German Machineries Corporation VS Endaya
German Machineries Corporation VS Endaya
German Machineries Corporation VS Endaya
versus
EDDIE D. ENDAYA, Respondent.
2004 Nov 25 2nd DivisionG.R. NO. 156810
FACTS:
It has invariably been ruled by the Supreme Court that, in termination cases,
the burden of proof rests on the respondent to show that the dismissal is for a just
cause and when there is no showing of a clear, valid and legal cause for the
termination of employment, the law considers that matter a case of illegal
dismissal. The Labor Arbiter rendered judgment in favor of herein respondent.
The respondents contend that complainant abandoned his work and submitted in
evidence a Memorandum. Aggrieved by the Labor Arbiter's decision, herein
petitioner filed an appeal with the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC).
The NLRC affirmed, with modification, the Labor Arbiter's decision. Petitioner
filed a motion for reconsideration but the same was denied by the NLRC.
ISSUE:
RULING:
A perusal of the records at hand convinces the Supreme Court. They agree
with the Labor Arbiter's conclusion that the Memorandum was simply an
afterthought on the part of the petitioner. Petitioner failed to present proof that
Endaya was indeed suspended prior to the filing of his complaint for illegal
dismissal. If Endaya was in fact suspended, there should have been a record of
proceedings taken by petitioner to investigate the latter's alleged infractions before
suspending him; or at the least, petitioner should have handed out a memorandum,
like the ones it subsequently issued, calling Endaya's attention for his shortcomings
or directing him to explain his side. Despite petitioner's claim that there was an
investigation, they find no evidence to this effect. Hence, they are led to no
conclusion other than the fact that the letter of suspension and the memorandums
were all issued as a means of validating the prior illegal dismissal of Endaya.
The instant petition is DENIED and the temporary restraining order is forthwith
LIFTED. The Resolutions of the Court of Appeals AFFIRMED.