Equipoise rule

Summary

▪ When the evidence in labor cases is in equipoise, doubt is resolved in favor of the employee.

1. Concept

When the evidence in labor cases is in equipoise, doubt is resolved in favor of the employee. (Hubilla v. HSY Marketing Ltd., Co., G.R. No. 207354, 10 January 2018)

Where both parties in a labor case have not presented substantial evidence to prove their allegations, the evidence is considered to be in equipoise. In such a case, the scales of justice are tilted in favor of labor. (Ibid.)

If the evidence presented by the employer and the employee are in equipoise, the scales of justice must be tilted in favor of the latter. (Grande v. Philippine Nautical Training College, G.R. No. 213137, 01 March 2017)

a. Based in full protection to labor

This is in line with the policy of the State to afford greater protection to labor. (Hubilla v. HSY Marketing Ltd., Co., supra.)

2. Substantial Evidence

Even if both parties have presented substantial evidence to support their allegations, the equipoise rule dictates that the scales of justice must be titled in favor of labor, as here. (Salabe v. Social Security Commission, G.R. No. 223018, 27 August 2020)

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References

▪ Jurisprudence or Supreme Court Decisions (as cited above)