For the purpose of computing the period of appeal, the same shall be
counted from receipt of such decisions, awards or orders by
the counsel/representative of record.
Moreover, jurisprudence teaches that when a party is represented by counsel,
notice should be made upon the counsel of record at his given address to which
notices of all kinds emanating from the court should be sent in the absence of a
proper and adequate notice to the court of a change of address.[41]
The service of the court’s order upon any person other than the counsel of
record is not legally effective and binding upon the party. Neither may it start the
corresponding reglementary period for the subsequent procedural steps that may be
taken by the attorney. This is because it is the lawyer who is supposed to know
the next procedural steps or what ought to be done in law for the protection of the
rights of the client, and not the latter.[42] The sending of the copy of the assailed
resolution to Anita was not even necessary.
WHEREFORE, we GRANT the petition and SET ASIDE the decision of
the Court of Appeals. However, petitioner Philemploy Services and Resources,
Inc. shall pay respondent Anita Rodriguez P30,000 as nominal damages. No
pronouncement as to costs.
SO ORDERED.
ANTONIO T. CARPIO
Associate Justice
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