Case Digest (G.R. No. 208908)
Facts:
The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Philippines, Inc. and Walden Chu v. Rolly P. Arenas, G.R. No. 208908, March 11, 2015, the Supreme Court Second Division, Brion, J., writing for the Court.
On April 1, 2008, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf Philippines, Inc. (CBTL) hired Rolly P. Arenas as a barista at its Paseo Center branch. Arenas's duties included taking orders and preparing food and beverages; upon hiring he was given CBTL's employment policies and employee handbook.
CBTL uses "mystery guest" shoppers to covertly monitor crew performance. A mystery guest reported that on March 30, 2009 Arenas was seen eating non‑CBTL products in the al fresco dining area while on duty and that the counter was left unattended. On April 28, 2009 duty manager Katrina Basallo found a bottled iced tea being chilled inside the ice bin; when asked, Arenas reportedly muttered "kaninong iced tea?" then removed and discarded the bottle. Basallo's store manager's report listed three infractions: eating non‑CBTL products and leaving the counter unattended (Mar. 30, 2009); tardiness on April 1, 3 and 22; and placing a bottled iced tea in the ice bin (Apr. 28, 2009). Arenas submitted a written explanation; CBTL found it unsatisfactory and terminated his employment.
Arenas filed a complaint for illegal dismissal before the Labor Arbiter (LA). The LA issued a decision dated February 28, 2010 ruling in Arenas's favor and declaring his dismissal illegal. The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) affirmed the LA's decision in its August 13, 2010 decision. CBTL then filed a petition for certiorari under Rule 65 before the Court of Appeals (CA), arguing Arenas's acts constituted serious misconduct, willful disobedience, gross and habitual neglect of duties and breach of trust; CBTL relied on its employee handbook and an admission letter by Arenas.
On March 26, 2013 the CA (penning Justice Socorro B. Inting) dismissed CBTL's petition, holding that Arenas's offenses did not meet the legal standards for dismissal; the CA denied CBTL's motion for reconsideration in a resolution dated August 30, 2013. CBTL brought this petition for review...(Pro-only)
Issues:
- Did CBTL legally dismiss Arenas for serious misconduct, willful disobedience, gross and habitual neglect of duties, or breach of trust?
- Is Walden Chu personally and solidarily liable with CBTL for the monetary awards gran...(Pro-only)
Ruling:
- (Pro-only)
Ratio:
- (Pro-only)
Doctrine:
- (Pro-only)