G.R. No.

147593 July 31, 2006

GERONIMO Q. QUADRA, petitioner,

vs.
THE COURT OF APPEALS and the PHILIPPINE CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES OFFICE,
respondents.
Facts:
Geronimo Quadra was the Chief Legal Officer of PCSO and organized the PCSO employees'
organization. He was charged with misconduct and violation of Civil Service Law and Rules and
was dismissed from service. The CIR found PCSO guilty of ULP and ordered the reinstatement
of Quadra to his position with backwages. PCSO filed a petition with the Supreme Court to
review the CIR decision. During the case's pendency, Quadra filed a petition for moral and
exemplary damages against PCSO in connection with the ULP case. The Labor Arbiter
awarded Quadra moral and exemplary damages amounting to P1.6 million.

Issue:
Whether or not the Court of Appeals erred.

Decision:

An illegally dismissed employee is entitled to moral and exemplary damages if the dismissal
was attended by bad faith, fraud, or unfair labor practices. In this case, Quadra was dismissed
from his job because of his active involvement in the activities of the union groups of both the
rank and file and the supervisory employees of PCSO. The dismissal constituted unfair labor
practices as it was done to interfere with, restrain or coerce employees in the exercise of their
right to self-organization. The Supreme Court agrees that it is proper to impose moral and
exemplary damages in this case.