Facts:

The case involves Marlon Butial Agapito (petitioner) against Aeroplus Multi-Services, Inc. and Mitzi Therese P. De Guzman (respondents). The events leading to the case began in February 2004 when Aeroplus hired Agapito as a housekeeper, with a daily wage of P466.00, from which P200.00 was deducted monthly as a cash bond. On December 30, 2014, during a meeting, Agapito raised concerns about perceived unfair treatment regarding disciplinary actions for tardiness. His immediate supervisor, George Constantino, responded harshly, suggesting Agapito should leave if he disagreed with the policies. Following this, Agapito reported the incident to the personnel office on January 5, 2015, which led to a memorandum for insubordination issued by Constantino. Subsequently, Agapito was suspended from January 5 to March 3, 2015. Upon returning to work, he was informed by the OIC-Personnel, Darrel Mendoza, that he was dismissed without any formal explanation. Agapito then filed a complaint f...

Facts:

Employment Background:

• Petitioner Marlon Butial Agapito was hired by respondent Aeroplus Multi-Services, Inc. (Aeroplus) in February 2004 as a housekeeper with a daily wage of P466.00, less P200.00 monthly as a cash bond.

Incident Leading to Suspension:

• On December 30, 2014, during a company meeting, petitioner raised concerns about unfair treatment by his supervisor, George Constantino. Constantino responded harshly, accusing petitioner of being disrespectful and telling him to leave if he didn’t like the rules.
• On January 5, 2015, petitioner reported the incident to Aeroplus’ personnel office. Constantino retaliated by issuing a letter memorandum for insubordination, leading to petitioner’s suspension from February 13, 2015, to March 3, 2015.

Termination of Employment:

• On March 3, 2015, petitioner reported for work but was told by Darrel Mendoza, Aeroplus’ OIC-Personnel, that management no longer trusted him and that he was terminated. Mendoza ordered him to leave the office without further explanation.

Labor Complaint:

• Petitioner filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) for illegal dismissal, illegal suspension, and money claims, including backwages, separation pay, 13th month pay, service incentive leave, reimbursement of cash bond, and damages.

Labor Arbiter’s Decision:

• The Labor Arbiter ruled in favor of petitioner, finding that he was illegally dismissed without just cause and due process. Aeroplus was ordered to pay P454,889.16 in monetary awards, including backwages, separation pay, service incentive leave, 13th month pay, reimbursement of cash bond, moral and exemplary damages, and attorney’s fees.

NLRC’s Reversal:

• On appeal, the NLRC reversed the Labor Arbiter’s decision, dismissing the complaint for illegal dismissal and ordering petitioner to return to work without backwages. The NLRC gave credence to affidavits submitted by Aeroplus for the first time on appeal, which denied petitioner’s claims.

Court of Appeals’ Decision:

• The Court of Appeals affirmed the NLRC’s decision, denying petitioner’s motion for reconsideration.

Issue:

1. Whether petitioner was illegally dismissed without just cause and due process.
2. Whether the belated submission of affidavits by Aeroplus during the NLRC appeal was proper and admissible.
3. Whether petitioner is entitled to monetary claims, including backwages, separation pay, and damages.

Ruling:

• (Subscriber-Only)

Ratio:

• (Subscriber-Only)