Case Summary (G.R. No. 256288)
Factual Background
Crisanto Crisostomo, initially employed as an inspector and later as chief inspector at Antipolo Highway Lines, was dismissed on August 11, 1972, on allegations of involvement in a syndicate that defrauded the company of roughly P10,000. Following his dismissal, Crisostomo filed a claim for separation pay with the Department of Labor, which the company contested for lack of jurisdiction. Concurrently, Crisostomo initiated legal proceedings against De Jesus for estafa, and De Jesus countered with a claim against Crisostomo for estafa through falsification of documents.
Proceedings Before NLRC
Crisostomo formally complained before the NLRC on January 15, 1973, asserting that his dismissal was arbitrary and requesting separation pay and benefits. The case proceeded with conferences and hearings. The NLRC initially deferred the hearings because of the ongoing criminal cases. Once the criminal cases were dismissed, the NLRC held hearings, during which Crisostomo was present, but the company’s representation did not attend consistently.
NLRC Decision
On June 25, 1973, the NLRC arbitrator ruled that the dismissal of Crisostomo was without just cause and ordered reinstatement with full back wages amounting to P3,090, covering the ten-month period from dismissal to the decision's date. This decision was upheld through various administrative channels, including a resolution by the Secretary of Labor on March 19, 1974.
Petitioner's Contentions
Petitioners challenged the NLRC's order by filing a special civil action for certiorari, arguing they were denied due process since they were not provided a chance to fully present their evidence. They believed the NLRC acted with grave abuse of discretion and maintained that Crisostomo’s dismissal was justified due to entrenched misconduct.
Legal Analysis: Due Process and Jurisdiction
The Court examined whether the NLRC proceedings complied with due process requirements. It noted that while the NLRC procedural rules are more flexible than those in standard courts, the petitioners had multiple opportunities to present their case but opted not to pursue their claims actively. The absence of a comprehensive dispute over the jurisdiction of the NLRC was also acknowledged.
Conclusion on Findings
The Court found no merit in the petitioners' assertions of d
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 256288)
Case Background
- The case involves a special civil action for certiorari filed by Antipolo Highway Lines, Inc. and its president, Francisco L. De Jesus, against the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) and others.
- The petition seeks to annul the NLRC's order dated September 7, 1973, which reinstated Crisanto Crisostomo with full back wages after his dismissal from the company.
Facts of the Case
- Crisanto Crisostomo was employed by Antipolo Highway Lines, initially as an inspector and later as chief inspector.
- He was dismissed on August 11, 1972, due to alleged involvement in a syndicate that defrauded the company of approximately P10,000.
- Following his dismissal, Crisostomo filed a claim for separation pay with the Department of Labor, which was met with a motion to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction by the company.
- Crisostomo also filed a criminal charge of estafa against De Jesus for failing to remit deducted contributions to the Social Security System.
- In retaliation, the company filed a counter-charge of estafa against Crisostomo, both of which were dismissed due to lack of evidence.
Proceedings Before the NLRC
- Crisostomo subsequently filed a complaint with the NLRC alleging arbitrary dismissal and seeking separation pay and other benefits.
- Init