GR 186509; (July, 2013) (Digest)
G.R. No. 186509 ; July 29, 2013
PHILMAN MARINE AGENCY, INC. (now DOHLE-PHILMAN MANNING AGENCY, INC.) and/or DOHLE (IOM) LIMITED, Petitioners, vs. ARMANDO S. CABANBAN, Respondent.
FACTS
Respondent Armando S. Cabanban was hired as a 2nd Mate. During his pre-employment medical examination (PEME), he declared no history of high blood pressure or heart trouble and was declared fit. While on board, he experienced chest pain and was diagnosed abroad with “Microvascular Unstable Angina Class III B,” hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and alcoholism. He was repatriated for medical treatment. The company-designated physician treated and monitored him for three months, after which he was declared “fit to work” on May 12, 2003. Despite this certification, Cabanban consulted several personal physicians who diagnosed him with coronary heart disease and hypertension, giving him a disability grade of 7. He filed a complaint for permanent disability benefits, sickness allowance, and other claims.
ISSUE
Whether respondent Armando S. Cabanban is entitled to permanent total disability benefits and other monetary claims.
RULING
No. The Supreme Court denied the claim for permanent disability benefits. The Court upheld the findings of the company-designated physician, who declared Cabanban fit to work after a three-month treatment period. This declaration is accorded respect and credence under the POEA-SEC and prevailing jurisprudence. The Court found that Cabanban failed to prove that his illnesses were work-related or that they resulted in a permanent disability preventing him from performing his usual sea duties. His illnesses—hypertension, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and alcoholism—were considered pre-existing and not shown to have been aggravated by his work. The Court emphasized that for hypertension to be compensable, it must be shown to have caused impairment of bodily organs, substantiated by specific medical tests, which Cabanban failed to provide. His claim for a sickness allowance beyond the period certified by the company doctor was also denied, as the fit-to-work declaration terminated his entitlement. The Labor Arbiter’s dismissal of the complaint was reinstated.