sic itur ad astra

Evidence | Rule 130 Reyes J. Jr., J. Petitioner: Celia R. Atienza  Respondent: Noel Sacramento Saluta  Facts: Respondent Noel Sacramento Saluta claimed he was hired as a company driver by CRV Corporation and was assigned to drive for the petitioner Celia R. Atienza , receiving a monthly salary of ₱9,000. On December 11, 2014, a vehicular accident occurred and the respondent was required to pay ₱15,000.00 for the damages. His driver's license was confiscated, and he was issued a Temporary Operator's Permit (TOP). On December 23, 2014, the respondent requested time off to renew his expired license, but the petitioner allegedly refused, leading to a misunderstanding. The respondent believed he had been verbally terminated when the petitioner said that "kung hindi ka makakapag-drive ngayon, mabuti pa maghiwalay na tayo."  Respondent filed a complaint against CRV Corporation and the petitioner, claiming illegal dismissal and other labor-related issues. The petitioner ar...

Evidence | Rule 130 Leonen, J. Petitioner: People of the Philippines   Respondent: Sandiganbayan, Lauro L. Baja, Jr   Facts: From April 9, 2003, to February 2007, Lauro L. Baja, Jr. served as the Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Baja incurred representation expenses, submitted claims for reimbursement, and all claims were allowed. In 2006, the Commission on Audit (COA) initiated an audit of the Philippine Mission to the UN, which revealed questionable documentation of expenses. Reimbursements totaling $9,689.96 for 2005 lacked proper documentation, such as incomplete receipts and missing proof of payment. Receipts were computerized, unnumbered, and missing the names of establishments. Photocopies of checks did not prove receipt by payees. COA raised concerns over improper documentation, with checks submitted by Baja not showing evidence of being received or paid. A fact-finding team validated the audit's findings and identified additional ques...