Official University Statement

In a decision dated April 4, 2025, in the petition docketed as CA G.R. SP No. 185429 [Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) vs. the Ateneo de Manila University Employees and Workers Union (AEWU)], the Court of Appeals (CA) has reversed and set aside the ruling of the Voluntary Arbitration Panel (PVA) regarding the issue of Leave of Absence (LOA) deductions.

The Court affirmed the validity of the implementation of the Flexible Working Arrangement (FWA), ruling that the University provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate that it advanced LOA credits to its employees. The Court also held that the corresponding deductions were authorized, affirming that the University consistently communicated its intention to recover the LOA credit advances that were extended during the pandemic.

Specifically, the CA noted, “the FWA was implemented pursuant to DOLE Advisory No. 17, series of 2020. It was settled that petitioner and respondent agreed to the adoption of the FWA and that the PVA has upheld its validity. We also take judicial notice of the DOLE's February 14, 2022 Order confirming the validity of the FWA and the corresponding deductions made by the petitioner after evaluating payslips, daily attendance reports, absence reports of the respondent's affected members.” This ruling was reached after the representative of the respondent, Ricky Gutierrez, filed a complaint-inspection with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) questioning the implementation of the FWA and the related salary deductions of affected union members.

It is also important to clarify that the Court has reversed and set aside the PVA's previous orders for reimbursement of any alleged illegal deductions related to LOA, as well as the orders for moral damages, exemplary damages, and attorney’s fees.

The University will continue to address and pursue any and all subsequent legal actions that the parties may take in relation to this matter. This includes, but is not limited to, the recovery of all University funds which may ultimately be deemed to have been disbursed pursuant to the PVA's decision, but which lack final legal basis.

As we move forward, Ateneo de Manila University remains committed to fostering a spirit of collaboration and open communication with all our employees and stakeholders. We believe that, together, we can navigate these challenges with understanding and unity, and we appreciate your continued support and commitment to our shared mission.

Previous Statements

• Updates on the University's Actions Satisfying the Writ of Execution issued by the Voluntary Arbitrators (3 March 2025)
• Statement of Clarification regarding the Voluntary Arbitration (VA) Tribunal's decision on the Leave of Absence (LOA) Complaint (13 November 2024)