6/5/2020
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examination.
The CA reversed the NLRC’s ruling and reinstated the Labor Arbiter’s award of disability
benefits and attorney’s fees to respondent. The CA no longer considered the issue of
sickness allowance since it was already decided by another CA Division in a separate
case.[12] The fallo of the assailed CA Decision reads:
WHEREFORE, premises considered, the instant Petition is GRANTED. The
assailed Resolutions dated 15 December 2005 and 17 March 2006,
respectively, of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) First
Division in NLRC CA No. 041980-04 and NLRC NCR-OFW Case No. (M) 0201-00030-00 insofar as it denied the grant of disability benefits and
attorney’s fees, are hereby REVERSED and SET ASIDE. Accordingly, the
Decision dated 21 September 2004 of Labor Arbiter Patricio P. Libo-on
awarding [respondent] disability benefits in the amount of US$125,000 and
attorney’s fees in the amount of 10% of the monetary award, is hereby
REINSTATED.
SO ORDERED.[13]
The CA ruled that respondent is no longer fit to work and his disability is permanent
and total, citing Dr. Abesamis’s finding that recurrence of the same psychotic disorder is
possible if respondent is placed in the same situation. It considered as an admission of
respondent’s disability on petitioners’ part when they issued to him SSS Forms/Medical
Certificates duly signed by Dr. Abesamis for him to be able to claim his disability
benefits from the SSS.
The CA held that respondent is not guilty of concealment since Dr. Della merely stated
that respondent’s history revealed psychotic features and did not confirm that he was
suffering from psychotic or mood disturbance. On respondent’s admission of a similar
psychotic breakdown in 1996, the CA noted respondent’s denial as stated in Dr.
Abesamis’s affidavit.
In awarding US$125,000 as disability benefits, the CA applied Section 21(a) of the CBA
which reads:
DISABILITY
SECTION 21
(a) A Seafarer who suffers an injury as a result of an accident from any
cause whatsoever whilst in the employment of the Managers/Owners,
including accidents occurring whilst travelling to or from the ship or as a
result of marine or other similar peril, and whose ability to work is reduced
as a result thereof, shall receive from the Managers/Owners in addition to
her/his sick pay (Art. 16 and 17 above), a compensation as stated below:
elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/58968
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