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THIRD DIVISION
UNIVERSITY
OF
THE
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION,
Petitioner,

G.R. NOS. 178085 - 178086

-versus-

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

OF
LABOR
AND
EMPLOYMENT;,
UIC
TEACHING
AND
NONTEACHING
EMPLOYEES
UNION-FFW,
OFELIA
DIAPUEZ, MELANIE DE LA
ROSA, ANGELINA ABADILLA,
LELIAN CONCON, MARY ANN
DE RAMOS, ZENAIDA CANOY,
ALMA
VILLA CARLOS,
PAULINA PALMA GIL, JOSIE
BOSTON, GEMMA GALOPE
and LEAH CRUZA,
Respondents.

Present:
VELASCO, JR., J., Chairperson
PERALTA,
VILLARAMA, JR.,
PEREZ,* and
JARDELEZA, JJ.
Promulgated:

~~

x- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ---------- -~~ x

DECISION
JARDELEZA, J.:

These consolidated cases stem from the labor dispute between

petitioner University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) and respondent
UIC Teaching and Non-Teaching Employees Union - FFW (the "Union")
dating back to 1994. On January 23, 1995, the Secretary of Labor and
Employment (the "Secretary") assume.d jurisdiction over the dispute,
*

Designated as Acting Member in view o t : / e or absence of Hon. Bienvenido L. Reyes, per

Special O<dc< No. 2084 dated June 2 9, 20 I 5. /

Decision

G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

docketed as OS-AJ-003-95, pursuant to his powers under Section 263(g) of

the Labor Code.1 The first consolidated case involves a question of whether
the Secretary has the authority to order the creation of a tripartite committee
to determine the amount of net incremental proceeds of tuition fee increases;
the second case concerns the legality of the dismissal of 12 employees in
connection with the labor dispute.
I
The following findings of fact by the Court of Appeals are
undisputed:
UIC is a non-stock, non-profit educational
institution with campuses at Fr. Selga and Bonifacio
Sts., Davao City. Private respondent [the Union] is
the certified sole bargaining agent of UICs rank
and file employees.
On 20 June 1994, the Union filed a notice of
strike on the grounds of bargaining deadlock and
unfair labor practice. On 20 July 1994, the National
Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) called
the parties to a conference where they agreed that
an increase be granted to the workers in the amount
equivalent to: seventy-five percent (75%) of
increment on the tuition fee for the first year, eighty
percent (80%) for the second year, and eighty
percent (80%) for the third year.
On the same occasion, the UIC demanded
the exclusion of secretaries, registrars, accounting
personnel and guidance counselors from the
bargaining unit, on account of their being
confidential employees. When the parties agreed to
submit this particular issue to voluntary arbitration,
the arbitration panel sustained the UIC on 08
November 1994. The Unions motion for
reconsideration thereto was denied by the
arbitration panel on 08 February 1995.
Accordingly, the UIC gave the affected
employees namely: Melanie de la Rosa, Angelina
Abadilla, Jovita Mamburan, Zenaida Canoy,
Gemma Galope, Paulina Palma Gil, Lelian Concon,
Mary Ann de Ramos, Alma Villacarlos, [Leah]
Cruza, [Ofelia] Diapuez and Josie Boston
[collectively, except Jovita Mamburan, the
Respondent Employees] the option to choose
between keeping their positions or resigning from
the Union. When they elected to keep both their
positions and their union membership, UIC sent
them notices of termination on 21 February 1995,
1

Rollo, p. 101.

Decision

G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

which led into a notice of strike filed by the Union

on 10 March 1995.
In an Order dated 28 March 1995, the
[Secretary] suspended the effects of the said
termination pending the determination of its legality
and ordered UIC to reinstate the respondent
employees under the same conditions prevailing
prior to the labor dispute. This Order was later
modified by the [Secretary] directing the payroll
reinstatement of the respondent employees, instead
of physical reinstatement. On 15 September 1995,
the UIC filed a petition for certiorari on the said
payroll reinstatement. The Court of Appeals denied
the same in its 08 October 2001 Decision and 10
January 2002 Resolution. These were affirmed by
the Supreme Court on 14 January 2005 [448 SCRA
190].
On 20 June 2006, the [Secretary] issued a
Resolution ruling that the respondent employees
were illegally dismissed and directed UIC to
reinstate them (except for Jovita Mamburan who
died on 18 October 2003) and to pay them
backwages and other benefits. UICs motion for
reconsideration thereto was denied by the
[Secretary] on 18 September 2006.
Meanwhile, on [20 January 1995],2 the Union
filed its second notice of strike mostly on the
grounds of bargaining deadlock on the issues of
computing the seventy percent (70%) incremental
proceeds and unfair labor practices. On 23 January
1995, the [Secretary] assumed jurisdiction over the
dispute, issued a Return-to-Work Order and
enjoined the parties to desist from all acts which
might exacerbate the situation.
On 08 October 1998, the [Secretary] issued an
Order directing the parties to execute a collective
bargaining agreement (CBA) embodying all items
agreed upon by the parties and the salary increases
consisting of the following: 1st year 75% of
increment increase of tuition fee; 2nd year 80% of
increment increase of tuition fee; and 3rd year
80% of increment increase of tuition fee. The
[Secretary] likewise upheld the validity of the strike
declared by the Union on 20 January 1995. This
Order was challenged by UIC before the Court of
Appeals and the Supreme Court, both of which
affirmed the same. The fallo of the Supreme Court
decision reads:

Id.

Decision

G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

WHEREFORE, the Court DENIES

the petition and enjoins the parties to
comply with the directive of the
Secretary of Labor and Employment
to negotiate a collective bargaining
agreement in good faith.
No costs.
SO ORDERED.
On 21 April 2004, UIC and the Union signed an
Agreement (21 April 2004 Agreement hereafter) before the
DOLE, the second paragraph of which provides:
[The parties agreed that all issues in
this particular case have been settled, except
the issue on whether the full settlement
clause in the CBA to be signed by the
parties bars the filing and/or continuation of
alleged illegal dismissal cases which arose
in the year 1994 and which the Secretary of
Labor had ruled not to have been subsumed
by the Assumption of Jurisdiction case
pending with the Office of the Secretary
which is agreed upon to be submitted for
voluntary arbitration before the Honorable
Secretary of Labor.]
[Likewise in the interpretation and
implementation of the full settlement
clause,]3 the parties agree that the net
incremental proceeds for the five [5] school
years of the CBA (1995-1996 to 1999-2000)
will be computed and compared with the
actual amount distributed to the employees
for each of these five [5] years. If the
amount distributed in any of these 5 school
years is less than what is provided in the
CBA, the University shall pay the
deficiency. If the amount distributed in any
of these 5 school years is more than what is
provided in the CBA, the excess shall be
chargeable to the [seventy percent] 70%
share of the employees in the school year
2004-2005.
On 17 May 2004, the Union moved before the
[Secretary] for the creation of a tripartite committee to
compute the net proceeds of the tuition fee increases for the
school years 1995-2000. UIC opposed the motion stating
that the computation should be done by the grievance
machinery provided for in the CBA about to be signed by
the parties.

Id. at 166.

Decision

G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

On 08 June 2004, the parties signed the CBA (08

June 2004 CBA hereafter) for school years 1995-2000. On
that occasion, the parties agreed to rescind the aforequoted
paragraph of the 21 April 2004 Agreement to give way for
the signing of the CBA. The 08 June 2004 CBA was
submitted to the Regional Labor Office on 14 July 2004.
As mentioned earlier, on 05 July 2004, the DOLE
issued an Order granting the motion to create a tripartite
committee. UIC moved for reconsideration but the same
was denied in an Order dated 19 May 2005.
On 09 December 2004, the Union submitted
bargaining proposals for school years 2005-2010, but UIC
refused to bargain on the ground that out of more than 200
rank and file employees of the UIC, only 37 employees are
members of the Union. UIC also disclosed that it refused to
sign the application to register their 08 June 2004 CBA
because it was ratified by only 47 employees.
Meanwhile, the Union named three (3)
representatives to compose the tripartite committee. UIC,
on the other hand, initially refused to name their
representatives contending that the computation was no
longer called for and that the 08 June 2004 CBA was not
ratified. When UIC named its three representatives, the
tripartite committee held meetings on 14 September 2005
and 18 October 2005 wherein both parties presented their
respective computations. On 18 September 2006, the
[Secretary] issued a [second] Resolution (18 September
2006 Resolution hereafter) disposing as follows:
WHEREFORE, this Office hereby Orders:
1.
The University to distribute the total
amount of P11,070,473.00 to the affected
employees in equal lump-sum amounts.
2.
Any illegal dismissal [case] filed
against the University shall continue,
without further delay.
SO ORDERED.4

On November 20, 2006, UIC filed two separate Petitions for

Certiorari before the Court of Appeals. In the first petition, docketed as CAG.R. SP No. 01396-MIN (the Net Incremental Proceeds Case), UIC
assailed the Secretarys order mandating the creation of a tripartite
committee for the purpose of computing the net incremental proceeds, and
the subsequent computation and award of Php11,070,473.00 representing the
net incremental proceeds covering the school years 1995 to 2000.5 In the
second petition, docketed as CA-G.R. SP No. 01398-MIN (the Illegal
Dismissal Case), UIC assailed the Secretarys finding that the Respondent
Employees were illegally dismissed, as well as the award of full back wages
4
5

Id. at 99-104.
Id. at 15; 343-344.

Decision

G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

and other monetary benefits.6 The Court of Appeals ordered the

consolidation of the two cases on December 14, 2006.7
On April 24, 2007, the Court of Appeals promulgated its Decision
denying the consolidated petitions.8 In the Net Incremental Proceeds Case,
the appellate court held that the power of the Secretary to assume
jurisdiction over labor disputes under Article 263(g) of the Labor Code is
plenary and discretionary in nature, which necessarily involves the power to
resolve questions incidental to the labor dispute.9 The Court of Appeals also
affirmed the amount of net incremental proceeds as computed by the
tripartite committee, finding that UIC failed to substantiate its claims for
deductions.10 In the Illegal Dismissal Case, the Court of Appeals upheld the
Secretarys conclusion that the Respondent Employees were illegally
dismissed on the ground that UIC could not validly prevent them from
joining the Union since they did not perform managerial functions. The
appellate court opined that notwithstanding the confidential nature of
Respondent Employees position, they were not prohibited from joining the
Union; hence, their dismissal by UIC was not legally justified.11 The Court
of Appeals subsequently denied UICs motions for reconsideration on May
31, 2007.12
Aggrieved, UIC filed the present petition, where it essentially raises
the same arguments with respect to the Secretarys creation of the tripartite
committee, computation of net incremental proceeds, finding of illegal
dismissal, and award of back wages.
In its comment, respondent Union counters that it was constrained to
file an urgent motion with the Office of the Secretary for the creation of a
tripartite committee because there was no other way to solve the issue on
computation of the incremental proceeds, considering that UIC had ignored
and rejected the existence and efficacy of the CBA.13 On the issue of the
computation of the net incremental proceeds, the Union maintains that the
parties had mutually agreed on the manner of computing the same.14 With
regard to the Illegal Dismissal Case, the Union points out that the
Respondent Employees were dismissed on the same date that the termination
notices were sent, in violation of their right to due process.15
In a separate comment filed by the Respondent Employees, they claim
that they have the right to maintain their union membership not for the
purpose of collective bargaining, but for legal representation in dealing with
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15

Id. at 15; 666.

Id. at 373-374.
Id. at 97-123.
Id. at 108-109
Id. at 113-117.
Id. at 119-121.
Id. at 125-136.
Id. at 986.
Id. at 989-990.
Id. at 995-996.

Decision

G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

the employer; thus, there is no legal justification for their dismissal.16 They
further assert that the matter of back wages and other monetary benefits is
already barred by res judicata since the Secretarys award merely complied
with our ruling in G.R. No. 15137917 affirming the payroll reinstatement of
the Respondent Employees.18
On July 9, 2007, we issued a temporary restraining order directing the
respondents to refrain from enforcing the Court of Appeals April 24, 2007
Decision and May 31, 2007 Resolution.19
II
A
In LMG Chemicals Corporation v. Secretary of Labor, we already
settled the extent of the Secretarys jurisdiction under Article 263(g):
It is well settled in our jurisprudence that the
authority of the Secretary of Labor to assume jurisdiction
over a labor dispute causing or likely to cause a strike or
lockout in an industry indispensable to national interest
includes and extends to all questions and controversies
arising therefrom. The power is plenary and discretionary
in nature to enable him to effectively and efficiently dispose
of the primary dispute.20 (Emphasis in original.)

The powers of the Secretary in national interest cases are not set by
metes and bounds. Rather, the Secretary is given wide latitude to adopt
appropriate means to finally resolve the labor dispute. The doctrine of great
breadth of discretion21 possessed by the Secretary dates back to our earlier
rulings which recognized the broad powers of the former Court of Industrial
Relations (CIR), which had jurisdiction over national interest cases prior to
the enactment of the Labor Code. In Philippine Marine Radio Officers
Association v. CIR, decided in 1957, we held that [i]f the [CIR] is granted
authority to find a solution in an industrial dispute and such solution consists
in the ordering of employees to return back to work, it cannot be contended
that the [CIR] does not have the power or jurisdiction to carry that solution
into effect.22 Again, in FEATI University v. Bautista: Once the jurisdiction
is acquired pursuant to the presidential certification, the CIR may exercise
its broad powers as provided in Commonwealth Act 103. All phases of the
labor dispute and the employer-employee relationship may be threshed out
before the CIR, and the CIR may issue such order or orders as may be
16

Id. at 1184-1186.
University of Immaculate Concepcion, Inc. v. Secretary of Labor, January 14, 2005, 448 SCRA

17

190.
18
19
20
21

22

Rollo, pp. 1179-1183.

Id. at 888-890.
G.R. No. 127422, April 17, 2001, 356 SCRA 577, 585.
Bachrach Transportation Co., Inc. v. Rural Transit Shop Employees Association, G.R. No. L26764, July 25, 1967, 20 SCRA 779, 784.
102 Phil. 373, 383 (1957).

Decision

G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

necessary to make effective the exercise of its jurisdiction.23 Judicial

authorities defining the scope of the former CIRs power in respect of
national interest cases apply mutatis mutandis in cases involving the
Secretarys assumption of jurisdiction under Article 263(g).
In the Secretarys exercise of such broad discretion, the prevailing
rule is that we will not interfere or substitute the Secretarys judgment with
our own, unless grave abuse is cogently shown.24 And in determining
whether the acts of the Secretary constitute grave abuse of discretion, the
standard we apply is that of reasonableness.25
Here, the Secretary ordered the creation of a tripartite committee for
the purpose of resolving one of the contentious issues in OS-AJ-003-95, i.e.,
the computation of the net incremental proceeds under Republic Act No.
6728,26 as increased by mutual agreement of the parties. It must be recalled
that the second notice of strike filed by the Union on January 20, 1995 was
triggered by, among others, the bargaining deadlock on the very issue of the
correct computation of the net incremental proceeds. The notice of strike
consequently prompted the Secretary to assume jurisdiction over the dispute.
It cannot therefore be denied that the disposition of the net incremental
proceeds issue is necessary to resolve the long-standing dispute between
UIC and the Union. Put simply, there is a reasonable connection between the
Secretarys order and the settlement of the labor dispute. Accordingly, we
conclude that it is well within the allowable area of discretion that the
Secretary ordered the creation of the tripartite committee.
The authority to create the tripartite committee flows from the
jurisdiction conferred by Article 263(g) to the Secretary. A grant of
jurisdiction, in the absence of prohibitive legislation, implies the necessary
and usual incidental powers essential to effectuate it27 also referred to as
incidental jurisdiction. Incidental jurisdiction includes the power and
authority of an office or tribunal to do all things reasonably necessary for the
administration of justice within the scope of its jurisdiction, and for the
enforcement of its judgment and mandates. Incidental jurisdiction is
presumed to attach upon the conferment of jurisdiction over the main case,
unless explicitly withheld by the legislature. In this regard, we find nothing
in the Labor Code that prohibits the Secretary from creating ad hoc
23
24

25
26

27

G.R. No. L-21462, December 27, 1966, 18 SCRA 1191, 1221.

Caltex Refinery Employees Association v. Brillantes, G.R. No. 123782, September 16, 1997, 279
SCRA 218, 243-244.
MERALCO v. Quisumbing, G.R. No. 127598, January 27, 1999, 302 SCRA 173, 192.
Republic Act No. 6728, Section 5(2) provides:
(2) tuition fees under subparagraph (c) may be increased, on the condition that seventy
percent (70%) of the amount subsidized allotted for tuition fee or of the tuition fee increases
shall go to the payment of salaries, wages, allowances and other benefits of teaching and nonteaching personnel except administrators who are principal stockholders of the school, and
may be used to cover increases as provided for in the collective bargaining agreements
existing or in force at the time when this Act is approved and made effective: Provided, That
government subsidies are not used directly for salaries of teachers of non-secular subjects.
Philippine Air Lines Employees Association v. Philippine Air Lines, Inc., G.R. No. L-18559, June
30, 1964, 11 SCRA 387, 393.

Decision

G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

committees to aid in the resolution of labor disputes after he has assumed

jurisdiction. The primary objective of Article 263(g) is not merely to
terminate labor disputes between private parties; rather, it is the promotion
of the common good considering that a prolonged strike or lockout in an
industry indispensable to the national interest can be inimical to the
economy.28 Hence, provided that the Secretarys orders are reasonably
connected with the objective of the law, as it is in this case, courts will not
disturb the same.
B
UIC argues that the Secretary gravely abused his discretion because at
the time he ordered the creation of the tripartite committee, the parties had
already signed but not yet ratified the final draft of the CBA, which
contains grievance mechanism provisions. UIC posits that the grievance
procedure in the signed CBA should apply insofar as the determination of
the net incremental proceeds is concerned. In support of its contention, UIC
cites University of San Agustin Employees Union FFW v. Court of
Appeals,29 where we held that the grievance machinery embodied in the
CBA must be recognized and enforced by the Secretary. In response, the
Union asserts that UIC itself had rejected and disregarded the execution and
efficacy of the CBA and, thus, cannot rely on the grievance machinery
contained in the same CBA.
UICs reliance in University of San Agustin is misplaced. In said case,
there was already a valid and subsisting five-year CBA between the parties.
The CBA provided, among others, that the economic provisions shall be for
a term of three years. Towards the end of the third year of the CBA, as the
economic provisions were about to expire, the employer and the union
reached an impasse on economic matters, ultimately resulting in a labor
dispute.30 Thus, at the time the dispute arose in University of San Agustin,
the grievance machinery was in place. The existence of an effective CBA
was an important factual consideration for the Courts holding that the
grievance machinery must be respected.
In this case, however, the facts show that the CBA had not been
ratified by the majority of all workers in the bargaining unit, as required by
Article 231 of the Labor Code, when the Secretary mandated the creation of
the tripartite committee. Compliance with the ratification requirement is
mandatory; otherwise, the CBA is ineffective.31 In fact, UIC itself admits
that the CBA did not become effective for want of ratification.32 The CBA
not having been ratified, there was no enforceable grievance machinery to
speak of unlike in University of San Agustin. When the Secretary ordered
28
29
30
31
32

Philtread Workers Union v. Confesor, G.R. No. 117169, March 12, 1997, 269 SCRA 393, 399.
G.R. No. 169632, March 28, 2006, 485 SCRA 526.
Id. at 530.
Associated Trade Unions v. Trajano, G.R. No. L-75321, June 20, 1988, 162 SCRA 318, 323.
Rollo, pp. 43-44.

Decision

10

G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

the creation of the tripartite committee, the dispute was already almost a
decade old. Certainly, the Secretary cannot be faulted for endeavoring to
settle the issue involving the net incremental benefits once and for all.
UICs additional argument that the matter of net incremental proceeds
is a non-issue, since it would be covered by the full settlement clause in the
CBA, deserves scant consideration. As already discussed, the CBA
including the full settlement clause did not take effect. Furthermore, we
observe that UIC is effectively proposing that the Union waived its rights to
the net incremental proceeds when the latter subsequently agreed to
disregard the second paragraph of the agreement dated April 21, 2004.
However, for a waiver to be effective, it must be certain and unequivocal33
and cannot be presumed.34 We rule that the mere omission of the paragraph
pertaining to the manner of computing the net incremental proceeds is
insufficient to prove the intent of the Union to abandon the rights of its
members with respect to such proceeds.
C
Next, UIC assails the tripartite committees computation of the net
incremental proceeds, which was affirmed by the Secretary and the Court of
Appeals. UIC is essentially asking us to review and evaluate the probative
value of the evidence presented below. Suffice it to say that such exercise is
not proper in an appeal by certiorari. In a petition for review under Rule 45,
only questions of law may be put in issue.35 We cannot emphasize to
litigants enough that the Supreme Court is not a trier of facts.36 It is not our
function to analyze or weigh the evidence all over again.37 Corollary to this
is the doctrine that findings of fact of labor tribunals, when affirmed by the
Court of Appeals, are accorded not only great respect but even finality.38 In
this case, the tripartite committee, the Secretary, and the Court of Appeals
were unanimous in disallowing the deductions being claimed by UIC. We
find no cogent reason to disturb the same.

33
34
35

36

37

38

Cabarles v. Maceda, G.R. No. 161330, February 20, 2007, 516 SCRA 303, 316.
Spouses Valderama v. Macalde, G.R. No. 165005, September 16, 2005, 470 SCRA 168, 183.
Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company v. Ley Construction and Development Corporation, G.R.
No. 185590, December 3, 2014; Eastern Shipping Lines, Inc. v. BPI/MS Insurance Corp., G.R. No.
193986, January 15, 2014, 713 SCRA 743; Limbauan v. Acosta, G.R. No. 148606, June 30, 2008, 556
SCRA 614.
Carinan v. Spouses Cueto, G.R. No. 198636, October 8, 2014; Spouses Rosete v. Briones, G.R.
No. 176121, September 22, 2014, 735 SCRA 647; Meyr Enterprises Corporation v. Cordero, G.R. No.
197336, September 3, 2014, 734 SCRA 253; Primanila Plans, Inc. v. Securities and Exchange
Commission, G.R. No. 193791, August 6, 2014, 732 SCRA 264; Angeles v. Bucad, G.R. No. 196249,
July 21, 2014, 730 SCRA 295.
De La Cruz v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 105213, December 4, 1996, 265 SCRA 299; Manila
Lighter Transportation, Inc. v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 50373, February 15, 1990, 182 SCRA 251;
Dihiansan v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. L-49539, September 14, 1987, 153 SCRA 712.
Libang, Jr. v. Indochina Ship Management, Inc., G.R. No. 189863, September 17, 2014, 735
SCRA 404; Laguna Autoparts Manufacturing Corporation v. Office of the Secretary of Labor, G.R.
No. 157146, April 29, 2005, 457 SCRA 730; R Transport Corporation v. Ejandra, G.R. No. 148508,
May 20, 2004, 428 SCRA 725.

Decision

11

G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

In any case, the rationale for the disallowance of deductions in the

proceedings below, i.e., the amounts being claimed did not appear in UICs
audited financial statements, is consistent with established jurisprudence. In
Asia Brewery v. TPMA,39 we held:
In Restaurante Las Conchas v. Llego, several
employees filed a case for illegal dismissal after the
employer closed its restaurant business. The employer
sought to justify the closure through unaudited financial
statements showing the alleged losses of the business. We
ruled that such financial statements are mere self-serving
declarations and inadmissible in evidence even if the
employees did not object to their presentation before the
Labor Arbiter. Similarly, in Uichico v. National Labor
Relations Commission, the services of several employees
were terminated on the ground of retrenchment due to
alleged serious business losses suffered by the employer.
We ruled that by submitting unaudited financial statements,
the employer failed to prove the alleged business losses,
viz:
It is true that administrative and quasijudicial bodies like the NLRC are not bound
by the technical rules of procedure in the
adjudication of cases. However, this
procedural rule should not be construed as a
license to disregard certain fundamental
evidentiary rules. While the rules of
evidence prevailing in the courts of law or
equity are not controlling in proceedings
before the NLRC, the evidence presented
before it must at least have a modicum of
admissibility for it to be given some
probative value. The Statement of Profit and
Losses submitted by Crispa, Inc. to prove its
alleged losses, without the accompanying
signature of a certified public accountant
or audited by an independent auditor, are
nothing but self-serving documents which
ought to be treated as a mere scrap of
paper devoid of any probative value. For
sure, this is not the kind of sufficient and
convincing evidence necessary to discharge
the burden of proof required of petitioners to
establish the alleged losses suffered by
Crispa, Inc. in the years immediately
preceding 1990 that would justify the
retrenchment of respondent employees.
(Emphasis in original.)
While the above-cited cases involve proof necessary
to establish losses in cases of business closure or
retrenchment, we see no reason why this rule should not
39

G.R. Nos. 171594-96, September 18, 2013, 706 SCRA 12.

Decision

12

G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

equally apply to the determination of the proper level of

wage award in cases where the Secretary of Labor assumes
jurisdiction in a labor dispute pursuant to Article 263(g) of
the Labor Code.40 (Citations omitted.)

Parenthetically, we cannot agree with UICs contention that the

computation of the net incremental proceeds did not comply with our ruling
in St. Josephs College v. St. Josephs College Workers Association.41 We
note that the basic formula used by the tripartite committee, and agreed upon
by the parties, is consistent with St. Josephs College, including deductions
for non-paying students like scholars, students who did not pay,
increase in salaries, and increases in related benefits.42 However, some
of the amounts submitted by UIC were disallowed by the tripartite
committee for being inadmissible and self-serving, based as they were on
unaudited financial statements. As a result, certain items in the initial
formula no longer appeared in the final computation. Such disallowance,
however, should not be interpreted as a departure from St. Josephs College;
it simply means that the deduction is effectively nil because the amounts
claimed had not been adequately proved.
III
The resolution of the Illegal Dismissal Case rests upon the
determination of whether or not a confidential employees refusal to vacate
his or her union membership is a valid ground for dismissal. The Secretary
and the Court of Appeals believe it is not. We reverse.
As a preliminary matter, we clarify that the issue of whether or not the
Respondent Employees are confidential employees has long been settled and
its reexamination is already barred by res judicata. In VA Case No. XI-35402-94 (the Arbitration Case), the panel of voluntary arbitrators had
already determined that the Respondent Employees are confidential
employees who must be excluded from the bargaining unit. The panels
decision dated November 8, 199443 and resolution of the motion for
reconsideration dated February 8, 199544 became final and executory after
we dismissed the Unions petition for certiorari on June 21, 199545 without
any further incidents. The Arbitration Case having attained finality, the
issues resolved therein may no longer be disturbed or modified.

40
41
42
43
44
45

Id. at 25-26.
G.R. No. 155609, January 17, 2005, 448 SCRA 594.
Rollo, p. 112.
Id. at 848-855.
Id. at 862-863.
Id. at 864.

Decision

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G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

A
The just causes for terminating an employee, confidential or not, are
enumerated in Article 282 of the Labor Code:
Art. 282. Termination by employer. An employer may
terminate an employment for any of the following causes:
(a) Serious misconduct or willful disobedience by the
employee of the lawful orders of his employer or
representative in connection with his work;
(b) Gross and habitual neglect by the employee of his
duties;
(c) Fraud or willful breach by the employee of the trust
reposed in him by his employer or duly authorized
representative;
(d) Commission of a crime or offense by the employee
against the person of his employer or any immediate
member of his family or his duly authorized
representatives; and
(e) Other causes analogous to the foregoing.

UIC cites willful disobedience and loss of confidence as the

grounds for dismissing the Respondent Employees. In its termination letters
dated February 21, 1995, UIC informed the Respondent Employees that
because of their continued union membership notwithstanding the voluntary
arbitration decision, management no longer has any trust and confidence in
you in the delicate, sensitive and confidential position you hold.46
Generally, employers are given wide latitude in terminating the
services of employees who perform functions which by their nature require
the employer's full trust and confidence.47 It is well established that an
employer cannot be compelled to continue in employment an employee
guilty of acts inimical to the interest of the employer and justifying loss of
confidence in him.48 It has been held that when an employee has been guilty
of breach of trust or his employer has ample reason to distrust him, a labor
tribunal cannot deny the employer the authority to dismiss him.49 To
constitute a valid ground for dismissal, it is sufficient that there be some

46
47
48

49

Id. at 78-79.
Atlas Fertilizer Corporation v. NLRC, G.R. No. 120030, June 17, 1997, 273 SCRA 549.
Tabacalera Insurance Co. v. NLRC, G.R. No. L-72555, July 31, 1987, 152 SCRA 667, 674-675,
citing Manila Trading and Supply Co. v. Manila Trading Laborers Association, 83 Phil. 297 (1949);
PECO v. PECO Employees Union, 107 Phil. 1003 (1960); Nevans v. CIR, G.R. No. L-21510, June 29,
1968, 23 SCRA 1321; International Hardwood and Veneer Co. of the Phil. v. Leogardo, G.R. No. L57429, October 28, 1982, 117 SCRA 967; Dole Phil. Inc., v. NLRC, G.R. No. L-55413, July 25, 1983,
123 SCRA 673, 677.
Supra note 47.

Decision

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G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

reasonable basis, supported by substantial evidence, for such loss of

confidence.50
Nonetheless, employers do not have unbridled authority to dismiss
employees by simply invoking Article 282(c). The loss of confidence must
be genuine and cannot be used as a subterfuge for causes which are illegal,
improper and unjust.51 Loss of confidence as a ground for dismissal has
never been intended to afford an occasion for abuse by the employer of its
prerogative, as it can easily be subject to abuse because of its subjective
nature.52
In Cruz v. Court of Appeals,53 we summarized the guidelines when
loss of confidence constitutes a valid ground for dismissal:
[T]he language of Article 282(c) of the Labor Code
states that the loss of trust and confidence must be based on
willful breach of the trust reposed in the employee by his
employer. Such breach is willful if it is done intentionally,
knowingly, and purposely, without justifiable excuse, as
distinguished from an act done carelessly, thoughtlessly,
heedlessly or inadvertently. Moreover, it must be based on
substantial evidence and not on the employer's 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 with
respect to 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.54

In determining whether loss of confidence is a just cause for dismissal

under Article 282(c), we laid down the following requisites in the 2008 case
of Bristol Myers Squibb (Phils.), Inc. v. Baban:55
(a) The employee must hold a position of trust and
confidence.
50

51
52
53
54
55

P.J. Lhuillier, Inc. v. NLRC, G.R. No. 158758, April 29, 2005, 457 SCRA 784, 797; Tabacalera
Insurance Co. v. NLRC, supra.
Mabeza v. NLRC, G.R. No. 118506, April 18, 1997, 271 SCRA 670, 683.
Hernandez v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 84302, August 10, 1989, 176 SCRA 269, 276.
G.R. No. 148544, July 12, 2006, 494 SCRA 643.
Id. at 654-655.
G.R. No. 167449, December 17, 2008, 574 SCRA 198.

Decision

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G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

(b) There must be a willful act that would justify the loss of
trust and confidence.56

As a rule, loss of confidence may only be invoked by the employer

against an employee occupying a position of responsibility, trust and
confidence57 hence, the first requisite. Ordinarily, this would require us to
make a determination with regard to the true nature of the Respondent
Employees positions. But given the facts of this case, noting in particular
the final and executory decision in the Arbitration Case which deemed
Respondent Employees as confidential employees, we only now need to
determine whether confidential employees hold positions of trust and
confidence.
The leading case explaining what is a position of trust and
confidence is Mabeza v. NLRC,58 where we held that:
[L]oss of confidence should ideally apply only to
cases involving employees occupying positions of trust and
confidence or to those situations where the employee is
routinely charged with the care and custody of the
employer's money or property. To the first class belong
managerial employees, i.e., those vested with the powers or
prerogatives to lay down management policies and/or to
hire, transfer, suspend, lay-off, recall, discharge, assign or
discipline employees or effectively recommend such
managerial actions; and to the second class belong cashiers,
auditors, property custodians, etc., or those who, in the
normal and routine exercise of their functions, regularly
handle significant amounts of money or property. 59

Bristol Myers and subsequent cases60 essentially follow the same

formula by subdividing positions of trust and confidence into two classes:
managerial employees and fiduciary rank-and-file employees. Respondent
Employees fall under the latter category.
We understand that Mabezas failure to specifically mention the
category of confidential employees may cause some confusion, at least
superficially, with respect to the applicability of Article 282(c) to this
specific class of employees. For the sake of avoiding any future
misperception, we rule that confidential employees must perforce hold
positions of trust and confidence. Mabezas silence regarding confidential
employees may simply be attributed to the fact that confidential employees
56
57

58
59
60

Id. at 205-206.
Cruz v. Court of Appeals, supra; Gonzales v. NLRC, G.R. No. 131653, March 26, 2001, 355
SCRA 195; Sanchez v. NLRC, G.R. No. 124348, August 19, 1999, 312 SCRA 727, 735.
G.R. No. 118506, April 18, 1997, 271 SCRA 670.
Id. at 682.
M+W Zander Philippines, Inc. v. Enriquez, G.R. No. 169173, June 5, 2009, 588 SCRA 590;
Prudential Guarantee and Assurance Employee Labor Union v. NLRC, G.R. No. 185335, June 13,
2012, 672 SCRA 375; Hormillosa v. Coca-Cola Bottlers Phils., Inc., G.R. No. 198699, October 9,
2013, 707 SCRA 361.

Decision

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G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

do not constitute a distinct category of employees based on the plain text of

the Labor Code. But jurisprudence recognizes the existence of such
category,61 and it has been held that confidentiality may attach to a
managerial, supervisory, or rank-and-file position.62 As the commentator
Azucena aptly notes:
Confidentiality is not a matter of official rank, it is a
matter of job content and authority. It is not measured by
closeness to or distance from top management but by the
significance of the jobholders role in the pursuit of
corporate objectives and strategy. In principle, every
managerial position is confidential one does not become
a manager without having gained the confidence of the
appointing authority. But not every confidential employee
is managerial; he may be a supervisory or even a rank-andfile employee. Confidentiality, in other words, cuts across
the pyramid of jobs from the base to the apex, from
messengerial to managerial.63

A confidential employee is defined as one entrusted with confidence

on delicate matters, or with the custody, handling, or care and protection of
the employers property.64 For all intents and purposes, the terms
confidential employee and employee holding a position of trust and
confidence are synonymous. Fundamentally, the two categories mentioned
in Mabeza are simply subcategories of the broader category of confidential
employees.
The essence of the second requisite is that the loss of confidence must
be based on a willful breach of trust founded on clearly established facts.65
Here, it is not disputed that the Respondent Employees refused to resign
from the Union, notwithstanding the decision in the Arbitration Case.
Respondent Employees do not claim that they were coerced into retaining
their union membership; in fact, they even insist upon their right to join the
Union. The voluntariness of Respondent Employees refusal to vacate their
union membership which constitutes the willful act is therefore
unequivocally established.
We hold that the willful act of refusing to leave the Union is sufficient
basis for UIC to lose its trust and confidence on Respondent Employees.
There was just cause for dismissing the Respondent Employees. Our
conclusion follows the same reasoning why we finally adopted the doctrine
that confidential employees should be excluded from the bargaining unit and
61

62

63
64
65

Metrolab Industries, Inc. v. Roldan-Confesor, G.R. No. 108855, February 28, 1996, 254 SCRA
182; National Association of Trade Unions v. Torres, G.R. No. 93468, December 29, 1994, 239 SCRA
546; Golden Farms, Inc. v. Ferrer-Calleja, G.R. No. 78755, July 19, 1989, 175 SCRA 471.
United Pepsi-Cola Supervisory Union v. Laguesma, G.R. No. 122226, March 25, 1998, 288
SCRA 15.
Azucena, The Labor Code with Comments and Cases, Vol. II, 7th Ed., 2010, p. 269.
National Association of Trade Unions v. Torres, supra.
Bristol Myers Squibb (Phils.), Inc. v. Baban, supra note 55; Standard Chartered Bank Employees
Union v. Standard Chartered Bank, G.R. No. 161933, April 22, 2008, 552 SCRA 284; MERALCO v.
Quisumbing, G.R. No. 127598, January 27, 1999, 302 SCRA 173.

Decision

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G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

disqualified from joining any union:66 employees should not be placed in a

position involving a potential conflict of interests.67 In this regard, the Court
of Appeals erred in holding that Respondent Employees are allowed to join
the Union.68 If Respondent Employees were allowed to retain their union
membership, UIC would not be assured of their loyalty because of the
apparent conflict between the employees personal interests and their duty as
confidential employees. Such a result is likely to create an atmosphere of
distrust between UIC and the confidential employees, and it would be nigh
unreasonable to compel UIC to continue in employment persons whom it no
longer trusts to handle delicate matters.
Finally, the Secretary cites Article 248 of the Labor Code to support
his conclusion that Respondent Employees were illegally dismissed.69
Article 248(a) considers as unfair labor practice an employers act of
interfering with, restraining or coercing employees in the exercise of their
right to self-organization. However, it is well established that the right to
self-organization under the Labor Code does not extend to managerial70 and
confidential employees,71 while supervisory employees are not allowed to
join the rank-and-file union.72 In view of the limitation imposed upon these
specific classes of employees, Article 248(a) should therefore be interpreted
to cover only interference with the right to self-organization of bona fide
members of the bargaining unit. The provision finds no application in this
case which involves confidential employees who are, by law, denied the
right to join labor unions.
B
Although there is just cause for dismissing the Respondent
Employees, we find that UIC failed to comply with the mandatory twonotice due process requirement. Under our labor laws, the employer has the
burden of proving that the dismissed employee has been served two written
notices: (a) one to apprise him of the particular acts or omissions for which
his dismissal is sought, and (b) the other to inform him of the employer's
decision to dismiss him.73 The first notice must state that the employer seeks
dismissal for the act or omission charged against the employee; otherwise,
the notice does not comply with the rules.74 The records show that UIC sent
66
67

68
69
70
71

72
73

74

Metrolab Industries, Inc. v. Roldan-Confesor, supra.

San Miguel Corporation Supervisors and Exempt Employees Union v. Laguesma, G.R. No.
110399, August 15, 1997, 277 SCRA 370, 375.
Rollo, pp. 119-121.
Id. at 157.
LABOR CODE, Art. 245.
Metrolab Industries, Inc. v. Roldan-Confesor, supra; San Miguel Corporation Supervisors and
Exempt Employees Union v. Laguesma, supra.
Supra note 70.
Sameer Overseas Placement Agency, Inc. v. Cabiles, G.R. No. 170139, August 5, 2014, 732
SCRA 22; Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. v. Garcia, G.R. No. 159625, January 31, 2008, 543
SCRA 364, 371-372; Challenge Socks Corporation v. Court of Appeals, G.R. No. 165268, November
8, 2005, 474 SCRA 356, 363-364.
Manly Express, Inc. v. Payong, Jr., G.R. No. 167462, October 25, 2005, 474 SCRA 323, 330;
Electro System Industries Corporation v. NLRC, G.R. No. 165282, October 5, 2005, 472 SCRA 199,
203; Tan v. NLRC, G.R. No. 128290, November 24, 1998, 299 SCRA 169, 185.

Decision

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G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

only one such written notice to Respondent Employees on February 21,

1995, i.e., a notice of termination effective at the close of business of the
same date.75 We do not agree with UICs submission that the agreement to
arbitrate and the request to comply with the arbitration decision constitute
the first notice required by law,76 considering that UIC was unable to
establish by substantial evidence that these categorically contain what is
legally required to appear in the first notice. In fine, we agree with the
observation of the Court of Appeals that the Respondent Employees were
hastily terminated.77
Pursuant to the doctrine laid down in Agabon v. NLRC,78 the dismissal
for just cause remains valid but UIC should be held liable, by way of
nominal damages, for non-compliance with procedural due process.
Conformably with existing jurisprudence,79 UIC is liable to pay each of the
Respondent Employees the sum of Php30,000.00 as nominal damages.
C
Notwithstanding our ruling that there was just cause for dismissal, we
reject UICs claim for reimbursement of the amount it has paid to
Respondent Employees for being contrary to established jurisprudence. The
prevailing rule is that an employee cannot be compelled to reimburse the
salaries and wages he received during the pendency of the appeal,
notwithstanding the subsequent reversal of the order of reinstatement.80 As
we held in the case of Garcia v. Philippine Airlines, Inc., it is obligatory on
the part of the employer to reinstate and pay the wages of the dismissed
employee during the period of appeal until reversal by the higher court.81
Furthermore, in G.R. No. 151379, we already affirmed the Secretarys
order to reinstate the Respondent Employees in UICs payroll until the
validity of their termination is finally resolved. Respondents correctly point
out that the back wages now being disputed by UIC actually represent
Respondent Employees unpaid salaries pursuant to the order of payroll
reinstatement in our previous decision. The Secretary precisely ordered the
payment of back wages because UIC had been remiss in making payments,
despite the immediately executory nature of a reinstatement order.82

75

Rollo, pp. 78-79.

Id. at 83
Id. at 121.
G.R. No. 158693, November 17, 2004, 442 SCRA 573.
Id.; Jaka Food Processing Corp. v. Pacot, G.R. No. 151378, March 28, 2005, 454 SCRA 119.
College of the Immaculate Conception v. NLRC, G.R. No. 167563, March 22, 2010, 616 SCRA

76
77
78
79
80

299.
81
82

G.R. No. 164856, January 20, 2009, 576 SCRA 479, 493.
See Castro, Jr. v. Ateneo De Naga University, G.R. No. 175293, July 23, 2014.

Decision

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G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

IV
On November 23, 2007, UIC filed an Omnibus Motion83 asking us to,
among others, cite Alfredo Olvida in contempt for unauthorized practice of
law. UIC alleges that Olvida, a non-lawyer, has been preparing, signing and
filing pleadings before this Honorable Court and even before the Court of
Appeals in CA-G.R. SP Nos. 01396-MIN and 01398-MIN.84 In a
resolution dated February 11, 2008, we ordered Olvida to file a comment on
the motion to cite him in contempt.85 Olvida submitted his comment on
April 10, 2008, in which he did not deny the allegations but justified his acts
by stating that he is the Regional Legal Assistant of the Federation of Free
Workers (FFW) and is authorized by the Union to handle the cases.86 He
also mentioned past instances wherein he prepared and signed pleadings for
local affiliates of FFW in matters pending before the Supreme Court and the
Court of Appeals, without having been held in contempt in those previous
instances.87
Since the facts are not disputed, it is clear that Olvida willfully
engaged in the unauthorized practice of law before the Supreme Court and
the Court of Appeals in these consolidated cases. There can be no question
that one who prepares, signs, and files pleadings in court is engaged in the
practice of law.88 Olvida is not covered by the exception under Article
222(a) of the Labor Code,89 which only pertains to proceedings before the
NLRC and labor arbiters and do not extend to courts of law. Not being a
member of the Philippine Bar, Olvida had no authority to act as the Unions
counsel in the proceedings before the Court of Appeals and, now, before us.
Under Section 3(e), Rule 71 of the Rules of Court, the act of [a]ssuming to
be an attorney and acting as such without authority constitutes indirect
contempt. Accordingly, we find Olvida guilty of indirect contempt.
We want to clarify, however, that our ruling on indirect contempt is
the exception rather than the rule. Counsel for UIC ought to know that under
the Rules of Court, a charge for indirect contempt must be initiated through
a verified petition, unless the charge is directly made by the court against
which the contemptuous act is committed.90 In Mallari v. GSIS, we quoted
with approval Justice Regalados comments on Section 4 of Rule 71:
the
83
84
85
86
87
88
89

90

This new provision clarifies with a regulatory norm

proper procedure for commencing contempt

Rollo, pp. 1220-1225.

Id. at 1222.
Id. at 1269.
Id. at 1280.
Id. at 1278-1280.
Ulep v. The Legal Clinic, Inc., Bar Matter No. 553, June 17, 1993, 223 SCRA 378.
Article. 222. Appearances and Fees. - (a) Non-lawyers may appear before the Commission or any
Labor Arbiter only:
1. If they represent themselves; or
2. If they represent their organization or members thereof.
RULES OF COURT, Rule 71, Sec. 4.

Decision

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G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

proceedings. While such proceeding has been classified as

a special civil action under the former Rules, the
heterogeneous practice, tolerated by the courts, has been for
any party to file a mere motion without paying any docket
or lawful fees therefor and without complying with the
requirements for initiatory pleadings, which is now
required in the second paragraph of this amended section.
Worse, and as a consequence of unregulated motions for
contempt, said incidents sometimes remain pending for
resolution although the main case has already been decided.
There are other undesirable aspects but, at any rate, the
same may now be eliminated by this amendatory
procedure.
Henceforth, except for indirect contempt
proceedings initiated motu proprio by order of or a
formal charge by the offended court, all charges shall be
commenced by a verified petition with full compliance
with the requirements therefor and shall be disposed of
in accordance with the second paragraph of this
section.91 (Emphasis in original.)

One exception to the above rule is that the Supreme Court may,
incidental to its power to suspend its own rules whenever the interest of
justice requires,92 resolve an issue involving indirect contempt when there is
(a) no factual controversy to be resolved or the case falls under the res ipsa
loquitur rule and (b) only after granting the respondent the opportunity to
comment.93 We resolve UICs pending motion on the basis of this exception,
and only to fully dispose of all pending issues in these consolidated cases.
While we do not condone the initiation of indirect contempt proceedings by
mere motion without payment of the proper docket fees, requiring UIC to
file a verified petition for indirect contempt will only serve to prolong the
dispute between the parties.
WHEREFORE, the petition is PARTIALLY GRANTED and the
appealed Decision dated April 24, 2007 and Resolution dated May 31, 2007
with respect to CA-G.R. SP. No. 01398-MIN are MODIFIED as follows:
(1) petitioners dismissal of Melanie de la Rosa, Angelina Abadilla, Zenaida
Canoy, Gemma Galope, Paulina Palma Gil, Lelian Concon, Mary Ann de
Ramos, Alma Villacarlos, Leah Cruza, Ofelia Diapuez and Josie Boston is
hereby declared valid for just cause and petitioner is therefore authorized to
remove the aforementioned employees from its payroll upon finality of this
decision; and (2) petitioner is ordered to pay each of the RespondentEmployees the sum of Thirty Thousand Pesos (Php30,000.00) as nominal
damages for non-compliance with the mandatory procedural due process
91
92
93

G.R. No. 157659, January 25, 2010, 611 SCRA 32, 52.
People v. Flores, G.R. No. 106581, March 3, 1997, 269 SCRA 62.
See Siy v. NLRC, G.R. No. 158971, August 25, 2005, 468 SCRA 154; Lee v. RTC of Quezon City,
G.R. No. 146006, April 22, 2005, 456 SCRA 538; See also Regalado, Remedial Law Compendium,
Vol. I, 9th Revised Ed., 2010, p. 898.

Decision

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G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

requirements. The Decision and Resolution are AFFIRMED in all other

respects.
Petitioner's motion to cite Alfredo Olvida for indirect contempt is
hereby GRANTED. Alfredo Olvida is ordered to pay a FINE of Two
Thousand Pesos (Php2,000.00) for assuming to be an attorney and acting as
such without authority, with a STERN WARNING that repetition of the
same or similar offense in the future will be dealt with more severely.
Finally, the Temporary Restraining Order issued on July 9, 2007 is
hereby LIFTED effective immediately.
SO ORDERED.

Associate Justice

WE CONCUR:

J. VELASCO, JR.

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.PERALTA

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Decision

22

G.R. Nos. 178085-178086

ATTESTATION
I attest that the conclusions in the above _foecision had been reached in
consultation before the cases were assignedfa the writer of the opinion of
the Court's Division.

J. VELASCO, JR.
Ass Jciate Justice
Chairp rson, Third Division

CERTIFICATION
Pursuant to Section 13, Article VIII of the Constitution, and the
Division Chairperson's attestation, it is hereby certified that the conclusions
in the above Decision had been reached in consultation before the cases
were assigned to the writer of the opinion of the Court's Division.

MARIA LOURDES P.A. SERENO

Chief.Justice