervision of ABS-CBN’s Assistant Station Manager and News Manager.

Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
On December 19, 1996, ABS-CBN entered into a CBA with its rank-and-file employees, effective until December 11, 1999. However, the respondents were excluded from the CBA as they were not recognized as part of the bargaining unit.

Termination and Complaint
On July 20, 2000, ABS-CBN issued a memorandum reassigning the respondents to non-drama programs. On October 12, 2000, the respondents filed a complaint before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) seeking recognition as regular employees and claiming unpaid benefits.

Procedural History
The Labor Arbiter initially dismissed the complaint for lack of interest, but later allowed the respondents to refile their complaint. The Labor Arbiter ruled in favor of the respondents, declaring them regular employees and awarding monetary benefits. The NLRC and the Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the Labor Arbiter’s decision, prompting ABS-CBN to file a petition for review before the Supreme Court.

Issue:

  1. Whether the NLRC and CA erred in upholding the respondents’ appeal despite the lapse of the reglementary period for filing.
  2. Whether the respondents should be classified as regular employees of ABS-CBN.
  3. Whether the respondents are entitled to benefits under the CBA despite not being part of the bargaining unit.

Ruling:

  • (Subscriber-Only)

Ratio:

  • (Subscriber-Only)


Jur is an AI-powered legal research platform in the Philippines for case digests, summaries, and jurisprudence. AI-generated content may contain inaccuracies; please verify independently.