Blog
Notice to Explain for Absence Without Official Leave (AWOL)
No Comments
Absence Without Official Leave (AWOL) is a ground for disciplinary action. AWOL in itself is not a ground for dismissal.
However, AWOL can lead to abandonment of work. This happens when the employee being directed to report for work after being on AWOL refuses to report for work.
Thus, the employer usually escalates the violation to abandonment of work. Notably, abandonment of work is a ground for dismissal since it falls within the gross and habitual neglect of duty under Article 297 of the Labor Code, as amended.
The employer has to address the AWOL issue immediately as it happens. Otherwise, it can lead to issues on punctuality.
An employee can be on AWOL due to several instances. An employee who fails to report to work without filing the vacation leave (VL) form or obtaining an approval for it. An employee can be on AWOL if, after the VL application was granted, extended the leave but without prior approval. This is common for employees who filed VL and went on vacation far away from the place of work.
An employee who got sick but failed to comply with the requirements for sick leave such as medical
certificate, etc.
Below is a sample Notice to Explain (NTE) for AWOL with directive to report for work:
To: MA. ABSENCIA
From: HR
Date: __________________
Subject: NOTICE TO EXPLAIN (NTE) AND RETURN TO WORK ORDER
It appears in our record that you have been absent for the past three (3) days, or from ____ May 20___ to ____ May 20___. Upon verification of the records no prior VL has been filed. You have also failed inform the office about your absence pursuant to our policy on call-in sick, where applicable.
In this regard, please explain in writing within five (5) calendar days from receipt of this notice why no disciplinary action should be taken against you for the above.
Likewise, you are hereby being directed to report for work immediately upon receipt of this notice.
AYA O. SAPALA-LIVAN
HR Manager
Learn how to Validly Terminate Employee in the Philippines with this Tutorial Video of Atty. Elvin 
Read more on procedural due process discussion by Atty. Elvin:
Read more on procedural due process by Atty. Villanueva:
Twin Requirements of Notice and Hearing
Procedural Due Process for Other Types of Employment
Notice to Explain: Contents and Requirements
