BEBERISA RIÑO vs.
ECC and SSS, G.R. No. 132558, May 9, 2000
Facts:
Virgilio T. Riño Sr., was a stevedore at
Allied Port Services since July 1982. In 1992, he died of “Uremia secondary to
chronic renal failure” three days after he was rushed to the hospital after
collapsing at work. Virgilio’s widow claimed for death benefits from the SSS.
The claim was denied by the system and, subsequently, by the ECC for failure to
present proof of causal connection between the decedent’s illness and his work
as a stevedore.
Whether or not Riño’s Death was compensable under PD626 by
virtue of the increased risk theory.
Ruling:
The Court held that the decedent’s death was non-compensable.
The primary and antecedent causes of Virgilio
Riño’s death are not listed as occupational diseases. Hence, petitioner should
have presented substantial evidence, or such relevant evidence which a
reasonable mind might accept as adequate to justify a conclusion, showing that
the nature of her husband’s employment or working conditions increased the risk
of uremia, chronic renal failure or chronic glomerulonephritis. Bare
allegations do not ipso facto make the death compensable. Since the petitioner failed to must adduce
evidence to prove work-connection, the denial of claim was held proper.
