Title
Aribon vs. Workmen's Compensation Commission
Case
G.R. No. L-45906
Decision Date
Nov 7, 1985
Aribon, a field worker, claimed disability benefits for a work-related peptic ulcer. The Supreme Court ruled in his favor, citing lack of proper notice, unnecessary medical tests, and entitlement to maximum benefits under the Workmen's Compensation Act.
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Case Digest (G.R. No. L-45906)

Facts:

  1. Employment Background:

    • Petitioner Baldomero Aribon, a 39-year-old field worker, was employed by Canlubang Sugar Estate/C.J. Yulo & Sons since 1957.
    • He worked seven days a week, earning a daily wage of P4.50 or P32.62 weekly.
  2. Medical Condition:

    • In 1967, Aribon experienced stomach pains and was diagnosed with peptic ulcer at Canlubang Hospital.
    • He continued working with medication, but his condition worsened, leading him to stop working on November 15, 1967, and retire upon the recommendation of Dr. Bunye.
  3. Filing of Claim:

    • On March 10, 1975, Aribon filed a claim for disability benefits under the Workmen's Compensation Act, alleging his illness was work-related.
  4. Initial Decision:

    • Acting Referee Salvador C. Guevarra awarded Aribon P6,000.00 in disability benefits, computed based on 60% of his average weekly wage for the period from November 15, 1967, to October 22, 1975.
  5. Appeal to Workmen's Compensation Commission:

    • The Commission reversed the decision, citing the absence of a GI series test to confirm the peptic ulcer diagnosis.
  6. Petition to Supreme Court:

    • Aribon appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing that the Commission's decision was not properly served and that the GI series test was unnecessary.

Issue:

  1. Whether the Workmen's Compensation Commission's decision became final and executory due to alleged proper notice to the petitioner.
  2. Whether the petitioner's failure to submit a GI series test result invalidates his claim for disability benefits.
  3. Whether the petitioner is entitled to the maximum disability benefits under the Workmen's Compensation Act.

Ruling:

  • (Subscriber-Only)

Ratio:

  • (Subscriber-Only)


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