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THIRD DIVISION
[ G.R. No. 217123, February 06, 2019 ]
OSCAR M. PARINGIT, PETITIONER, VS. GLOBAL GATEWAY
CREWING SERVICES, INC.,* MID-SOUTH SHIP AND CREW
MANAGEMENT, INC., AND/OR CAPTAIN SIMEON FLORES,
RESPONDENTS.
DECISION
LEONEN, J.:
There is very little that seafarers can do to better their working conditions upon
boarding a ship. It is the shipowners and their representatives who have better
resources to ensure that their crew members are properly nourished, kept adequately
fit, and are placed in a situation where they are not put at any risk greater than what is
inherent in their jobs. After all, a crew properly nourished, adequately fit, and enjoying
humane working conditions will redound to the benefit of the shipowners. No ship sails
without a human crew. Consequently, the crew's quality of skills and state of health
significantly determine the efficiency of the shipping business. Taking responsibility for
the health of all human souls on their ships also defines the shipowners' sense of
humanity and justice.
This resolves the Petition for Review on Certiorari[1] filed by Oscar M. Paringit
(Paringit), assailing the Court of Appeals September 11, 2014 Decision[2] and February
24, 2015 Resolution[3] in CA-G.R. SP. No. 129579. The Court of Appeals reversed the
January 31, 2013 Decision[4] and March 27, 2013 Resolution[5] of the National Labor
Relations Commission in NLRC LAC (OFW-M)-11-001006-12 (NLRC NCR (M)-06-0882312).
On June 1, 2010, Paringit entered into a six (6)-month employment contract with MidSouth Ship and Crew Management, Inc., representing Seaworld Marine Services, S.A.
He was employed as Chief Mate of the Panaman vessel Tsavliris Hellas with a basic
monthly salary of US$1,700.00 for 48 hours a week, overtime pay of US$1,500.00, and
vacation leave with pay of US$200.00.[6] Prior to his deployment, Paringit underwent a
pre-employment medical examination, where he disclosed that he had high blood
pressure. Still, he was declared fit for duty.[7]
A few months later, Paringit began to feel constantly fatigued and stressed. He also
noticed blood in his feces beginning October 1, 2011.[8]
On January 13, 2012, when the vessel docked at the port of Las Palmas, Spain, Paringit
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