Case Summary (G.R. No. 200729)
Antecedents
On March 9, 2009, Cantos filed a complaint for illegal dismissal against Temic and Wadewitz. Cantos began his tenure at Temic on July 16, 1993, serving in various capacities, ultimately as the Warehouse & Import-Export Manager. In late 2008, an audit from Temic's head office uncovered alleged irregularities in purchasing transactions, purportedly implicating Cantos due to his previous role as Purchasing Manager.
Allegations and Charges
Temic issued a Show Cause and Preventive Suspension Notice on December 11, 2008, citing violations of its purchasing procedures. Cantos was charged with failing to follow established protocols, including securing the required number of quotations for purchases and engaging suppliers without proper contracts. He was also accused of serious infractions, including insubordination and breach of trust.
Cantos's Defense
In his response, Cantos contended that he was unjustly targeted. He argued that deviations from purchasing procedures were permitted under certain circumstances and that he acted within acceptable limits while managing over 30,000 transactions. He highlighted that the specific purchase orders involved were within the jurisdiction of another entity, CTEPI, which had different purchasing procedures. During an administrative investigation, Cantos maintained his compliance with company policies and attributed the suspected irregularities to other employees.
Administrative and Judicial Proceedings
Labor Arbiter Jaime M. Reyno dismissed Cantos's complaint for lacking merit, affirming the loss of trust and confidence in him due to purported infractions. However, on appeal, the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) upheld the Labor Arbiter's ruling. Cantos subsequently sought relief from the Court of Appeals (CA), arguing that the NLRC had erred in its decision.
Court of Appeals Ruling
The CA reversed the NLRC's ruling, declaring that Cantos's dismissal was illegal. The CA found no valid cause for termination and determined that due process was not afforded to Cantos during the investigation process. It noted that Temic’s evidence primarily referenced transactions related to CTEPI, which was separate from Temic. Therefore, the CA ordered full backwages, separation pay, and damages for Cantos, while absolving Wadewitz of personal liability.
Temic's Petition
Temic appealed the CA’s judgment, asserting that the labor tribunals had appropriately evaluated the evidence and that Cantos had effectively admitted wrongdoing. Temic maintained that it had sufficient grounds for dismissal based on Cantos’s managerial responsibilities.
Court's Ruling
The Supreme Court denied the petition for la
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. 200729)
Background of the Case
- Respondent Renato M. Cantos filed a complaint for illegal dismissal against petitioner Temic Automotive (Phils.), Inc. and its General Manager, Martin Wadewitz, on March 9, 2009.
- Cantos began his employment with Temic on July 16, 1993, and held several positions, concluding his tenure as Warehouse & Import-Export Manager.
- Temic underwent audits in September and December 2008, which revealed alleged irregularities in purchasing transactions implicating Cantos as the former Purchasing Manager.
Allegations Against Cantos
- Temic issued a Show Cause and Preventive Suspension Notice on December 11, 2008, detailing several infractions attributed to Cantos, including:
- Violations of procurement procedures.
- Failure to secure the required number of purchase quotations.
- Unauthorized engagements with customs brokers.
- The disappearance of items supposed to be delivered.
Cantos' Defense
- Cantos asserted that he was not given all necessary documents to defend himself against the charges.
- He argued that deviations from the procurement procedures were permissible under certain circumstances and claimed compliance with relevant policies.
- He also highlighted that he was tasked with responsibilities at a sister company (CTEPI) without additional compensation, claiming the purchasing procedures were essentially the same.
Administrative Investigation
- An a