Philippine Shipping Update – Manning Industry

BY:  RUBEN DEL ROSARIO, PRESIDENT, DEL ROSARIO PANDIPHIL INC., 8 March 2023 (Issue 2023/01)


TWO SUPREME COURT DECISIONS PUT EMPHASIS ON FINDINGS OF CDP

 

In two recent decisions of the Supreme Court, the findings of the company-designated physician (CDP) were affirmed over the findings of seafarer’s personal doctor.
 
In Ledesma vs. C.F. Sharp Crew Management, Inc. the Court gave more credence to the findings of the CDP not only declaring the illnesses to be not work-related, but also that seafarer has been cleared of his illnesses.  The Court noted that in the medical reports of the CDP, it was clearly stated and explained that the illnesses of the seafarer were not work-related.  On the contrary, the medical report issued by the personal doctor of the seafarer did not even state whether the illnesses are work-related or work-aggravated.  Also, the medical certificate prepared by seafarer’s chosen doctor failed to validate her findings with concrete medical and factual proofs and simply based her conclusions on a single medical checkup. Compared to the thorough medical findings of the CDP which were supported by procedures conducted by specialists, the unsubstantiated medical certificate of seafarer's physician fails to persuade.
 
This was also the same conclusion reached by the Court in Garcia vs. Career Shipmanagement.  The Court held that as between the disability assessment issued by seafarer’s own physician vis-a-vis the assessment issued by the CDP, the latter's assessment is controlling on the matter of seafarer's fitness to work. The Court has reiterated that the findings of the CDP who has an unrestricted opportunity to track the physical condition of the seafarer in prolonged period will prevail versus the medical report of the seafarer's personal doctor who only performed a one-time examination and who only based his assessment on the medical records performed by another doctor.
 
These decisions emphasized the previous rulings of the Court upholding the credibility of the findings of the CDP over the seafarer’s personal doctor.  The CDP’s opinion has been given greater weight over that of the seafarer’s personal doctor who had no hand in the seafarer’s medical case from the very beginning. 
 
 
R. L. vs. C.F. Sharp Crew Management, Inc., and/or Prestige Cruise Services, LCC/Prestige Cruise Holdings, Inc. et al, G.R. No. 241067, October 5, 2022, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, ponente (Attys. Charles Dela Cruz and Jamella Joya of DelRosarioLaw handled for vessel interests)
 
Career Philippines Shipmanagement, Inc., Columbia Shipmanagement et al vs. A. G., G.R. No. 230352, November 29,2022,  Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, ponente (Attys. Florencio Aquino and Hazel Guansing of DelRosarioLaw handled for vessel interests)

 

FIRM NEWS

DelRosarioLaw proudly announces the appointment of Julius Yano to a government position. 
 
Julius Yano was formerly Managing Associate of the firm and was appointed as Assistant Secretary for Maritime with the Department of Transportation.
 
Our warmest congratulations and we are confident that with the extensive experience you’ve had with the firm, you will be able to greatly contribute to the government, the industry and your constituents.   We wish you all the best on your new endeavors.

 

 

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Areas of Specialization:  Labour & personal injury, litigation and dispute resolution, corporate and commercial, shipping and admiralty, intellectual property, cargo claims and charter party, transport, insurance and reinsurance, arbitration and ADR, immigration
 
 “‘Outstanding’ shipping boutique Del Rosario & Del Rosario is regularly sought out by the international group of P&I clubs as well as insurance companies and cruise lines. The firm has expertise in all aspects of shipping matters including labour, personal injury, vessel arrest, collisions, salvage, oil pollution, damage of cargoes, bunker claims, protection and indemnity, and ship finance. Its notable IP group has also been engaged by global giants such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Sony”. 2021 AsiaLaw Profile
 
“Specialising in maritime law, Del Rosario & Del Rosario is best known for acting for multinational clients in disputes relating to oil pollution, damaged cargo, salvage and vessel arrest. The group also has an extensive labour practice which is active in a full range of disputes involving Filipino seafarers. Del Rosario advise a variety of noteworthy clients, including shipping companies, insurers and P&I clubs.” 2021 Legal 500 Asia Pacific.

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This publication aims to provide commentary on issues affecting the manning industry, analysis of recent cases and updates on legislation.  It is meant to be brief and is not intended to be legal advice.  To subscribe or for further information, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 
 
 

 

 

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