In view of the above-quoted provision, Masangcay alleged that his illness was
contracted during the term of his Contract of Employment. He likewise prayed
for moral and exemplary damages in view of the respondents supposed
deliberate and wanton refusal to pay his claims.
Rebutting Masangcays complaint, Trans-Global, Ventnor, and Estaniel,
the respondents therein, countered that [s]ince complainant had fully recovered
and was pronounced fit for employment, his claim for disability benefits has no
basis[25]; that [t]he right to compensation for disability arises only when it is
shown that the seafarer is disabled on account of an illness or injury suffered
while in the employ of his employer[26]; that, in this case, the companydesignated physician had certified that complainant is fit for employment[27];
that assuming arguendo but without admitting that their assessments and
findings, including Dr. Barrientos, are disputed, however, under Sec. 20B, there
must be a third doctor chosen by both parties who should resolved the issue and
make a decision thereon[28]; and that [a]bsent such determination, the complaint
is premature and without basis since it is that third doctors decision which will
be considered as final.
In a Decision[29] dated 15 April 2004, Labor Arbiter Daisy G. CautonBarcelona found Masangcays complaint meritorious and ordered Trans-Global,
Ventnor, and Estaniel to pay Masangcay the amount of Thirty Nine Thousand
One Hundred Eighty U.S. Dollars (US$39,180.00) representing the latters
disability benefit at Impediment Grade III (78.36%). The decretal part of said
decision reads:
WHEREFORE, as above-discussed, the respondents are hereby
ordered, jointly and severally, to pay the complainant his disability benefit at
Impediment Grade III (78.36%) in the amount of US$39,180.00 or its
Philippine Peso equivalent at the time of payment plus ten (10%) percent of
the total monetary award as and for attorneys fees.
The labor arbiter opined that the compensability of an ailment does not
depend on whether or not the injury or disease was pre-existing at the time of
employment, but rather, if the injury or disease was related to or was aggravated
by Masangcays work.The labor arbiter gave great weight to the medical opinion
of Dr. Vicaldo rather than that of Trans-Globals designated physicians
considering that respondents accredited doctors opinion has (sic) more than