G.R. No. 234392 - EFRAIM DAUT DARROCA, JR., VS. CENTURY MARITIME AGENCIES, INC., AND/OR DAMINA SHIPPING CORP., AND/OR JOHANNA B. DURANA.D E C I S I O N - Supreme Court E-Library

Ruling

WHEREFORE , judgment is hereby rendered finding that complainant's medical condition is not work related or aggravated since complainant failed to dispute respondents' company-designated physicians' finding that there were no elicited conflicts in his associations within his work environment onboard their vessel. Complainant's chosen physician also failed to identify and prove with substantial evidence the risk factors or conditions which could have caused his medical condition or otherwise prove the causal connection of his condition with his work onboard the vessel. The instant case is hereby DISMISSED for lack of merit. Complainant is also likewise therefore considered to have forfeited his right to claim any disability benefits even if he is entitled to the same or, arguendo , warranted under the circumstances for his failure to complete his medical treatment on opting to be treated in his province. However, the ends of social and compassionate justice may be served best if complainant Efraim Darroca, Jr. be given equitable relief and he is hereby granted financial assistance for his long years of service in the amount of fifty Thousand Pesos (Php50,000.00). SO ORDERED.