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Respondent was also covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between
Norbulk Manning Services Limited and Latvian National Seafarers Trade Union.[7]
Prior to hiring, respondent was subjected to medical examination and was declared "Fit
for Sea Duty as Engine Rating."[8]
Respondent left the Philippines on June 8, 2013, and boarded the vessel in Singapore.
Sometime in February 2014, respondent complained of chest pains and difficulty in
breathing. On March 23, 2014, he was admitted at the Alisha Hospital in Israel for
pulmonary edema and was diagnosed with "severe aortic regurgitation and aneurysm
of the sinuses of valsava aortic root." He underwent open-heart surgery (aortic valve
replacement) on March 25, 2014 and was discharged and advised to consult his
personal cardiologist in the Philippines on April 13, 2014. He was, likewise, prohibited
from any physical exertion for six (6) months. On April19, 2014, he was repatriated for
medical reasons.[9]
Upon arrival in the Philippines, respondent was immediately confined at the Chinese
General Hospital after being referred to the company-designated physician at Alegre
Medical Clinic for post-employment medical examination.[10] On April 22, 2014, he was
discharged and was advised to continue his medical therapy.[11]
While on follow-up checkup with the company-designated physician, respondent
complained of pain over the surgical site on his chest and reported hearing a clicking
sound inside it. His condition was diagnosed as "aortic valve stenosis" and was referred
to a cardiologist.[12]
When examined by a cardiologist on May 2, 2014, respondent was advised to retrieve
his angiogram results and to undergo repeat 2D Echocardiography in three to four
months. He was also directed to continue with his medications.[13] After subsequent reevaluations by the company-designated physician,[14] the latter rendered a medical
opinion on July 21, 2014, stating that since respondent's aortic valve stenosis was preexisting or hereditary, no disability grading was given pursuant to the POEA-SEC
Contract, and that maximum medical cure had already been reached in this case.[15]
Respondent followed up with the cardiology specialist who recommended the conduct of
coronary angiography, as the result of his 2D Echo showed dilated left ventricle with
severe hypokinesia.[16] In the medical report dated July 23, 2014, the companydesignated physician reiterated his assessment that no disability grade was given to
respondent because his condition was deemed not work-related.[17]
Respondent continued with his treatment under the company-designated physician until
August 27, 2014, when he was discharged from the hospital. He had undergone
coronary angiography on August 26, 2014,[18] the cost of which was still shouldered by
petitioners.
On September 25, 2014, respondent consulted a private physician, Dr. Efren R. Vicaldo
(Dr. Vicaldo), who issued a medical certificate stating that respondent was suffering
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