Case Digest (G.R. No. L-16490)
Facts:
The case involves the Pangasinan Transportation Company, Inc. as the petitioner and the Workmen's Compensation Commission along with Cecilio Gatdula as the respondents. The events leading to the case began when Cecilio Gatdula, a driver for the Pangasinan Transportation Company, was employed from January 1950. His work involved driving on rough and dusty routes in Pangasinan, which included Dagupan-Tayug, San Jose-Dagupan, and Dagupan-Mangatarem. His daily schedule required him to work from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, alternating with a later shift until 8:00 PM. On June 20, 1953, while performing his duties, Gatdula was involved in an accident that resulted in injuries, for which he was hospitalized until August 22, 1953. The company compensated him for these injuries, and he returned to work on January 17, 1954.
However, by the end of 1954, Gatdula began experiencing persistent chest and back pains, along with headaches. Despite receiving temporary relief from first aid trea...
Case Digest (G.R. No. L-16490)
Facts:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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)