5/28/2020
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whimsical exercise of judgment, done in a despotic manner by reason of passion or
personal hostility, the character of which being so patent and gross as to amount to an
evasion of positive duty or to a virtual refusal to perform the duty enjoined by or to act
all in contemplation of law.[64]
In labor disputes, grave abuse of discretion may be ascribed to the NLRC when, inter
alia, its findings and conclusions are not supported by substantial evidence,[65] or that
amount of relevant evidence which a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to
justify a conclusion.[66] The onus probandi falls on the seafarer to establish his claim
for disability benefits by the requisite quantum of evidence to justify the grant of relief.
[67]
Guided by the foregoing considerations, the Court finds that the CA committed
reversible error in granting Hipe’s certiorari petition since the NLRC did not gravely
abuse its discretion in dismissing the complaint for permanent disability benefits for
Hipe’s failure to establish his claim through substantial evidence.
The issue of whether the seafarer can legally demand and claim disability benefits from
the employer/manning agency for an injury or illness suffered may be determined from
the pertinent provisions of Section 20 (B) of the 2000 POEA-SEC[68] which enumerates
the duties of an employer to his employee who suffers a work-related injury or disease
during the term of his employment,[69] viz.:
SECTION 20. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
xxxx
B. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS FOR INJURY OR ILLNESS
The liabilities of the employer when the seafarer suffers work-related injury
or illness during the term of his contract are as follows:
xxxx
2. x x x.
However, if after repatriation, the seafarer still requires medical
attention arising from said injury or illness, he shall be so
provided at cost to the employer until such time he is declared
fit or the degree of his disability has been established by the
company-designated physician.
3. Upon sign-off from the vessel
seafarer is entitled to sickness
basic wage until he is declared
permanent disability has been
elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph/thebookshelf/showdocsfriendly/1/58331
for medical treatment, the
allowance equivalent to his
fit to work or the degree of
assessed by the company5/12