Due Process in Dismissal Substantive and procedural due process.

For a workers dismissal to be considered valid, it must comply with both procedural and substantive due process. The legality of the manner of dismissal constitutes procedural due process, while the legality of the act of dismissal constitutes substantive due process. Procedural due process in dismissal cases consists of the twin requirements of notice and hearing. The employer must furnish the employee with two written notices before the termination of employment can be effected: (1) the first notice apprises the employee of the particular acts or omissions for which his dismissal is sought; and (2) the second notice informs the employee of the employers decision to dismiss him. Before the issuance of the second notice, the requirement of a hearing must be complied with by giving the worker an opportunity to be heard. It is not necessary that an actual hearing be conducted. Substantive due process, on the other hand, requires that dismissal by the employer be made based on a just or authorized cause under Articles 282 to 284 of the Labor Code. In this case, there was no written notice furnished to De Gracia, et al. regarding the cause of their dismissal. Cosmoship furnished a telex to Skippers, the local manning agency, claiming that De Gracia, et al. were repatriated because they voluntarily pre-terminated their contracts. This telex was given credibility and weight by the Labor Arbiter and NLRC in deciding that there was pre-termination of the employment contract akin to resignation and no illegal dismissal. However, as correctly ruled by the CA, the telex message is a biased and self-serving document that does not satisfy the requirement of substantial evidence. If, indeed, De Gracia, et al. voluntarily pre-terminated their contracts, then De Gracia, et al. should have submitted their written resignations. Skippers United Pacific, Inc. and Skippers Maritime Services, Inc. Ltd. vs. Nathaniel Doza, et al., G.R. No. 175558. February 8, 2012. Due process. With respect to due process requirement, the employer is bound to furnish the employee concerned with two (2) written notices before termination of employment can be legally effected. One is the notice apprising the employee of the particular acts or omissions for which his dismissal is sought and this may loosely be considered as the proper charge. The other is the notice informing the employee of the managements decision to sever his employment. This decision, however, must come only after the employee is given a reasonable period from receipt of the first notice within which to answer the charge, thereby giving him ample opportunity to be heard and defend himself with the assistance of his representative should he so desire. The requirement of notice, it has been stressed, is not a mere technicality but a requirement of due process to which every employee is entitled. Here, Palacio Del Gobernador Condominium Corporation complied with the two-notice rule stated above. Sebastian F. Oasay, Jr. vs. Palacio del Gobernador Condominium Corporation and Omar T. Cruz, G.R. No. 194306, February 6, 2012. Due process. Cityland did not afford Galang the required notice before he was dismissed. As the Court of Appeals noted, the investigation conference Tupas called to look into the janitors complaints against Galang did not constitute the written notice required by law as he had no clear idea what the charges against him were. Romeo A. Galang vs. Citiland Shaw Tower, Inc. and Virgilio Baldemor, G.R. No. 173291, February 8, 2012.

Dismissal; effect if procedural due process not followed but with a valid cause for termination. It is required that the employer furnish the employee with two written notices: (1) a written notice served on the employee specifying the ground or grounds for termination, and giving to said employee reasonable opportunity within which to explain his side; and (2) a written notice of termination served on the employee indicating that upon due consideration of all the circumstances, grounds have been established to justify his termination. The twin requirements of notice and hearing constitute the elements of due process in cases of employees dismissal. The requirement of notice is intended to inform the employee concerned of the employers intent to dismiss and the reason for the proposed dismissal. Upon the other hand, the requirement of hearing affords the employee an opportunity to answer his employers charges against him and accordingly, to defend himself therefrom before dismissal is effected. Obviously, the second written notice, as indispensable as the first, is intended to ensure the observance of due process. In this case, there was only one written notice which required respondents to explain within five (5) days why they should not be dismissed from the service. Alcovendas was the only one who signed the receipt of the notice. The others, as claimed by Lynvil, refused to sign. The other employees argue that no notice was given to them. Despite the inconsistencies, what is clear is that no final written notice or notices of termination were sent to the employees. Due to the failure of Lynvil to follow the procedural requirement of two-notice rule, nominal damages in the amount of P50,000 were granted to Ariola, et al. despite their dismissal for just cause. Lynvil Fishing Enterprises, Inc. vs. Andres G. Ariola, et al., G.R. No. 181974, February 1, 2012. Dismissal; procedural and substantive due process; grounds for valid termination; breach of trust. Just cause is required for a valid dismissal. The Labor Code provides that an employer may terminate an employment based on fraud or willful breach of the trust reposed on the employee. Such breach is considered willful if it is done intentionally, knowingly, and purposely, without justifiable excuse, as distinguished from an act done carelessly, thoughtlessly, heedlessly or inadvertently. It must also be based on substantial evidence and not on the employers whims or caprices or suspicions otherwise, the employee would eternally remain at the mercy of the employer. Loss of confidence must not be indiscriminately used as a shield by the employer against a claim that the dismissal of an employee was arbitrary. And, in order to constitute a just cause for dismissal, the act complained of must be workrelated and shows that the employee concerned is unfit to continue working for the employer. In addition, loss of confidence as a just cause for termination of employment is premised on the fact that the employee concerned holds a position of responsibility, trust and confidence or that the employee concerned is entrusted with confidence in delicate matters, such as the handling or care and protection of the property and assets of the employer. The betrayal of this trust is the essence of the offense for which an employee is penalized. The Supreme Court found that breach of trust is present in this case, when Ariola (the captain), Alcovendas (Chief Mate), Calinao (Chief Engineer), Nubla (cook), Baez (oiler), and Sebullen (bodegero) conspired with one another and stole pampano and tangigue fish and delivered them to another vessel, to the prejudice of Lynvil. Lynvil Fishing Enterprises, Inc. vs. Andres G. Ariola, et al., G.R. No. 181974, February 1, 2012. Probationary employee; valid cause for dismissal but without procedural due process; employee entitled to nominal damages. Section 2, Rule I, Book VI of the Labor Codes Implementing Rules and

Regulations provides: If the termination is brought about by the completion of a contract or phase thereof, or by failure of an employee to meet the standards of the employer in the case of probationary employment, it shall be sufficient that a written notice is served the employee within a reasonable time from the effective date of termination. Dalangin was hired by Canadian Opportunities as Immigration and Legal Manager, subject to a probationary period of six months. One month after hiring Dalangin, the company terminated his employment, declaring him unfit and unqualified to continue as Immigration and Legal Manager, for reasons which included obstinacy and utter disregard of company policies. Propensity to take prolonged and extended lunch breaks, shows no interest in familiarizing oneself with the policies and objectives, lack of concern for the companys interest despite having just been employed in the company (Declined to attend company sponsored activities, seminars intended to familiarize company employees with Management objectives and enhancement of company interest and objectives), lack of enthusiasm toward work, and lack of interest in fostering relationship with his co-employees. The company contends that it complied with the rule on procedural due process when it asked Dalangin, through a Memorandum, to explain why he could not attend the seminar. When he failed to submit his explanation, the company served him a notice the following day terminating his employment. According to the Supreme Court, the notice to Dalangin was not served within a reasonable time from the effective date of his termination as required by the rules since he was dismissed on the very day the notice was given to him. However, because of the existence of a valid cause for termination, the Supreme Court did not invalidate his dismissal but penalized the company for its non-compliance with the notice requirement, and ordered the company to pay an indemnity, in the form of nominal damages amounting to P10,000. Canadian Opportunities Unlimited, Inc. vs. Bart Q. Dalangin, Jr., G.R. No. 172223, February 6, 2012. Dismissal; due process. When the Labor Code speaks of procedural due process, the reference is usually to the two (2)-written notice rule envisaged in Section 2 (III), Rule XXIII, Book V of the Omnibus Rules Implementing the Labor Code. MGG Marine Services, Inc. v. NLRC tersely described the mechanics of what may be considered a two-part due process requirement which includes the two-notice rule, x x x one, of the intention to dismiss, indicating therein his acts or omissions complained against, and two, notice of the decision to dismiss; and an opportunity to answer and rebut the charges against him, in between such notices. Here, the first and second notice requirements have not been properly observed. The adverted memo would have had constituted the charge sheet, sufficient to answer for the first notice requirement, but for the fact that there is no proof such letter had been sent to and received by him. Neither was there compliance with the imperatives of a hearing or conference. Suffice it to point out that the record is devoid of any showing of a hearing or conference having been conducted. And the written notice of termination itself did not indicate all the circumstances involving the charge to justify severance of employment. For violating petitioners right to due process, the Supreme Court ordered the payment to petitioner of the amount of P30,000 as nominal damages. Armando Ailing vs. Jose B. Feliciano, Manuel F. San Mateo III, et al., G.R. No. 185829. April 25, 2012. Dismissal; due process. In King of Kings Transport, Inc. v. Mamac, this Court laid down the manner by which the procedural due requirements of due process can be satisfied:

(1)

(2)

(3)

The first written notice to be served on the employees should contain the specific causes or grounds for termination against them, and a directive that the employees are given the opportunity to submit their written explanation within a reasonable period. Reasonable opportunity under the Omnibus Rules means every kind of assistance that management must accord to the employees to enable them to prepare adequately for their defense. This should be construed as a period of at least five (5) calendar days from receipt of the notice to give the employees an opportunity to study the accusation against them, consult a union official or lawyer, gather data and evidence, and decide on the defenses they will raise against the complaint. Moreover, in order to enable the employees to intelligently prepare their explanation and defenses, the notice should contain a detailed narration of the facts and circumstances that will serve as basis for the charge against the employees. A general description of the charge will not suffice. Lastly, the notice should specifically mention which company rules, if any, are violated and/or which among the grounds under Art. 282 is being charged against the employees. After serving the first notice, the employers should schedule and conduct a hearing or conference wherein the employees will be given the opportunity to: (a) explain and clarify their defenses to the charge against them; (b) present evidence in support of their defenses; and (c) rebut the evidence presented against them by the management. During the hearing or conference, the employees are given the chance to defend themselves personally, with the assistance of a representative or counsel of their choice. Moreover, this conference or hearing could be used by the parties as an opportunity to come to an amicable settlement. After determining that termination of employment is justified, the employers shall serve the employees a written notice of termination indicating that: (1) all circumstances involving the charge against the employees have been considered; and (2) grounds have been established to justify the severance of their employment.

Graphics, Inc. failed to afford the petitioner with a reasonable opportunity to be heard and defend itself. An administrative hearing set on the same day that the petitioner received the memorandum and the 24-hour period given to him to submit a written explanation is far from reasonable. Furthermore, there is no indication that Graphics, Inc. issued a second notice, informing the petitioner of his dismissal. Graphics, Inc. admitted that it decided to terminate the petitioners employment when he ceased to report for work after being served with the memorandum requiring him to explain and subsequent to his failure to submit a written explanation. However, there is nothing on record showing that Graphics, Inc. placed its decision to dismiss in writing and that a copy thereof was sent to the petitioner. Notwithstanding the existence of a just cause to terminate petitioners employment, respondent was ordered to pay P30,000 as nominal damages for violation of the employees right to due process. Realda v. New Age Graphics, Inc. et. al. G.R. No. 192190, April 25, 2012. Dismissal; procedural due process requirements. While Kingspoint Express had reason to sever petitioners employment, this Court finds its supposed observance of the requirements of procedural due process pretentious. While Kingspoint Express required the dismissed employees to explain their

refusal to submit to a drug test, the two (2) days afforded to them to do so cannot qualify as reasonable opportunity, which the Court construed in King of Kings Transport, Inc. v. Mamac as a period of at least five (5) calendar days from receipt of the notice. Thus, even if a just cause exists for the dismissal of petitioners, Kingspoint Express is still liable to indemnify the dismissed employees, with the exception of Panuelos, Dizon and Dimabayao, who did not appeal the dismissal of their complaints, with nominal damages in the amount of P30,000.00. Kakampi and its members, et al. v. Kingspoint Express and Logistic and/or Mary Ann Co, G.R. No. 194813, April 25, 2012.
Dismissal; due process. To meet the requirements of due process in the dismissal of an employee, an employer must furnish the worker with two written notices: (1) a written notice specifying the grounds for termination and giving to said employee a reasonable opportunity to explain his side and (2) another written notice indicating that, upon due consideration of all circumstances, grounds have been established to justify the employers decision to dismiss the employee. The law does not require that an intention to terminate ones employment should be included in the first notice. It is enough that employees are properly apprised of the charges brought against them so they can properly prepare their defenses. It is only during the second notice that the intention to terminate ones employment should be explicitly stated.

The guiding principles in connection with the hearing requirement in dismissal cases are the following: 1. Ample opportunity to be heard means any meaningful opportunity (verbal or written) given to the employee to answer the charges against him and submit evidence in support of his defense, whether in a hearing, conference or some other fair, just and reasonable way. 2. A formal hearing or conference becomes mandatory only when requested by the employee in writing or substantial evidentiary disputes exist or a company rule or practice requires it, or when similar circumstances justify it. 3. The ample opportunity to be heard standard in the Labor Code prevails over the hearing or conference requirement in the implementing rules and regulations. The existence of an actual, formal trial-type hearing, although preferred, is not absolutely necessary to satisfy the employees right to be heard. Esguerra was able to present her defenses; and only upon proper consideration of it did Valle Verde send the second memorandum terminating her employment. Since Valle Verde complied with the two-notice requirement, no procedural defect exists in Esguerras termination. Dolores T. Esguerra vs. Valle Verde Country Club, Inc. and Ernesto Villaluna. G.R. No. 173012, June 13, 2012.

Employee dismissal; due process. Retrenchment is subject to faithful compliance with the substantive and procedural requirements laid down by law and jurisprudence. For a valid retrenchment, the following elements must be present: 1. That retrenchment is reasonably necessary and likely to prevent business losses which, if already incurred, are not merely de minimis, but substantial, serious, actual and real, or if only expected, are reasonably imminent as perceived objectively and in good faith by the employer; 2. That the employer served written notice both to the employees and to the Department of Labor and Employment at least one month prior to the intended date of retrenchment; 3. That the employer pays the retrenched employees separation pay equivalent to one (1) month pay or at least month pay for every year of service, whichever is higher; 4. That the employer exercises its prerogative to retrench employees in good faith for the advancement of its interest and not to defeat or circumvent the employees right to security of tenure; and 5. That the employer used fair and reasonable criteria in ascertaining who would be dismissed and who would be retained among the employees, such as status, efficiency, seniority, physical fitness, age, and financial hardship for certain workers. All these elements were successfully proven by petitioner. First, the huge losses suffered by the Club for the past two years had forced petitioner to close it down to avert further losses which would eventually affect the operations of petitioner. Second, all 45 employees working in the Club were served with notice of termination. The corresponding notice was likewise served to the DOLE one month prior to retrenchment. Third, the employees were offered separation pay, most of whom have accepted and opted not to join in this complaint. Fourth, the cessation of or withdrawal from business operations was bona fide in character and not impelled by a motive to defeat or circumvent the tenurial rights of employees. Waterfront Cebu City Hotel vs. Ma. Melanie P. Jimenez, et al. G.R. No. 174214, June 13, 2012. Employee dismissal; due process. The following are the guiding principles in connection with the hearing requirement in dismissal cases: 1. Ample opportunity to be heard means any meaningful opportunity (verbal or written) given to the employee to answer the charges against him and submit evidence in support of his defense, whether in a hearing, conference or some other fair, just and reasonable way. 2. A formal hearing or conference becomes mandatory only when requested by the employee in writing or substantial evidentiary disputes exist or a company rule or practice requires it, or when similar circumstances justify it. 3. The ample opportunity to be heard standard in the Labor Code prevails over the hearing or conference requirement in the implementing rules and regulations. Given that the petitioners expressly requested a conference or a convening of a grievance committee, such formal hearing became mandatory. After PGAI failed to affirmatively respond to such request, it follows that the hearing requirement was not complied with and, therefore, Vallota was denied his right to procedural

due process. Prudential Guarantee and Assurance Employee Labor Union and Sandy T. Vallota vs. NLRC, Prudential Guarantee and Assurance Inc., and/or Jocelyn Retizos. G.R. No. 185335, June 13, 2012. Employee dismissal; just cause. Article 282(e) of the Labor Code talks of other analogous causes or those which are susceptible of comparison to another in general or in specific detail as a cause for termination of employment. A cause analogous to serious misconduct is a voluntary and/or willful act or omission attesting to an employees moral depravity. Theft committed by an employee against a person other than his employer, if proven by substantial evidence, is a cause analogous to serious misconduct. Previous infractions may be cited as justification for dismissing an employee only if they are related to the subsequent offense. However, it must be noted that such a discussion was unnecessary since the theft, taken in isolation from Fermins other violations, was in itself a valid cause for the termination of his employment. Cosmos Bottling Corp. vs. Wilson Fermin/Wilson Fermin vs. Cosmos Bottling Corp. and Cecilia Bautista. G.R. No. 193676 & G.R. No. 194303. June 20, 2012.