All Filipino

Being a Filipino in the Philippines

Labor Code of the Philippines (Art. 282-286: Termination)

Posted by Patrick on July 4, 2007

THE LABOR CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 442, AS AMENDED.


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.

ART. 283. Closure of establishment and reduction of personnel. – The employer may also terminate the employment of any employee due to the installation of labor-saving devices, redundancy, retrenchment to prevent losses or the closing or cessation of operation of the establishment or undertaking unless the closing is for the purpose of circumventing the provisions of this Title, by serving a written notice on the workers and the Ministry of Labor and Employment at least one (1) month before the intended date thereof. In case of termination due to the installation of labor-saving devices or redundancy, the worker affected thereby shall be entitled to a separation pay equivalent to at least his one (1) month pay or to at least one (1) month pay for every year of service, whichever is higher. In case of retrenchment to prevent losses and in cases of closures or cessation of operations of establishment or undertaking not due to serious business losses or financial reverses, the separation pay shall be equivalent to one (1) month pay or at least one-half (1/2) month pay for every year of service, whichever is higher. A fraction of at least six (6) months shall be considered one (1) whole year.

ART. 284. Disease as ground for termination. – An employer may terminate the services of an employee who has been found to be suffering from any disease and whose continued employment is prohibited by law or is prejudicial to his health as well as to the health of his co-employees: Provided, That he is paid separation pay equivalent to at least one (1) month salary or to one-half (1/2) month salary for every year of service, whichever is greater, a fraction of at least six (6) months being considered as one (1) whole year.

ART. 285. Termination by employee. – (a) An employee may terminate without just cause the employee-employer relationship by serving a written notice on the employer at least one (1) month in advance. The employer upon whom no such notice was served may hold the employee liable for damages.

(b) An employee may put an end to the relationship without serving any notice on the employer for any of the following just causes:

1. Serious insult by the employer or his representative on the honor and person of the employee;

2. Inhuman and unbearable treatment accorded the employee by the employer or his representative;

3. Commission of a crime or offense by the employer or his representative against the person of the employee or any of the immediate members of his family; and

4. Other causes analogous to any of the foregoing.

ART. 286. When employment not deemed terminated. – The bona-fide suspension of the operation of a business or undertaking for a period not exceeding six (6) months, or the fulfillment by the employee of a military or civic duty shall not terminate employment. In all such cases, the employer shall reinstate the employee to his former position without loss of seniority rights if he indicates his desire to resume his work not later than one (1) month from the resumption of operations of his employer or from his relief from the military or civic duty.

 


As provided for by the amended Implementing Rules and Regulations:

In all cases of termination of employment, the following standards of due process shall be substantially observed:

For termination of employment based on just cases as defined in Article 282 of the Labor Code:

(i) A written notice served on the employee specifying the ground or grounds for termination, and giving said employee reasonable opportunity within which to explain his side.

(ii) A hearing or conference during which the employee concerned, with the assistance of counsel, if he so desires, is given opportunity to respond to the charge, present his evidence, or rebut the evidence presented against him.

(iii) 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.

For termination of employment as defined in Article 283 of the Labor Code, the requirement of due process shall be deemed complied with upon service of a written notice to the employee and the appropriate Regional Office of the Department of Labor and Employment at least thirty days before effectivity of the termination, specifying the ground or grounds for termination.

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.

 

177 Responses to “Labor Code of the Philippines (Art. 282-286: Termination)”

  1. Solaiman said

    How about in my case? I served the six month probationary then i was extended for three months as probationary then my employment was ended after a month. For the total of 9 months i served as probationary. Therefore, i am already a regaular staff of the Philippine National Red Cross.

  2. Malaya said

    If the employer continued your employment after the 6 month probationary period, you automatically became a regular employee.

  3. Patrick said

    Malaya,

    The company is allowed to extend the probationary period of an employee under certain situations.

    Note:

    This is not a discussion forum so please do not anymore continue with the question-and-answer in this area. Thank you.

  4. Slave said

    How about if there’s an employment contract that requires me to work in the company for 4 years?
    The contract states that I can resign before 4 years if I will meet the ff conditions:

    1. Pay 300,000 pesos for the training and orientation provided by the company,
    2. Pay 100,000 if wouldn’t give 120 days notice of resignation.

    Is this void? Seems the 300K is very high… I have not undergo any training… I was hired with experience already. In fact, I was the one who shared my knowledge and experience with them.

  5. Slave said

    and on number 2….., 120 days notice (4 months)… I think in labor Code Article 285 only 1 month in advance notice only?

  6. Rosaleah said

    i just like to ask some information. i am a registered civil engineer and had been working in the DPWH for almost six years with a temporary plantilla. Due to political intervention in our province, my plantilla was not renewed. So, my questions are : 1. Can i claim for a separation pay? 2. Is it legal not to renew my plantilla without one month advance notice?

  7. alex dula said

    how about in my case ,i work for a private firm for 11 years .if i resign, can i file for a separation pay? pls comment .my company do not have any company retirement laws.

  8. Patrick said

    TO Alex Dula:

    No, you cannot file for separation pay. The only times separation pay is given is for either redundancy or retrenchment, not voluntary resignation.

  9. marge perales said

    i have a co worker who was until recently on probationary status. before his 6th month was up, his services was terminated with only 2 days notice.

    according to his boss, the administrator, she was not satisfied with the job performance of my colleague yet she did not give memos to warn him of her dissatisfaction and that his “unsatisfactory” performance will lead to his termination. he wasn’t even aware that he was performing below par because the standards were not clear to him. is the termination legal or can my colleague contest the decision?

  10. Patrick said

    TO: Marge Perales

    As per Article 281:

    Probationary employment shall not exceed six (6) months from the date the employee started working, unless it is covered by an apprenticeship agreement stipulating a longer period.

    The services of an employee who has been engaged on a probationary basis may be terminated for a just cause or when he fails to qualify as a regular employee in accordance with reasonable standards made known by the employer to the employee at the time of his engagement.

  11. hello! good day! where can i get a sample of contract of employment for our cashiers, staff, and yaya?

    i bought this book but it is just all about labour code, etc. it doesn’t specify any sample of contract of employment.

    please help me.

    Also, what if we are hiring a student… how long can she work for us. she is 20 years old and work as part time. can she stay for a year as a part time? please help

    thanks!!!

    -abigail halili

  12. Kaye said

    Hi! I resigned from my previous employer jan 2. the effectivity date of my resignation is jan 31, 2008. I did not report for work but instead filed for a terminal leave since i have sufficient leave credits to cover my absence. My immediate superior got so mad and is trying to look for a loophole or a case which she might file against me. i have already served six years and i can get an early retirement pay. is it legal for them to look for a case to file against me?

  13. Patrick said

    For Kaye:

    Strictly speaking, it is not legal that the company will go on a witch hunt to file a case against you, however as Art 285 puts it, The employer upon whom no such notice was served may hold the employee liable for damages.

    While you have made the 30-day notice, it is still your responsibility to fulfil your obligations especially if your “terminal leave” is not approved.

    Usually terminal leaves are not allowed because you need time to turnover your responsibilities.

  14. Ronald said

    My employer require me to sign an agreement in view of my reinstatement. However, terms and conditions mentioned therewith are not the same terms and conditions that we agreed upon before my termination. Infact, we signed nothing when I was hired as their employee. Labor Arbiter’s order is to reinstate me based on our previous agreement. Is it the signing of the proposed reinstatement contract has a legal basis?

  15. carmelo said

    I have been working for a private company for almost three years now…I just served them my resignation letter this morning and then my boss wants me to leave the company right away…so this means they are terminating me without just cause ?…can this be done by an employer to an employee who have filed in a resignation letter which will be effective after 15 days?…can i file a case against them?….or should I just ask for my separation pay since they were the one who terminated me without just cause?

  16. carmelo said

    And another thing…the company pay taxes on the last month of the year…this means the taxes that was deducted from me on the month of January should be given back to me as a refund?

  17. Patrick said

    For Carmelo:

    About your first question, the company can decide to let you go immediately without waiting for the 15 days effectivity. No problem with that. You can look for another job immediately. You cannot say you were terminated if you had filed a resignation and it was received already.

    About your second question: the company is not oblighed to return the taxes deducted because they were for a period wherein you worked for them. They will instead give you your BIR Form 2316 covering the january payroll, which you will then submit to your new employer.

  18. jane said

    is this true?….that would be unfair…its kinda unethical for a company to do that…are there written rules about this in labor?..cause i think that would really be a bad thing…

  19. Patrick said

    Jane:

    I don’t see it being unethical. The company is ‘allowing’ the employee to leave even without completing the required 30-day notice.

  20. Patrick said

    DEAR ALL:

    THIS IS A COMMENT PAGE, NOT A DISCUSSION FORUM.

    PLEASE USE THE “CONTACT ME” BUTTON ON THE MAIN PAGE TO SEND YOUR INQUIRIES.

    OR SEND EMAIL DIRECTLY TO legal_opinion@yahoo.com

  21. Moppet said

    after 6 months of employment, is an employee considered a regular worker even without signing a new contract? thank you.

  22. Patrick said

    Moppet:

    Generally (in most cases), yes, an employee who has worked for 6 months in a particular company is considered ‘regular’ even without signing a new contract.

    HOWEVER, there are some situations wherein an employee may not be considered for regularization even beyond 6 months, such as: EMPLOYMENT FOR A FIXED PERIOD or PROJECT EMPLOYMENT, among others. An example of this may include hiring a person or group of people to pave a road from Pagudpud to Sorsogon, which may take 1-2 years.

    ART. 281. Probationary employment. – Probationary employment shall not exceed six (6) months from the date the employee started working, unless it is covered by an apprenticeship agreement stipulating a longer period. The services of an employee who has been engaged on a probationary basis may be terminated for a just cause or when he fails to qualify as a regular employee in accordance with reasonable standards made known by the employer to the employee at the time of his engagement. An employee who is allowed to work after a probationary period shall be considered a regular employee.

  23. Gen said

    hello can you help me with some legal matter.. Im online YM >> marakulyo_geno@yahoo.com

    Thanks for the Help!

  24. Patrick said

    Marakulyo:

    So sorry I couldn’t help you out via YM earlier. Had very poor connection at the office.

  25. ched v. said

    hi all, is there a way i can view the whole labor code online? i would like to search kasi about resignation and some terms related to it. kasi may friend ako na di pa nagreresign naka hold na salary just because they heard na magreresign pa lang. i know this isnt right but i just want a document to prove it.

    thanks so much

  26. Raine said

    i just want to ask i work in a Korean Company. I was an english instructor and they have an academy here in the Philippines governed by Korean couple.I worked with them for three months am i entitled to get a separation pay or back pay?i have a contract.

  27. Patrick said

    For Raine:

    Unless specifically stated in your contract, you cannot receive any form of separation pay. The only receivables may be limited to the following:

    1. Final salary
    2. Tax refund
    3. Service Incentive Leave conversion
    4. 13th month pay (pro-rated)

    If you have further questions, you may send an email to legal_opinion@yahoo.com

  28. I like this page it help me to understand the termination process pls. let me know how to contact or should I say your office address I have a lot of question that needs a legal answer regarding the training bond that the call center is imposing I feel that this is injustice and inhuman most esp. for those who suffer medical problem due to work thanks

  29. SImply Jessie said

    This page makes good sense. I like it. Really helps me a lot. Opens up my mind on what to do and not to do with my employees. I want our workers to be happy and have peace of mind. Thanks. More power.

  30. jana said

    We just fired an employee who was found out taking money from our small establishment. She was employed with us for more than 1 year but within that year, She continuously commits mistakes making the estableshment pay for the damages. Our concern is that her family is asking for her separation pay…but what about the money she has taken and for our damages? thanks and regards!

  31. Patrick said

    For Jana:

    If your (ex) employee was terminated for cause, in this case because of a ommission of a crime, then you should have also filed for claims against that person (filed a case, etc).

    There is no such animal as separation pay for terminated employees. Practically all company benefits are forfeited. At best, the employee can claim for pro-rated 13th month pay, unpaid salaries, pro-rated Service Incentive Leave, tax refund…. LESS the amount(s) that have been proven to have been taken unlawfully by the employee.

  32. mae said

    I was pregnant when i start working with this company. On my 5th month I filled a maternity leave which was approved and I was also paid during the 60 days period. my trouble begins when and my 60 day leave was over I personnaly went to the office to inform HR and the Company i need to extend the leave and its impossible for me to return to work as of this time beacauce of some reasons. I was also told by HR that I also have to inform my supervisor. But my past supervisor is no longer available and due to this changes i was not able to give notice to the new supervisor. The company send out a return to work order letter which I also did not received. when i report back to work. HR terminated my empoyment on the grounds of awol. my question now is do they realy have that ground base on my failure to inform my supervisor about the additional leave? even if i did inform and give advice to the company HR about this additional absence/s

  33. Alethea said

    Hi, I need your help. I was hired March 29, 2007 and then I was regularized August 29, 2007. I resigned March 2008. Effectivity of my resignation based on my resignation letter is March 6, 2008. My boss accepted my resignation. On Feb 27, 2008 I asked my boss if I can cancel my resignation or if I can come back to the company. They accepted me but as a probationary employee not a regular employee. They cancelled all my benefits as a regular employee. Am currently working w/ them again but my HR told me that I’m not entitled to a terminal pay since my employment is continuous. Am really confused they accepted me as probationary again but they refuse to give my terminal pay. Is this legal? Can you provide Article/Section on Philippine Labor Code as a supporting documents so I can present to them. Please help.

  34. Coco said

    Hello. I would just like to ask if the employer can hold an employee’s resignation just because the employer believes that the employee did not give any valid reason for leaving the company in his letter of resignation. Is there such as thing a valid or not valid reason for resignation? I know Article 285a of Book VI of the Labor Code is applicable in this situation. Please enlighten me. Thanks.

  35. gelai said

    hey. I have been working as a tutor in a company for more than a year. am I considered a regular employee given the fact that I only work for 4 hours a day?

  36. Vanessa said

    Hi, I just wanna know if there is a deadline of sorts regarding the processing of a resigned employee’s final pay. The company I used to work for has a 45-working days processing period for final pay. Right now, they have already exceeded that. Is there a way for me to somehow “twist their arm” into expediting my final pay as I worked hard for it and deserve it. Also, if there is a maximum processing time for final pay and they surpassed that, can I seek legal action against them? Thanks

  37. Cecil Rodriguez said

    Hi! I hope you can help me on this. I started working in a call-center company as Sr. Manager last Oct. 16, 2007. Now, I have learned that they will retrench our Business unit but they are not willing to pay for any retrenchment package. My sixth month would have been on March 15, 2008. My question is, what separation pay should I be getting if they retrench us. Furthermore, they want our last day to be on March 31 but they havent given us any notification yet. I received word that what we will get is just our salary until March 31 because I am not a regular employee yet. Am i entitled to VL/SL conversion even if I havent reached my sixth month? Thank you so much. Hoping for your immediate response. More power!

  38. Nestor C. Bacudo said

    A comment on item # 7 of Alex Dula , is Art 287 of the labor Code not applicable? it states that in the absence of a retirement plan or CBA,an employee may retire at the age of 60 or who has serve at least 5 years in the said establishment .
    For your clarification . thank you

  39. Patrick said

    To: Cecil

    replied via email.

  40. Patrick said

    To: Nestor C. Bacudo
    Re: Article 287

    Article 287 as below, specifies TWO requirements.

    1. age of sixty (60) years or more, but not beyond sixty-five (65) years
    2. served at least five (5) years in the said establishment.

    There is no option of one-or-the-other. They have to be simultaneously complied with.

    ART. 287. Retirement. – Any employee may be retired upon reaching the retirement age established in the collective bargaining agreement or other applicable employment contract.

    In case of retirement, the employee shall be entitled to receive such retirement benefits as he may have earned under existing laws and any collective bargaining agreement and other agreements: Provided, however, That an employee’s retirement benefits under any collective bargaining and other agreements shall not be less than those provided therein.

    In the absence of a retirement plan or agreement providing for retirement benefits of employees in the establishment, an employee upon reaching the age of sixty (60) years or more, but not beyond sixty-five (65) years which is hereby declared the compulsory retirement age, who has served at least five (5) years in the said establishment, may retire and shall be entitled to retirement pay equivalent to at least one-half (1/2) month salary for every year of service, a fraction of at least six (6) months being considered as one whole year.

  41. shamrock said

    Good day! I need some legal advise I hope there is someone who can help me. I just resigned with my present company i’m working there for almost 2 years. the effectivity of my resignation will be on the latter part of this month, unfortunately by next month is the releasing of our bonus covering our 2007 performance appraisal, just want to know if i have any rights to claim or look after with my bonus since the coverage of our bonus is our 2007 appraisal even though i’m just 1 cut off inactive with the company? hoping for your advise..thanks..

  42. Patrick said

    To: Shamrock

    The bonus you may receive (due to your 2007 performance appraisal) is solely dependent on the Company’s guidelines. They may not be obligated to give you anything because on record you are no longer an employee by the time they give out the bonus.

  43. Hi,

    I voluntarily resigned from my employer 4 years ago after serving them for 11 years. I did not receive any separation pay. I came back to the same employer and was told that my status would be back to zero, I accepted their terms, however some of my colleagues are telling me that I do not have to go through the probationary process anymore and that I could even insist on being reinstated since I did not get any separation pay. Is there a legal basis here? I would really appreciate an answer. Thank you.

  44. madellyne said

    hi…i have tendered my resignation last april 5, 2008 with effectivity date on April 15, 2008. My employer threaten me that shes not going to give all my claims including my last pay…is it possible for me to still claim even my last salry… thank you

  45. Jacqui said

    Hi!

    My husband was terminated because of not submitting the DTR on the said date. His Center manager recommended termination even if it was only the 1st time he committed the offense. But he was given a chance to resign immediately and he did so. After submitting the resignation letter the HR representative told him that he can not claim his 15 days VL which will serve as his terminal leave because he resigned immediately. I need some clarifications and answers. I have been trying to get answers from the HR reps but they wouldn’t answer me directly.

    Thank you very much! God bless.

  46. Patrick said

    To Madellyne:

    You *may* still be able to claim your last salary. However, you have violated paragraph (a) of Article 285 because you did not serve a written notice at least one month in advance. And that entitles them to claim for damages.

    (a) An employee may terminate without just cause the employee-employer relationship by serving a written notice on the employer at least one (1) month in advance. The employer upon whom no such notice was served may hold the employee liable for damages.

  47. Patrick said

    To Sketchdotcouk:

    The process of being hired whether on probationary or regular status is the prerogative of the company.

    If you believe you were entitled to separation pay, you should have claimed for it immediately. Tou might not have any other recourse anymore though since as per the implementing rules of the labor code, such money claims prescribe (or expire) after 3 years.

  48. anngie said

    Hi,

    I was part of a call center before, working as an analyst for them. I learned that I was pregnant last Novemeber 2007 so on December 14 of that year also, I filed resignation from the company, stating January 11 as my last day. My manager already approved of it. I asked them about the clearance process and told me that the supervisors are going to be the ones to handle the clearance. On the last week of December, I was advised by my OB-GYN to take leave because I had a forced abortion that time. I continued to work despite this; but I made sure that the office knew about my condition. On the 9th of January, I was already on work when I felt like I couldn’t take it anymore. I asked the admin person on what to do if I wanted to take that day as my last day instead, she told me to just change the resignation date to Jan 9 so that they wouldn’t have to pay for the remaining til the original last day.

    I followed up on the documents I should be able to receive like to BIR 2316, Cert of Employment and Last Pay. They told me that I would need to have an exit interview before they process the papers, which would take them 6 months. I followed up on the exit interview and the management told me that they will take care of it. After 2 months of following up, they only just mentioned this morning that they wouldn’t give me any clearance because I haven’t resigned properly. Is this possible? Was it wrong for me to change the last day earlier than usual just because I had forced abortion that time and wouldn’t risk the welfare of my baby? I don’t get why they halted my clearance. Now I wasn’t able to file my income tax because of that.

  49. Kulas said

    is there a requirements in getting a Certificate of Employment, i am not cleared because they raised an issue against me after i submit a resignation letter. And the worst case is they made a memo that I cannot longer work 15 days upon my effectivity date of resignation, they made a memo that i cannot enter to the company premises after that memo was then signed by an idiot General Manager.

  50. Patrick said

    To: Kulas

    There is no requiremet in requesting and receiving a Certificate of Employment since that document is a statement of fact, not a clearance form.

    I see no problem with them making a memo that you cannot enter company premises anymore. That is part of SOP of a company since others might not know that you have already resigned.

  51. Patrick said

    To: Anngie

    send email to legal_opinion@yahoo.com.

    Your concerns are too many and detailed to be discussed here.

  52. Charmaine said

    Hi question I am currently employed with an australian company here in philippines and i serve on this company for about 2 years and 2 months. Three weeks ago i had my vacation leave for about 4 days and when I came back from my vacation my filipino boss told me that my position is being redundant. He even asked my if i want to file resignation or they will terminate me. I said none of the above. So there I do not believe that my position is really redundant coz I deserve a notice at least because when he told me that day He wanted my to leave the company right away. Just like what they did on my two officemates a day before i came back that they fired them right away and they said that they will just pay them their one month salary without going to work. I know they should have given at least 30 days notice right?. I think they got scared when I told them we should put these things on a legal way. So they did not have any choice to make me as redundant. I did not even had a verbal warning if i did something wrong with them in case if they terminated me. I am really disgusted with them.
    What are the things that I should be getting from them since i am a regular employee. Until now I am still serving them till my 30 days notice expires. Can I file a terminal leave because of the insult that I got from them?
    Can I also file a case against my employers because for me what they did is so unfair. They keep on terminating people here the way they wanted.
    My point is I think i need to do a step for them to be awaken of the reality that they need to follow our labor code.

    Do i have the right to get my tax refund starting january till may 15 of this year?

    Thank you so much your reply is appreciated

  53. Patrick said

    To Charmaine:

    Did you resign or was your position declared redundant?

    If they asked if you would like to resign, that in itself may be illegal since that may be construed as constructive dismissal. You could then file for damages.

    If your position was declared redundant, they should have provided the proper notice and you should have been given enough time for proper turnover. Likewise, you would have been entitled to separation pay aside from the final salary.

    If you resigned, that would be to your disadvantage since you would only receive your final salary plus 13th month pay, tax refund, leave conversion.

    Unfortunately you may not file for terminal leave. For one, the Labor Code has no provision for such a leave. And this would be subject to approval by your management as well.

    You could resign without completing the 30-day requirement under certain conditions, including insult by your employer.

  54. Charmaine said

    the company runs here in the philippines on a different name. And I think it is still named on my filipino boss as the owner. I am hired here locally.

    They told me that my position is already redundant that’s all they told me.

    Well it is not true as I told you my filipino boss asked me if i wanted to resign or get terminated instead. So from there I am really got angry and got insulted. They even asked DOLE what can they do so as they won’t get any problems with the law and as far as I know DOLE are the ones who told them to make things as redundancy.

    No, I did not resigned. I dont deserve to file a resignation just because they asked me at first.

    I got the notice when I got back from my vacation. I still finishing my 30 days notice period. Because I do not have any choice but to. Does leave conversion written in law? Because my aussie boss’s made our sick leave and vacation leave on accrual basis. It’s one of the things that I am fighting for that leave credits should not be on accrual basis. My point with my boss is what if i got sick for about 2 days on the first month of the year and they divided our 10 days sickleave on 12 months. So it is just 0.833 per month. Then they make us negative if we exceeded using our credits and sometimes they deduct it on our pay. It’s like we do not have our freedom using those benefits. Then when we speak about it they take it against us. Im sorry if I speak like this I am still disgusted on how they treat people here.

  55. thessa said

    I’ve been in the company for 1 year and almost 5 months now, but I haven’t signed a contract fronm the employer. now i feel threatened that those in higher position may terminate me. What must I do?

  56. Joanne said

    Hello. On January 11, 2008 me and my staff of 7 received termination of services memo to prevent losses, etc. in the memo it was also clearly indicated that we are given three months to turn over due to the nature of our operations. So our last day is April 11 sir. Only on March 11 did they allow us to turn over officially despite our follow ups to start the turn over. Now it’s May 9. I received email today from one of the people who receive our endorsements that he cannot sign our clearance because of some issues. Issues that I believe they should solve because we are no longer connected with the company and that because it’s their fault they did not allow us to turn over as mandated (despite that being clear in the memo we received). We are supposed to receive our last pay/separation pay on May 11 still, right? Sir please help! Should we consider going to DOLE now?

  57. Patrick said

    To: Thessa

    Even without a contract, your employment is safe due to the length of time you have been working there. Just make sure you have your payslips on file as evidence if needed.

  58. maripaz said

    I would like to ask if i have the right to file a maternity leave even though i have not yet finish the 6 mos. probationary period then i will come back to work after my leave. Thank you so much.

  59. mary said

    I would like to ask if i need to file a resignation even if the employer just forced me to leave on their company.. the company are having problems with their client so they told us to be in vacation for a week..
    then after a week they ask for an extension.. i receive a letter that my forced leave was extended up to may 15, 08.. but after that day.. they didn’t contact me.. when i contact my employer they told me to file a resignation..
    my question is.. do i need to file for a resignation?

  60. Patrick said

    If they ask you to resign, that’s tantamount to “forced resignation” or constructive dismissal. You can go to NLRC about that.

    To answer your question directly, you don’t need to file your resignation. Wait for them to serve you with a notice.

  61. Raymond said

    Hi! A friend of mine has tendered his resignation and gave a 30 days notice to our company. During these 30 days notice, he had made 10 allowed absences. Our HR told him that he needs to render 10 more days due to his absences. Is this valid?

    Best regards,
    Raymond

  62. Eden said

    My present employer has not remitted my coworkers government contributions since August of 2007. As for me, they started deducting the said contributions starting January of 2008, but as of this time, the contributions have not been remitted yet. I believe our withholding tax also had not been paid.. Can I file a complaint regarding this matter? If yes, to where and how? Thanks.

  63. stashracer said

    I have question in regards with the due process on termination. I currently have admin conferrence about the citation action record that the company has given me. They alleged that I have done willful disobedience by the employee of the lawful orders and Gross and habitual neglect by the employee of his duties;

    I had accrued some absences because I was sick during a time. I have presented a medical certificate to them however it was written on a generic prescribtion with the doctors license number and signature. They didnt accep it and order me on the first meeting to go to the company doctor. I declined and told that I will consult first a legal advise. On the next meeting I was presented again on an admin conferrence. During the said meeting they dont want to hear my side. I was explaining the reason for my absences. I even told them which they confirmed that I gave due notice of my absences each time. I complied to there wishes to go to COmpany doctor which was able diagnose of my hypertension having a BP of 150 over 100. Please advise me what I need to if I would not have chance again to explain my side. The HR director even scolded me when I ask if I can apply the complimentary leaves which will erase some of the occurrences. I am entitled with it since as per the memoranda that every 3 months of perfect 0 occurrence entitles an employee to buy back or erase some of the occurence. Thanks.

  64. Lina said

    hi.. i am employed with this company since june 2006. at that time i havent signed any contract with them, and have worked continuously, until this january 2008 they asked me to sign a contract in order to have my salary increase. the contract is up to 5months only. having signed the contract, they now classified me as contractual employee. and now they do not wish to continue my contract anymore after the termination date of my contract.

    my question is, am i classified as contractual since i signed the contract or as regular employee since i served for the company for almost 2years continuously? (my nature of work includes inventory and sales record for the company..

    and what are the benefits can i get after being terminated? my contract just state about 13th month, am i also entitled for a separation pay?

    thanks.

  65. Brian said

    Hi,
    I work for a private company. I resigned last April 24, 2008. Per company policy, I am required to give 45 days notice. I almost done with the 45 days notice. I only have one more week left. My last day in the office is June 9, 2008 but the effective date of my resignation is June 30, 2008. (terminal leaves for the rest). I am having second thoughts of leaving. I might want to retract it. According to a friend of mine, I can retract my resignation as long as I’m still a regular employee without needing for a formal approval from the company. Is this true? Or do I need an approval?

  66. Patrick said

    Hi Raymond (61)

    What does ‘allowed absences’ mean? Personally, these are not considered as leaves ergo the employee may indeed have to render 10 more days of service to complete the 30 days.

  67. Patrick said

    To Eden (62)

    You may want to inquire with your management first as to why the contributions have not been remitted yet.

    If you do need to make a complaint, you may go directly to the government agency concerned (SSS, BIR, etc).

  68. Patrick said

    Dear Stashracer (63)

    Offhand you should not have mentioned going to a lawyer before consulting the company doctor. You put yourself in an adversarial position in which case you are assumed to be against the management of the company.

    Due process is at least a 2-step procedure, wherein you have to be given a chance to explain. If you are terminated without being given that opportunity, you may go to NLRC to file a claim for possible illegal dismissal.

  69. Patrick said

    To Lina (64)

    Even without a contract, if you have proof that you have been working with the company since June 2006, you should have been considered a regular employee already.

    Exception to this rule though is if the work you were doing is of a project in nature. Still, you should have been given a contract. But since you mentioned that you do inventory, etc, then this is probably a function that is necessary in the business and therefore the position should be a regular one.

    With regard to separation pay, unfortunately, it can only be granted under 2 circumstances: retrenchment and redundancy. And end-of-contract does not grant such benefit unless management gives it voluntarily.

  70. Patrick said

    To Brian (65)

    You have to clarify matters first.

    Has management accepted your resignation?

    In effect though, since you have given the 45 days notice required, it may be implied already that management has accepted your resignation.

    Ergo, it will be up to management’s decision also if they will accept your retraction of resignation.

    (You asked permission to leave, and they allowed you. Therefore, if you want to come back, they have the sole option as well to allow you to return, or not.)

  71. Edward said

    I really need help. this is my scenario:
    1. I accepted an offer and signed a contract as a consultant – “contractual” last week. I am supposed to begin 20 days from now.
    2. I want to back out
    3. The contract has a no show fee (If I don’t show up on my first day) of Php50000
    4. It has a breach of contract penalty of P1M
    5. It also states the contract shall not be terminated prior to the expiry – but is it valid now in the first place?..

    My question is that “Can I still backout” given these:
    1. The contract states that “This agreement shall take effect June 22, 2008 to June 21, 2009.
    2. The contract sa stating something regarding Annex A – but there is no Annex A attached in the contract
    3. It was not signed yet by the person who is offering me (he is out of the country that time) – So I was the only one who signed it in front of the HR.

    Please help me – I really want to back out.

    Thanks and regards,

  72. Patrick said

    To Edward:

    It seems that you have to honor the agreement, even though the other party has not yet signed it, and even though the contract may take effect on 22 June, because you have given your consent / agreement to its details.

    The absence of an “Annex A” does not invalidate the whole contract, except MAYBE the part dealing with such ANNEX A.

    The thing though about Article 285 of the Labor Code is that you may still have to pay the no-show fee or even the breach-of-contract fee even if the company accepts your ‘resignation’

    Points to consider:

    Article 1315 of the Civil Code:

    Art. 1315. Contracts are perfected by mere consent, and from that moment the parties are bound not only to the fulfillment of what has been expressly stipulated but also to all the consequences which, according to their nature, may be in keeping with good faith, usage and law.

    Article 285 of the Labor Code:

    ART. 285. Termination by employee. – (a) An employee may terminate without just cause the employee-employer relationship by serving a written notice on the employer at least one (1) month in advance. The employer upon whom no such notice was served may hold the employee liable for damages.

  73. Patrick said

    Edward:

    You should have considered all matters before signing the contract.

    Why do you want to back out in the first place?

  74. Edward said

    I want to back out because I was counter offered by my company.

    I am really grateful for my company and don’t want to leave them given that they offered me something.

    -Can I give the “other company” a letter to invalidate the contract – (but less than 30 days).

    -What is the best way I can back out?..

    -Is the contract even considered valid as it is incomplete – unsigned by the other party – and has not taken into effect yet?..

    Thanks for all the advice.

  75. Patrick said

    Edward:

    A counter-offer by your present employer is not enough and does not provide you with enough valid grounds to invalidate or rescind your signed contract with your new employer.

    Why did you want to leave your current company in the first place?

    You can give the new employer any type of letter explaining the situation, but it is totally up to them to decide if they will accept it and just forget about the whole matter.

    If they had known earlier that you were not sure of transferring to them, they could have gotten the services of another candidate. But as things are, they may not be able to get that other candidate because he may have found another job already by now. So therefore, your actions put the new company in a disadvantage twice over.

    The best way you can back out is by hoping they will accept your explanation letter.

    The contract is valid. Read Article 1315 of the Civil Code. It’s about YOUR consent which makes it valid. Think of it this way: they can just have the HR Officer or assistant sign the document in behalf of the proper or original signatory and that would still be considered valid. The point here is that you AGREED to the contract. The Civil Code does not distinguish about a future-date or current-date employment.

  76. Lina said

    thanks for the answer..

    as i’ve said i have signed a contract this january and the contract will end on june 2.

    if by june 2, i have decided not to sign a contract w/ them anymore, can i be held liable for damages because i didnt give 30days advance notice?

  77. Patrick said

    Lina,

    If, on the assumption that your contractual status is legal and valid, your contract ends on June 2, then there should be a clause there that would state something similar to this:

    “This contract shall automatically expire at the end of the period stipulated above without need of any further notice to you, unless earlier terminated by the Company for just or lawful causes.”

    In such case, there is no need for a 30-day notice.

  78. Lina said

    sir,

    there is no statement there about giving 30-day notice.
    it just states that the contract will end on june 2. our contract is not that detailed. however, i am worried about the due process stated in our labor code. im worried that they may sue me because i didnt give 30-day notice.

    also, am i obliged have a rendering period to teach someone who will take over my position? there is also no statement in our contract about this matter.

  79. Patrick said

    Lina,

    As I have said earlier, if your employment is truly contractual in the strictest sense, then it will automatically expire by June 2. It is up to the employers to notify you if they want to extend your services.

    You have no obligation to notify them.

  80. Lina said

    thanks again,

    what if the company want me to sign a new contract w/ them, can i insist them that i will sign only if the contract is for regular employment? because they keep insisting that all of us here are just contractual employee as evidenced by our contract of 5 months.

  81. Patrick said

    Lina,

    kung paulit-ulit kayo pinapa-renew ng 5-month contract, then that means your job is necessary in their business. Therefore it should be considered a regular position. Pwede mo siguro ilaban yan sa NLRC.

    Then again, if you insist that you will sign only if the contract is for a regular appointment, it may come to the point that they will just look for another one instead.

  82. joy said

    papaano po sa case ko na sa wed ang end ng contract ko pero hindi po ako mula knina pumapasok at may medical certificate po ako na nagsasabi fit to work po ako sa friday pa? magkakaron po ba ako ng obligasyon sa kumpanya?

  83. Patrick said

    Joy:

    Since end of contract yan, there are no other obligations except to turn over your accountabilities.

    No need for a 30-day notice, especially kung ang contract mo states that it expires automatically.

  84. Joyce said

    hi. papaano po sa kaso ko na ang end ng contract ko po ay sa wed. pero hindi po ako nkakapasok at may medical certificate po ako na nagsasabi fit to work ako sa friday pa. may obligasyon po ba ako sa kumpanya dahil sa hindi ma turn over ang posisyon ko?

  85. Patrick said

    In that case, your final salary may be withheld until such time that you can properly turn over your accountabilities.

  86. Joyce said

    pwede po ako kasuhan ng kumpanya pag hindi n ako pumasok? kasi end na naman po ng contract ko hanggang sa nakalagay sa medical ko.

  87. Joyce said

    nde po ba ako pwede mag reklamo sa dole kung ipitin nila ang sahod ko?

  88. Patrick said

    Joyce:

    Pwede kang kasuhan kung meron ka pang accountabilities (documents, pera, etc) na pag-aari ng kumpanya pero nasa pangangalaga mo pa at hindi mo ibalik dahil lang na tapos na ang contract mo.

    Hindi nila iipitin ang sahod mo. Iyan ay standard procedure pag nagre-resign ang employee or kung end of contract na. Iyan ay paninigurado rin na cleared ka na sa lahat ng accountabilities mo. Pag wala ka namang pagkakautan o accountabilities, maibibigay sa iyo ang natitirang sahod mo sa takdang panahon.

  89. Patrick said

    Kapag nagreklamo ka sa dole dahil na-hold ang last pay mo, baka mapahiya ka lang kung wala kang mapatunayan na may masama silang balak sa hindi pagbigay ng sahod mo.

    Kailangan mo pa rin naman magpa-clearance ayon sa patakaran ng kumpanya.

  90. Joyce said

    kasama din po ba sa accountabilities ko yung magturo sa papalit sa akin? wala naman po nakalagay sa kontrata na ganun.

  91. Patrick said

    Kung walang nakalagay, then hindi mo siya obligasyon.

    For further questions, please send email to:

    legal_opinion@yahoo.com

  92. Lina said

    hi.. what if my company dissolved and was changed into a new corporation w/o our knowing.. can i still demand a separation pay from them? how? thanks

  93. raine said

    good pm. sir, can you help me please. If an employee who served 36 years in the private company died while employed, is he entitled for the separation pay? thank you.

  94. Joanne said

    hi sir! i was retrenched. but until now, 2 months since my last day, hindi pa rin binibigay ang separation pay ko and other benefits. mukhang intended nilang ihold ang clearance ko sir e most of the things they ask are already not part of clearance, kase mga unsolved problems lang po.

  95. Patrick said

    To Joanne:

    While there is no specific period for payment of final salaries, it should be done within a reasonable amount of time.

    What are the other things that your former employer is asking for? What did they tell you exactly?

    You may send email to legal_opinion@yahoo.com so you can tell more details of your situation.

  96. Marcus said

    Hi:

    Just a quick one, when my leave was approved weeks before, can my manager cancel it because of business needs? We had two attritions this past month that’s why they say that they need me on operations and cancelled my leaves. I am filing for leave because of my son’s birthday and to accompany him on his monthly check ups. Thanks in advance.

  97. Dana said

    I work in a company for 2 years and 6 months under an agency. My job is issuing ID/badges to all employees. I do inventory, activating and deactivating of badges. Aside from that I also do other task assigned to me. We are continuously hiring since it is a call center. Now the company is cost cutting and all contractual employees will be trimmed and I am one of them. I am not a direct employee of the company but under an agency. My question is do I have the right to demand for regularization or to be absorb, since the nature of my job is for regular employee and I have been with them for more than 2 years. The status of my job is still contractual and they want me to remove in the company. Can I file a case to NLRC?

  98. Patrick said

    To Dana:

    As in (most) call centers, employees therein are usually classified as “project” employees, subject to fixed-term employment or assignment.

    In your case, you *may* file a case with the NLRC to try to prove that your assignment is “necessary in the course of the business” and that it should be of a regular position in nature.

    However, you may wish to think back that you should have done this previously (a few months or a year ago).

    Bottom line: you can’t demand to be regularized or be absorbed. You can ask them, they may want to consider the option. However it is not mandatory on their part as of now.

    On another point, you are not employed by the call center directly, and since you say your work is thru an agency, you are directly employed by the said agency which provides manpower services to their client (the call center). At best, you can ask your agency to reassign you elsewhere.

  99. Joanne said

    I decided to leave the company a week erlier than the effective date of my resignation. Is it stated in the labor code that i am not entitled to received my last salary and other benifets such as back pays and certificate of employment? Thanks!

  100. Patrick said

    To Joanne:

    While it is not written in the labor code that you are not entitled to receive your last salary and certificate of employment, by leaving one week earlier than the the original effective date of your resignation, you may have in essence not complied with the 30-day notice required under Article 285 of the Labor Code (last paragraph below) are are thus liable for damages.

    You may wish to seek clarification regarding “backpay” – a term referring to payments due because of labor disputes and similar activities. It is a common misconception that backpay refers to final salary.

    Final salary would include at the minimum: last salary, pro-rated service incentive leave, tax refund, pro-rated 13th month pay. That is in a sense is what the company is obliged to give you.

    An employee may terminate without just cause the employee-employer relationship by serving a written notice on the employer at least one (1) month in advance. The employer upon whom no such notice was served may hold the employee liable for damages.

  101. MTC said

    Our employee now is in jail with rape case of minor. Trial is on going. what is his status in our company now? Is his case ground for termination?

  102. Patrick said

    To MTC:

    Innocent until proven guilty, we all say.

    Check your employee handbook for offenses involving moral turpitude.

    In the meantime, you may wish to consider putting him on preventive suspension (in paper) or any similar action.

  103. Shane said

    My friend was not able to give the 30-day notice prior to his resignation. he said his intention to resign only a week prior effectivity of resignation. They multiplied his day rate by 30 days and they said he needs to pay for it because the law said that the 30 day notice is mandated. Pls. help.

  104. Patrick said

    Your friend already failed to comply with the requirements of the law. He may be liable for damages. Have him check their company policy on proper notice and turnover for penalties for failure to comply with the 30-day notice.

    Personally, if there is no company policy on penalties then company should just file for damages.

    Abala on all parties, but it wouldn’t have to come to that point if your friend just followed proper procedures.

    An employee may terminate without just cause the employee-employer relationship by serving a written notice on the employer at least one (1) month in advance. The employer upon whom no such notice was served may hold the employee liable for damages.

  105. Chris said

    It has been two months since I resigned from my employer and up to now, my immediate manager is holding my clearance due to personal reasons. He as asking alot of requirements that I cannot provide and as a result, he holds my clearance. Does the Labor Code discuss anything about this kind of situation? Please help. Thank you.

  106. Shane said

    Thank you. Lastly, he is one of the owners of the company. They started the company 2 years ago. No clear policy yet. He is cleared from all accountabilitites naman. Does he really need to pay the 30 days x day rate?

  107. Patrick said

    To Shane:

    No, he does not need to pay the equivalent of 30 days.

    There is no policy on that. There is no law on that.

    If the company wants him to pay, then they should file for damages as provided for by law.

  108. Patrick said

    To: Chris

    What personal reasons exactly?

    What requirements? Are these official company tasks that were delegated to you previously? Kindly explain in detail so we may appreciate the situation and provide you with better advice. Send email to legal_opinion@yahoo.com

    You may wish to consider filing a complaint with the NLRC if you feel that there is bad faith, malice or any obvious intent that the clearance is being held for other that professional reasons.

  109. Winnie said

    How many percent of tax if I resign at Month of January?

  110. demonic angel said

    Please help me. I have been terminated yesterday June 19,2008 for the reason that I have not reached the performance standards of the company.Which I do not believe that will be the cause of my termination. I started working in this company August 2007 up to January 23 2008 as a receptionist. I resigned from the position because I wanted to apply for a new job inside the same company.I started Feb 11 and have been terminated yesterday.They haven’t given me my salary today which is our pay day and told me my salary is on hold.Eventhough I have been terminated from the company.They told me to continue my work up to July 11 for the turnover. which means the salary they should hold for is the one for the next payday which is covered from June 16-30 to be given at july 5th.

    Last february 20 I have gone under operation due to Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy. I have a boyfriend in the same company and has taken responsibilities on me.he has been on the same company since may 29 2006-may 30 2008 he is now in a new company since april 21 he turned over his position for a month 9am-3pm our company and then at 3pm upto 1am to his new company… One of the managers of the other subsidiary in the same company took my medical certificate from the HR and gave it to our department’s CEO.. The CEO told my superior to terminate me. yesterday the HR talked to me and let me read the evaluation papers (SHOULDN’T BE THE ONE WHO’S EVALUATING ME IS MY SUPERIOR?)which indicates that I have not meet their performace standards. WHICH I DISAGREE with and what they do to me is really insulting. I have given that company a client with sales worth 1.4m which I believe does not make my performance poor.

    My opinion is that I have been terminated because I have a relationship with a guy in the same company but has left already..instead used the reason of not performing my duty well..and now they put my salary on hold..

    please help me.i don’t know how to defend myself and i dont know if i have any rights with this company.

  111. Patrick said

    To Winnie:

    Can’t say. Need to provide exact figures.

  112. Patrick said

    To: Demonic Angel

    your concerns are many. send email to legal_opinion@yahoo.com to discuss privately.

  113. Winnie said

    Let’s say my salary is 16,000 per month and I’ve been working for 15 Years and I have 75% on my early retirement. So I plan to avail my early retirement on Jan15 2009, so how many percent of tax they need to deduct?

  114. Prof. M. said

    Hello. One of my former students is currently an employee of a company in Las Piñas. According to his contract which I read, he is within a 6-month probationary period. Lately he was asking me for an advice since he wanted to leave the company for “a greener pasture” so to speak. I told him about the 30-day notice and he said that it might not yet apply since he is still a probationary employee.

    My first question is: does the 30-day notice apply to ONLY regular employees or does it cover even those who are in probation?

    Finally: Is there an easier way for my former student to resign without the 30-day notice?

    Your advice will be very helpful.. Thanks in advance.

  115. Patrick said

    To Prof M.:

    The Labor Code does not differentiate regular from probationary employees in relation to Article 285. All it says is “employee” – as per definition, probationary employee is still an employee, so there is no exception.

    The only way he can resign without the 1-month notice is if the company itself allows it.

  116. Patrick said

    To Winnie:

    Other factors to consider:

    1. Salaries and bonuses earned for 2009
    2. Tax exemption status (S, HF, M)

  117. krizz said

    hi im a newly hired school nurse in a private school..i’ve been working there for about 3 weeks and my salary was not cleared right from the start..and when i received my first pay it was really low and now i want to resign..the HR said i need to serve them for 30 days without pay for my resignation to be effective.i dont even signed any contract, but they said they already permitted me to work and thats a verbal agreement. is this just?

  118. Patrick said

    To Krizz:

    You have to serve 1 month as per labor code, but WITH PAY. You work for them, therefore they are required to pay for your services.

    Even without a contract, there is consent on all parties, therefore you are considered an employee.

  119. Daredevil said

    Hello! I am working for a company which is engaged in IT Sales. I have been working for them for a year and a half now. Last June 13, 2008, my boss asked me to resign on June 30, for the reason that he can not keep me because I have not made any sale for almost a year. Although, I have clearly understood the situation and agreed however, then came this opportunity to close a sale. I am willing to resign, my only concern is, the account is in its closing stages by July. I have asked him just this week to reconsider since I believe that I can close this deal. However, He did not allow me to stay and go through closing the deal and earn the commission. As per him, he will have someone to work on it. When in fact, I have already worked for the major part of the deal. If I don’t resign, he will give me the termination letter, and I don’t want to go through the ordeal, I just want the commission. I hope you can give me advice on what to do next. More power.

  120. krizz said

    what can they charge me then if i refuse to work??im planning to Awol na.

  121. Patrick said

    To Krizz:

    They can file for damages (monetary claims for consequential and subsequent losses), and eventually terminate you for record purposes.

    If they’re really bent on pursing the matter to make you aware of your obligation, they can go to the PNA and report your unprofessionalism.

  122. krizz said

    ive heard from different people that they cant sue me because i did not sign any contract..i dont know who to believe now..they said i need to work without pay..:(

  123. Patrick said

    To Krizz:

    There may be no contract, but there is proof that you worked for them. And that may be enough.

    But I don’t agree about you working 30 days without pay.

  124. Patrick said

    To Daredevil:

    While it is illegal per se for them to ask you to resign — it may be construed as constructive (illegal) dismissal — it is totally within their sole discretion to allow you to continue working to close the sale. If they don’t allow you, they may be within their rights to terminate you for poor performance.

  125. zero said

    last may 29,2008 i was suspended for 30 days until further notice for my hearing last june 20 i recieved a text message about the date of my hearing which would be on june 21,2008 2am after the hearing they say that with in 3-5 working days i would hear the results from them. last june 22, 2008 i recieved the letter that i am already terminated. but in the letter it was dated june 20.
    what are the benefits that i should be recieving?
    can i ask them to resigned instead of termination?since it seems that there are technical questions about the dates..

  126. Patrick said

    To: Zero

    Benefits to be received:
    1. Final Salary
    2. Tax Refund
    3. Service Incentive Leave (Leave conversion), pro-rated
    4. 13th month pay, pro-rated
    5. other benefits as may be determined by management

    You can ask them about the option of resignation, but eventually it’s their decision if they will allow you, especially since they have made their decision already. There may be questions about the date, but it’s insignificant inasmuch as they have given you the opportunity to be heard and have followed the procedure for termination (due process, 2-notice, etc).

  127. krizz said

    can i ask where exactly can i find the law that states that verbal consent is legal?tnx

  128. I am resigned in my previous company since may 30, 2008. I just want to ask when can i get my back pay. Please advise me how many minimum and maximum days can i get my back pay? Is there any grounds if after 5 months they cant give my backpay and i will sumbong it to DOLE? advise please. thanks

  129. Patrick said

    To mrcontroverzy:

    There is no written rule on when the final salary should be given. But it should be within a reasonable time.

    You may wish to consider filing a complaint with the NLRC if you feel that there is bad faith, malice or any obvious intent that the final salary is being held for other than professional reasons.

  130. Ricky Ramos said

    Hi, I used to work for Fujitsu Philippines as a programmer. 7 months before I resigned they applied an L1-Visa for me to which i did not sign any binding contract and I did not get the L1-visa before i resigned.
    After I resigned they told me that I will not get my clearance and last pay, Because I owe them $4,000USD for the application of my L1-Visa.
    Is it legal for them to do that?
    What can I do to get my clearance and my last pay?

  131. Patrick said

    To Ricky Ramos:

    Why are they charging the L1 to you? Did you ask for it to be processed while you were still working there? Did you have any agreement or discussion as to why they were applying for an L1?

    Email at legal_opinion@yahoo.com for further discussion.

  132. pichy said

    is terminal leave counted in the thirteenth month pay?

    I filed for a terminal leave for the half of the month and my thirteenth month pay for that month only covered the days when I worked in the office and did not count my terminal leave.

  133. Patrick said

    To Pichy:

    Were you paid your salary for the time you were on “terminal leave” ?

    Strictly speaking, there is no provision for “terminal leave” in the labor code. Thus the company might not be obliged to pay for the service you did not render.

  134. Ricky Ramos said

    Hi Patrick,

    Thank you for taking time to answer my queries.

    They are charging the L1 to me because they paid a hefty price just to process the L1-Visa amounting to 4,000 USD$.
    I did not ask for them to process the visa, I only gave them permission to process it.
    But I did not sign any contract nor agreement that I have to pay anything if I were to resign.

    They applied for the L1-Visa because I was twice rejected in getting a U.S Visa, And because the company wanted to send me to the U.S for a project.
    But after 4-5 months of waiting for the project, the project did not materialize nor did I get hold of the L1-Visa.
    which prompted me to look for better opportunities elsewhere and later made me decide to resign.

    My immediate manager then was even apologizing to me because she was unable to give me good projects and even wished me luck on my next job.

    But then the HR manager insisted that I pay the fee used to process my L1-Visa.

    Can I file a lawsuit for them to release my papers and my last pay?
    Because now I would want to apply for a job overseas and one of the main requirements is my Employment certificate.

    Thank you and Best Regards,
    Ricky

  135. mannie said

    I need your help..
    where in the labor code of the philippines can i find the laws concerning English language schools owned by Koreans?I wanna know about the compensation and powers of the employer. I work for them and my boss seem to have all the power in the company.

  136. Patrick said

    To mannie,

    What exactly seems to be your concern about his school?

    What about compensation? It’s too lengthy to discuss such matters one by one. Point a direct ‘problem’ or concern and I will see if we can address it.

    Email legal_opinion@yahoo.com

  137. maris said

    hi, i would like to ask if a present employer can terminate an employee for the reason that he did not disclose one of his previous employers of 7 years ago in his resume? but he has subsequently been employed for another 6 years after that 3-month employment. the reason he did not disclose his past employment is that he was still on a probationary status and he believes that there was no employer-employee relationship yet due to his probe status. he resigned because he was asked to resign by one of the Management’s personnel due to a report that he was engaging in an illegal activity, which was not investigated at all or proven? and he was also coersed by that personnel to just resign telling him that he will no longer be regularized due to the incident. in short, there was no due process.

    would appreciate your immediate comments pls? thanks!

  138. Patrick said

    To maris:

    Offhand, I sugged the employee check the provisions of his contract or other documents related to non-disclosure. Many companies have the “failure to disclose” clause even at the start of employment — even upon application. And so far, unless it’s repealed/rescinded in future memos or documents, the clause may still be in effect during the lifetime of the company.

    The thing with the “failure to disclose” is that the employee should have been honest enough, and not assume anything. Now about the employer-employee relationship with the previous employer (where he was probationary)- unless he was acting as an agent, etc or the contract before specifically stated a “no employer-employee” clause, then more often than not their relationship is indeed ER-EE. Thus there is a term called “probationary employment” ergo the person is an employee and therefore there is an employer-employee relationship.

    Email to legal_opinion@yahoo.com for further discussion (if needed).

  139. maris said

    sir, during the time of his submission of his resume to his present employer, he was in good faith in not putting that previous employment since he thought that since he was still a probe employee, and he thought that it would be immaterial to put it since it wasn’t a regular employment. that was his own personal knowledge and understanding at that time.. will he still be charged of dishonesty?

  140. Patrick said

    To Maris:

    Yes he MAY. Have him check the company policy to be sure.

  141. maris said

    sir, one last clarifications. does he have any remedy? will he just receive his termination and let his career be destroyed by it? bec. as I understand, an employee who’s terminated will not be given a clearance, right?

  142. Patrick said

    To maris:

    Yes he has options for remedies. Just make sure his documents and information are complete.

  143. rey g. yumang said

    i am the principal of a private archdiocesan school here in pampanga. one of our teachers opted to transfer to the public school and was advised to file a resignation. despite her failure to give us a one-month notice of her resignation, she was allowed to start teaching as a substitute teacher in the town’s public school on june 16, the same day that our classes officially started. to top it all, we gave her one full-month salary for the month of june. now she is demanding for a separation pay, insisting that she has served the school for more than ten years. please note that we do not have a CBA or a faculty manual or provisions. kindly clarify us. please note also that we have explicitly told her that under the law, we are not obliged to give her separation pay as shew was not terminated for any just cause but she voluntarily resigned to seek greenr pasture in the public school. thanks.

  144. Patrick said

    To Rey:

    You’re right. There is no requirement for you to provide her with separation pay.

  145. vicky s. said

    i’m a preschool teacher , i really really wanted to resign because of overload teaching. but the contract implies that i should complete the 10 months teaching.my co- teachers said that i should pay 20,000 to the school and i should be the one to find a teacher to replace me. and if not, i will be sued by not completing the contract.. is there something that i can do to resign?

  146. Patrick said

    Hi Vicky.

    What does the contract actually say? Kindly post a copy of it, or an excerpt thereof.

    Offhand, you can resign anytime, as involuntary servitude is frowned upon.

    Send your email to legal@council.ph and we shall take a look at it.

  147. Patrick said

    For your inquiries, you may email legal@council.ph.

  148. Joshua said

    Im waiting for my clearance, and im waiting for my backpay. Is it necessary to wait for 4-5 months for a company to clear my clearance?

  149. Patrick said

    To make sure that all your inquiries will be answered as soon as possible, kindly send an email also to:

    legal@council.ph

  150. Patrick said

    To Joshua:

    What has the company said about your clearance and others? Did they give any reason for the ‘delay’ of release?

    The labor code does not provide for a fixed period wherein the employer is required to release your benefits, except that they should be within a reasonable time.

  151. Joshua said

    Yes. Every time I call my supervisor there’s another problem occur. Till now she always asking for an items thats missing, But my contract already ended on may 02,2008. and till now September 03,2008 shes still looking for an items to me. She always said that it’s Ok but when I call the accounting the accounting staff said that my supervisor pend it. what should i do?

  152. Patrick said

    TO Joshua:

    If something is still missing, then they have the right to hold any pending dues.

    You should go to their office and settle things.

  153. linnor said

    Hi, we have a probationary employee for 3 mos that we extended twice (1 mo. each time). If we do not plan to regularize, do we need to notify by letter or would a verbal advise (that there won’t be an extension anymore) be enough?

    Thanks in advance! :)

  154. Patrick said

    To Linnor:

    You have to notify by letter. Without documentation, the “default” usually is that he becomes a regular employee – due to the fact that there is nothing to the contrary.

    You have to prepare other proof as well (performance evaluation, etc) to support your decision.

  155. Patrick said

    Please proceed to:

    http://www.council.ph/2007/07/04/labor-code-of-the-philippines-art-282-286-termination

    This blog shall be converted to read-only as a backup to http://www.council.ph.

    Comments in this blog shall likewise be read-only.

  156. Virus said

    Hi, I have a question. If an employee violated a policy, then he/she is placed on preventive suspension. While suspended, the company investigates on the issue at hand. During this time, can the employee just file for resignation and not wait for the investigation results? Thanks

  157. Patrick said

    To Virus:

    The employee may file his resignation, but has to follow the required 30-day notice as per Article 285 of the Labor Code. Failure to do so will make the employee liable for damages.

    However, such resignation may be frowned upon because it may look bad for the employee. More so if the employee resigns and does not comply with the 30-day notice. That could imply guilt for violation of the policy on which he was given a preventive suspension.

    ====

    This post shall be READ-ONLY.

    Please post your comments on the proper article at http://www.council.ph.

    You may also send inquiries to legal@council.ph instead for faster response.

    Thanks.

  158. Patrick said

    For inquiries, please send email to legal@council.ph only.

    Thanks.

  159. Mark said

    Hi!

    I work in a call center for almost 8 years as Sr. Analyst in QA Department and directly reporting to a manager. But our new QA manager transfer me to another queue or department and the treatment of my manager to me is different, its like he always ignore everything I do for our department, like not checking all the reports that he assigned to me. Do we considered this as an harassment or can file a case againts my QA Manager.

    Thanks!

    mark

  160. Patrick said

    To Mark:

    Just because the other manager works differently doesn’t mean it’s harassment.

    Based on what you have mentioned, there is nothing you can charge against him that will have weight in any administrative or judicial hearing.

  161. jing said

    Hi….

    I work in company for almost 1 year and 5 months,my manager just sent me a message that starting on July 21,2008 im not longer allowed to go to our office because she is having a cost cutting…I just want to ask if i have the right to file in labor?

    Thanks,
    jhing

  162. Patrick said

    Hi Jing,

    Your concern may be academic already since it’s already September and the “message” was effective on July 21, 2008.

    How was the message sent to you?

  163. Gen said

    Hi, I have a travel agency business in Philippines. it never makes money but we keep it open until we will be there for good in Philippines. I am planning to close the business because i don’t understand already of my employee. I got 1 employee in our office and I received a message of my bookeeper that our office is just like a dirty house because our employee bring her family, baby in our office and never clean our office. open the office late and close the office very early. I also noticed that she always withdraw money in the bank over amount of what she asked me. evertyime I asked her to liquidate she won’t liquidate. So i decided to close it. I talked to her online today and said we will close the office and she asked me if i can give her 1 of our computer but my husband said NO and when i said no she wanted to have her separation pay. When I told her that ok disconnect the internet today and asked her to liquidate all the money which she over withdrew, she logout and I don;t know why…pls advice me what to do. I need your help. Thank you.

  164. Patrick said

    Hello Gen.

    There are options available in your situation and there are things that have to be done properly in order for you to be able to close your business properly.

    Best to discuss this matter via email and not publicly.

    You may email me at legal@council.ph for further discussion.

  165. tataybrat said

    hi. is it legal for a private company to not give any salary increase after being regularized? are there any law on this? please help. kindly email me if you have the time. thanks.

  166. Patrick said

    Tataybrat:

    As of now, there is no legal basis for a mandatory salary increase upon regularization.

  167. Sheen said

    Hi,

    Nagresign po ako sa previous company ko nung August 7, 2008. After 30 days, nagsimula na po ako sa bago kong trabaho. Syempre hiningan po ako ng requirements ng new company ko. Kasama na nga po dun yung Form 2316 (2008) ko. Pinallow up ko po yung Form 2316 (2008) ko sa dati kong kumpanya and sa Oct. 15 pa daw sila pwede makapagrelease. Ang tanong ko po e, paano po kung hindi nila mabigay sa akin yung 2316 form ko on that date (Oct 15), saan po ako pwedeng dumulog para magreklamo? Or advisable ba na magreklamo ako agad, anu po ang dapat kong gawin?

  168. Patrick said

    Sheen:

    It’s not advisable to complain immediately.

    Worry about the 2316 after October 15. Just ask your previous employer for a guarantee that it will be released. You should give them reasonable time as well to prepare the document.

    OTOH, worst case if you don’t submit the 2316 is that you’ll have to recompute the actual taxes due and file them yourself on or before April 15 next year.

  169. Sheen said

    Hi! Thanks for the advise.

  170. Ryza said

    Sir,

    Is is required to give to employee her/his 13th mo pay and tax refund if she/he is terminated with cause??? (stealing fr the company)

  171. Patrick said

    Ryza,

    Short answer: Yes.

  172. Lene said

    Hi,one of our project employee wants to claim his paternity leave, his wife gave birth last Oct 10 but his contract with the company ends last sept 13, can he still avail the paternity leave even he has no work schedule?

  173. Patrick said

    there is no benefit to claim since among other things, he is no longer employed with your company for over a month (sept-oct).

    the benefit is for those employed only.

  174. mynekomusume said

    i sent a question to your email. i hope you read it. thanks.

  175. Sheen said

    Question about Last pay:

    For example, an employee resigned a month ago. What is a reasonable time for a company to give the last pay to its resigned employee?

  176. Patrick said

    “reasonable time” is subjective but 2-3 months without any reason for delay would probably be more than enough.

  177. Patrick said

    Comments on this thread will be closed already.

    You may post your inquiries or comments at:

    http://www.council.ph/2007/07/04/labor-code-of-the-philippines-art-282-286-termination/

    For faster response time to your inquiries, please send your emails to legal@council.ph

Comments are closed.