Case Digest (G.R. No. 110388)
Facts:
The case revolves around petitioners Artemio Labor, Pedro Bonita, Jr., Delfin Medillo, Allan Rommel Gabut, and Ireneo Visabella, who were employees at the Eye Ball Disco, operated by Gold City Commercial Complex, Inc., in Tagum, Davao. On August 19, 1991, they formally lodged a complaint against Gold City for labor standard violations including underpayment of minimum wage and other benefits such as 13th month pay, holiday premiums, and service incentive leave pay. Additionally, they also filed a complaint for illegal dismissal on August 26, 1991, after being barred from returning to work. The conflict escalated when criminal complaints of theft and/or estafa were brought against the petitioners, allegedly based on their actions during the months preceding their dismissal, in which they purportedly misappropriated payments by not surrendering receipts meant to prove customer entitlements to free drinks.
On September 2, 1991, the Davao Provincial Prosecutor dismissed the crimina
Case Digest (G.R. No. 110388)
Facts:
Employment and Dismissal: Petitioners Artemio Labor, Pedro Bonita, Jr., Delfin Medillo, Allan Rommel Gabut, and Ireneo Visabella were employees of Gold City Commercial Complex, Inc. at its Eye Ball Disco in Tagum, Davao. They were dismissed from their employment, which they claimed was illegal.Labor Violations Complaint: On 19 August 1991, petitioners filed a complaint with the DOLE Regional Office No. XI, alleging labor standards violations by Gold City, including underpayment of wages, non-payment of 13th month pay, and other benefits.
Illegal Dismissal Complaint: On 26 August 1991, petitioners filed a separate complaint with the NLRC for illegal dismissal and reiterated their labor standards claims.
Criminal Complaint: On 2 September 1991, a criminal complaint for theft/estafa was filed against the petitioners by their co-workers and a customer, alleging the petitioners misappropriated funds by manipulating claim stubs for free drinks. This complaint was later dismissed by the Provincial Prosecutor for lack of evidence.
Labor Examiner’s Report: On 11 September 1991, the Labor Examiner confirmed labor standards violations by Gold City and recommended the case be indorsed to the NLRC.
Notice of Termination: Gold City issued notices of possible termination for abandonment on 6 September 1991, which the petitioners failed to respond to.
Issues:
- Whether the petitioners were illegally dismissed.
- Whether the petitioners abandoned their jobs.
- Whether the petitioners committed dishonest acts justifying their dismissal.
- Whether the petitioners are entitled to their money claims despite the alleged compromise settlement.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)