- Petitioner
- Philippine National Bank
- Respondent
- Cabansag
- Citation
- G.R. No. 157010
- Court
- Supreme Court
- Division
- Third Division
- Ponente
- Panganiban, J.
- Decided
- June 21, 2005
Illegal dismissal of overseas Filipino worker, jurisdiction of Philippine labor tribunals over OFW employment disputes, due process in termination
Summary
This landmark labor case establishes that Philippine labor laws protect all Filipino workers, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), regardless of direct hire status or foreign employment agreements. Florence Cabansag, hired by PNB's Singapore branch, was illegally dismissed without just cause or due process after receiving commendation for good work. The Supreme Court affirmed that labor arbiters have jurisdiction over OFW employment disputes under Article 217 of the Labor Code and RA 8042. The Court rejected PNB's arguments about Singaporean law governance and venue, emphasizing that securing foreign work permits does not waive Philippine labor law protections. The decision reinforced the constitutional policy of affording protection to labor and ensuring security of tenure. All courts found the dismissal illegal, awarding reinstatement, backwages, damages, and attorney's fees, sending a strong message that Philippine labor laws cannot be circumvented by foreign employment arrangements.