Title
National Sugar Refineries Corp. vs. National Labor Relations Commission
Case
G.R. No. 112539
Decision Date
Jun 21, 1999
Two employees sue their employer for illegal dismissal after being accused of theft, but the court rules in their favor due to insufficient evidence and their long years of service.
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Case Digest (G.R. No. 112539)

Facts:

  • The case involves National Sugar Refineries Corporation v. National Labor Relations Commission (G.R. No. 112539).
  • Employees Benjamin L. Quimba and Monico Lagrana were illegally dismissed.
  • Quimba had 20 years and 10 months of service; Lagrana had 10 years and 4 months.
  • Both were promoted to managerial positions: Quimba as Sugar Warehouse Superintendent and Lagrana as Sugar Warehouse Supervisor.
  • In late 1988, NASUREFCO faced a raw sugar shortage, leading to an investigation into potential theft of used bags.
  • Quimba and Lagrana were placed on a 30-day preventive suspension during the investigation.
  • They were dismissed in November 1989 for alleged gross negligence and loss of trust.
  • The Labor Arbiter ruled the dismissal illegal, a decision affirmed by the NLRC.
  • NASUREFCO contested the ruling, claiming the employees were guilty of gross negligence.

Issue:

  • (Unlock)

Ruling:

  • The Supreme Court declared the dismissal of Quimba and Lagrana illegal.
  • NASUREFCO failed to provide adequate evidence for claims of gross negligence and loss of trust.
  • The Court upheld the NLRC's decision, affirming t...(Unlock)

Ratio:

  • The Supreme Court noted NASUREFCO's lack of substantial evidence for gross negligence or loss of trust.
  • Article 282 of the Labor Code requires habituality for dismissals based on gross negligence, which was not met in this case.
  • The employer bears the burden of proof for jus...continue reading

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