5/19/2021
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On September 3, 2012, petitioner complained of chest pain, shortness of breath, and
difficulty in breathing whenever he climbed stairs. When the ship docked at Kushiro,
Japan, he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, possible infectious endocarditis,
and hypertension. At the Wakayama Harbour Clinic in Japan, he was further diagnosed
with pleuritis. He was declared unfit to work and was medically repatriated on
September 11, 2012.[7]
Upon repatriation, petitioner was referred to the company-designated doctor at the
Marine Medical Services of the Metropolitan Medical Center (MMC). He was confined
there from September 11, 2012 due to difficulty in breathing. He underwent several
laboratory tests such as chest X-ray, 2D echo, and chest CT scan. He was given antituberculosis and anti-hypertensive medications and was discharged on September 21,
2012. Fie was, however, re-admitted and confined from October 8 to 15, 2012 during
which, he was also given medicines for diabetes.[8]
On November 29, 2012, MMC Assistant Medical Coordinator Dr. Esther Go opined that
petitioner's hypertension and diabetes were hereditary, not work-related. Petitioner had
a series of check-ups with the company-designated doctors, Dr. Eduardo O. Tanquieng
(Pulmonologist), Dr. Robert Michael G. Gan (Internal Medicine/Endocrinologist), and Dr.
Melissa Co Sia (Adult Clinical and Interventional Cardiologist) who referred him to an
orthopedic surgeon.[9]
Petitioner also complained of knee pain, blurring vision and dizziness but according to
him, the company designated doctors only addressed and treated his pleural effusion.
Despite treatments, he was not restored to good health. Hence, he consulted Dr.
Celestino S. Dalisay, a chest and lung specialist. Dr. Dalisay opined that he had to
complete nine (9) months of anti-tuberculosis regimen and advised him not to return to
his previous work as a seaman.[10]
On March 14, 2013, Dr. Go informed respondents that the specialists gave the following
report on petitioner's condition:[11]
This is a follow-up report on 3rd Mate Leonides P. Rillera who was initially
seen and admitted here at Metropolitan Medical Center on September 12,
2012 and was diagnosed to have Pulmonary Tuberculosis with Left Pleural
Effusion; Diabetes Mellitus.
xxx
xxx
xxx
Repeat laboratory tests done showed normal fasting blood sugar, HBA1C and
creatinine. His repeat urinalysis showed no more urine sugar.
xxx
xxx
xxx
The specialists opine that patient is now cleared for work with regards (sic)
to his Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Diabetes Mellitus as of March 14, 2013.
He was advised to continue his oral hypoglycemic medication (Janumet).
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