treatment at his own expense.10[10] Respondent demanded that petitioners should provide him medical treatment and pay him sickness wages and disability compensation, within five (5) days from receipt of the letter; otherwise, he would be constrained to institute appropriate legal action against them.   In a Certification11[11] dated November 7, 1997, Dr. Copernico J. Villaruel, Jr., attending orthopedic surgeon at the Philippine General Hospital, stated that respondent has been admitted under his care from October 9 to 10, 1997 for hemilaminectomy and foraminotomy of L4-L5 and L5-SI, due to the pain in his right foot, and that respondent is now fit to go back to work.   Acting on the endorsement letter12[12] dated November 24, 1997 by Labor Arbiter Pedro C. Ramos, Dr. Francisco A. Estacio, Chief of the Medical and Rehabilitation Division of the Employees Compensation Commission (ECC), 10[10] The Summary of Medical Expenses incurred were: Mercury Drug medicines – P4,218.20; Perpetual Help Medical Center - P4,030.00; Doctor's Blood Center, Surgicare Corporation, and Philippine General Hospital – P1,573.25; and Doctor's Fees and hospital bills (Philippine General Hospital) – P84,147.76. The total amount of the medical, hospital, doctor's fees and allied expenses was P93,969.21. (Id. at 69-70). 11[11] CA rollo, p. 88. 12[12] Id. at 87. The text of the letter request reads: For and in behalf of Mr. Gil Flores, complainant in NLRC Case No. OCW RAB-IV-9-917-97-C, entitled: Gil A. Flores vs. Varorient Shipping Co., Inc. and Aria Maritime Co., Ltd., his medical check-up is hereby requested to determine the degree of his disability needed in the resolution of his complaint for disability benefits and sickness wages, as well as whether or not medical treatment on him is still required and reimbursement of his medical expenses that [may be] incurred in connection with his alleged ailment, against respondent Varorient Shipping Co., Inc. and Aria Maritime Co., Ltd. arising from his employment as seaman (Chief Officer).