Title
Pangasi Transportation Co., Inc. vs. Workmen's Compensation Commission
Case
G.R. No. L-16490
Decision Date
Jan 30, 1964
Driver's tuberculosis claim dismissed due to untimely filing; employer's knowledge excused notice but not claim delay. Jurisdiction upheld, compensability moot.
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Case Digest (G.R. No. L-16490)

Facts:

  1. Employment Details:

    • Cecilio Gatdula was employed as a driver by Pangasinan Transportation Company, Inc. starting January 1950.
    • His assigned routes were rough and dusty, and he often assisted in loading and unloading baggage.
    • His work schedule was demanding, with shifts lasting from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on alternate days.
  2. Accident and Initial Illness:

    • On June 20, 1953, Gatdula met with an accident while driving, resulting in injuries. He was hospitalized until August 22, 1953.
    • The company compensated him for his injuries, and he returned to work on January 17, 1954.
  3. Development of Tuberculosis:

    • By the end of 1954, Gatdula complained of chest and back pains, as well as headaches.
    • On January 23, 1955, he was diagnosed with acute bronchitis and was ordered to stop working.
    • A month later, he was found to have moderate pulmonary tuberculosis, which later became chronic and bilateral.
  4. Filing of Claim:

    • Gatdula filed a notice of sickness and claim for compensation on September 2, 1957, more than two years after his illness was discovered.
    • The company argued that the claim was barred due to the delay in filing and contested the compensability of the illness.

Issue:

  1. Timeliness of the Claim:

    • Whether Gatdula’s claim was barred for failure to file within the 60-day period prescribed by Section 24 of the Workmen’s Compensation Act.
  2. Jurisdiction of the Hearing Officer:

    • Whether the hearing officer had jurisdiction to hear the case, given the petitioner’s contention that Reorganization Plan No. 20-A was invalid.
  3. Compensability of the Illness:

    • Whether Gatdula’s pulmonary tuberculosis was caused, aggravated, or traceable to the nature of his employment.

Ruling:

  • (Subscriber-Only)

Ratio:

  • (Subscriber-Only)


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