Case Digest (A.M. No. RTJ-02-1693)
Facts:
In the case of Filipinas Pre-Fabricated Building Systems, Inc. (Filsystems), and Felipe A. Cruz Jr. vs. Roger D. Puente, G.R. No. 153832, decided on March 18, 2005, Roger D. Puente, the respondent, was initially hired by Filsystems, Inc., a construction company, on June 12, 1989, starting as an installer before being promoted to mobile crane operator at the company’s premises in Quezon City. Puente claimed that his work was not dependent on any specific project, thus arguing for continuous employment over a decade. On October 1, 1999, he was dismissed, supposedly because he was classified as a project employee. Puente filed a complaint for illegal dismissal on November 18, 1999. Meanwhile, Filsystems maintained that he was hired as a project employee with employment contracts specifying work on different projects, and his employment ceased after each project was completed. The Labor Arbiter ruled in favor of Filsystems, dismissing Puente's complaint for lack of merit. This
Case Digest (A.M. No. RTJ-02-1693)
Facts:
Employment Background:- Respondent Roger D. Puente began working with petitioner Filipinas Pre-Fabricated Building Systems (Filsystems), Inc., a construction company, on June 12, 1989.
- He was initially hired as an "installer" and later promoted to mobile crane operator.
- Puente claimed his work was continuous and not dependent on the completion of any specific project, asserting he was a regular employee.
Termination of Employment:
- On October 1, 1999, Puente was dismissed from his employment, with the company claiming he was a project employee whose employment was co-terminous with the completion of specific projects.
- Puente filed a complaint for illegal dismissal on November 18, 1999, arguing he was a regular employee and not a project employee.
Labor Arbiter and NLRC Rulings:
- The Labor Arbiter dismissed Puente’s complaint, ruling that he was a project employee and not entitled to reinstatement.
- The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) affirmed the Labor Arbiter’s decision.
Court of Appeals Decision:
- The Court of Appeals (CA) reversed the NLRC and Labor Arbiter, ruling that Puente was a regular employee.
- The CA ordered his reinstatement with full back wages and attorney’s fees.
Issues:
- Whether Roger Puente was a project employee or a regular employee.
- Whether Puente was entitled to reinstatement with full back wages.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)