Imagine this... You're a long-time executive in a rural bank, handed a clearance form by a raging ex-employee. You sign only what’s confirmed paid—but months later, you're fired and blamed for ₱11 million in fraud.

Can an employer legally dismiss a high-ranking bank official for issuing a limited clearance to a resigned employee—without presenting any evidence that the clearance exonerated the employee from all liabilities, or that the act caused actual damage to the bank?

 

Rolando DS. Torres vs. Rural Bank of San Juan, Inc.

G.R. No. 184520, March 13, 2013

 

FACTS OF THE CASE (500 Words)

Rolando DS. Torres was a long-time employee of the Rural Bank of San Juan, Inc. (RBSJI), having been hired in 1991 and eventually promoted to Vice President for Allied Business Ventures. In 1996, Torres was temporarily reassigned as branch manager of RBSJI’s N. Domingo branch following the resignation of Jacinto Figueroa.

On September 27, 1996, Jacinto requested Torres to sign a standard clearance regarding his accountabilities with the bank. When Torres initially declined, Jacinto became enraged. To calm him down, Torres issued a limited clearance—only covering Jacinto's paid salary loan and cash advances, as verified by the branch cashier.

Seven months later, RBSJI accused Torres of issuing the clearance without proper authority and prior audit, claiming it barred them from pursuing Jacinto for liabilities including a fraudulent ₱11 million transaction. Torres was terminated on May 30, 1997 for alleged loss of trust and confidence, gross negligence, and violation of company policy.

Feeling aggrieved, Torres filed a complaint for illegal dismissal. He asserted that the loss of trust was merely a ploy to oust him, especially since his former managerial position was handed over to Jobel Chua, a stockholder’s son. He also alleged he was placed in a “floating status” and was gradually being eased out to favor insider interests.

Labor Arbiter's Ruling:

The Labor Arbiter (LA) ruled in favor of Torres, declaring his dismissal illegal. It awarded backwages, allowances, damages, attorney’s fees, and ordered reinstatement. The LA found that the issuance of clearance did not constitute a willful breach of trust and was done in good faith under difficult circumstances.

NLRC's Rulings:

Initially, the NLRC reversed the LA's decision, holding that Torres acted imprudently and violated policy. However, upon Torres’s motion for reconsideration, the NLRC reversed itself and reinstated the LA’s ruling, emphasizing that the clearance was limited and not prejudicial, and the seven-month delay in raising the issue undermined the just cause.

Court of Appeals Ruling:

The CA reversed the NLRC again, siding with the bank. It found Torres negligent for failing to follow clearance procedures and held that his actions justified loss of trust and confidence.

 

ISSUE BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT:

Was the petitioner validly dismissed for loss of trust and confidence due to his issuance of a limited clearance without authority and prior audit?

 

SUPREME COURT RULING:

NO. The Supreme Court reversed the CA. It held that the respondents failed to establish by substantial evidence that Torres was guilty of willful breach of trust or gross negligence. There was no copy of the clearance that allegedly released Jacinto from all accountabilities. The bank failed to prove that the act caused actual damage or estopped it from pursuing Jacinto.

The Court also found that the delay in invoking the issue and prior attempts to coerce Torres to resign indicated that the dismissal was not based on the alleged act, but rather a mere afterthought to justify termination.

 

DISPOSITIVE PORTION:

“WHEREFORE, the petition is GRANTED. The Decision dated February 21, 2008 and Resolution dated June 3, 2008 of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 94690 are REVERSED and SET ASIDE. The Decision of the Labor Arbiter dated November 27, 1998 is REINSTATED with the following MODIFICATIONS/CLARIFICATIONS: Petitioner Rolando DS. Torres is entitled to the payment of:

(a) Backwages from May 30, 1997 up to the finality of this Decision, with interest;

(b) Separation pay in lieu of reinstatement equivalent to one (1) month salary per year of service;

All other awards, including moral and exemplary damages, and 13th month pay are DELETED.

Only the bank is liable; individual respondents are not personally liable.

SO ORDERED.

 

Should corporate officers be held personally liable when they participate in dismissals that turn out to be illegal, even if done “in good faith”?

 

IMPORTANT DOCTRINES:

1. “Loss of trust and confidence must be based on clearly established facts.”
• The act must be willful and intentionally done; mere errors in judgment, especially under pressure, do not justify dismissal.
2. “In the absence of substantial evidence, the presumption of regularity favors labor.”
• When doubt exists, the scales must tilt in favor of the employee.
3. “Strained relations justify separation pay in lieu of reinstatement.”
• If continued employment would lead to hostile conditions, separation pay is preferred.
4. “Managerial employees are not entitled to 13th-month pay.”
• Per Memorandum Order No. 28, unless contractually agreed upon.
5. “Corporate officers are not personally liable for illegal dismissal unless done in bad faith.”
• Mere corporate participation is insufficient for personal liability without proof of malice.

 📢 Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This content is not infallible and was created using premium artificial intelligence.

CLASSIFICATION: Labor Law

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