4/29/2020 E-Library - Information At Your Fingertips: Printer Friendly On appeal, the NLRC reversed the LA decision and awarded disability compensation in favor of Laurel. It found that the illness was work-related for failure of the petitioners to overcome the presumption provided under the POEA-SEC that an illness occurring during the employment, even if not listed, was work-related. The NLRC added that under the said contract, the petitioners had the legal obligation to compensate Laurel for his incapability to continue his job due to his illness. Citing Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. v. NLRC,[15] it held that it was not the illness which was being compensated, but rather the incapacity to work resulting in the impairment of his earning capacity. Finally, the NLRC pointed out that for a claimant to be entitled to disability benefits, it was not required that the employment be the sole cause of the illness. It was enough that the employment had contributed, even in a small degree, to the development of the disease. The NLRC disposed of the case as follows: WHEREFORE, the foregoing premises considered, the instant appeal is hereby GRANTED. Accordingly, the decision appealed from is REVERSED and SET ASIDE, and a new one is issued ordering respondent Magsaysay Maritime Services and/or Agripito Milano, Jr. to pay the disability benefits of Earlwin Meinrad Antero F. Laurel in the amount of US$60,000.00 or in Philippine Currency at the conversion rate prevailing at the time of payment. SO ORDERED.[16] [Emphasis in the original] The CA Decision After their motion for reconsideration was denied, the petitioners elevated the case to the CA through a petition for certiorari. The CA, however, dismissed the petition and sustained the award of disability benefits in favor of Laurel. It held that the NLRC did not commit a grave abuse of discretion in ordering the payment of disability benefits to Laurel.[17] The CA explained that although the petitioners’ medical literature spoke of hyperthyroidism as hereditary, it also alluded to the triggers of the disease and cited that stress could also be a trigger. The CA concluded that stressful conditions could result in, or could be a factor in, the emergence of hyperthyroidism. It found that the working conditions on board the MV Star Princess had contributed and aggravated the illness of Laurel. This, according to the CA, was sufficient to entitle him to disability benefits. The petitioners filed a motion for reconsideration[18] of the said decision, but it was denied by the CA in its February 4, 2011 Resolution. Hence, the petitioners interpose this petition before this Court anchored on the elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/55780 3/15