5/28/2020
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internist/endocrinologist.[10] On August 2, 2003, Dr. Lim issued to Libang a medical
certificate[11] with pertinent portions that read:
This is to certify that MR. PEDRO LIBANG[,] JR. has undergone
medical/surgical evaluation treatment at Robert D. Lim, MD Marine Medical
Services Metropolitan Hospital from April 10, 2003 to PRESENT due to
HYPERTENSION; DIABETES MELLITUS TYPE 2 AND SMALL PONTINE
INFARCT.[12]
On August 13, 2003, Dr. Lim issued another medical certificate that provided as
follows:
THIS IS WITH [REGARD] TO YOUR QUERY REGARDING THE CASE OF CHIEF
COOK PEDRO L. LIBANG, JR. WHO WAS INITIALLY SEEN HERE AT
METROPOLITAN HOSPITAL ON APRIL 10, 2003 AND WAS DIAGNOSED TO
HAVE HYPERTENSION, DIABETES MELLITUS, TYPE 2 AND SMALL PONTINE
INFARCT.
HE HAS BEEN UNDER THE CARE OF OUR CARDIOLOGIST, NEUROLOGIST
AND ENDOCRINOLOGIST.
BASED ON HIS PRE-EMPLOYMENT MEDICAL EXAMINATION, PATIENT
DENIED HAVING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND HIS BLOOD PRESSURE
DURING THAT TIME IS AT A BORDERLINE LEVEL OF 130/70 mmHg.
HOWEVER, ON HISTORY TAKING DURING HIS INITIAL EXAMINATION HERE
AT METROPOLITAN HOSPITAL, PATIENT CLAIMED THAT HE HAD BEEN
HYPERTENSIVE FOR ABOUT 3 YEARS ALREADY WITH IRREGULAR INTAKE OF
UNRECALLED MEDICATIONS SO HIS HYPERTENSION COULD BE PREEXISTING.
WITH [REGARD] TO HIS DIABETES MELLITUS AND SMALL PONTINE
INFARCT[,] NO FASTING BLOOD SUGAR RESULT IS NOTED (TO DETERMINE
PRESENCE OF ANY BRAIN ABNORMALITY) SO IT IS DIFFICULT TO SAY
WHETHER BOTH ARE PRE-EXISTING OR NOT.[13]
Considering Dr. Lim’s failure to assess Libang’s disability despite his health status, the
latter sought medical attention and assessment from another doctor, Dr. Efren R.
Vicaldo (Dr. Vicaldo) of the Philippine Heart Center.[14] A medical certificate[15] issued
by Dr. Vicaldo on October 9, 2003 indicated the following:
This is to certify that, Pedro L. Libang, Jr.[,] 52 years of age, of Marulas,
Valenzuela City was examined and treated as out patient/confined in this
elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/57645
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