Facts:

• Arsenio S. Quiambao was employed as a branch teller at Meralco's Mandaluyong office from July 16, 1986.
• His job involved handling and processing customer payments.
• Quiambao had a history of misconduct, including excessive absences and poor performance, documented in his employee profile.
• He faced multiple disciplinary actions, including suspensions and reprimands for tardiness and unauthorized absences.
• On March 10, 2000, he received a Notice of Investigation for unauthorized absences from November 1999 to February 2000.
• Quiambao did not attend the investigation, leading to a recommendation for his dismissal for gross and habitual neglect of duty under Article 282 of the Labor Code.
• He was dismissed effective March 29, 2000.
• Quiambao filed a complaint with the NLRC on July 3, 2001, challenging his dismissal, claiming his absences were covered by approved leave and that he was denied due process.
• The Labor Arbiter dismissed his complaint, affirming the legality of his termination.
• The NLRC awarded him separation pay, citing a precedent case.
• Meralco contested this decision in the Court of Appeals, which reversed the NLRC's ruling, reinstating the Labor Arbiter's decision and denying Quiambao's claim for separation pay.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court ruled against Quiambao, affirming the Court of Appeals' decision that he was not entitled to separation pay.
• The Court upheld the findings of the Labor Arbiter and the NLRC regar...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Supreme Court emphasized that the law does not favor employees who engage in serious misconduct.
• Quiambao's repeated infractions and unauthorized absences showed a blatant disregard for his responsibilities, amounting to gross and habitual neglect of duty.
• The Court referenced previous jurisprudence, stating that serious misconduct involves a violation of established rules indicative of w...continue reading