Facts:

• The case involves Noel G. Guinto against Sto. Niño Long-Zeny Consignee.
• Guinto was employed since August 1997, initially as a warehouseman and later as a "sizer" for aquatic animals.
• His employment was terminated on November 27, 2015, by Zenaida Salangsang, one of the owners, who instructed him not to report to work.
• Guinto filed a complaint for illegal dismissal on February 6, 2017, seeking separation pay, backwages, and other benefits.
• The Labor Arbiter ruled in favor of Guinto, recognizing him as a regular employee and ordering payment of backwages and benefits.
• The ruling was appealed to the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), which reversed the Labor Arbiter's decision, claiming Guinto failed to prove his dismissal.
• The Court of Appeals (CA) upheld the NLRC's decision, leading Guinto to file a petition for review with the Supreme Court.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court partially granted Guinto's petition, ruling that he was illegally dismissed.
• Guinto is entitled to full backwages and service incentive leave pay.
• The Court set aside the CA's decision and reinstated Guinto to his former position without loss of seniority rights.
• Guinto's request for sep...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court found that the NLRC committed grave abuse of discretion by dismissing Guinto's complaint for illegal dismissal.
• The burden of proof lies with the employer to validate the dismissal.
• The respondents did not specifically deny Guinto's allegations, leading to an admission of his claims.
• Guinto's status as a regular employee was established and not contested on appeal.
• The Court concluded that Guinto was illegally dismissed due to the absence of...continue reading