SC: Corporate execs share liability with agencies for seafarers’ claims

SC: Corporate execs share liability with agencies for seafarers’ claims
Franco Jose C. Baroña March 9, 2026 https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/03/09/news/national/sc-corporate-execs-...

CORPORATE officers of recruitment or manning agencies may be held personally liable, together with their companies, for disability benefits owed to Filipino seafarers, the Supreme Court ruled.

In a decision written by Associate Justice Jhosep Lopez, the Court’s Special First Division granted a motion for partial reconsideration in a seafarer’s disability case.

The Court had earlier found Magsaysay Maritime Corporation and Princess Cruises Ltd. liable for the disability benefits of their seafarer, Ruthgar Parce. In its latest ruling, it added Magsaysay fleet director Sorwin Joy Rivera as a solidarily liable party.

Magsaysay hired Parce as an electrical fitter for Princess Cruises. He suffered an injury while onboard and was repatriated to Manila for treatment. The company doctor diagnosed rotator tendinitis and later declared the treatment period complete, prompting the employer to consider him fit for work.

Parce sought a second opinion that found him unfit for sea duty, and asked for a referral to a third doctor, as required when medical findings conflict. Instead, the company asked for the second report and explored a settlement, prompting Parce to file a complaint before the National Labor Relations Commission.

Magsaysay hired Parce as an electrical fitter for Princess Cruises. He suffered an injury while onboard and was repatriated to Manila for treatment. The company doctor diagnosed rotator tendinitis and later declared the treatment period complete, prompting the employer to consider him fit for work.

Parce sought a second opinion that found him unfit for sea duty, and asked for a referral to a third doctor, as required when medical findings conflict. Instead, the company asked for the second report and explored a settlement, prompting Parce to file a complaint before the National Labor Relations Commission.

The Court cited Section 10 of Republic Act 8042, which provides that officers of recruitment or manning agencies are jointly liable with the company for monetary awards granted to overseas Filipino workers.