G.R. No.

L-48926

MANUEL SOSITO vs. AGUINALDO DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

DECEMBER 14, 1987

Facts:

Petitioner Manuel Sosito filed for an indefinite leave from the company on January 16,
1976. Months later, the company underwent a retrenchment program but offered
separation pay to those who had been in the active service as of June 30, 1976 and had
tendered their resignation not later than July 31, 1976. Petitioner, to avail of the benefits,
submitted his resignation. The company denied him the benefits.

Issue:

Whether or not petitioner was entitled to the benefits?

Held:

The Court held that the petitioner was not qualified to avail of the benefits because at
the time he submitted his resignation, he was not in the active service, having been on
voluntary indefinite leave. The petitioner cannot just do as he please to the detriment of
the company.

The Court expressed that labor disputes arent necessarily immediately tipped in favor
of labor. The Management also has its own rights, which must also be afforded the
same protection as that of labor. The Court held that justice is in every case for the
deserving, to be dispensed in the light of the established facts and the applicable law
and doctrine.