GR 140812; (August, 2001) (Digest)
G.R. No. 140812 ; August 28, 2001
CANDIDO ALFARO, petitioner, vs. COURT OF APPEALS, NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS COMMISSION and STAR PAPER CORPORATION, respondents.
FACTS
Petitioner Candido Alfaro was employed by respondent Star Paper Corporation as a helper/operator since November 8, 1990. He took a sick leave from November 23 to December 5, 1993. Upon returning on December 6, 1993, he found another worker in his place and was transferred to the wrapping section, where he was required to work overtime. On December 7, 1993, after complaining about his new assignment, he was told to look for another job and was effectively dismissed when he sought his 13th month and sick leave pay. He refused to sign documents renouncing claims against the company. On January 12, 1994, needing money, he signed a resignation letter and a Release and Quitclaim in exchange for a P3,000.00 check. The resignation letter stated he was resigning due to his sickness and hoping for help. The company maintained he voluntarily resigned due to illness (PTB Minimal Active) and was given separation benefits of P8,452.50. Alfaro filed a complaint for illegal dismissal and damages. The Labor Arbiter found he voluntarily resigned. The NLRC affirmed. The Court of Appeals denied his petition, upholding the factual findings of the labor tribunals.
ISSUE
Whether the Court of Appeals committed grave abuse of discretion in holding that petitioner was not illegally dismissed but voluntarily resigned.
RULING
The Petition has no merit. The Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeals. In a petition for review on certiorari, the Court’s review is confined to errors of law, not questions of fact. Factual findings of labor tribunals, when affirmed by the CA, are accorded respect and finality. The labor arbiter and NLRC found that Alfaro voluntarily resigned, as evidenced by his resignation letter stating he was resigning due to his sickness and hoping for help, and the accompanying Release and Quitclaim. The claim that he was forced to sign these documents was not substantiated. Generally, separation pay is not due to a voluntarily resigning employee, but an employer who agrees to provide it as part of the resignation should not renege. In this case, the company provided separation benefits. Therefore, no illegal dismissal occurred.