5/19/2021
E-Library - Information At Your Fingertips: Printer Friendly
FIRST DIVISION
[ G.R.No. 246960, July 28, 2020 ]
INTERORIENT MARITIME ENTERPRISES, INC. AND/OR
INTERORIENT MARITIME, DMCC FOR AND IN BEHALF OF WILBY
MARINE LTD., AND/OR DAISY S. SUMO, PETITIONERS, VS.
ILDEFONSO T. HECHANOVA, RESPONDENT.
RESOLUTION
REYES, J. JR., J.:
The courts cannot grant a relief not prayed for in the pleadings or in excess of what is
being sought by a party to a case.[1]
The Case
This petition for review on certiorari under Rule 45 assails the August 28, 2018 Court of
Appeals (CA) Decision[2] and April 29, 2019 Resolution in CA-G.R. SP No. 149536,
which affirmed with modification the September 28, 2016 National Labor Relations
Commission (NLRC) Decision. The CA denied the claim for disability benefits, but
awarded full reimbursement of placement fee and deductions with interest, and salary
for the unexpired portion of the employment contract, with attorney's fees in favor of
respondent.
The Facts
In February 2015, petitioner Interorient Maritime Enterprises, Inc. (Interorient) hired
respondent Ildefonso T. Hechanova (Hechanova) as master on board M/V Livadi for nine
months.[3]
On June 24, 2015, or three months after boarding the vessel, Hechanova was relieved
from duty in Amsterdam because a new master came in. He was repatriated despite an
uncompleted employment contract, and he was promised of a redeployment.[4]
On June 27, 2015, Hechanova arrived in the Philippines and reported immediately at
Interorient's office for redeployment. On June 29, 2015, he underwent pre-employment
medical examination, and was assessed with "small medical problem, low blood count."
After taking the prescribed medication to improve blood count, he again underwent
medical check-up and was assessed as fit for duty. On June 30, 2015, the companydesignated physician issued a medical certificate on his fitness to work.[5]
https://elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/66482
1/6