In People v. Buit, the Supreme Court convicted Alberto and Tessie Buit of illegal recruitment. They promised overseas jobs without proper authorization and collected fees from applicants. The Court emphasized that engaging in recruitment activities without a valid license constitutes illegal recruitment, regardless of monetary exchange.
In 2013, Teknika Skills and Trade Services, Inc. (TSTSI) hired Stephanie Maitim and others as nursing aides for employment in Saudi Arabia. However, they were later compelled to sign new contracts reclassifying them as housekeepers with reduced salaries and longer working hours. After completing over three years of service, they were denied repatriation until local authorities intervened. Back in the Philippines, they filed complaints for underpayment and other labor violations. The Labor Arbiter ruled in their favor, awarding salary differentials and benefits. The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) upheld this decision, adding entitlements for food allowance and overtime pay. However, the Court of Appeals reversed the NLRC’s ruling, dismissing their claims. The Supreme Court later reinstated the NLRC’s decision, emphasizing the employer’s burden to prove the payment of proper compensation and resolving doubts in favor of the workers.
Maitim v. Teknika Skills and Trade Services, Inc. [January 15, 2025] Read More »
The Supreme Court ruled that pharmacist Joel Tapia was illegally dismissed by GA2 Pharmaceutical, Inc. Despite GA2’s claim that the former was a mere probationary employee. The Court gave credence to Tapia’s narration of facts leading to his dismissal, and to the documentary evidence he submitted establishing his employment as GA2’s pharmacist since July 2013. Tapia was awarded backwages, separation pay in lieu of reinstatement, and attorney’s fees.
Tapia v. GA2 Pharmaceutical [September 28, 2022] Read More »
The Supreme Court ruled that Fitness First’s personal trainers were regular employees, not independent contractors, due to the company’s control over their work schedules, quotas, and performance standards. The Court ordered the payment of backwages, separation pay, pro-rata 13th month pay, and attorney’s fees.
Escauriaga v. Fitness First, Phil. [January 22, 2024] Read More »
In Bartolome v. Toyota Quezon Avenue, Inc., the Supreme Court ruled that verbal abuse and indifferent behavior by an employer, which force an employee to resign, constitute constructive dismissal. The Court emphasized that such hostile actions make working conditions unbearable, leaving the employee no choice but to resign.
Bartolome v. Toyota Quezon Avenue, Inc. [April 3, 2024] Read More »
In Oro Enterprises, Inc. v. NLRC, the Supreme Court held that Republic Act No. 7641, which grants retirement pay to employees without a retirement plan, applies retroactively to existing employment contracts. This interpretation favors workers, ensuring financial security upon retirement, even if no prior agreement existed.
Oro Enterprises, Inc. v. NLRC [November 14, 1994] Read More »
