UNILEVER PHILIPPINES, INC. vs. MARIA RUBY M.

RIVERA
G.R. No. 201701, June 3, 2013, 697 SCRA 136

FACTS: Rivera was dismissed from work because she intentionally circumvented a strict
company policy, manipulated another entity to carry out her instructions without
companys knowledge and approval and directed the diversion of funds, which she even
admitted doing under the guise of shortening laborious process of securing funds for
promotional activities from the head office. These transgressions were serious offenses
that warranted her dismissal from employment and proved that her termination from
work was for a just cause.

ISSUE: Whether she is entitled for separation pay.

HELD: YES. She was granted separation pay as an act of social justice or on
equitable grounds taking into considerations two (2) criteria that it is required that a
dismissal for a just cause (1) was not for serious misconduct and (2) did not reflect on
the moral character of the employee.