Selection and hiring of employees

Selection and hiring of employees are included in management prerogative.

2. Concept

Selection and hiring refer to the process undertaken by an employer to determine the suitableness of an applicant for employment.

“Under the doctrine of management prerogative, every employer has the inherent right to regulate, according to his own discretion and judgment, all aspects of employment, including hiring…” (Rural Bank of Cantilan, Inc. v. Julve, G.R. No. 169750, 27 February 2007)

3. Right to select

a. A factor in the four-fold test of employment

To ascertain the existence of an employer-employee relationship jurisprudence has invariably adhered to the four-fold test, to wit:

1) The selection and engagement of the employee;

2) The payment of wages;

3) The power of dismissal; and,

4) The power to control the employee’s conduct, or the so-called “control test.” (Atok Big Wedge Company, Inc. v. Gison, G.R. No. 169510, 08 August 2011)

4. Vicarious liability: Employer responsible for employee

a. Civil Code Provision

The above-cited provision is the basis for vicarious liability. Meaning, an employer may be held liable or responsible for damages that may be caused by his/her employees who is in the performance of doing work.

“It should be emphasized that the legal obligation of employers to observe due diligence in the selection and supervision of their employees provided under in Article 2180 of the Civil Code is not an empty provision or a mere formalism since the non-observance thereof actually becomes the basis of the employers’ vicarious liability. Employers should thus seriously observe such a degree of diligence (and must present/prove it in court by sufficient and concrete evidence) in court showing such observance in order to be free that would exculpate them from liability. (Syki v. Begasa, G.R. No. 149149, 23 October 2003)

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/Updated: February 15, 2023