Facts:

• Pogong Soliweg, employed as a gardener for the Office of the President of the Philippines, developed pulmonary tuberculosis during his tenure.
• He submitted a compensation claim, which was favorably ruled by Erudito E. Luna, Chief of the Workmen's Compensation Section, on March 22, 1973.
• The ruling awarded Soliweg P3,464.32 for the period from March 20, 1971, to March 21, 1973, along with ongoing weekly compensation for up to 208 weeks.
• The Office of the Solicitor General received the decision on April 2, 1973, and filed a motion for review on May 11, 1973.
• The Workmen's Compensation Commission denied the motion on May 30, 1973, citing late filing and lack of verification.
• Despite the denial, the referee elevated the case on May 31, 1973.
• The Republic submitted a motion for reconsideration on June 21, 1973, arguing the absence of an employee-employer relationship and alleging abuse of discretion, which was denied.
• On November 5, 1974, the Commission reversed the referee's decision, leading Soliweg to file a petition for review by certiorari to the Supreme Court.

Issue:

• (Unlock)

Ruling:

• The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Pogong Soliweg, overturning the Workmen's Compensation Commission's decision.
• The Court concluded that the Commission lacked the jurisdiction to reverse the final and executory judgment of the Chief of the Workmen's Compensation ...(Unlock)

Ratio:

• The Court reasoned that the Workmen's Compensation Commission did not have the authority to reverse a final judgment, as the Solicitor General failed to file a timely motion for reconsideration.
• The decision made by the Chief of the Workmen's Compensat...continue reading