Vergara v. Hammonia Maritime

Summary

This case involves seafarer Jesus Vergara who suffered eye problems (vitreal hemorrhage) while working on vessel British Valour in August 2000. After repatriation and extensive medical treatment including laser therapy and vitrectomy, the company-designated physician declared him fit to work with restored 20/20 vision on January 31, 2001. Vergara executed a fitness certificate but later sought private medical opinions declaring him unfit or partially disabled. He claimed disability benefits under the POEA Standard Employment Contract and CBA, but was denied. The Labor Arbiter initially ruled in his favor, but the NLRC, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court all reversed, holding that the company-designated physician's assessment must prevail under the contract terms. The Supreme Court emphasized that Vergara never challenged the company physician's competence during proceedings and had accepted the fitness declaration. The decision clarifies the hierarchy of medical assessments in seafarer disability claims and the proper application of the 120-day temporary disability rule under the POEA Standard Employment Contract.