Case Digest (G.R. No. 164156)
Facts:
The case involves ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation (petitioner) and four respondents: Marlyn Nazareno, Merlou Gerzon, Jennifer Deiparine, and Josephine Lerasan. The events leading to the case began when the respondents were employed as production assistants (PAs) at ABS-CBN's Cebu Broadcasting Station, with employment dates ranging from 1995 to 1996. They were assigned to various radio programs and received a monthly salary of P4,000. The respondents were issued employee identification cards and were required to work a minimum of eight hours daily, including weekends and holidays. Their duties included preparing and arranging commercial broadcasts, coordinating interviews, and logging reports.
On December 19, 1996, ABS-CBN entered into a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with its rank-and-file employees, but the respondents were excluded from this agreement as they were not recognized as part of the bargaining unit. On July 20, 2000, ABS-CBN issued a memorandum reas...
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:
- Whether the NLRC and CA erred in upholding the respondents’ appeal despite the lapse of the reglementary period for filing.
- Whether the respondents should be classified as regular employees of ABS-CBN.
- Whether the respondents are entitled to benefits under the CBA despite not being part of the bargaining unit.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)