Workers who miss work because of illness or personal hardship should not automatically fear losing their jobs, labor groups said, after a recent Supreme Court ruling reinforced protections against unfair dismissal.
The Federation of Free Workers and NAGKAISA Labor Coalition welcomed the High Court’s decision declaring worker Alvin Carpio illegally dismissed, saying the ruling is an important reminder that absenteeism alone does not mean a worker has abandoned employment.
The decision comes as many Filipino employees continue to struggle with stress, illness, and job insecurity.
A recent Gallup State of the Global Workplace 2026 report found that Filipino workers are the most stressed in Southeast Asia, with nearly half experiencing daily stress levels linked to work and economic pressures.
Despite this, Filipino employees were also among the region’s most engaged and committed workers.
“The Gallup report explains why Filipino workers are absent at times. The Carpio case explains why they should not lose their livelihood because of it,” said Sonny Matula, president of the FFW and chairperson of NAGKAISA.
According to the labor coalition, Carpio missed work because of illness and recurring toothaches but later attempted to return to his job and eventually filed an illegal dismissal complaint.
The Supreme Court ruled that his actions did not show intent to permanently abandon his work.
For employees, labor advocates say the ruling clarifies an important protection under labor law: workers who miss work because of sickness or personal difficulties still have the right to return to their jobs if they continue showing interest in employment.
The coalition also urged employers and labor tribunals to consider the realities workers face today, including financial struggles, exhausting commutes, long work hours, and mental stress, when evaluating absenteeism cases.
At the same time, the labor group argued that illegally dismissed workers should receive complete legal remedies provided under the Labor Code.
Matula said employees proven to have been illegally dismissed are entitled to reinstatement without loss of seniority rights, as well as payment of full backwages under Article 294 of the Labor Code.
The coalition is now encouraging Carpio to seek reconsideration so the full remedies under the law may be granted.
Labor advocates also raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding Carpio’s transfer to a manpower agency, his union involvement, and eventual dismissal, saying these issues deserve closer scrutiny for possible violations of workers’ rights to organize.
