Facts:

• Jennifer Fabello Pasamba, a nurse, was employed by St. Luke's Medical Center (SLMC) on a probationary status.
• Dr. Pacita J. M. Lopez, Assistant Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics, filed a complaint against Pasamba for making slanderous remarks against her.
• Pasamba denied making the statement and claimed that the complainant had fabricated the story.
• SLMC conducted a hearing and subsequently terminated Pasamba's employment for violating the company's Code of Discipline.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of Pasamba and ruled that it was valid.
• The Court held that the factual findings of the Labor Arbiter, the NLRC, and the Court of Appeals, which unanimously declared Pasamba guilty of uttering slanderous remarks, were supported by substantial evidence.
• The Court found that Pasamba's self-serving allegations and the statements of her witnesses were insufficient to overturn the findings.
• The Court also ruled that the dismissal was related to Pasamba's job as a nurse.
• SLMC's Code of Discipline specifically prohibited slanderous utterances that could cause dishonor, discredit, or contempt to the hospital, its employees, customers, and officers.
• The Court emphasized that SLMC's reputation as a medical institution was crucial to its survival, and imputing unethical behavior and lack of professionalism to a medical professional would be inimical to its interests.
• Furthermore, the Court held that the company rules prescribing a 30-day suspension for slanderous utterances did not preclude the employer from terminating a probationary employee who violated the rules.
• As long as the term...(Unlock)