The Facts
The facts, as summarized by the Labor Arbiter and adopted in toto by the
Court of Appeals and the NLRC, are as follows:
In March 1994, complainant Anita Rodriguez applied with respondent
Philempl[o]y Services and Resources, Inc. at 36 Main Ave.cor. 8th Ave.,
Cubao, Quezon City for deployment abroad as a factory worker.
After her interview, complainant secured the necessary documentation for
her travel, such as passport, medical certificate, NBI clearance, among others, to
which she expended the sum of P2,000.00.
In December 1994, she set out from Cotabato to Manila to report to the
office of respondent after she had received a telegram (Annex “A”) requiring her
to report.
Ms. Brenda Castro, an official of respondent, demanded from complainant
the sum of P60,000.00 as placement fee. Since she could not afford such amount,
they agreed that she would have to pay initially the amount of P30,000.00 as
downpayment and the balance of P30,000.00, plus 7% interest every month
thereafter through salary deductions.
After she had pledged her motorcycle and a necklace, she paid Ms. Castro
the amount of P30,000.00 plus 10% interest onDecember 29, 1994, but she was
not issued any receipt.
Thereafter, she executed a contract of employment as a domestic helper of
one Chao Hung Ching of Taipei, Taiwan with a monthly salary of NT$14,010,
plus free food and accommodation for a period of one (1) year. (Annexes “A”
and “B”)
On January 11, 1995, she again reported to the office of respondent where
another sum of P900.00 for Medicare was required on complainant. After she had
pledged her College ring, she paid respondent said amount.
�� On January 13, 1995, she was deployed by respondent to the latter’s
principal arriving in Taiwan later that day. (Annex “D”)
As such domestic helper, she worked from 5:00 a.m. until 10:00
p.m. Among her chores were to carwash the vehicle of her master, cook the
meals, housecleaning and babysitting.