Facts:

• Romil T. Olaybal worked as a seafarer for OSG Shipmanagement from August 18, 2002, to October 1, 2010.
• His final contract was from June 7, 2010, to October 1, 2010, for the vessel Overseas Sakura, governed by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
• He was declared "Fit to Work" following a Pre-Employment Medical Examination (PEME).
• Olaybal suffered an eye injury from SAF acid while repairing a fresh water generator.
• Despite worsening symptoms, he continued to work until he reported the injury to the Chief Engineer in Qingdao, China.
• He was diagnosed with retinal detachment and cataract, necessitating immediate surgery in Tianjin.
• Due to visa complications, he remained on the vessel until his repatriation to Manila on October 7, 2010.
• After multiple medical evaluations and surgery, he applied for permanent disability benefits on March 24, 2011.
• The Labor Arbiter awarded him full disability benefits, but the NLRC and Court of Appeals modified this to partial benefits and denied full disability and moral damages.

Issue:

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Ruling:

• The Supreme Court denied Olaybal's petition and upheld the Court of Appeals' Amended Decision dated March 24, 2014.
• Olaybal was entitled only to partial permanent disability benefits equivalent to Grade 7.
• The removal of moral an...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• Olaybal's claim for total and permanent disability benefits was premature due to unfulfilled procedural requirements of the POEA-SEC and the CBA.
• The assessment of Grade 7 by the company-designated physician was essential for determining benefits.
• A temporary total disability does not automatically transition to permanent disability without a definitive declaration from the physician...continue reading