Anda di halaman 1dari 2

3. RIZALDY M. QUITORIANO v. JEBSENS MARITIME INC.

Petitioner later sought the opinion of an independent internist-cardiologist,


G.R. No. 179868 Dr. Sharon A. Lacson of the Philippine Heart Center, who diagnosed him as
January 21, 2010 suffering from hypertension cardiovascular disease and hyperlipidemia. Dr.
By: Abdias V. Aquino of the same hospital also found him to have cerebral
Topic: Protection of Labor infarction, R, basal ganglia area.
Petitioners: Rizaldy Quitoriano
Respondents: Jebsens Maritime Inc. Petitioner thus filed a complaint to recover permanent total disability
Ponente: J. B.L. Reyes compensation of US$80,000, as provided for in the Collective Bargaining
Agreement (CBA) forged with respondents. Respondents disclaimed
Doctrine: A total disability does not require that the employee be petitioners entitlement to any disability benefits in view of the company-
absolutely disabled or totally paralyzed. What is necessary is that the designated physicians certification that he is fit to work. Petitioner countered,
injury must be such that the employee cannot pursue his usual work however, that the "fit to work" assessment did not reflect his real health
and earn therefrom. condition; and that his illness, given its delicate nature, could recur anytime
once he resumes sea duties.

Facts: The LA dismissed the complaint as it found that petitioner has already
recovered from illness. On appeal, the NLRC affirmed the LA decision but
Respondent Jebsens Maritime, Inc. (represented by Ma. Theresa Gutay), ordered respondents to allow petitioner to resume sea duty. Petitioner filed
hired petitioner Quitoriano as 2nd Officer aboard the vessel M/V Trimnes for a certiorari petition before the CA but the CA denied the same and its
a period of six months with a basic monthly salary of US$936. On May 23, subsequent motion for reconsideration. Hence, this petition.
2001, petitioner, who was assigned as navigating officer from 12:00 midnight Issues:
to 4:00 a.m. and port watcher from 12:00 midnight to 6:00 a.m., complained
of dizziness with severe headache, general body weakness, chest pains, 1. (Main issue) Is petitioner entitled to disability benefits? (YES)
easy fatigability, weak grip strength, and numbness on the left side of his
body and was observed to be dragging his left foot, his mouth slightly down
to one side, and his speech slurred. Ruling:
Yes. Petitioner is entitled to the disability benefits.
When the vessel berthed on May 26, 2001 at Port Huelva, Spain, petitioner
was brought to a hospital where he was diagnosed as suffering from A total disability does not require that the employee be absolutely disabled
hypertension arterial or mild stroke.Since his health condition did not or totally paralyzed. What is necessary is that the injury must be such that
improve, petitioner was repatriated to the Philippines on May 30,2001to the employee cannot pursue his usual work and earn therefrom.
undergo further medical examination and treatment.
In accordance with the avowed policy of the State to give maximum aid and
Upon arrival in Manila, petitioner underwent several tests at the Medical full protection to labor, the Court has applied the Labor Code concept of
Center Manila under the care of Dr. Nicomedes G. Cruz (Dr. Cruz), the permanent total disability to Filipino seafarers,it holding that the notion of
company-designated physician. On November 16, 2001or 169 days after disability is intimately related to the workers capacity to earn, what is
petitioners repatriation, Dr. Cruz issued a medical report declaring him compensated being not his injury or illness but his inability to work resulting
fittowork. in the impairment of his earning capacity; hence, disability should be
understood less on its medical significance but more on the loss of earning
capacity.

Permanent disability is inability of a worker to perform his job for more than
120 days, regardless of whether or not he loses the use of any part of his
body.

Total disability, on the other hand, means the disablement of an employee


to earn wages in the same kind of work of similar nature that he was trained
for, or accustomed to perform, or any kind of work which a person of his
mentality and attainments could do. It does not mean absolute helplessness.
In disability compensation, it is not the injury which is compensated, but
rather it is the incapacity to work resulting in the impairment of one's earning
capacity.

The "fit to work" certification was issued by Dr. Cruz or more than five months
from the time petitioner was medically repatriated on May 30, 2001, thus,
petitioner's disability is considered permanent and total.

Significantly, it is gathered that petitioner remained unemployed even after


he filed on February 26, 2002 his complaint to recover permanent total
disability compensation and despite the August 31, 2005 Decision of the
NLRC which was affirmed by the Court of Appeals, ordering respondents to
"allow complainant to resume sea duty." GRANTED.

Anda mungkin juga menyukai