Case Digest (G.R. No. L-6920)
Facts:
The case involves Joaquin Boo as the respondent and the Blue Bar Coconut Company, the Employers' Liability Assurance Corporation, Ltd., and E. E. Elser, Inc. as the petitioners. The events leading to the case began when Joaquin Boo filed a "Notice of Injury or Sickness and Claim Compensation" with the Workmen's Compensation Commission, asserting that he was employed as a dryer man by the Blue Bar Coconut Company prior to October 9, 1951. His duties included regulating the pressure and heat of a steam machine used for desiccating coconuts and supervising workers in the compound. Boo claimed that his exposure to extreme heat and temperature changes led to him coughing up blood, a symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis, which ultimately disabled him from work, resulting in his layoff.
After hearing the evidence from both parties, the referee ruled in favor of Boo, ordering the Blue Bar Coconut Company and E. E. Elser, Inc. to pay him compensation of P992.14, with ...
Case Digest (G.R. No. L-6920)
Facts:
Employment and Work Conditions:
- Joaquin Boo was employed by the Blue Bar Coconut Company as a dryer man. His duties included regulating the pressure and heat of a steam machine used for desiccating coconut and supervising workers in the compound.
- His work exposed him to extreme heat and sudden changes in temperature, which allegedly contributed to his illness.
Health Issues and Diagnosis:
- In October 1951, Boo coughed up blood, a symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis, and was subsequently laid off due to his inability to work.
- Medical reports from the company physician, Dr. Artemio Masangkay, and Dr. Bautista of the Quezon Institute confirmed that Boo suffered from moderately advanced bilateral pulmonary tuberculosis with a cavity on the left lung.
Claim for Compensation:
- Boo filed a claim for compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act, arguing that his illness was caused or aggravated by the nature of his work.
- The Workmen's Compensation Commission awarded him compensation, including medical expenses and weekly payments, but excluded the insurance carrier from liability.
Legal Proceedings:
- The petitioners (Blue Bar Coconut Company, The Employers' Liability Assurance Corporation, Ltd., and E. E. Elser, Inc.) contested the decision, arguing that the Deputy Workmen's Compensation Commissioner lacked jurisdiction and that Boo's illness was idiopathic (not work-related).
Issue:
- Whether the Deputy Workmen's Compensation Commissioner had jurisdiction to hear and decide the claim.
- Whether Joaquin Boo's tuberculosis was compensable under the Workmen's Compensation Act, considering it was allegedly idiopathic and not caused by his employment.
- Whether Republic Act No. 772, which took effect after Boo's disability, could be applied retroactively to his case.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)