Title
Beta Electric Corp. vs. National Labor Relations Commission
Case
G.R. No. 86408
Decision Date
Feb 15, 1990
Luzviminda Petilla, hired as a clerk typist, was repeatedly extended on short-term contracts. After six months, she was terminated without notice. The Supreme Court ruled her a regular employee, rejecting the employer's claim of temporary status, and ordered reinstatement with backwages.
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Case Digest (G.R. No. 86408)

Facts:

  1. Employment Details:

    • The private respondent, Luzviminda Petilla, was hired by Beta Electric Corporation as a clerk typist III on December 15, 1986.
    • Her initial contract was set to expire on January 16, 1987.
    • Her employment was extended multiple times through written contracts:
      • January 16, 1987, to February 15, 1987.
      • February 15, 1987, to March 15, 1987.
      • March 15, 1987, to April 30, 1987.
      • May 1, 1987, to May 31, 1987.
      • June 1, 1987, to June 30, 1987.
  2. Termination:

    • On June 22, 1987, Petilla’s services were terminated without prior notice or investigation.
    • On the same day, she filed a complaint for illegal dismissal before the labor arbiter.
  3. Labor Arbiter and NLRC Decisions:

    • Both the labor arbiter and the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) ruled in favor of Petilla, ordering her reinstatement with backwages.
  4. Petitioner’s Argument:

    • Beta Electric Corporation argued that Petilla was a temporary employee hired to meet seasonal or peak demands of the business.
    • They claimed her termination was lawful as her employment was contract-based and temporary.

Issue:

  1. Whether the private respondent, Luzviminda Petilla, was a temporary employee or a regular employee under the Labor Code.
  2. Whether her termination without notice or investigation was lawful.
  3. Whether the contract-to-contract arrangement was a valid basis to deny her regular employment status.

Ruling:

  • (Subscriber-Only)

Ratio:

  • (Subscriber-Only)


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