The Supreme Court has affirmed that when a non-occupational disease leads to an employee’s death, the surviving spouse can claim death benefits if it’s shown that the employee’s working conditions significantly increased the risk of contracting the disease. The Court underscored that a direct causal relationship isn’t necessary; a reasonable connection between the work and the increased risk is sufficient to grant compensation.

From Fabrication Helper to Fatal Illness: Can Working Conditions Tip the Scales for Death Benefits?

This case revolves around Violeta A. Simacas’ claim for death benefits following the death of her husband, Irnido L. Simacas. Irnido worked as a Fabrication Helper at Fieldstar Manufacturing Corporation, where his duties included assisting welders and machinists in cutting steel materials. After years of service, Irnido succumbed to cardiopulmonary arrest secondary to metastatic prostatic adenocarcinoma (prostate cancer). The Social Security System (SSS) denied Violeta’s claim, arguing that prostate cancer is a non-occupational disease and lacked a direct causal link to Irnido’s employment. This legal battle tests the boundaries of compensability under Presidential Decree No. 626, as amended, specifically addressing whether Irnido’s work environment aggravated his risk of contracting prostate cancer, thereby entitling his widow to death benefits.

The core issue is whether Violeta presented enough evidence to demonstrate that Irnido’s working conditions at Fieldstar increased his risk of developing prostate cancer. The Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) initially denied the claim, stating that Violeta failed to prove Irnido’s work increased his risk of contracting prostate cancer. Violeta then appealed to the Court of Appeals, which reversed the ECC’s decision, favoring a liberal interpretation of social legislation designed to protect workers. Undeterred, the SSS elevated the case to the Supreme Court, challenging the appellate court’s ruling and reiterating the need for substantial evidence linking Irnido’s work to his illness.

The Supreme Court recognized that factual findings of the Court of Appeals are generally binding, but exceptions exist, especially when findings conflict with those of lower bodies. In this instance, the Court noted the discrepancy between the Court of Appeals’ decision and that of the Employees Compensation Commission. This divergence prompted the Court to re-evaluate the evidence presented by both parties to determine whether the appellate court correctly applied the principles of employees’ compensation law.

According to the Labor Code, a sickness is defined as an occupational disease or any illness caused or aggravated by employment conditions. Specifically, Article 173(1) of the Labor Code states:

“Sickness” means any illness definitely accepted as an occupational disease listed by the Commission, or any illness caused by employment subject to proof that the risk of contracting the same is increased by working conditions. For this purpose, the Commission is empowered to determine and approve occupational diseases and work-related illnesses that may be considered compensable based on peculiar hazards of employment.”

Here, prostate cancer is not a listed occupational disease. Violeta had to prove that Irnido’s work significantly increased his risk of developing the condition. The degree of proof required is “substantial evidence,” meaning evidence that a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion. The Supreme Court referred to Sarmiento v. Employees’ Compensation Commission to clarify this standard:

Strict rules of evidence are not applicable in claims for compensation. There are no stringent criteria to follow. The degree of proof required under P.D. 626, is merely substantial evidence, which means, “such relevant evidence as a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion”. The claimant must show, at least, by substantial evidence that the development of the disease is brought largely by the conditions present in the nature of the job. What the law requires is a reasonable work-connection and not a direct causal relation. It is enough that the hypothesis on which the workmen’s claim is based is probable. Medical opinion to the contrary can be disregarded especially where there is some basis in the facts for inferring a work-connection. Probability not certainty is the touchstone.

The Supreme Court found that Violeta had indeed presented substantial evidence of a link between Irnido’s work and his increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Although the exact etiology of prostate cancer remains unclear, research suggests potential links between certain occupational exposures and the disease. Notably, studies have indicated a possible association between exposure to chromium—a substance often encountered by workers handling stainless steel—and an elevated risk of prostate cancer. The Court emphasized that Irnido’s role as a fabrication helper involved assisting in cutting steel materials, potentially exposing him to chromium. This exposure, though not definitively proven as a direct cause, created a reasonable probability sufficient to warrant compensation.

The Supreme Court highlighted that while Presidential Decree No. 626 does not presume compensability, it is still a social legislation that should be construed liberally in favor of labor. Drawing from Obra v. Social Security System, the Court reiterated that implementing agencies like the ECC and SSS should adopt a favorable stance towards employees’ claims, especially when there is a factual basis for inferring a connection between the work and the illness. The Court said:

As a final note, we find it necessary to reiterate that P.D. No. 626, as amended, is a social legislation whose primordial purpose is to provide meaningful protection to the working class against the hazards of disability, illness and other contingencies resulting in the loss of income. Thus, as the official agents charged by law to implement social justice guaranteed by the Constitution, the ECC and the SSS should adopt a liberal attitude in favor of the employee in deciding claims for compensability especially where there is some basis in the facts for inferring a work connection with the illness or injury, as the case may be. It is only this kind of interpretation that can give meaning and substance to the compassionate spirit of the law as embodied in Article 4 of the New Labor Code which states that all doubts in the implementation and interpretation of the provisions of the Labor Code including its implementing rules and regulations should be resolved in favor of labor.

Ultimately, the Supreme Court upheld the Court of Appeals’ decision, affirming Violeta A. Simacas’ entitlement to death benefits. The ruling underscored the importance of considering working conditions as potential aggravating factors in non-occupational diseases and reinforces the principle of liberal construction in favor of labor within the framework of social legislation. This case serves as a reminder that while a direct causal link may not always be scientifically established, a reasonable work connection, supported by substantial evidence, can suffice to justify compensation under the law.

FAQs

What was the key issue in this case?	The central issue was whether the widow of a deceased employee, who died from a non-occupational disease (prostate cancer), was entitled to death benefits under Presidential Decree No. 626, as amended, based on the argument that his working conditions increased the risk of contracting the disease.
What is the standard of proof required to claim death benefits for a non-occupational disease?	The claimant must present “substantial evidence” showing that the working conditions increased the risk of contracting the disease. This does not require a direct causal relationship but a reasonable work connection.
What did the Social Security System (SSS) argue in this case?	The SSS contended that prostate cancer is a non-occupational disease and that the claimant failed to provide sufficient medical evidence demonstrating a causal relationship between the deceased’s work and his illness.
How did the Court of Appeals rule on this matter?	The Court of Appeals reversed the Employees Compensation Commission’s decision, holding that the SSS should pay the death benefits, emphasizing the need for a liberal interpretation of social legislation to protect workers.
What was the Supreme Court’s ruling?	The Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals’ decision, finding that the widow had presented substantial evidence to suggest that her husband’s working conditions increased his risk of developing prostate cancer, entitling her to death benefits.
What evidence did the claimant present to support her claim?	The claimant argued that her husband’s work involved assisting with cutting steel materials, which exposed him to chromium, a substance linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer in some studies.
Is direct medical proof required to establish a work connection?	No, the Supreme Court clarified that a direct causal relationship is not required. A reasonable connection or probability, supported by substantial evidence, is sufficient to warrant compensation.
What principle did the Supreme Court emphasize in its decision?	The Supreme Court reiterated that Presidential Decree No. 626 is a social legislation that should be liberally construed in favor of labor, providing meaningful protection to workers against hazards resulting in loss of income.
What factors were considered in determining the connection between work and illness?	The Court considered the nature of the employee’s work, the potential exposure to hazardous substances, and relevant studies suggesting possible links between occupational exposures and the disease, even if the exact cause of the disease is unknown.

In conclusion, this case clarifies that while proving a direct cause between work and a non-occupational disease may be challenging, demonstrating a reasonable connection where working conditions increased the risk is sufficient for a claim. This decision reaffirms the commitment to protecting workers and their families through social legislation.

For inquiries regarding the application of this ruling to specific circumstances, please contact ASG Law through contact or via email at frontdesk@asglawpartners.com.

Disclaimer: This analysis is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal guidance tailored to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney.
Source: Social Security System vs. Violeta A. Simacas, G.R. No. 217866, June 20, 2022