STANLEY FINE FURNITURE G.R. No.

190486   November 26, 2014

FACTS: Stanley Fine with its owners Briones & Wang , hired Gallano & Siarez as painters/carpenters. Both filed while still working for
Stanley Fine,  a labor complaint against owners underpayment/non-payment of salaries, Emergency Cost of Living Allowance
(ECOLA), and 13th month pay. They then filed amended complaint for illegal dismissal, underpayment/non-payment, and Social
Security System (SSS). Later on, they were not allowed to work and claimed they were dismissed and was allegedly scolded for filing
a complaint for money claims. Owners claimed they asked Gallano & Siarez to explain their absences, but they refused.

Labor Arbiter Decision Gallano & Siarez  illegally dismissed.  NLRC Decision: Reversed LA’s decision. Court of Appeals Decision:
Reinstated LA’s Decision

ISSUE: WON CA erred when it agreed with the Labor Arbiter that the statement, "filing of an unmeritorious labor case," is an
admission against interest and binding against Stanley Fine Furniture.

HELD: No. There is not an iota of proof that the lawyer committed gross negligence in this case. That counsel did not reflect his
client’s true intentions is a bare allegation. It is not a mere afterthought meant to escape liability for such illegal act. Elena’s counsel
reflected the true reason for dismissing respondents. Both position papers state that Elena dismissed respondents because of the
filing of a labor complaint.