Digest.ph

This case involves a petition for review filed by Thomasites Center for International Studies (TCIS) against Ruth N. Rodriguez, Irene P. Padrigon, and Arlyn B. Rillera. The respondents were hired by TCIS to develop academic programs, design curricula, and perform other tasks. Disagreements arose between the respondents and American teachers, leading to the termination of the respondents. The respondents filed complaints for illegal dismissal and money claims, which were decided in their favor by the Labor Arbiter. TCIS filed a petition for relief from judgment, claiming lack of jurisdiction and violation of due process. The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) denied the petition, and the Court of Appeals (CA) dismissed TCIS's petition for certiorari. TCIS filed a petition for review before the Supreme Court, arguing that the NLRC erred in dismissing its petition. The Supreme Court denied the petition, ruling that TCIS failed to comply with the reglementary periods for filing a petition for relief and did not show any fraud, accident, mistake, or excusable negligence that prevented it from filing an appeal.

A petition for relief from judgment is an equitable remedy that is allowed only in exceptional cases where there is no other available or adequate remedy. When a party has another remedy available, such as a motion for new trial or an appeal, and was not prevented by fraud, accident, mistake, or excusable negligence from filing such motion or appeal, the party cannot avail of the remedy of petition for relief. Strict compliance with the reglementary periods for filing a petition for relief is required to ensure the finality of judgments and put an end to litigation.