5/28/2020
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buwan, ang lahat ng mga stock na mga karne, manok, gulay at kung anoano pa ay aming tinitimbang para malaman kung magkano ang aming
consumption sa loob ng isang buwan, at maging ang mga canned goods ay
aming binibilang. Sa loob ng freezer kami ay tumatagal ng tatlong oras o
apat na oras sa pagtitimbang ng mga stock doon. Sa loob sobrang lamig ang
aming nadarama roon, bagamat nakasuot kami ng winter jacket ay
tumatagos pa rin ang lamig sa aming katawan. Palaging ganoon ang aking
ginagawa sa bawat barko ng Teekay Shipping sa mahabang panahon na
aking tinitigil doon may mga kapitan akong nakasama sa tuwing kami ay
nagkakaroon ng food inventory sa mga 1:00 ng hapon kami ay magsisimula
na magtimbang ng mga karne, baboy sa loob ng freezer. Titigil lamang kami
sa pagtitimbang kapag 3:00 ng hapon dahil magsisimula na naman akong
magluto para sa paghahanda sa hapunan at sa pagsapit ng 7:00 ng gabi
kami ay magsisimula na namang magtimbang, hanggang sa matapos kami
ay umaabot ng 10:00 ng gabi sa pagtitimbang. At sa pagbibilang ng mga
canned goods palaging ganoon ang aking ginagawa sa bawat barko na aking
nasakyan sa Teekay Shipping at doon ko nakuha ang rheumatoid arthritis
dahil darang na darang ako sa init ng kalan at pagkatapos ay papasok ako
sa freezer.[49]
Further, a careful study of the medical opinions issued by the petitioners’ doctors
strikes this Court to declare that as early as February 2007, Jarin’s rheumatoid arthritis
was already detected by a doctor in Canada. This was fully verified by the medical
opinions issued by the petitioners’ company-designated physicians in Manila which all
indicated that Jarin has rheumatoid arthritis. This is why an intensive medical
treatment was administered to him under their care. To recall, even the medical report
dated August 16, 2007[50] advised Jarin to continue his medication and to come back
to them on September 17, 2007 considering that his body did not respond well to the
enbrel injections already given him. On August 17, 2007, Dr. Balbon issued an opinion
declaring him unrecommendable for further sea duties coupled with the drastic
withdrawal of the medical treatment given to him by the petitioners. It is unmistakable
from such recommendation that Jarin’s rheumatoid arthritis has rendered him
permanently incapacitated to work as a seaman. Also, by the very same clarity of Dr.
Balbon’s recommendation, it became unnecessary for Jarin to consult the opinion of his
own doctors.
The Court further agrees with the LA, as affirmed by the CA, that the petitioners failed
to present any evidence showing that they paid Jarin’s sickness allowance. The
petitioners cannot escape such liability on the mere fact that Jarin finished his contract
and was not medically repatriated. It must be borne in mind that when Jarin arrived in
the Philippines, he was still suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, moon facies and bipedal
edema and upper respiratory track infection, as confirmed by the petitioners’ physician.
[51]
The award of attorney’s fees was correct as it finds legal justification in Article 2208(8)
[52] allowing the grant thereof in actions for indemnity under workmen’s compensation
and employer’s liability laws.[53]
elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/57140
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