CASE TITLE: Wallem Maritime Services, Inc., v.

Pedrajas

FACTS OF THE CASE: Hernani Pedrajas was hired by petitioner Wallem Maritime
Services as an Engine Boy on board one of his ships. However, one day the former
was found hanging on the upper deck of the vessel. Respondent and spouse
Pedrajas was informed of the situation and was told it was being investigated by
the Italian Government. Suspecting foul play, she hired the services of the PNP
Crime Laboratory and the NBI, who later concluded that homicide could not be
ruled out. Respondent then filed a claim for death compensation benefits, which
was opposed by petitioners and denied by the Labor arbiter, but later granted by
the NLRC. Decision of the NLRC was affirmed by the CA, who did not give
credence to the suicide notes presented by petitioners that was allegedly written
by Hernani and ruled that the forensic report by the Italian government was
weakened by the findings of the PNP and NBI.

ISSUE: Whether or not Hernani committed suicide?

RULING: Yes, Hernani committed suicide. The Court ruled that it is more logical to
rely on the findings of the Italian Medical examiner as he personally and carefully
examined the place immediately after the incident, as opposed to the PNP and
NBI who admitted that their knowledge of the case is only based on information
coming from Hernani’s relatives. With regard to the photocopies of the suicide
notes that was not appreciated by the CA for lack of proof that it was written by
Hernani, the Court ruled that “proceedings before the NLRC are not covered by
the technical rules of evidence and procedure as observed in regular courts. The
LA and NLRC are directed to use every and all reasonable means necessary to
ascertain the facts in each case speedily and objectively, without regard to
technicalities of law and procedure all in the interest of substantial justice.”

DOCTRINE:
Proceedings before the NLRC are not covered by the technical rules of evidence
and procedure as observed in regular courts. They are directed to use all
reasonable means necessary to ascertain facts speedily and objectively.