Legal Advice
Mandatory referral to a 3rd doctor in case of conflicting medical assessments

Dear PAO,

I have a question regarding a work-related injury sustained by my brother, who is a seafarer. He was repatriated to the Philippines on July 20, 2024, due to a hand injury. Upon his arrival, he immediately consulted their company-designated physician. After a month, the company-designated physician issued a fit-to-work certification to him. Unsatisfied with the results, he consulted his own choice of physician, believing that he was totally and permanently disabled from working. His chosen physician certified that my brother was 'medically unfit to work in any capacity as a seaman.' Whose findings shall prevail?