7 Gustilo vs. Wyeth Philippines, Inc.
7 Gustilo vs. Wyeth Philippines, Inc.
7 Gustilo vs. Wyeth Philippines, Inc.
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* THIRD DIVISION.
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SANDOVAL-GUTIERREZ, J.:
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1. Backwages.................................................. P 676,162.64
2. Separation pay ........................................... 106,890.00
3. Car reimbursement.................................... 68,000.00
4. Moral damages........................................... 25,000.00
5. Exemplary damages................................... 25,000.00
6. Attorneys fees............................................ 90,105.26
Grand Total ............................................... P 991,157.90
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tion, but to no avail (Letter dated January 16, 1993; Rollo, p. 141;
Internal Memo dated February 1, 1993; Rollo, p. 142; Internal
Memo dated July 11, 1995; Rollo, p. 134; Plan of Action dated
February 6, 1996; Rollo, p. 147). It has become clear that
respondent Gustilo is a habitual offender whose numerous
contraventions of company rules has left Wyeth with no
choice but to terminate him based on Article 282 of the
Labor Code, gross and habitual neglect by the employee of
his duties, being a valid cause for termination.
While dismissal is proper, the Court however considers
the length of service of respondent Gustilo with Wyeth, the
loyalty awards he received and the grudge of petitioner
Verzano, Jr. as mitigating factors. The Court is inclined to
reinstate respondent Gustilo to his former position without
backwages and other benefits. However in view of the
strained relationship between respondent Gustilo and
petitioner Verzano, Jr., the Court rules to award separation
pay to respondent Gustilo in the amount of P106,890.00.
In view of our finding that there are valid causes for dismissal, it
follows that the award for payment of backwages, damages and
attorneys fees has to be recalled for want of basis.
Being uncontested, the refund of car expenses in the amount of
P4,190.00 to respondent Gustilo and payment of P68,000.00
representing the difference between the KIA car, the supposed car
and the NISSAN LEC have to be maintained.
In view of our finding that there was a valid dismissal,
petitioners Aurello Mercado and Edgar Epilepsia, as a consequence,
cannot be held personally liable to respondent Gustilo. Even
assuming ex grati argumenti that termination is illegal, corporate
officers like petitioners Mercado and Epilepsia are mere agents of
Wyeth and acts done in good faith and in representation or on
behalf of said company and within the scope of their authority
cannot give rise to any liability on their part as said acts are
considered corporate acts.
xxx
WHEREFORE, the subject Decision and Resolution,
promulgated on August 13, 1999 and December 28, 1999,
respectively, by respondent National Labor Relations Commission
are SET ASIDE and REVERSED and a new judgment is rendered,
as follows:
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SO ORDERED.
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3 G.R. No. 141430, May 7, 2004, 428 SCRA 369, citing Nokom vs.
National Labor Relations Commission, 336 SCRA 97 (2000).
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4 G.R. No. 75907, March 23, 1992, 207 SCRA 415, 421.
5 G.R. No. L-73735, August 31, 1987, 153 SCRA 500, 509, citing
National Service Corporation vs. Leogardo, Jr., 130 SCRA 502 (1984).
6 ART. 282. Termination by employer.An employer may terminate an
employment for any of the following causes:
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10 Supra.
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Petition denied.
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o0o
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