5/28/2020 E-Library - Information At Your Fingertips: Printer Friendly uphold the certification made by Dr. Lim with respect to Santiago’s disability. (Emphases and underscoring supplied) In this case, the findings of Beamko and Eagle Maritime’s physicians that Ayungo’s illnesses were not work-related were, in turn, controverted by Ayungo’s personal doctor stating otherwise. In light of these contrasting diagnoses, Ayungo prematurely filed his complaint before the NLRC without any regard to the conflict-resolution procedure under Section 20(B)(3) of the 2000 POEA-SEC. Thus, consistent with Philippine Hammonia, the Court is inclined to uphold the opinion of Beamko and Eagle Maritime’s physicians that Ayungo’s illnesses were pre-existing and not work-related, hence, noncompensable. In sum, the CA rightfully granted respondents’ certiorari petition as the NLRC findings and the conclusions reached thereby are tainted with grave abuse of discretion considering that Ayungo’s claim for disability benefits remains unsupported by substantial evidence and is even anathema to the provisions of the 2000 POEA-SEC. Verily, while the Court adheres to the principle of liberality in favor of the seafarer in construing the POEA Standard Contract, it cannot allow claims for compensation based on surmises. When the evidence presented then negates compensability, the claim must fail, lest it causes injustice to the employer.[51] WHEREFORE, the petition is DENIED. The Decision dated May 4, 2012 and Resolution dated August 16, 2012 of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 117162 are AFFIRMED. SO ORDERED. Carpio, J., Acting C.J.,[*] (Chairperson), Del Castillo, Perez, and Leonen,[**] JJ., concur. [*] Designated Acting Chief Justice per Special Order No. 1644 dated February 25, 2014. [**] Designated Acting Member per Special Order No. 1643 dated February 25, 2014. [***] "Juanito Salvatierra" in some parts of the records. [1] Rollo, pp. 33-81. [2] Id. at 8-30. Penned by Associate Justice Agnes Reyes-Carpio, with Associate Justices Jose C. Reyes, Jr. and Franchito N. Diamante, concurring. [3] Id. at 108-109. [4] Id. at 505-524 and 551-552, respectively. Penned by Presiding Commissioner Raul T. Aquino, with Commissioners Teresita D. Castillon-Lora and Napoleon M. Menese, concurring. [5] Id. at 144. elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/56522 7/10