Holy Cross of Davao College v. Holy Cross of Davao Faculty Union - Kamapi

Summary

This labor case involved interpretation of a collective bargaining agreement between Holy Cross of Davao College and its faculty union regarding grant-in-aid benefits for professional development. Faculty member Jean Legaspi received a Japanese government Monbusho scholarship but was denied grant-in-aid benefits by the college, which claimed she failed to meet CBA requirements. The union filed a complaint, and through voluntary arbitration, the arbitrator ordered payment of benefits. The Court of Appeals and Supreme Court both affirmed, applying the principle that labor contracts must be construed in favor of workers and that CBA terms constitute law between parties. The case established that clear contractual provisions should be interpreted literally, and educational programs enhancing teaching competence qualify as 'higher studies' under faculty development provisions, even if they grant certificates rather than degrees.