SEPARATE OPINION

VITUG, J.:

I concur with my esteemed colleague, Mr. Justice Josue N. Bellosillo, in finding for private respondent Eusebia R. Galzote; however, I would limit the award of back salaries to five years conformably with the pronouncement of this court in a long line of cases (Cristobal vs. Melchor, 78 SCRA 175; Gementiza vs. CA, 113 SCRA 477; Ginzon vs. Municipality of Murcia, 158 SCRA 1; Laganapan vs. Asedillo, 154 SCRA 377; San Luis vs. CA, 174 SCRA 258; Tan, Jr. vs. Office of the President, 229 SCRA 677; Bangalisan vs. Court of Appeals, 276 SCRA 619; Jacinto vs. Court of Appeals, 281 SCRA 657; Gloria vs. Court of Appeals, 306 SCRA 287; and Caniete vs. Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports, 333 SCRA 849, as opposed to Garcia vs. Chairman, Commission on Audit, 226 SCRA 356).