Consequently, we find no reason to reverse the findings of the NLRC as the well-settled
rule confines the original and exclusive jurisdiction of this Court in the review of
decisions of the NLRC to the issue of jurisdiction or grave abuse of discretion
amounting to lack of jurisdiction. As we have repeatedly said, grave abuse of discretion
is committed only when the judgment is rendered in a capricious, whimsical, arbitrary or
despotic manner, which is not true in the present case.
Certainly, an abuse of discretion does not necessarily arise just because NLRC
reversed the decision of POEA. Neither does variance in the evidentiary assessment of
NLRC and that of POEA warrants, as a matter of course, another full review of the facts.
The decision or order of the NLRC so long as it is not bereft of support from the records
deserves respect from this Court.
WHEREFORE, the petition is DENIED. The appealed decision of the NLRC directing
petitioners SINGA SHIP MANAGEMENT PHILS., INC., and ROYAL CRUISE LINE
jointly and severally to pay private respondent MARIO SANGIL the sum of US $500.00
plus ten percent (10%) thereof as attorney's fees, is AFFIRMED, with costs against
petitioners.
SO ORDERED.
Davide, Jr., (Chairman), Vitug, Panganiban, and Quisumbing, JJ., concur.
i[1] NCR CA No. 003201-92, 14 December 1994; Decision penned by Presiding
Commissioner Raul T. Aquino with Commissioner Victoriano R. Calaycay concurring
and Commissioner Rogelio I. Rayala dissenting.
ii[2] Records, p. 13.
iii[3] POEA Case No. (M) ADJ 91-03-264; Decision penned by POEA Administrator
Jose N. Sarmiento, p. 5, Rollo, p. 95.
iv[4] Order of the NLRC, p. 12, Rollo, p. 34.
v[5] Ibid.
vi[6] Petition, p. 12; Rollo, p. 18.
vii[7] Decision, p. 10; Rollo, p. 32.