Case Digest (G.R. No. 215314)
Facts:
- Central Azucarera de Bais (CAB) and its president, Antonio Steven L. Chan, are the petitioners.
- The respondents are the heirs of Zuelo Apostol.
- Apostol was hired on March 1, 1982, as the Motor Pool Over-All Repairs Supervisor at CAB.
- His duties included overseeing vehicle repairs, assigning personnel, and managing repair materials.
- Apostol was provided a company house as part of his employment benefits.
- On February 2, 2002, a security guard discovered Apostol using company property to repair private vehicles.
- CAB management issued a memorandum requiring Apostol to explain his actions, placing him on preventive suspension.
- Apostol submitted a handwritten apology, admitting to the violation but denying the use of company equipment.
- On February 8, 2002, CAB terminated Apostol's employment for violating company rules.
- Apostol filed a complaint for constructive dismissal and other labor claims against CAB.
- The Labor Arbiter dismissed his complaint on May 30, 2002, affirming CAB's right to impose suspension and termination.
- Apostol appealed to the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), which reversed the Labor Arbiter's decision.
- The Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the NLRC's ruling, prompting CAB to seek a review from the Supreme Court.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court ruled in favor of CAB, reversing the decisions of the CA and NLRC.
- The Court reinstated the Labor Arbiter's decision, affirming that Apostol's dismissal wa...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court highlighted the significance of an employer's management prerogative in employee discipline.
- CAB complied with procedural due process by providing Apostol with two written notices regarding the c...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 215314)
Facts:
The case involves Central Azucarera de Bais (CAB) and its president, Antonio Steven L. Chan, as petitioners, against the heirs of Zuelo Apostol, the respondent. The events leading to the case began on March 1, 1982, when Apostol was hired as the Motor Pool Over-All Repairs Supervisor at CAB. His responsibilities included overseeing the repair of company vehicles, assigning personnel and equipment for repair jobs, and managing repair materials owned by CAB. Apostol was also provided with a company house as part of his employment benefits.
On February 2, 2002, a security guard, Tomasito A. Rosel, discovered that Apostol was using his company house and equipment to repair privately owned vehicles. This prompted CAB's management, led by resident manager Roberto Y. Dela Rosa, to issue a memorandum to Apostol, requiring him to explain why he should not be subjected to disciplinary action for violating company rules regarding the use of company property for personal work. Apostol was placed on preventive suspension pending his explanation.
In response, Apostol submitted a handwritten apology, admitting to the violation but claiming he did not use company equipment for the repairs. On February 8, 2002, CAB terminated Apostol's employment, citing the violation of company rules. Apostol subsequently filed a complaint for constructive dismissal, illegal suspension, and other labor-related claims against CAB before the Sub-Regional Arbitration Branch No. VI...