Case Summary (G.R. No. 182193)
Factual Background
Cecilio Z. Domingo was employed by PLDT as an Installer/Repairman and eventually became a Storekeeper at the DSIM Tambo Warehouse. His duties included managing inventory and processing requisitions for supplies. Between 2001 and 2002, there was a significant increase in material requisitions which raised suspicions. An investigation revealed discrepancies between materials requisitioned and inventories, leading to accusations of forgery against Domingo.
Investigation Findings
The investigation undertaken by PLDT uncovered various anomalies, including the discovery of forged requisition forms. Domingo was allegedly involved in presenting these forms to illegally procure materials. Multiple employees testified, including team leaders who denied signing the requisition forms under scrutiny. The investigation also included logged entries in vehicle security registries, corroborating calls made by investigators regarding Domingo's activities during the noted transactions.
Administrative Proceedings
Following the investigation, PLDT issued formal invitations for Domingo to attend inquiries regarding the allegations, but he repeatedly failed to respond or appear. Consequently, PLDT compiled evidence over the following years which culminated in a detailed Investigation Report recommending his termination due to serious misconduct.
Notice of Termination
Domingo was eventually issued a Request for Explanation, to which he submitted a denial of wrongdoing. PLDT determined that Domingo was guilty of serious misconduct based on the evidence presented, which led to a Notice of Termination citing unaccounted material losses amounting to P17,115,796.34.
Labor Arbiter's Decision
Domingo challenged the termination in a complaint for illegal dismissal before the Labor Arbiter, who ruled in favor of PLDT, finding substantial evidence against Domingo. He subsequently appealed to the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), which upheld the Labor Arbiter's decision.
Court of Appeals Ruling
Dissatisfied, Domingo filed a Petition for Certiorari with the Court of Appeals, claiming due process violations and arguing that the charges had been condoned per the collective bargaining agreement. The CA granted his petition, reversed the NLRC decision, and declared Domingo's dismissal illegal, ordering his reinstatement and back wages.
Supreme Court Decision
PLDT subsequently filed a Petition for Review with the Supreme Court, which found merit in PLDT's arguments. The Court held that the CA erred in overturning the NLRC's factual findings because the NLRC had properly assessed the evidence and did not
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 182193)
Case Overview
- Case Citation: G.R. No. 197402, June 30, 2021
- Parties Involved: Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (Petitioner) vs. Cecilio Z. Domingo (Respondent)
- Court: Supreme Court of the Philippines
- Nature of the Petition: Petition for Review on Certiorari
- Background: The case revolves around the dismissal of Domingo from PLDT due to serious misconduct related to the fraudulent requisition of materials.
Factual Antecedents
- Employment History: Cecilio Z. Domingo has been employed by PLDT as an Installer/Repairman since October 14, 1980, and later became a permanent Storekeeper in June 2001.
- Responsibilities as Storekeeper: Domingo was responsible for maintaining an adequate inventory of supplies at the DSIM Tambo Warehouse, which involved requisitioning stocks using specific forms (PLD 140 and PLD 158).
- Increase in Activity: There was a significant increase in requisition transactions from 2001 to 2002, leading to a materials inventory audit by PLDT.
- Discovery of Anomalies: PLDT found discrepancies between requisitioned materials and actual inventory, prompting an investigation into possible fraud.
Investigation Findings
- Forgeries Identified: Examination of requisition forms revealed forged signatures of authorized personnel.
- Employee Testimonies: Multiple employees testified that their signatures were forged, denying any authorization of the transactions.
- Involvement of Domingo: Evidence indicated that Domingo presented the forged forms and received the requisitioned materials, corroborated by vehicle security registries.
- Instructions for Forgery: Employees test