G.R. No.

159887             April 12, 2006

BERNARDO REMIGIO, Petitioner,
vs.
NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS COMMISSION, C.F. SHARP CREW MGT., INC. & NEW COMMODORE
CRUISE LINE, INC.,1 Respondents.

DECISION

PUNO, J.:

Before us is a petition for review on certiorari seeking the reversal of the decision 2 and resolution3 of the
Court of Appeals (CA) in CA-G.R. No. 67782 which affirmed the March 22, 2001 Resolution 4 of the
National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), awarding sickness allowance of US$3,400.00 to petitioner
but denying his claim for disability benefits.

The facts are undisputed.

On November 27, 1997, petitioner Bernardo Remigio entered into a Contract of Employment 5 with
respondent C.F. Sharp Crew Management, Inc. (respondent agency), for and in behalf of its foreign
principal, co-respondent New Commodore Cruise Line, Ltd. (respondent principal). The contract
provided that the terms and conditions of the standard employment contract governing the
employment of all seafarers, approved per Department of Labor and Employment's Department Order
No. 33 and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration's Memorandum Circular No. 55, both
Series of 1996 (1996 POEA SEC), were to be strictly and faithfully observed. 6 Under the contract,
petitioner was to work as Musician II on board SS "Enchanted Isle," a vessel owned and operated by
respondent principal, for ten (10) months, at a basic monthly salary of US$857.00, overtime rate of
US$257.00 per month and vacation leave with pay of three (3) days per month.

After petitioner passed the pre-employment medical examination, he joined the vessel and started
performing his job as a drummer in December 1997. On March 16, 1998, while the vessel was docked at
the port of Cancun, Mexico, petitioner went ashore to attend to some personal matters. While walking,
petitioner suddenly felt severe chest pain and shortness of breath. He returned to the vessel and
experienced another such episode on the same evening. When his chest pain recurred the following
day, he went to the vessel's infirmary where he again suffered from chest pain. Petitioner was brought
and confined for seven (7) days at the Grand Cayman Island Hospital. His pain worsened upon physical
exertion but improved with rest. Thus, he was instructed to refrain from performing any kind of physical
activity and to have a complete bed rest. He rejoined the vessel on March 24, 1998.

Upon the vessel's arrival at the port of New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A., petitioner was brought to the
West Jefferson Medical Center for a more thorough check-up and evaluation. Dr. S. Kedia's "impression"
was that petitioner's chest pains were "probable secondary to severe coronary artery disease." 7 Dr.
Armengol Porta conducted a physical examination on petitioner, including a coronary angiogram, 8 and
found that he had several blockages in his coronary arteries. A triple coronary artery bypass was
performed on petitioner on April 2, 1998 by a Dr. Everson.

On April 8, 1998, petitioner was transferred to the Marine Medical Unit for observation. After twelve
(12) days of confinement, petitioner's cardiologist found him "not fit for sea duty" and recommended
for him to be "[r]epatriated to home port for follow up with a cardiologist." 9 He was repatriated to
Manila on April 23, 1998.

In a letter dated April 27, 1998, Henry P. Desiderio, the manager of the Crewing Administration and
Business Development Department of respondent agency, referred petitioner to the American
Outpatient Clinic for medical check-up. 10

On May 13, 1998, petitioner, through counsel, sent a formal communication 11 to respondent agency
demanding payment of unpaid wages, sickness allowance and permanent total disability benefits. The
demand, however, was refused.

In a letter dated June 25, 1998 addressed to the manager of respondent agency, Jose Enrique P.
Desiderio, the company-designated physician, Dr. Leticia C. Abesamis, of the American Outpatient Clinic
wrote, viz:

Mr. B. Remigio who had Coronary Bypass (6x) abroad last April 2, 1998 has completed his cardiac
rehabilitation here at the Phil. Heart Center. Stress done on June 23, 1998 shows functional capacity at 8
METS.

Lately he has been complaining of epigastric discomfort probably from Ecotrin. He has been on ulcer
regimen.

He may go back to sea duty as piano player or guitar player after 8-10 more months.

He was unfit from April 27, 1998 to June 25, 1998. 12 (emphases supplied)

On November 12, 1998, petitioner filed the instant complaint 13 for (a) recovery of permanent total
disability benefits amounting to US$60,000.00; (b) actual and compensatory damages for loss of earning
capacity in the amount of US$154,260.00; and (c) moral and exemplary damages and attorney's
fees.14 Private respondents made an offer to settle the case at US$30,000.00 as evidenced by fax letters,
to which petitioner made a counter-proposal of US$40,000.00. 15 No agreement was reached as the
parties proceeded to submit their respective position papers and supporting evidence.

In support of his claims, petitioner submitted copies of: a) his Contract of Employment with private
respondents; b) communication of respondent principal to respondent agency informing the latter
about petitioner's "heart attack," repatriation and replacement; c) History and Physical Report of
petitioner and Procedure Report of his cardiac catheterization; d) receipts from a drugstore and the
Philippine Heart Center; e) 2D Echocardiogram-Color Doppler Report; f) filled up form of the Exercise
Testing and Cardiac Rehabilitation Laboratory of the Philippine Heart Center showing the results of the
tests done on petitioner; and g) the Discharge Summary of the Marine Medical Unit. 16 On the other
hand, private respondents submitted copies of: a) the Contract of Employment; b) referral letter dated
April 27, 1998 of respondent agency to the American Outpatient Clinic; c) demand letter dated May 13,
1998 of petitioner's counsel; and d) medical report of Dr. Leticia C. Abesamis of the American Outpatient
Clinic addressed to the manager of respondent agency. 17

On September 15, 1999, Labor Arbiter Manuel R. Caday rendered his decision, 18 the dispositive portion
of which states:

WHEREFORE, premises considered, judgment is hereby rendered ordering the respondents jointly and
severally to pay complainant, his sickness allowance in the amount of US$3,400.00.

All other claims are hereby dismissed for lack of merit.

SO ORDERED.19

In ruling that petitioner is not entitled to disability benefits, Labor Arbiter Caday noted that the Schedule
of Disability or Impediment for Injuries Suffered and Diseases or Illness Contracted under Section 30 of
the 1996 POEA SEC does not provide for the payment of compensation benefits in cases of cardiac
catheterization or heart bypass. Even assuming that it was included, he held that no medical report was
presented to show that petitioner's disability was total and permanent as to be classified under Grade 1
of the said schedule of disability. Nonetheless, petitioner's claim for sickness allowance was granted as
there was no showing that private respondents paid petitioner's basic wages after his repatriation, as
provided under Section 20, B(3) of the 1996 POEA SEC. Petitioner was awarded US$3,400.00 as sickness
allowance, computed on the basis of his monthly wage of US$850.00 multiplied by four (4) months.

On appeal by petitioner, the NLRC affirmed the decision of the Labor Arbiter in toto. 20 Petitioner filed a
motion for reconsideration of the NLRC's resolution, to no avail. Accordingly, he filed a petition for
certiorari with prayer for the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction and/or temporary restraining
order with the CA.21 On March 31, 2003, the CA dismissed the petition. 22

The CA likewise did not find substantial evidence to prove that the heart ailment incurred by petitioner
during the term of his employment resulted to his disability, i.e., rendered him incapable of further
seeking employment as a musician or to follow a substantially gainful occupation. It noted that
petitioner's medical records abroad never mentioned that his heart ailment resulted to a disability.
Petitioner's reliance on Dr. Abesamis's letter dated June 25, 1998 that he (petitioner) was "unfit from
April 27, 1998 to June 25, 1998" was found as insufficient to prove that petitioner's earning capacity was
either lost or diminished. The statement that petitioner "may go back to sea duty as piano player or
guitar player after 8-10 more months" was likewise found as insufficient to prove that petitioner was
actually "sidelined" or that it was impossible for him to work and earn as a musician during the 8-10
months that he was not on board the vessel. Finally, it considered that heart ailment is not included
among the compensable sicknesses and injuries under the 1996 POEA SEC.
Petitioner's motion for reconsideration with the CA was denied. 23 Hence, this petition in which petitioner
prays that he be awarded US$60,000.00 as permanent total disability benefits, US$3,428.00 as sickness
allowance, attorney's fees and costs of suit. He assigns as lone error, the following:

THE DECISION OF THE HONORABLE COURT OF APPEALS DISMISSING PETITIONER'S PETITION FOR
CERTIORARI AND AFFIRMING IN TOTO THE HONORABLE PUBLIC RESPONDENT AND DENYING
PETITIONER'S MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION IS CONTRARY TO LAW. 24

The main issue is whether petitioner is entitled to permanent total disability benefits.

At the outset, private respondents' contention that the instant petition must be dismissed outright for
being grounded on a question of fact must be rejected. The issue of whether petitioner is entitled to
permanent total disability benefits is a question of law as it calls for the correct application of the law
and jurisprudence on disability benefits to the established facts on record. 25 It raises the following sub-
issues, to wit:

1. Whether heart ailment suffered during the term of the contract is compensable under the 1996 POEA
SEC even if there is no proof of work-connection; and

2. Whether the concept of permanent total disability under the Labor Code applies to the case of a
seafarer's claim for disability benefits under the 1996 POEA SEC.

First. In ruling that petitioner is not entitled to permanent total disability benefits, the Labor Arbiter and
the CA considered that "cardiac catheterization," "heart bypass," or "heart ailment" is not found in the
Schedule of Disability or Impediment for Injuries Suffered and Diseases or Illness Contracted under
Section 30 of the 1996 POEA SEC. Petitioner contends that the schedule of disability under Section 30 of
the 1996 POEA SEC is not exclusive. Heart ailment, though not listed in the schedule, is compensable.
Private respondents, on the other hand, concede that while petitioner's illness is not listed under the
1996 POEA SEC, "this does not mean that the same is not compensable." 26 However, since "heart
ailment" is not listed under Section 30 of the 1996 POEA SEC, it is not an "occupational disease." It was
therefore incumbent upon petitioner to prove by substantial evidence that his illness was work-related.
Having failed to do so, he is not entitled to disability benefits.

We find merit in petitioner's argument.

Petitioner bases his claim for disability benefits under Section 20 in relation to Sections 30 and 30-A of
the 1996 POEA SEC, viz:

Sec. 20. Compensation and Benefits

xxx

B. Compensation and Benefits for Injury or Illness

The liabilities of the employer when the seafarer suffers injury or illness during the term of his contract
are as follows:
xxx

5. In case of permanent total or partial disability of the seafarer during the term of employment caused
by either injury or illness[,] the seafarer shall be compensated in accordance with the schedule of
benefits enumerated in Section 30 of [t]his Contract. Computation of his benefits arising from an illness
or disease shall be governed by the rates and the rules of compensation applicable at the time the
illness or disease was contracted.

Sec. 30. SCHEDULE OF DISABILITY OR IMPEDIMENT FOR INJURIES SUFFERED AND DISEASES OR ILLNESS
CONTRACTED

xxx

CHEST-TRUNK-SPINE

1. Fracture of four (4) or more ribs resulting to severe limitation of chest expansion - Gr. 6

2. Fracture of four (4) or more ribs with intercostal neuralgia resulting in moderate limitation of chest
expansion - Gr. 9

3. Slight limitation of chest expansion due to simple rib functional without myositis or intercostal
neuralgia - Gr. 12

4. Fracture of the dorsal or lumber spines resulting to severe or total rigidity of the trunk or total loss of
lifting power of heavy objects - Gr. 6

5. Moderate rigidity or two thirds (2/3) loss of motion or lifting power of the trunk - Gr. 8

6. Slight rigidity or one third (1/3) loss of motion or lifting power of the trunk - Gr. 11

7. Injury to the spinal cord as to make walking impossible without the aid of a pair of crutches - Gr. 4

8. Injury to the spinal cord as to make walking impossible even with the aid of a pair of crutches - Gr. 1

9. Injury to the spinal cord resulting to incontinence of urine and feces - Gr. 1

xxx

NOTE: Any item in the schedule classified under Grade 1 shall be considered or shall constitute total
and permanent disability.

Sec. 30-A. SCHEDULE OF DISABILITY ALLOWANCES

Impediment Grade Impediment

1 Maximum Rate x 120.00%

3 Maximum Rate x 78.36%

4 Maximum Rate x 68.66%

5 Maximum Rate x 58.96%

6 Maximum Rate x 50.00%

7 Maximum Rate x 41.80%

8 Maximum Rate x 33.59%

9 Maximum Rate x 26.12%

10 Maximum Rate x 20.15%

11 Maximum Rate x 14.93%

12 Maximum Rate x 10.45%

13 Maximum Rate x 6.72%

14 Maximum Rate x 3.74%

Maximum Rate: US$50,000

To be paid in Philippine Currency equivalent at the exchange rate prevailing during the time of payment.
(emphases supplied)

"Disability" is generally defined as "loss or impairment of a physical or mental function resulting from
injury or sickness."27 Clearly, "disability" is not synonymous with "sickness" or "illness," the former being
a potential effect of the latter. The schedule in Sec. 30 of the POEA SEC is a Schedule of Disability or
Impediment for Injuries Suffered and Diseases or Illness Contracted. It is not a list of compensable
sicknesses. Unlike the 2000 POEA SEC, 28 nowhere in the 1996 POEA SEC is there a list of "Occupational
Diseases."

The unqualified phrase "during the term" in Section 20(B) of the 1996 POEA SEC covers all injury or
illness occurring in the lifetime of the contract. The injury or illness need not be shown to be work-
related. In Sealanes Marine Services, Inc. v. NLRC, 29 we categorically held:
The argument of petitioners that since cancer of the pancreas is not an occupational disease it was
incumbent upon Capt. Arante to prove that his working conditions increased the risk of contracting the
same, is not meritorious. It must be noted that his claims arose from the stipulations of the standard
format contract entered into between him and SEACORP which, per Circular No. 2, Series of 1984 30 of
respondent POEA was required to be adopted and used by all parties to the employment of any Filipino
seamen (sic) on board any ocean-going vessel. His claims are not rooted from the provisions of the New
Labor Code as amended. Significantly, under the contract, compensability of the death or illness of
seam[e]n need not be dependent upon whether it is work connected or not. Therefore, proof that the
working conditions increased the risk of contracting a disease or illness, is not required to entitle a
seaman who dies during the term thereof by reason of such disease or illness, of the benefits stipulated
thereunder which are, under Section C(2) of the same Circular No. 2, separate and distinct from, and in
addition to whatever benefits which the seaman is entitled to under Philippine laws. (emphasis
supplied)

This principle was reiterated in the recent case of Seagull Shipmanagement and Transport, Inc. v. NLRC. 31

While indeed, the Labor Code's provisions on disability benefits under the Employees' Compensation
Commission (ECC) require the element of work-relation for an illness to be compensable, the 1996 POEA
SEC giving a more liberal provision in favor of the seafarer must apply. As a rule, stipulations in an
employment contract not contrary to statutes, public policy, public order or morals have the force of law
between the contracting parties. 32 In controversies between a laborer and his master, doubts reasonably
arising from the evidence, or in the interpretation of agreements and writing should be resolved in the
former’s favor.33 The policy is to extend the doctrine to a greater number of employees who can avail of
the benefits under the law, in consonance with the avowed policy of the State to give maximum aid and
protection of labor.34

Second. Is the Labor Code's concept of permanent total disability applicable to the case at bar?
Petitioner claims to have suffered from permanent total disability as defined under Article 192(c)(1) of
the Labor Code, viz:

Art. 192 (c) The following disabilities shall be deemed total and permanent:

(1) Temporary total disability lasting continuously for more than one hundred twenty days, except as
otherwise provided in the Rules; x x x

Petitioner likewise cites Vicente v. ECC 35 and Abaya, Jr. v. ECC,36 both of which were decided applying the
Labor Code provisions on disability benefits. Private respondents, on the other hand, contend that
petitioner erred in applying the definition of "permanent total disability" under the Labor Code and
cases decided under the ECC as the instant case involves a contractual claim under the 1996 POEA SEC.

Again, we rule for petitioner.

The standard employment contract for seafarers was formulated by the POEA pursuant to its mandate
under E.O. No. 247 to "secure the best terms and conditions of employment of Filipino contract workers
and ensure compliance therewith" and to "promote and protect the well-being of Filipino workers
overseas."37 Section 29 of the 1996 POEA SEC itself provides that "[a]ll rights and obligations of the
parties to [the] Contract, including the annexes thereof, shall be governed by the laws of the Republic of
the Philippines, international conventions, treaties and covenants where the Philippines is a signatory."
Even without this provision, a contract of labor is so impressed with public interest that the New Civil
Code expressly subjects it to "the special laws on labor unions, collective bargaining, strikes and
lockouts, closed shop, wages, working conditions, hours of labor and similar subjects." 38 lawphil.net

Thus, the Court has applied the Labor Code concept of permanent total disability to the case of
seafarers. In Philippine Transmarine Carriers v. NLRC, 39 seaman Carlos Nietes was found to be suffering
from congestive heart failure and cardiomyopathy and was declared as unfit to work by the company-
accredited physician. The Court affirmed the award of disability benefits to the seaman, citing ECC v.
Sanico,40 GSIS v. CA,41 and Bejerano v. ECC42 that "disability should not be understood more on its
medical significance but on the loss of earning capacity. Permanent total disability means disablement of
an employee to earn wages in the same kind of work, or work of similar nature that [he] was trained for
or accustomed to perform, or any kind of work which a person of [his] mentality and attainment could
do. It does not mean absolute helplessness." It likewise cited Bejerano v. ECC, 43 that in a disability
compensation, it is not the injury which is compensated, but rather it is the incapacity to work resulting
in the impairment of one's earning capacity.

The same principles were cited in the more recent case of Crystal Shipping, Inc. v. Natividad. 44 In
addition, the Court cited GSIS v. Cadiz 45 and Ijares v. CA46 that "permanent disability is the inability of a
worker to perform his job for more than 120 days, regardless of whether or not he loses the use of any
part of his body."

Finally. Applying the Labor Code concept of permanent total disability to the facts on record, is
petitioner entitled to permanent total disability benefit?

Petitioner contends that the certification of the company-designated physician that he may go back to
sea duty as a piano or guitar player after 8-10 months even if his job was a drummer proves that he
suffered from permanent total disability and thus entitled to permanent total disability benefits of
US$60,000.00 under the 1996 POEA SEC. Private respondents, on the other hand, contend that: 1)
petitioner did not present any proof that he suffered from permanent total disability, i.e., that his
earning power is now reduced and that he is incapable of performing remunerative employment; 2)
petitioner did not present any medical certificate showing that he suffered any disability; 3) on the
contrary, the company-designated physician attested that petitioner could return to further sea duty; 4)
even if he could not go back to sea duty, this does not mean that his earning capacity is impaired since
as a musician, he may still perform on land; and 5) having admitted that he was a heavy smoker,
petitioner is disqualified under Section 20(d) of the 1996 POEA SEC from recovering compensation for
any incapacity or disability he suffered.
There are three kinds of disability benefits under the Labor Code, as amended by P.D. No. 626: (1)
temporary total disability, (2) permanent total disability, and (3) permanent partial disability. Section 2,
Rule VII of the Implementing Rules of Book V of the Labor Code differentiates the disabilities as follows:

Sec. 2. Disability.-- (a) A total disability is temporary if as a result of the injury or sickness the employee is
unable to perform any gainful occupation for a continuous period not exceeding 120 days, except as
otherwise provided for in Rule X of these Rules.

(b) A disability is total and permanent if as a result of the injury or sickness the employee is unable to
perform any gainful occupation for a continuous period exceeding 120 days, except as otherwise
provided for in Rule X47 of these Rules.

(c) A disability is partial and permanent if as a result of the injury or sickness the employee suffers a
permanent partial loss of the use of any part of his body. (emphasis supplied)

In Vicente v. ECC:48

x x x the test of whether or not an employee suffers from ‘permanent total disability’ is a showing of the
capacity of the employee to continue performing his work notwithstanding the disability he incurred.
Thus, if by reason of the injury or sickness he sustained, the employee is unable to perform his
customary job for more than 120 days and he does not come within the coverage of Rule X of the
Amended Rules on Employees Compensability (which, in more detailed manner, describes what
constitutes temporary total disability), then the said employee undoubtedly suffers from ‘permanent
total disability’ regardless of whether or not he loses the use of any part of his body. (emphases
supplied)

A total disability does not require that the employee be absolutely disabled, or totally paralyzed. What is
necessary is that the injury must be such that the employee cannot pursue her usual work and earn
therefrom.49 On the other hand, a total disability is considered permanent if it lasts continuously for
more than 120 days.50 Thus, in the very recent case of Crystal Shipping, Inc. v. Natividad, 51 we held:

Permanent disability is inability of a worker to perform his job for more than 120 days, regardless of
whether or not he loses the use of any part of his body. 52 x x x

Total disability, on the other hand, means the disablement of an employee to earn wages in the same
kind of work of similar nature that he was trained for, or accustomed to perform, or any kind of work
which a person of his mentality and attainments could do. 53 It does not mean absolute helplessness. In
disability compensation, it is not the injury which is compensated, but rather it is the incapacity to work
resulting in the impairment of one's earning capacity. 54

Applying the foregoing standards, we find that petitioner suffered from permanent total disability.

It is undisputed that petitioner started to suffer chest pains on March 16, 1998 and was repatriated on
April 23, 1998 after having been found as "not fit for duty." The medical report dated June 25, 1998 of
the company-designated physician, Dr. Abesamis, establishes the following facts, viz: a) petitioner
underwent a coronary bypass on April 2, 1998; b) petitioner was "unfit" from April 27, 1998 (date of
referral) to June 25, 1998 (date of medical report); c) petitioner may not return to sea duty within 8-10
months after June 25, 1998; and d) petitioner may return to sea duty as a piano or guitar player after 8-
10 months from June 25, 1998.

These facts clearly prove that petitioner was unfit to work as drummer for at least 11-13 months -- from
the onset of his ailment on March 16, 1998 to 8-10 months after June 25, 1998. This, by itself, already
constitutes permanent total disability. What is more, private respondents were well aware that
petitioner was working for them as a drummer, as proven by the communication of respondent principal
to respondent agency referring to petitioner as "drummer with our enchanted isle quartet." 55 Thus, the
certification that petitioner may go back specifically as a piano or guitar player means that the likelihood
of petitioner returning to his usual work as a drummer was practically nil. From this, it is pristine clear
that petitioner's disability is total and permanent.

Private respondents' contention that it was not shown that it was impossible for petitioner to play the
drums during the 8-10 months that he was on land is specious. To our minds, petitioner's unfitness to
work attached to the nature of his job rather than to its place of performance. Indeed, playing drums
per se requires physical exertion, speed and endurance. It demands the performance of hitting strokes
and repetitive movements that petitioner, having undergone a triple coronary bypass, has become
incapacitated to do.

The possibility that petitioner could work as a drummer at sea again does not negate the claim for
permanent total disability benefits. In the same case of Crystal Shipping, Inc., we held:

Petitioners tried to contest the above findings [of permanent total disability] by showing that
respondent was able to work again as a chief mate in March 2001. (citation omitted) Nonetheless, this
information does not alter the fact that as a result of his illness, respondent was unable to work as a
chief mate for almost three years. The law does not require that the illness should be incurable. What is
important is that he was unable to perform his customary work for more than 120 days which
constitutes permanent total disability. 56 (emphasis supplied)

That the company-designated physician did not specify that petitioner suffered from any disability
should not prejudice petitioner's claim for disability benefits. In the first place, it is well to note that it
was respondent agency which referred petitioner to the American Outpatient Clinic giving only the
specific instruction that the designated physician indicate in the medical report "the estimated
treatment period and the exam conducted." 57 Moreover, what is important is that the facts stated in the
medical report clearly constitute permanent total disability as defined by law. It is well-settled that strict
rules of evidence are not applicable in claims for compensation and disability benefits. 58 Disability should
not be understood more on its medical significance but on the loss of earning capacity. 59 As in the case
of Crystal Shipping, Inc.,60 an award of permanent total disability benefits in the petition at bar would be
germane to the purpose of the benefit, which is to help the employee in making ends meet at the time
when he is unable to work.
We do not agree that petitioner's admission that he was a heavy smoker is enough ground to disqualify
him from entitlement to disability compensation under Section 20(D) of the 1996 POEA SEC,
viz:1avvphil.net

Section 20.D. No compensation shall be payable in respect of any injury, incapacity, disability or death of
the seafarer resulting from his willful or criminal act, provided however, that the employer can prove
that such injury, incapacity, disability or death is directly attributable to the seafarer.

We have held that a worker brings with him possible infirmities in the course of his employment and
while the employer is not the insurer of the health of the employees, he takes them as he finds them
and assumes the risk of liability. 61

In the case at bar, it is noteworthy that petitioner's habit of smoking was not a consideration when
private respondents hired petitioner. It was likewise not shown that petitioner suffered from any form
of ailment prior to the heart ailment he suffered during the course of his employment with private
respondents. While smoking may contribute to the development of a heart ailment, heart ailment may
be caused by other factors such as working and living under stressful conditions. Thus, private
respondents' peremptory presumption, that petitioner's habit of smoking heavily was the willful act
which caused his illness and resulting disability, without more, cannot suffice to bar petitioner's claim for
disability benefits. Ruling otherwise would run contrary to the constitutional mandate to extend full
protection to labor.

Having suffered from permanent total disability, petitioner is entitled to US$60,000.00 which is the
amount due for permanent total disability under Section 30-A of the 1996 POEA SEC.

As to the claim for sickness allowance, petitioner prays that private respondents be held jointly and
severally liable to pay him US$3,428.00, as opposed to the award of the Labor Arbiter, as affirmed by the
NLRC and the CA, of only US$3,400.00. We find this claim warranted by the undisputed fact on record
that petitioner's basic salary is US$857.00 per month. 62 Multiplying the 120-day sickness allowance due
petitioner on the basis of the correct monthly rate of US$857.00, he should be awarded US$3,428.00 as
sickness allowance.

Under Article 2208 of the New Civil Code, attorney's fees can be recovered in actions for the recovery of
wages of laborers and actions for indemnity under employer's liability laws. Attorney's fees is also
recoverable when the defendant's act or omission has compelled the plaintiff to incur expenses to
protect his interest. Such conditions being present in the case at bar, we find that an award of attorney's
fees is warranted.

IN VIEW WHEREOF, the decision and resolution of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. No. 67782 dated
March 31, 2003 and August 14, 2003, respectively, are REVERSED and SET ASIDE. Private respondents
are held jointly and severally liable to pay petitioner: a) permanent total disability benefits of
US$60,000.00 at its peso equivalent at the time of actual payment; b) sickness allowance of US$3,428.00
at its peso equivalent at the time of actual payment; and c) attorney's fees of ten percent (10%) of the
total monetary award at its peso equivalent at the time of actual payment. Costs against private
respondents.

SO ORDERED.