G.R. No. 178127 http://sc.judiciary.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2009/april2009/178127.htm requested on May 13, 2000 medical treatment for abscess in his left thumb. Dr. Ivan Chan of Gleneagles Maritime Medical Centre who attended to respondent stated in his report: Name/Age: Jesus B. Barraquio/50 Rank/Nationality: CCK/Filipino Agent/Vessel: Heng Fu Kot/Golden Progress Allergy: Nil HISTORY: Painful swelling left thumb for 10 days. History of hypertension for 3 years, on calciblock. Medication finished. Cholesterol normal. xxxx DIAGNOSIS: ABSCESS LEFT THUMB; HYPERTENSION xxxx RECOMMENDATIONS: DISPOSITION: Fit to sail. italics supplied) [4] (Emphasis and underscoring in the original; Respondent was allowed by petitioners to disembark. He arrived in the Philippines on May 15, 2000. On August 2, 2000, respondent signed a Statement of Account acknowledging set-off of his vacation leave pay in the amount of P15,188.75 from the cost of finding respondents replacement and the cost of repatriation in the amount of P38, 373.65. For the balance of P23, 184.90, respondent signed a promissory note in favor of petitioner Virjen. A year later or on August 1, 2001, respondent filed a complaint for non-payment of 120 days sickness allowance under Section 20 (B) paragraph 2 of the Standard Employment [5] Contract for Seafarers , disability benefits, legal interest computed from date of formal demand, reimbursement of medical expenses, and damages. In his Complaint, respondent alleged that due to constant verbal abuse from the ship master, Captain Marino Kasala, he suffered dizziness, chest pains, headaches and irregular sleep leading to hypertension; that he was forced to execute the request for disembarkation for fear that his health would worsen; and that medical findings in his PEME that he was fit 3 of 13 1/27/2016 2:14 PM