Ayuman sues ABS-CBN for illegal dismissal

CEBU, Philippines – Newly reelected Barangay Apas captain and television reporter Ramil Ayuman yesterday filed a complaint for illegal dismissal against ABS-CBN before the National Labor Relations Commission.

Ayuman accused ABS-CBN area manager Tata Sinco Sy and news manager Mary Ann Uy of illegal dismissal, non-payments of Collective Bargaining Agreement benefits. Ayuman is demanding reinstatement and damages from the television network. He, however, did not specify the amount of damages he was asking from the company.

Ayuman alleged that he was dismissed from the service without proper explanation. According to him, Sy only told him that there is an existing company policy governing its employees seeking for elective position.

Sy allegedly told him that based on that policy he was considered resigned after filing his certificate of candidacy during the last barangay elections, where he was seeking reelection as barangay captain of Apas.

Ayuman said the dismissal was illegal because the company allowed him to run when he asked permission from the management before he filed his COC. In fact, he was allowed to go on leave during the campaign period starting October 13 until October 26, 2010, a day after the elections.

Ayuman said he reported back for work on October 26 but the management did not anymore allow him to work. He was allegedly told that he was already considered resigned.

"Nahibong ko nganu man na karon raman sila moingun nga naay policy nga once modagan ka as public servant and file leave kay considered as resigned naka sa trabaho when in fact naging konsehal ko ug kapitan dated 2002 and 2007 unya nganong karon raman nga every dagan nako mananghidman ko nila," Ayuman said

SY was not available for comment when the Freeman called her to ask for reaction. Aside from Ayuman another ABS-CBN reporter and Barangay Basak-Pardo Captain David Tumulak suffered the same fate.

Ayuman said Tumulak, who was also reelected in the last elections, is scheduled to file a similar complaint before the NLRC against the network. (FREEMAN)