Case Summary (G.R. No. L-16370)
Background of Employment and Pension Claims
Jose S. Galvez was employed by PLDT from December 1, 1908, until February 7, 1951, when he passed away. During his lifetime, upon the resumption of operations post-World War II, he was reinstated and had served additional years resulting in a cumulative service period that entitled him to pension benefits. In 1951, Mrs. Galvez received P24,000 as death benefits under a pension plan from 1923, which was later subject to contention as more employees sought their respective shares following a discontinuation of the pension plan by PLDT.
Proceedings in the Court of Industrial Relations
In late 1951, a group of former employees, including Crispin Jeturian, initiated proceedings in the Court of Industrial Relations to reclaim their shares from the pension fund, which had been unilaterally discontinued since 1945. The Court rendered a decision on February 23, 1954, favoring the petitioners and later affirmed by the Supreme Court. Subsequently, the Court of Industrial Relations authorized the liquidation of the pension plan, detailing shares owed to various employees, including Jose S. Galvez.
Orders and Appeals Regarding Pension Payments
In January 1959, Mrs. Galvez, representing her late husband, requested payment of his determined share of P13,028.64 based on the examiner’s report, which was granted despite PLDT's objections. PLDT’s argument rested on the assertion that Mrs. Galvez had previously received sufficient pension benefits. Furthermore, in September 1959, the Court affirmed that the overall amount due owed to Mr. Galvez totaled P25,028.64, but since Mrs. Galvez had already received P24,000, the resultant amount due was merely P1,028.64.
Court of Industrial Relations’ Authority and Final Ruling
Mrs. Galvez contested the September 1959 order, claiming it unlawfully altered the already final order from January. The Court of Industrial Relations, while recognizing the equities involved, attempted to adjust the earlier decisions based on perceived errors. However, the Supreme Court held that the lower c
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-16370)
Case Overview
- This case involves an appeal by certiorari from an order of the Court of Industrial Relations regarding the pension and death benefits owed to the widow of Jose S. Galvez.
- The petitioner, Gracia Vda. de Galvez, is the widow and heir of the deceased employee, Jose S. Galvez, who worked for the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (the Company).
Background of the Case
- Jose S. Galvez was employed by the Company from December 1, 1908, until December 31, 1941, amassing a total of thirty-three years of service before the operations were interrupted by the Japanese occupation.
- Following the liberation of the Philippines, Mr. Galvez was reinstated on April 1, 1945, and continued working for an additional five years, ten months, and six days until his death on February 7, 1951.
- His total service amounted to thirty-eight years, eleven months, and six days.
Pension and Benefits Received
- In 1951, Mrs. Galvez received P24,000 as pension and death benefits under the Company’s Employees' Pension Plan established on September 18, 1923.
- The Employees' Pension Plan had been discontinued by the Company’s Board of Directors on November 6, 1945, effective retroactively from January 1, 1942.
Legal Proceedings Initiated
- On December 22, 1951, Crispin Jeturian and other former employees filed fo