Letran-Calamba v. Tardeo

PEREZ, J.:

This is a Petition for Review on Certiorari filed pursuant to Rule 45 of the Revised Rules of Court, assailing the 13 July 2009 Decision1 rendered by the Special Second Division of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 107077. In its assailed decision, the appellate court affirmed the 5 January 2009 Decision2 of the Office of the Voluntary Arbitrator of the Depmimcnt of Labor and Employment, San Pablo City, Laguna, finding petitioner Colegio De San Juan De Letran-Calamba (petitioner) liable for backwages for illegally suspending Engr. Deborah P. Tardeo (respondent) from employment.

In a Resolution3 dated 12 November 2009, the Court of Appeals refused to reconsider its earlier decision. The Facts Petitioner is an educational institution created and existing under Philippine laws with principal office at Brgy. Bucal, Calamba City, Laguna.

Respondent, on the other hand, was employed as a full-time faculty member of the petitioner since 1985. In August 2006, respondentwas elected as Union President of Letran-Calamba Faculty and Employees Association (LECFEA) and served in such capacity until she was suspended from work in 2008. Respondent's suspension arose from her request for Faculty Development Program and Fund Assistance submitted for consideration of petitioner.

In a Letter4 dated 25 March 2008, addressed to Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. Rhodora Odejar, respondent manifested her intention to participate in the 30th National Physics Seminar Workshop Convention in Siquijor State College. In connection therewith, she requested for fund assistance in the amount of ₱17,000.00, broken down as follows: Congress/Seminar Fee P 1,200.00 Transportation 10,000.00 Allowance 1,200.00 Accommodation 4,000.00 Workshop Kit 600.00