Javellana, Jr. VS Belen

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JAVELLANA, JR.

VS BELEN
G.R. 181913
Belen vs. Javellana Jr., and Javellana Farms Inc. G.R. 182158, March 5, 2010

Back-wages and separation pay of an illegally dismissed employee, from what date up to what date these
monetary awards shall be computed?

Clearly the law (Aricle 279 of the Labor Code) intends the award of back-wages and similar benefits, to
accumulate past the date of the LA’s decision until the dismissed employee is actually reinstated. But as in this
case, reinstatement is no longer possible, back wages should be computed from the time of illegal dismissal
until the date the decision becomes final, on September 2, 2008.

Separation pay on the other hand is equivalent to one month pay for every year of service, a fraction of six
months to be considered as one whole year. Here, that would be from January 31, 1994 when Al began his
service. Technically the computation of separation pay would end on the day of his dismissal on August 20,
1999 when he supposedly ceased to render service. But since Al was entitled to collect back wages until the
judgment for illegal dismissal in his favor became final which was on September 2, 2008, the computation of
his separation pay should also end on that date.

Further since the monetary awards remained unpaid even after the judgment became final on September 2,
2008, because of issues raised, respecting the correct computation of such awards, it is but fair that Dan be
required to pay 12% interest per annum on those awards from September 2, 2008 until they are paid. The 12%
interest is proper because monetary claims in labor cases are considered as forbearance of credit. What is
decisive here is that the issue of illegal dismissal from which the order to pay the monetary claims to Al
stemmed, had been long terminated.

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