Resolution3[3] dated August 18, 1999, of the National Labor Relations
Commission (NLRC) in NLRC CN OCW RAB-IV-9-917-97-C, and its
Resolution4[4] dated January 29, 2004, denying petitioners’ motion for
reconsideration thereof. The assailed CA Decision ordered petitioners Varorient
Shipping Co., Inc. and Aria Maritime Co., Ltd., jointly and severally, to pay
respondent Gil A. Flores the balance of sickness wages in the amount of
US$3,790.00, or its peso equivalent at the time of actual payment, and to reimburse
his medical and surgical expenses in the total amount of P15,373.26, instead of
P13,579.76. However, it dismissed all the other claims of respondent for lack of
merit.
The antecedent facts are as follows:
On April 7, 1997, petitioners employed respondent, in behalf of its foreign
principal, Aria Maritime Co., Ltd. of Piraeus, Greece, for the position of Chief
Officer on board M/V Aria, per Contract of Employment5[5] dated April 7, 1997,
duly approved by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA),
for a period of 12 months, with a basic monthly salary of US$1,200.00 at 48 hours
of work weekly, overtime pay of US$600.00, allowance of US$200.00, and
2[2]
Penned by Commissioner Ireneo B. Bernardo, with Presiding Commissioner Lourdes C.
Javier and Commissioner Tito F. Genilo, concurring; id. at 63-72.
3[3]
CA rollo, pp. 30-31.
4[4]
Rollo, pp. 51-52.
5[5]
CA rollo, p. 63.