Facts:

• Zosimo Capacio, a public school teacher for 33 years, filed a case against the Republic of the Philippines, represented by the Bureau of Public Schools.
• He retired on August 13, 1974, at the age of 60 due to health issues, including peptic ulcer, hypertension, and schistosomiasis, which he claimed began on March 19, 1973.
• After retirement, he underwent a medical check-up by the Workmen's Compensation Commission (WCC) and continued treatment until September 15, 1974.
• Capacio filed a claim for compensation benefits under the Workmen's Compensation Act.
• Initially, a hearing officer awarded him P5,693.57 for sickness compensation and medical expenses on November 24, 1975.
• The Office of the Solicitor General filed a motion for reconsideration, leading the WCC to reverse the award, citing insufficient documentary evidence and suggesting retirement was for benefits, not illness.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court reversed the WCC's decision and reinstated the original award made by the hearing officer.
• The Court ruled in favor of Zosimo Capacio, affirming that his illnesses were work-related.
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Ratio:

• The Supreme Court recognized the presumption of compensability under the Workmen's Compensation Act.
• Once an illness is shown to have occurred during employment, a rebuttable presumption arises that it is work-related, shifting the burden of proof to the employer.
• The Court determined that Capacio's ailments were aggravated by the demanding conditions of his teaching jo...continue reading