Case Summary (G.R. No. 9458)
Background of the Case
The employees collectively filed a petition asserting that their employer, Coca-Cola, had illegally dismissed them and that they were entitled to reinstatement and full back wages. The Court of Appeals had previously decided on this matter, and its findings were partially upheld by the Supreme Court in this resolution.
Decision Overview
In a Decision dated February 13, 2009, the Supreme Court affirmed the findings of the Court of Appeals regarding the existence of an employer-employee relationship between the petitioner and respondents. However, instead of following the appellate court’s directive to send the case back to the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) for further proceedings, the Supreme Court mandated the reinstatement of the respondents without loss of seniority rights and ordered the petitioner to pay full back wages from the time their compensation was stopped until their actual reinstatement.
Motion for Clarification and the Court's Rationale
Subsequently, the respondents filed a Motion for Clarification and/or Partial Motion for Reconsideration, citing the need for specific phrases regarding their entitlements. In their motion, they emphasized two elements: the inclusion of allowances and certain benefits in the computation of full back wages. The Court recognized the merit in this motion, clarifying that these phrases were delineative of the already awarded 'full back wages' rather than constituting an additional request. This clarification was deemed necessary to ensure comprehensive implementation of the Court's order, safeguarding the respondents’ rights.
Modified Dispositive Resolution
Consequently, the Supreme Court modified its decisional wording. The amended dispositive part explicitly stated that respondents were to be reinstated and given full back wages, which now included allowances and any other benefits or their monetary equivalents from the time their salaries were withheld until they are actually reinstated.
Costs and Final Orders
The Supreme Court also ruled that costs be borne by the petitioner, Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. The modified resolution underscores the commitment to uphold the respondents' rights foll
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Case Reference
- Citation: 611 Phil. 327
- Division: Special Third Division
- G.R. No.: 179546
- Date: July 23, 2009
Parties Involved
- Petitioner: Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc.
- Respondents: Alan M. Agito, Regolo S. Oca III, Ernesto G. Alariao, Jr., Alfonso Paa, Jr., Dempster P. Ong, Urriquia T. Arvin, Gil H. Francisco, Edwin M. Golez
Procedural History
- The case was initially decided by the Court of Appeals, which issued a Decision on February 19, 2007, and a Resolution on August 31, 2007.
- The Supreme Court's Decision dated February 13, 2009, denied the petition filed by Coca-Cola Bottlers and partially affirmed the appellate court's findings regarding the employer-employee relationship.
Findings of the Supreme Court
- The Court recognized the existence of an employer-employee relationship between Coca-Cola Bottlers and the respondents.
- Respondents were found to have been illegally dismissed from their positions by the petitioner.
- The Court ordered the petitioner to reinstate the respondents without loss of seniority rights.
- The decision mandated that the respondents be pa