Torts and Damages Notes
Torts and Damages Notes
Torts and Damages Notes
1.
2.
3.
4.
4.
5.
A. MAJOR PURPOSES
TO PROVIDE A PEACEFUL MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE RIGHTS OF PARTIES WHO MIGHT
OTHERWISE TAKE THE LAW INTO THEIR OWN HANDS.
DETER WRONGFUL CONDUCT.
TO ENCOURAGE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR.
TO RESTORE INJURED PARTIES TO THEIR ORIGINAL CONDITION, BY COMPENSATING THEM FOR
THE INJURY.
B. BALANCING CONFLICTING INTERESTS
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
A. EQUITY AND JUSTICE
B. DEMOCRACY
C. HUMAN PERSONALITY EXALTED
JUSTIFICATION OF TORT LIABILITY
A. MORAL PRESPECTIVE
B. SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE
CHAPTER 2 - NEGLIGENCE
1. KINDS OF NEGLIGENCE
ACTIONABLE NEGLIGENCE MAY EITHER BE CULPA CONTRACTUAL, CULPA AQUILIANA AND
CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE. THUS, AN ACTION FOR DAMAGES FOR THE NEGLIGENT ACTS OF THE
DEFENDANT MAY BE BASED ON CONTRACT, QUASI-DELICT OR DELICT. THE BASES OF LIABILITY
ARE SEPARATE AND DISTINCT FROM EACH OTHER EVEN IF ONLY ONE ACT OR OMISSION IS
INVOLVED.
A. STATUTORY BASIS AND REQUISITES
a. QUASI-DELICT. IS GOVERNED BY ARTICLE 2176 OF THE CIVIL CODE.
ESSENTIAL REQUISITES:
1. AN ACT OR OMISSION CONSTITUTING FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE.
2. DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE SAID ACT OR OMISSION.
3. THE CAUSAL CONNECTION BETWEEN THE DAMGE AND THE ACT OR OMISSION.
4. THE ABSENCE OF CONTRACTUAL RELATION BETWEEN THE PLAINTIFF AND THE
DEFENDANT.
b. DELICT. CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE IS GOVERNED BY ART. 365 OF THE RPC, WHICH
PROVIDES THAT:
1. THE OFFENDER DOES OR FAILS TO DO AN ACT.
2. THAT THE DOING OR THE FAILURE TO DO THE ACT IS VOLUNTARY.
3. THAT IT BE WITHOUT MALICE.
4. THAT THE MATERIAL DAMAGE RESULTS FROM THE RCKLESS IMPRUDENCE.
5. THAT THERE IS INEXUSABLE LACK OF PRECAUTION ON THE PART OF THE OFFENDER,
TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION HIS EMPLOYMENT OR OCCUPATION, DEGREE OF
INTELLIGENCE, PHYSICAL CONDITION, AND OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES REGARDING THE
PERSONS, TIME AND PLACE.
c. CONTRACT. IS GOVERNED BY THE CIVIL CODE PROVISIONS ON OBLIGATIONS AND
CONTRACTS PARTICULARLY ARTICLES 1170 TO 1174. ARTICLE 1170 PROVIDES THAT
THOSE, WHO IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THE OBLIGATION ARE GUILTY OF FRAUD,
NEGLIGENCE, OR DELAY, ARE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES. RESPONSIBILITY ARISING FROM
NEGLIGENCE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF EVERY KIND OF OBLIGATION IS DEMADABLE, BUT
SUCH LIABILITY MAY BE REGULATED BY COURTS, ACCORDING TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
(ART.1172, CIVIL CODE).
B. DISTINCTIONS
a. CULPA AQUILIANA DISTINGUISHED FROM CULPA CONTRACTUAL
CULPA CONTRACTUAL BREACH OF CONTRACT
CULPA AQUILIANA- INDEPENDENT OF
CONTRACT
ART. 2180 CC.PROOF OF THE EXERCISE OF DUE CARE IN THEIR SELECTION AND SUPERVISION
OF EMPLOYEE.
b. CULPA AQUILANA DISTINGUISHED FROM CRIMES
CULPA CONTRACTUAL
CONTRACTUAL
NEGLIGENCE
PREPONDERANCE
EVIDENCE
CULPA AQUILIANA
CULPA CRIMINAL
CIVIL NEGLIGENCE, QUASIDELICT,
TORT,
CULPA
EXTRACONTRACTUAL
CRIMINAL NEGLIGENCE
PROOF NEEDED
OF PREPONDERANCE
OF PROOF OF GUILT BEYOND
EVIDENCE
REASONABLE DOUBT
DISTINGUISHED
1.
ARE
ONLY
PRIVATE
CONCERN
2. INDEMNIFY, REPAIRS THE
DAMAGES
3. COVERS ALL ACTS THAT
ARE FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE
4. NO RESERVATION
5. IS INDEPENDENT FROM
OBLIGATION
CRIME
COVERING IT.
4.
LIABILITY
OF
THE
3.
EXERCISE
OF 6. EMPLOYER LIABILITY IS EMPLOYER IS SUBSIDIARY IN
EXTRAORDINARY DILIGENCE SOLIDARY
CRIMES
(IN
CONTRACTS
OF
CARRIAGE),
FORCE
MAJEURE
EVEN IF THE PARTICULAR INJURY WAS NOT FORESEEABLE, THE RISK IS STILL FORESEEABLE IF
POSSIBILITY OF INJURY IS FORESEEABLE.
E. PROBABILITY
3. CALCULATION OF RISK
A. RISK BENEFIT ANALYSIS
THE STANDARD OF CONDUCT, WHICH IS THE BASIS OF THE LAW OF NEGLIGENCE, IS USUALLY
DETERMINED UPON A RISK-BENEFIT FORM OF ANALYSIS: BY BALANCING THE RISK, IN THE
LIGHT OF THE SOCIAL VALUE OF THE INTEREST THREATENED...
CONSIDERED:
1. GRAVITY OF THE HARM TO BE AVOIDED.
2. UTILITY OF CONDUCT OR THE SOCIAL VALUE IT SEEKS TO ADVANCE.
3. ALTERNATIVE COURSE OF THE ACTION, DANGERS AND ADVANTAGES TO THE PERSON OR
PROPERTY OF THE ACTOR HIMSELF AND TO OTHERS.
PROFESSOR TERRY, REASONABLENESS MAY DEPEND UPON 5 FACTORS:
1. THE MAGNITUDE OF THE RISK/A RISK IS MORE LIKELY TO BE UNREASONABLE THE GREATER IT
IS.
2. THE VALUE OR IMPORTANCE OF THAT WHICH IS EXPOSED TO THE RISK, WHICH IS THE OBJECT
THAT THE LAW DESIRES TO PROTECT / PRINCIPAL OBJECT.
3. A PERSON WHO TAKES A RISK OF INJURING THE PRINCIPAL OBJECT USUALLY DOES SO BECAUSE
HE HAS SOME REASON OF HIS OWN FOR SUCH CONDUCT/ COLLATERAL OBJECT.
4. THE PROBABILITY THAT THE COLLATERAL OBJECT WILL BE ATTAINED BY THE CONDUCT WHICH
INVOLVES RISK TO THE PRINCIPAL / THE UTILITY OF THE RISK.
5. THE PROBABILITY THAT THE COLLATERAL OBJECT WILL BE ATTAINED WITHOUT TAKING THE
RISK / THE NECESSITY OF THE RISK.
RULE IN THE PHILIPPINES. Has always been that what constitutes ordinary care vary with the
circumstances of the case; that negligence is want of care required by the circumstances.
ART.1173 OF THE CIVIL CODE PROVIDES THAT THE DEGREE OF DILIGENCE DEPENDS UPON THE
NATURE OF THE OBLIGATION AND CORRESPONDS TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF PERSON, TIME
AND PLACE.
ART.365 OF THE RPC PROVIDES THAT THE DETERMINATION OF RECKLESS IMPRUDENCE SHOULD
TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE EMPLOYMENT OR OCCUPATION OF THE ACTOR, HIS DEGREE OF
INTELLIGENCE, PHYSICAL CONDITION AND OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES REGARDING PERSONS, TIME
AND PLACE.
a. CIRCUMSTANCES TO CONSIDER
1. TIME NIGHT OR DAY MAY AFFECT THE DILIGENCE REQUIRED OF THE ACTOR.
2. PLACE INHABITED TOWN, VILLAGE OR CITY.
3. EMERGENCY
4.
EMERGENCY RULE MCKE V. IAC. ONE OF THE PLAINTIFFS THEREIN SWERVED HIS VEHICLE
IN ORDER TO AVOID HITTING 2 CHILDREN. THE SC EXPLAINED THAT ANY REASONABLE AND
ORDINARY PRUDENT MAN WOULD HAVE TRIED TO AVOID RUNNING OVER 2 BOYS BY SWERVING
THE CAR AWAY FROM WHERE THEY WHERE EVEN IF THIS WOULD MEAN ENTERING THE
OPPOSITE LANE. AVOIDING SUCH IMMEDIATE PERIL WOULD BE THE NATURAL COURSE TO
TAKEPARTICULARLY WHERE THE VEHICLE IN THE OPPOSITE LANE WOULD BE SEVERAL METERS
AWAY AND COULD VERY WELL SLOW DOWN, MOVE TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD AND GIVE
WAY TO THE ONCOMING CAR. MOREOVER, UNDER THE EMERGENCY RULE ONE WHO SUDDENLY
FINDS HIMSELF IN A PLACE OF DANGER, AND IS REQUIRED TO ACT WITHOUT TIME TO CONSIDER
THE BEST MEANS THAT MAY BE ADOPTED TO AVOID THE IMPENDING DANGER, IS NOT GUILTY
OF NEGLIGENCE, IF HE FAILS TO ADOPT WHAT SUBSEQUENTLY AND UPON REFLECTION MAY
APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN A BETTER METHOD, UNLESS THE EMERGENCY IN WHICH HE FINDS
HIMSELF IS BROUGHT ABOUT BY HIS OWN NEGLIGENCE.
4. GRAVITY OF HARM TO BE AVOIDED. EVEN IF THE ODDS THAT AN INJURY WILL RESULT IS
NOT HIGH, HARM MAY STILL BE CONSIDERED FORESEEABLE IF THE GRAVITY OF HARM TO
BE AVOIDED IS GREAT.
5. ALTERNATIVE COURSE OF ACTION.
IN MCKEE V. IAC. THE GRAVITY OF THE INJURY WHICH WILL RESULT IF THE ALTERNATIVE
COURSE OF THE ACTION WAS TAKEN BY THE ACTOR WAS ALSO CONSIDERED. THE SAID CASE
INVOLVES A COLLISION BETWEEN A CAR AND A TRUCK. CA RULED THAT THE FACT THAT THE
CAR IMPROPERLY INVADED THE LANE OF THE TRUCK AND THAT THE COLLISION OCCURED IN
SAID LANE GAVE RISE TO THE PRESUMPTION THAT THE DRIVER OF THE CAR WAS NEGLIGENT.
THE SC RULED THAT THERE WAS AN UNWARRANTED DEDUCTION AS THE EVIDENCE FOR THE
PETITIONERS CONVINCINGLY SHOWS THAT THE CAR SWERVED INTO THE TRUCKS LANE
BECAUSE AS IT APPROACHED THE SOUTHERN END OF THE BRIDGE, 2 BOYS DARTED ACROSS
THE ROAD FROM THE RIGHT SIDEWALK INTO THE LANE OF THE CAR. THE SC EXPLAINED THAT
THE CAR DRIVERS ENTRY INTO THE LANE OF THE TRUCK WAS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO AVOID
WHAT WAS, IN HIS MIND, AT THE TIME, A GREATER PERIL-DEATH OR INJURY TO THE 2 BOYS.
IF THE ALTERNATIVE PRESENTED TO THE ACTOR IS TOO COSTLY, THE HARM THAT MAY RESULT
MAY STILL BE CONSIDERED UNFORESEEABLE TO A REASONABLE MAN. MORE SO IF THERE IS NO
ALTERNATIVE THERETO.
6. SOCIAL VALUE OR UTILITY OF ACTIVITY.
THE DUTY TO OBSERVE PROPER DILIGENCE IS ABSENT IF THE ACTIVITY INVOLVED HAS A HIGH
SOCIAL VALUE.
THE GREAT UTILITY OF PROVIDING ELECTRICITY TO THE PUBLIC WILL NOT BE GIVEN MUCH
WEIGHT IF THERE ARE OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH SUBJECTS INNOCENT PERSONS TO
UNNECESSARY RISK AND WHICH CONSEQUENTLY OFFSETS SUCH GREAT UTILITY.
7. PERSON EXPOSED TO THE RISK.
A HIGHER DEGREE OF DILIGENCE IS REQUIRED IF THE PERSON INVOLVED IS A CHILD.
STANDARD OF CONDUCT: GOOD FATHER OF A FAMILY.
REASONABLE MAN.
MAN OF ORDINARY DILIGENCE AND PRUDENCE.
ORDINARY REASONABLE PRUDENT MAN.
THE MAN ON TOP OF A CLAPHAM OMNIBUS.(ENGLISH Law).
A. ATTRIBUTES OF A GOOD FATHER OF A FAMILY. Objective standard.
a. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE OF THE ACTOR
THE PRUDENT MAN IS EXPECTED TO ACT ACCORDING TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT APPEAR
TO HIM AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT AND HE IS NOT JUDGE BASED ON HIS KNOWLEDGE OR
EXPERIENCE AFTER THE EVENT.
A REASONABLE MAN CAN BE EXPECTED TO KNOW THE EFFECT OF HEAVY RAINS ON THE ROAD.
EXPERIENCE TEACHES THAT A DRIVER SHOULD ANTICIPATE SUDDEN APPEARANCE OF OTHER
VEHICLES AT AN INTERSECTION.
b. CHILDREN
ACCORDING TO HIS MATURITY AND CAPACITY.
UNDER THE FAMILY CODE AND THE CHILD AND YOUTH WELFARE CODE, THE CHOICE OF THE
CHILD WHO IS AT LEAST 12 WHERE HIS CUSTODY IS IN QUESTION IS TO BE RESPECTED UNLESS
THERE IS NO VALID REASON TO ACCORD THE SAME WITH RESPECT.
THE CONSENT OF CHILDREN WHO ARE AT LEAST 10 OF THE PERSON WHO WILL ADOPT AND
THE NATURAL PARENTS OF THE PERSON TO BE ADOPTED ARE LIKEWISE REQUIRED IN ADOPTION
CASES.
UNDER RPC ART.8, A CHILD WHO IS AGE 9 OR BELOW IS EXEMPT FROM CRIMINAL LIABILITY.
A CHILD OVER 9 BUT BELOW 15 IS LIKEWISE EXEMPT FROM CRIMINAL LIABILITY IF HE ACTED
W/O DISCERNMENT.
LIABILITY OF CHILDREN. A CHILD WHO IS 9 CAN STILL BE SUBSIDIARILY LIABLE WITH HIS
PROPERTIES. ART.101,RPC. LIABILITY IS CONSIDERED LIABILITY WITHOUT FAULT.
MAY NOT EXCUSE THE PARENTS FROM VICARIOUS LIABILITY UNDER ART.2180 OF THE CIVIL
CODE OR ART. 221 OF THE FAMILY CODE.
c. PHYSICAL DISABILITY/REAL DISABILITY. SECTION 13, ART.XIII, 1987 CONSTITUTION. RA
7277 MAGNA CARTA FOR DISABLED PERSONS. ABLIND PERSON MUST REFRAIN FROM
DRIVING.
d. EXPERTS AND PROFESSIONALS. SHOULD EXHIBIT THE CARE AND SKILL OF ONE
ORDINARILY SKILLED IN THE PARTICULAR FIELD THAT HE IS IN.
e. NATURE OF ACTIVITY.
BANKS- HIGHEST DEGREE OF DIDLIGENCE IN THE SELECTION AND SUPERVISION OF THEIR
EMPLOYEES.
COMMON CARRIERS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO EXERCISE UTMOST DILIGENCE IN THE
PERFORMANCEOF THEIR FUNCTIONS. ART. 1733 IMPOSE THE DUTY ON COMMON CARRIER TO
EXERCISE EXTRAORDINRY DILIGENCE IN THE VIGILANCE OVER THYEIR PASSENGERS AND
TRANSPORTED GOODS.
f. INTOXICATION.
MERE INTOXICATION IS NOT NEGLIGENCE, NOR DOES MERE FACT OF INTOXICATION ESTABLISH
WANT OF ORDINARY CARE.
INTOXICATION MAY BE CONSIDERED TO PROVE NEGLIGENCE IN DRIVING A MOTOR VEHICLE.
CATECHOLAMINES ALERTING OR THREATENING CONDITIONS/ FIGHT OR FLIGHT CONDITION.
DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENEC OF ALCOHOL IS A VIOLATION OF TRAFFIC REGULATIONS.
UNDER ART. 2185 OF THE CIVIL CODE, IT IS PRESUMED THAT A PERSON DRIVING A MOTOR
VEHICLE HAS BEEN NEGLIGENT IF AT THE TIME OF THE MISHAP, HE WAS VIOLATING ANY
TRAFFIC REGULATION.
g. INSANITY.
UNDER THE RPC, AN INSANE PERSON IS EXEMPT FROM CRIMINAL LIABILITY. BY EXPRESS
PROVISION OF LAW, THERE MAY BE CIVIL LIABILITY.
LUNATIC OR DEMENTED PERSON WHO, IN SPITE OF HIS DERANGED MIND, IS STILL REASONABLY
AND JUSTLY LIABLE WITH HIS PROPERTY FOR THE CONSEQUENCES OF HIS ACTS.
THE ACT OR OMISSION OF THE PERSON SUFFERING FROM MENTAL DEFECT WILL BE JUDGED
USING THE STANDARD TEST OF A REASONABLE MAN.
BASES:
1. WHERE ONE OF 2 INNOCENT PERSONS MUST SUFFER A LOSS IT SHOULD BE BORNE BY THE ONE
WHO OCCASSIONED IT.
2. TO INDUCE THOSE INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF THE INSANE PERSON IF HE HAS ONE TO
RESTRAIN AND CONTROL HIM.
3. THE FEAR THAT AN INSANITY DEFENSE WOULD LEAD TO FALSE CLAIMS OF INSANITY TO AVOID
LIABILITY.
h. WOMEN.WEAKER SEX THAN MAN.
5. STANDARD VS. SPECIFIC RULES
STANDARD ARE FLEXIBLE, CONTEXT-SENSITIVE LEGAL NORMS THAT REQUIRE EVALUATIVE
JUDGMENTS IN THEIR APPLICATION I.E. DRIVE SAFELY.
RULES ARE LEAGL NORMS THAT ARE FORMAL AND MECHANICAL. THEY ARE TRIGGERED BY A
FEW EASILY IDENTIFIED FACTUAL MATTERS AND ARE OPAQUE IN APPLICATION TO THE VALUES
THAT THEY ARE DESIGNED TO SERVE I.E. DRIVE NOT MORE THAN 60 KPH.
6. OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN DETERMINING NEGLIGENCE
A. VIOLATION OF RULES AND STATUTES
1. CIRCUMSTANCE WHICH ESTABLISHES A PRESUMPTION OF NEGLIGENCE.
2. NEGLIGENCE PER SE.
3. A CIRCUMSTANCE WHICH SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TOGETHER WITH OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES AS
EVIDENCE OF NEGLIGENCE.
IT IS UP TO THE LEGISLATURE / COURT TO SELECT WHICH COMPETING THEORY SHOULD BE APPLIED
IN A PARTICULAR JURISDICTION.
a. STATUES AND ORDINANCES
b. ADMINISTRATIVE RULES MAY BE EVIDENCE OF NEGLIGENCE.
c. PRIVATE RULES OF CONDUCT- EMPLOYER. POSSIBLE EVIDENCE OF NEGLIGENCE.
d. PROXIMATE CAUSE
PROOF MUST BE PRESENTED THAT THERE WAS A CASUAL CONNECTION BETWEEN THE
NEGLIGENCE OR VIOLATION OF THE STATUTE AND THE INJURY.
AN ACT FROM WHICH AN INJURY RESULTS AS A NATURAL, DIRECT, UNINTERRUPTED
CONSEQUENCES AND WITHOUT WHICH THE INJURY WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURED.
B. PRACTICE AND CUSTOM WHAT USUALLY IS DONE MAY BE EVIDENCE OF WHAT OUGHT TO
BE DONE, BUT WHAT OUGHT TO BE DONE IS FIXED BY A STANDARD OF REASONABLE
PRUDENCE, WHETHER IT USUALLY IS COMPLIED WITH OR NOT.
C. COMPLIANCE WITH THE RULES AND STATUTES COMPLIANCE THEREWITH IS NOT
CONCLUSIVE THAT THERE WAS NO NEGLIGENCE. I.E.DRIVING BELOW SPEED LIMIT.
7. DEGREES OF NEGLIGENCE .
ART. 2231,CC. GROSS NEGLIGENCE.DEFINE. WHERE THERE IS WANT OF EVEN SLIGHT CARE
AND DILIGENCE.
SIMILAR TO RECKLESS IMPRUDENCE UNDER ART. 365 OF THE RPC.
8. PROOF OF NEGLIGENCE
A. BURDEN OF PROOF. SECTION 1 OF RULE 131 REVISED RULES OF COURT. THE QUANTUM OF
PROOF REQUIRED IS PREPONDERANCE OF EVIDENCE.
B. PRESUMPTIONS. ART. 2184. 2185. REQUIRES PROOF THAT THERE WAS A VIOLATION OF A
TRAFFIC REGULATION.2188.REQUIRES PROOF OF POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS WEAPONS
OR SUBSTANCES, FIREARMS AND POISON.
C. RES IPSA LOQUITOR THE THING SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. ITS FUNCTION IS TO AID THE
PLAINTIFF IN PROVING THE ELEMENTS OF A NEGLIGENCE CASE BY CIRCUMSTANTIAL
EVIDENCE.
PAGE 139--THE REQUISITES FOR THE APPLICATION OF THE DOCTRINE WERE ENUMERATED IN RAMOS V.
CA:
1. THE ACCIDENT IS OF KIND WHICH ORDINARILY DOES NOT OCCUR IN THE ABSENCE OF
SOMEONES NEGLIGENCE;
2. IT IS CAUSED BY AN INSTRUMENTALITY WITHIN THE EXCLUSIVE CONTROL OF THE
DEFENDANT(S) NEGLIGENCE;
3. THE POSSIBILITY OF CONTRIBUTING CONDUCT WHICH WOULD MAKE THE PLAINTIFF
RESPONSIBLE IS ELIMINATED.
IN THE ABOVE REQUISITES, THE FUNDAMENTAL ELEMENT IS THE CONTROL OF THE
INSTRUMENTALITY WHICH CAUSED THE DAMAGE. SUCH ELEMENT OF CONTROL MUST BE
SHOWN TO BE WITHIN THE DOMINION OF THE DEFENDANT. IN ORDER TO HAVE THE BENEFIT
OF THE RULE, A PLAINTIFF, IN ADDITION TO PROVING INJURY OR DAMAGE, MUST SHOW A
SITUATION WHERE IT IS APPLICABLE, AND MUST ESTABLISH THAT THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF
THE DOCTRINE WERE PRESENT IN A PARTICULAR INCIDENT.
THE SC FURTHER EXPLAINED THE DOCTRINE: RES IPSA LOQUITOR MEANS THE THING OR THE
TRANSACTION SPEAKS FOR ITSELF...RES IPSA LOQUITOR IS A MAXIM FOR THE RULE THAT THE
FACT OF THE OCCURRENCE OF AN INJURY, TAKEN WITH THE SORROUNDING CIRCUMSTANCES,
MAY PERMIT AN INTERFERENCE OR RAISE A PRESUMPTION OF NEGLIGENCE, OR MAKE OUT AA
PLAINTIFFS PRIMA FACIE CASE, AND PRESENT A QUESTION OF FACT FOR DEFENDANT TO MEET
WITH AN EXPLANATION. WHERE THE THING WHICH CAUSED THE INJURY COMPLAINED OF IS
SHOWN TO BE UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE DEFENDANT OR HIS SERVANTS AND THE
ACCIDENT IS SUCH AS IN ORDINARY COURSE OF THINGS DOES NOT HAPPEN IF THOSE WHO
HAVE ITS MANAGEMENT OR CONTROL USE PROPER CARE, IT AFFORDS REASONABLE EVIDENCE,
IN THE ABSENCE OF EXPLANATION BY THE DEFENDANT, THAT THE ACCIDENT AROSE FROM OR
WAS CAUSED BY THE DEFENDANTS WANT OF CARE.
a. RATIONALE
THE DOCTRINE OF RES IPSA LOQUITOR IS SIMPLY A RECOGNITION OF THE POSTULATE THAT, AS
A MATTER OF COMMON KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE, THE VERY NATURE OF CERTAIN TYPES
OF OCCURRENCES MAY JUSTIFY AN INFERENCE OF NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE PERSON
WHO CONTROLS THE INSTRUMENTALITY CAUSING THE INJURY IN THE ABSENCE OF SOME
EXPLANATION BY THE DEFENDANT WHO IS CHARGED WITH NEGLIGENCE. IT IS GROUNDED IN
THE SUPERIOR LOGIC OF ORDINARY HUMAN EXPERIENCE MAY BE DEDUCTED FROM THE MERE
OCCURRENCE OF THE ACCIDENT ITSELF. HENCE, RES IPSA LOQUITOR IS APPLIED IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE DOCTRINE OF COMMON KNOWLEDGE.
THE RES IPSA LOQUITOR DOCTRINE IS A RULE OF NEECESSITY, IN THAT IT PROCEEDS ON THE
THEORY THAT UNDER THE PECULIAR CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THE DOCTRINE IS APPLICABLE,
IT IS WITHIN THE POWER OF THE DEFENDANT TO SHOW THAT THERE WAS NO NEGLIGENCE ON
HIS PART, AND DIRECT PROOF OF DEFENDANTS NEGLIGENCE IS BEYOND PLAINTIFFS POWER.
3 REQUISITES + IT MUST APPEAR THAT THE INJURED PARTY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OR MEANS
OF KNOWLEDGE AS TO THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT, OR THAT THE PARTY TO BE CHARGED
IS A PERSON WHO DIDNOT RESCUE ANOTHER IN DISTRESS LIABLE TO THE LATTER? IS THERE A
GENERAL DUTY TO RESCUE? NO SUCH DUTY TO RESCUE IN COMMON LAW.
IN THE PHILIPPINES, THERE IS ALSO NO GENERAL DUTY TO RESCUE. A PERSON IS NOT LIABLE
FOR QUASI-DELICT EVEN IF HE DID NOT HELP A PERSON IN DISTRESS. HOWEVER, A LIMITED
DUTY TO RESCUE IS IMPOSED AND ABANDONMENT OF HELPLESS PERSONS IS CONSIDERED,
UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, AS A CRIME AGAINST SECURITY UNDER ART. 275 OF THE RPC.
THERE IS AN AFFIRMATIVE DUTY TO ACT IN FAVOR OF ANOTHER PERSON.
2ND PAR. THE PERSON WHO INJURED ANOTHER DID NOT COMMIT A CRIME BECAUSE THE INJURY
WAS CAUSED ACCIDENTALLY.
LAND TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC CODE: IT REQUIRES A PERSON WHO INJURED ANOTHER
IN VEHICULAR ACCIDENT TO HELP THE VICTIM UNLESS HE IS EXCUSED FROM DOING SO.
SEC.55. DUTY OF DRIVER IN CASE OF ACCIDENT.
OWNERS AND POSSESSORS OF REAL ESTATE ALSO OWE A DUTY TO ALLOW TRESPASSERS, WHO
ARE IN A STATE OF NECESSITY, TO ENTER THEIR PROPERTIES.
ART. 432, CC.
ART. 11, RPC JUSTFYINGCIRCUMSTANCE.
IN BOTH...THE OWNER MAY DEMAND FROM THE PERSON BENEFITED, INDEMNITY FOR
DAMAGES.
SELF-DEFENSE SEEK TO DEFEND OR ESTABLISH A RIGHT AGAINST INJUSTICE.
STATE OF NECESSITY SAFEGUARDING A RIGHT AT THE EXPENSE OF ANOTHER. COLLISION OF
UNEQUAL RIGHTS OR EQUAL RIGHTS.
B. USE OF PROPERTY THAT INJURES OTHERS.
ART. 431, CC. OWNER CANNOT USE HIS PROPERTY IN SUCH A MANNER AS TO INJURE THE
RIGHTS OF OTHERS.
C. LIABILITY OF PROPRIETORS OF BUILDINGS.
ART. 2190, NCC. DEFECT IN THE CONSTRUCTION MAY PROCEED ONLY AGAINST ENGINEER OR
ARCHITECT OR CONTRACTOR.
ART. 2176...BECAUSE ANY DAMAGE MAY BE CONSIDERED AS DAMAGE RESULTING FROMTHE
PROPRIETORS FAILURE TO EXERCISE DUE CARE IN THE MAINTENANCE OF HIS BUILDING...
3. EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES
A. EMPLOYERS.
ART.1711 AND ART. 1712, NCC. IMPOSE LIABILITY WITHOUT FAULT ON THE PART OF
EMPLOYERS.
B. EMPLOYEES.
BOUND TO EXERCISE DUE CARE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR FUNCTIONS FOR THE
EMPLOYERS.
ART. 2176 - ...GUILTY OF NEGLECTING TO PERFORM HIS DUTIES PROPERLYTO THE DAMAGE OF
THE COMPANY.
4.
BANKS
PUBLIC INTEREST.
METICULOUS CARE.
FIDUCIARY NATURE OF THEIR RELATIONSHIP.
5. COMMON CARRIER.
PUBLIC POLICY
EXTRAORDINARY DILIGENCE IN THE VIGILANCE OVER THE GOODS AND FOR THE SAFETY OF
PASSENGERS..
THE LAW PROVIDES THAT THE COMMON CARRIERS SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE LOSS,
DESTRUCTION OR DETERIORATION OF THE GOODS UNLESS THE SAME IS DUE TO THE
FOLLOWING CAUSES ONLY:
ART. 1735,CC. 1-5
HOWEVER, IN THOSE CASES WHERE THERE IS NO LIABILITY, THE PRESUMPTION IS THAT THE
COMMON CARRIERS HAVE BEEN AT FAULT OR HAVE ACTED NEGLIGENTLY.
6. DOCTORS.
ARE EXPERTS
A. STANDARD OF CARE.
ACTION IS MEDICAL MALPRACTICE.
REASONABLE AVERAGE MERIT AMONG THE ORDINARILY GOOD PHYSICIAN.
a. GENERAL PRACTITIONERS V. SPECIALISTS.
GP ORDINARY CARE AND DILIGENCE IN THE APPLICATION OF HIS KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL IN
THE PRACTICE OF THE PROFESSION.
SPECIALISTS - THAT OF AN AVERAGE SPECIALIST, NOT THAT OF AVERAGE PHYSICIAN.
B. CAPTAIN OF THE SHIP DOCTRINE.
THE DOCTOR CANNOT BE BLAME THE ASSISTING NURSE FOR HIS OWN OMISSION. NURSE
JOINTLY AND SOLIDARILY LIABLE IF ALSO NEGLIGENT.
HEAD OF SURGICAL TEAM.
C. NOT WARRANTORS.
PHYSICIANS ARE NOT WARRANTORS OF CURES OR INSURERS AGAINST PERSONAL INJURIES OR
DEATH OF THE PATIENT.
DIFFICULTIES AND UNCERTAINTIES IN THE PRACTICE OF PROFESSION ARE SUCH THAT NO
PRACTITIONER CAN GUARANTEE RESULTS. ERROR OF JUDGMENT WILL NOT NECESSARILY MAKE
THE PHYSICIAN LIABLE.
D.
PROOF.
MATTER OF EXPERT OPINION.
EXPERT TESTIMONY.
THE PRESUMPTION IS REBUTTABLE BY EXPERT OPINION.
LAWYERS.
IS GOVERNED BY THE CODE OF PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY.
CANON 18. A LAWYER SHALL SERVE HIS CLIENT WITH COMPETENCE AND DILIGENCE.
CANON 18.03 PROVIDES THAT A LAWYER SHALL NOT NEGLECT A LEGAL MATTER ENTRUSTED TO
HIM AND HIS NEGLIGENCE IN CONNECTION THEREWITH SHALL RENDER HIM LIABLE.
PROTECTED AS LONG AS HE ACTS HONESTLY AND IN GOOD FAITH TO THE BEST OF HIS SKILL
AND KNOWLEDGE.
B. CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE.
CASES:
RAKES VS. THE ATLANTIC GULF AND PACIFIC CO.
PHOENIX CONSTRUCTION, INC. V. IAC
2. IMPUTED CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE...
3. FORTUITOUS EVENT...
CASES:
NATIONAL POWER CORP. V. CA...
SOUTHEASTERN COLLEGE, INC. V. CA
4. ASSUMPTION OF RISK...
A. REQUISITES...
B. KINDS...
A. EXPRESS WAIVER OF RIGHTS TO RECOVER
B. IMPLIED ASSUMPTION
1. DANGEROUS CONDITIONS
2. CONTRACTUAL RELATIONS
3. DANGEROUS ACTIVITIES
4. DEFENDANTS NEGLIGENCE
5.EFFECT OF DEATH
6.PRESCRIPTION
A. WHEN PERIOD COMMENCES...
B. DOCTRINE OF RELATIONS OR RELATION BACK DOCTRINE...
7.INVOLUNTARINESS...
CHAPTER 5 - CAUSATION
1. DEFINITION OF PROXIMATE CAUSE
2. DISTINGUISHED FROM OTHER TERMS...
A. REMOTE CAUSE
B. NEAREST CAUSE
C. CONCURRENT CAUSE
3. TESTS OF PROXIMATE CAUSE
A. CAUSE IN FACT TESTS
B. POLICY TESTS
4. TESTS APPLIED IN THE PHILIPPINES
A. CAUSE-IN-FACT TESTS
B. POLICY TESTS
a. RULE UNDER THE 1889 CIVIL CODE
b. RULE UNDER THE NEW CIVIL CODE
5. CAUSE AND CONDITION
a. TYPES OF DANGEROUS CONDITIONS
6. EFFICIENT INTERVENING CAUSE
7. CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE...
8. LAST CLEAR CHANCE...
CHAPTER 6 HUMAN RELATIONS; INTENTIONAL TORTS.
1. REASON
2. CATCH ALL PROVISIONS
3. ABUSE OF RIGHTS
4. ACTS CONTRA BONUS MORES
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
GENERAL CONCEPTS
BREACH OF PROMISE TO MARRY
SEDUCTION AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
DESERTION BY A SPOUSE
TRESPASS AND DEPRIVATION OF PROPERTY
ABORTION AND WRONGFUL DEATH
ILLEGAL DISMISSAL
MALICIOUS PROSECUTION
PUBLIC HUMILIATION
2.
3.
4.
5.
DELFIN LIM V. PONCE DE LEON. THAT THE SUBORDINATE OFFICER IS NOT LIABLE BECAUSE
HE WAS RELUCTANT TO ENFORCE THE ORDER; HE WAS LED TO BELIEVE THAT THERE WAS A
LEGAL BASIS AND AUTHORITY TO IMPOUND THE PROPERTY AND THAT HE WAS FACED WITH
A POSSIBLE DISCIPLINARY ACTION FROM HIS COMMANDER.
STATE IMMUNITY.
APPLIES ONLY IF THE ACTS INVOLVED ARE ACTS DONE BY OFFICERS IN THE PERFORMANCE
OF OFIICIAL DUTIES WITHIN THE AMBIT OF THEIR POWERS.
ABERCA VS. VER. OBVIOUSLY, OFFICERS DO NOT ACT WITHIN THE AMBIT OF THEIR POWERS
IF THEY WOULD VIOLATE THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF OTHER PERSONS.
SUSPENSION OF THE PRIVILEGE OF THE WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS.
CANNOT BE USED AS A DEFENSE IN CASES INVOLVING ART.32 NCC.
1987 CONSTITUTION, EVEN IF MARTIAL LAW IS ALREADY IN FORCE, THE CIVIL LIBERTIES OF
EVERY PERSON STILL HAS TO BE RESPECTED AND THE COURTS OF JUSTICE STILL REMAIN
OPEN.
EXAMPLE OF VIOLATIONS.
a. DUE PROCESS. AN INJURED PERSON CAN FILE AN ACTION FOR DAMAGES IF HE WAS DEPRIVED
OF HIS PROPERTY W/O DUE PROCESS OF LAW.
THE MOST COMMON EXAMPLE OF WHICH IS DISMISSAL OF EMPLOYEE W/O DUE PROCESS OF
LAW. LIABILITY IS IMPOSED ON THE THEORY THAT THE RIGHT OF AN EMPLOYEE TO HIS WORK
IS A PROPERTY RIGHT THAT CANNOT BE TAKEN W/O DUE PROCESS.
IT HAS BEEN REPEATEDLY RULED THAT A PERSON WHO DEPRIVES ANOTHER OF HIS JOB W/O
GIVING HIM A CHNACE TO DEFEND HIMSELF IS LIABLE UNDER ART.32 OF THE CIVIL CODE.
BETTER HOLDINGS, INC. V. NLRC.
HOWEVER, THE WEIGHT OF JURISPRUDENCE ALLOWING THE AWARD OF DAMAGES UNDER ART.
32 IN ILLEGAL DISMISSAL CASES IS NOW QUESTIONABLE BECAUSE OF THE EN BANC DECISION
OF THE SC IN RUBEN SERRANO V. NLRC 2000.
THE SC EXPLAINED IN SAID CASE THAT THE VIOLATION OF THE NOTICE REQUIREMENT UNDER
THE LABOR CODE IS NOT DENIAL OF DUE PROCESS, IT EXPLAINED THAT NOT ALL NOTICE
REQUIREMENTS ARE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DUE PROCESS CLAUSE. SOME ARE SIMPLY PART OF
A PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED BEFORE A RIGHT GRANTED TO A PARTY CAN BE EXERCISED.
ART. 282 AND 283 OF THE LABOR CODE IS SIMPLY AN APPLICATION OF THE JUSTINIAN PRECEPT
EMBODIED IN ART. 19 OF THE CC TO ACT WITH JUSTICE, GIVE EVERYONE HIS DUE, AND
OBSERVE HONESTY AND GOOD FAITH TOWARD ONES FELLOWMEN. HENCE, ACTIONS FOR
DAMAGES BY THE DISMISSED-EMPLOYED CAN BE PREMISED ON ART.19,NCC.
b. RIGHT AGAINST SEARCHES AND SEIZURE.
SEC.2, ART.III OF THE 1987 CONSTITUTION.
CASE: ABERCA V. VER.
IT POSES THE QUESTION WHETHER THE SUSPENSION OF THE PRIVILEGE OF THE WRIT OF
HABEAS CORPUS BARS A CIVIL ACTION FOR DAMAGES FOR ILLEGAL SEARCHES CONDUCTED BY
MILITARY PERSONNEL AND OTHER VIOLATIONS OF RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES GUARANTEED UNDER
THE CONSTITUTION. IF SUCH ACTION FOR DAMAGES MAY BE MAINTAINED, WHO CAN BE HELD
LIABLE FOR SUCH VIOLATIONS: ONLY THE MILITARY PERSONNEL DIRECTLY INVOLVED AND /OR
THEIR SUPERIORS AS WELL.
PAGE 527 READ
CHIEF JUSTICE CLAUDIO TEEHANKEE-TO THE LAW OF FORCE RATHER THAN THE FORCE OF
LAW, IT IS NECESSARY TO REMIND OURSELVES THAT CERTAIN BASIC RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES ARE
b.
c.
ART. 353. DEFINITION OF LIBEL. A LIBEL IS PUBLIC AND MALICIOUS IMPUTATION OF A CRIME,
OR OF A VICE OR DEFECT, REAL OR IMAGINARY, OR ANY ACT OR OMISSION, CONDITION,
STATUS, OR CIRCUMSTANCE TENDING TO CAUSE DISHONOR, DISCREDIT, OR CONTEMPT OF A
NATURAL OR JURIDICAL PERSON, OR TO BLACKEN THE MEMORY OF ONE WHO IS DEAD.
ART. 355. LIBEL MEANS BY WRITINGS OR SIMILAR MEANS.
ART. 356. THREATENINGTO PUBLISH AND OFFER TO PRESENT SUCH PUBLICATION FOR A
COMPENSATION.
ART.358. SLANDER.
ART. 359. SLANDER BY DEED.
REASON FOR LIABILITY.
THE DESIRE TO PROTECT THE REPUTATION OF EVERY INDIVIDUAL.
PAGE 537 READ---
REQUISITES.
1. IT MUST BE DEFAMATORY
2. IT MUST BE MALICIOUS
3. IT MUST BE GIVEN PUBLICITY
4. THE VICTIM MUST BE IDENTIFIABLE.
DECIDED CASES: ALONZO V. CA, RAMOS V. CA
1. THE IMPUTATION OF A DISCREDITABLE ACT OR CONDITION TO ANOTHER.
2. PUBLICATION OF THE IMPUTATION.
3. IDENTITY OF THE PERSON DEFAMED.
4. EXISTENCE OF MALICE.
1. THE IMPUTATION IS DEFAMATORY.
ESTABLISHED BY SHOWING THAT THE STATEMENT IS DEFAMATORY AS A MATTER OF LAW.
LIBELOUS.
A CHARGE IS SUFFICIENT IF THE WORDS ARE CALCULATED TO INDUCE THE HEARERS TO
SUPPOSE TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE PERSON AGAINST WHOM THEY WERE UTTERED WERE
GUILTY OF CERTAIN OFFENSE, OR ARE SUFFICIENT TO IMPEACH THEIR HONESTY, VIRTUE OR
REPUTATION OR TO HOLD THE PERSON TO PUBLIC RIDICULE. SASON V. CA
COMMUNITY STANDARD.
2. PUBLICATION.
PUBLISHING OR PRINTING IN THE NEWSPAPER,MAG, NEWSLETTER.
COMMUNICATION TO SINGLE INDIVIDUAL IS SUFFICIENT.
TO MAKE PUBLIC.
3. MALICE.
WHEN THE AUTHOR OF THE IMPUTATION IS PROMPTED BY PERSON ILL-WILL OR SPITE AND
SPEAKS NOT IN RESPONSE TO A DUTY BUT MERELY TO INJURE THE REPUTATION OF THE
PERSON WHO CLAIMS TO HAVE BEEN DEFAMED.
EXTRINSIC EVIDENCE.
ART. 354. REQUIREMENT OF PUBLICITY.
ART.362. LIBELOUS REMARKS.
4. IDENTIFICATION OF THE DEFAMED.
NATURAL AND JURIDICAL PERSONS.
4.1. GROUP LIBEL.NEWSWEEK, INC. V. CA.
IT IS NOT A CLASS SUIT. IT IS NOT A CASE WHERE ONE OR MORE MAY SUE FOR THE BENEFIT OF
ALL OR WHERE THE REPRESENTATION OF CLASS INTEREST AFFECTED BY THE JUDGMENT OR
DECREE IS INDISPENSABLE TO MAKE EACH MEMBER OF THE CLASS AN ACTUAL PARTY.
4.2. DECEASED.
ART. 353.
d. PERSONS LIABLE.
ART. 360. PERSONS RESPONSIBLE. ANY PERSON...
e. Proof Of TRUTH.
ART. 361. PROOF OF TRUTH.
f. DEFENSES.
PRIVILEGED STATEMENTS AS EITHER ABSOLUTE OR QUALIFIED.
QUALIFIED - THE WORDS SUGGEST A PRIMA FACIE PRIVILEGE WHICH MAY BE LOST BY PROOF
OF MALICE.
ABSOLUTELY PRIVILEGED COMMUNICATIONS ARE THOSE WHICH ARE NOT ACTIONABLE EVEN IF
THE AUTHOR HAS ACTED IN BAD FAITH.
ART. VI, SEC.11, 1987 CONSTITUTION. WHICH EXEMPTS A MEMBER OF CONGRESS FROM
LIABILITY FOR ANY SPEECH OR DEBATE IN THE CONGRESS OR IN ANY COMMITTEE.
QUALIFIED CONTAINING DEFAMATORY IMPUTATIONS ARE NOT ACTIONABLE UNLESS FOUND TO
HAVE BEEN MADE WITHOUT GOOD INTENTION OR JUSTIFIABLE MOTIVE. PRIVATE
COMMUNICATIONS AND FAIR AND TRUE REPORT WITHOUT ANY COMMENTS OR REMARKS.
BONA FIDE TEST OR THE TEST OF GOOD FAITH.
1. ABSOLUTELY PRIVILEGED MATTERS. SEC.11, ART. VI OF THE 1987 CONSTI. THE PRESS CAN
INVOKE THE FREEDOM OF PRESS AND FREE SPPECH IN TRYING TO ESCAPE LIABILITY.
2. QUALIFIED PRIVILEGE. ART. 354 PROVIDES FOR MATTERS CONSIDERED NON-CONSTITUTIONAL
PRIVILEGED STATEMENTS WHICH ARE QUALIFIED OR CONDITIONALLY PRIVILEGED IN NATURE.
EXCEPTIONS:
1. A PRIVATE COMMUNICATION MADE BY ANY PERSON TO ANOTHER IN THE PERFORMANCE OF
ANY LEGAL, MORAL, OR SOCIAL DUTY.
2. A FAIR AND TRUE REPORT, MADE IN GOOD FAITH, WITHOUT ANY COMMENTS OR REMARKS,
OF ANY JUDICIAL, LEGISLATIVE OR OTHER OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS WHICH ARE NOT OF
CONFIDENTIAL NATURE, OR OF ANY STATEMENT, REPORT OR SPEECH DELIVERED IN SAID
PROCEEDINGS, OR OF ANY OTHER ACT PERFORMED BY PUBLIC OFFICERS IN THE EXERCISE
OF THEIR FUNCTIONS.
2.1. COMPLAINTS AGAINST PUBLIC OFFICALS. IS QUALIFIED PRIVILEGED, PAR.1, ART. 354
BECAUSE THE FILING IS DONE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF ONES DUTY AS A CITIZEN.
SUCH COMPLAINTS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED SOLELY TO SOME OFFICIAL HAVING JURISDICTION
TO INQUIRE INTO THE CHARGES OR POWER TO REDRESS THE GRIEVANCE OR HAS SOME DUTY
TO PERFORM OR INTEREST IN CONNECTION THEREWITH.
2.2. REPORT TO A SUPERIOR OFFICER. BONA FIDE TEST. THE PRIVILEGE IS NEGATED IF THE
REPORT IS CIRCULATED TO OTHER PERSONS. WHICH HAD NO INTEREST, RIGHT OR DUTY
TO PROSECUTE SAID CHARGES.
2.3. ALLEGATIONS IN PLEADINGS. ABSOLUTELY PRIVILEGED AS LONG AS THEY ARE
RELEVANT OR PETINENT TO THE ISSUES...RELEVANCE NOT BONA FIDE.THERE IS NO
LIABILITY.
2.4. PUBLICATION OF A PLEADING.
THE CONTROVERSIAL PUBLICATION BEING A FAIR AND TRUE REPORT OF A JUDICIAL
PROCEEDING AND MADE WITHOUT MALOICE, WE FIND THE AUTHOR ENTITLED TO THE
PROTECTION AND IMMUNITY OF THE RULE ON PRIVILEGED MATTERS UNDER ART. 354(2). IT
FOLLOWS THAT HE CANNOT BE HELD CRIMINALLY LIABLE FOR LIBEL.
2. VICARIOUS LIABILITY
A. GENERAL CONCEPTS- TORTS COMMITTED BY OTHERS WITH WHOM HE HAS A CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIP AND FOR WHOM HE IS RESPONSIBLE.
THE DOCTRINE OF IMPUTED NEGLIGENCE.
THE DOCTRINE OF RESPONDEAT SUPERIOR IS APPLICABLE INCLUDE THE LIABILITY OF
EMPLOYERS UNDER ART.103 OF THE RPC.
HE IS BEING LIABLE FOR NEGLIGENCE.
TORT COMMITTED BY PARTNER. ART. 1182 AND 1183, CC.
B. STATUTORY PROVISIONS
a. CIVIL CODE AND FAMILY CODE CENTRAL DETERMINATION OF VICARIOUS LIABILITY IS
ART. 2180 OF THE CC 2182.
b. RPC ART. 101, 102, 103
C. PARENTS AND OTHER PERSONS EXERCISING PARENTAL AUTHORITY
a. NCC AND FC
1. LIABILITY FOR ACTS OF MINORS.
1.1 BASIS OF LIABILITY PARENTAL AUTHORITY THAT THEY EXERCISE OVER THEM.
1.2 PERSONS LIABLE ART. 221, FC, NATURAL RIGHT AND DUTY OVER THE PERSON
AND PROPERTY OF THEIR UNEMANCIPATED CHILDREN.
1.3 NATURE OF LIABILITY UNDER ART. 2180, CC. THE OBLIGATION OF THE PARENTS
ARE ALTERNATIVE THE FATHER SHALL BE PRIMARILY LIABLE AND THE MOTHER
SHALL BE LIABLE IN HIS ABSENCE. IN THE FC, WITHOUT SUCH ALTERNATIVE
QUALIFICATION.
1.4 OTHER REQUIREMENTS ART. 234, FC BY MAKING 18 YEARS AS THE UNIFORM
MAJORITY AGE OF MEN AND WOMEN. SINCE THE SAME AGE 18 IS REQUIRED FOR
A VALID MARRIAGE.
2. LIABILITY FOR ACTS OF CHILDREN OF MAJORITY AGE ART. 234, CC. EMANCIPATION
TAKES PLACE BY THE ATTAINMENT OF THE AGE OF MAJORITY. EMANCIPATION SHALL
TERMINATE PARENTAL AUTHORITY OVER THE PERSON AND PROPERTY OF THE CHILD
WHO SHALL BE QUALIFIED AND RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL ACTS OF CIVIL LIFE. ART. 236,
FC.
PARENTS OR GUARDIANS CAN STILL BE HELD LIABLE EVEN IF THE MINOR IS ALREADY
EMANCIPATED PROVIDED THAT HE IS BELOW 21 YEARS OF AGE.
b. CIVIL LIABILITY EX DELICTO ART. 101, RPC, THE LIABILITY ARISES WITH RESPECT TO
DAMAGES EX DELICTO CAUSED BY THEIR CHILDREN 9 YEARS OF AGE OR UNDER, OR
OVER 9 BUT UNDER 15 YEARS OF AGE WHO ACTED WITHOUT DISCERNMENT.
ART.101, RPC DOES NOT COVER CASES INVOLVING MINORS OVER 9 WHO ACTED WITH
DISCERNMENT. HOWEVER, PREVAILING JURISPRUDENCE IS TO THE EFFECT THAT PARENTS AND
OTHER PERSONS EXERCISING PARENTAL AUTHORITY ARE LIABLE FOR THE ACTS OF THEIR
CHILDREN OVER 9 BUT UNDER 15 WHO ACTED WITH DISCERNMENT PURSUANT TO ART. 2180.
LIKEWISE PRIMARILY LIABLE FOR ACTS OF THEIR CHILDREN WHO ARE 15 OR OVER BUT UNDER
21. PRUSUANT ART. 2180.
c. DEFENSE OF EXERCISE OF DUE DILIGENCE PARENTS AND OTHER PERSONS EXERCISING
PARENTAL AUTHORITY CAN ESCAPE LIABILITY BY PROVING THAT THEY OBSERVED ALL
THE DILIGENCE OF A GOOD FATHER OF A FAMILY TO PREVENT DAMAGE. ART. 2180,CC.
THE DEFENSE IS RETAINED UNDER ART. 221 OF THE FC BECAUSE IT PROVIDES THAT THE
LIABILITY IS SUBJECT TO THE APPROPRIATE DEFENSE PROVIDED BY LAW.
ART. 101, RPC...UNLESS IT APPEARS THAT THERE WAS NO FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE ON THEIR
PART.
THE BURDEN OF PROOF RESTS ON PARENTS AND PERSONS EXERCISING PARENTAL AUTHORITY
FORESEEABILITY
DILIGENTISSIMI PARTIS FAMILIAS
D. LIABILITY OF GUARDIANS OF INCAPACITATED ADULTS - ...THE LAW HAS ENTRUSTED THE
CUSTODY AND CONTROL OF THE PERSON OR ESTATE OR BOTH AN INFANT, INSANE, OR
OTHER PERSONS INCAPABLE OF MANAGING HIS OWN AFFAIR.
LOCO PARENTIS
GUARDIANS HAVE SAME LIABILITY AS PERSONS EXERCISING PARENTAL AUTHORITY.
RULE 92 OF THE REVISED RULES OF COURT - THE PROCEDURE FOR APPOINTMENT OF
GUARDIANS.
ART. 38, 39, CC.
2.2.
1.
2.
3.
4.
a. PUBLIC NUISANCE
ART. 699, CC.REMEDIES AGAINST ...ARE PROSECUTION UNDER THE PENAL CODE OR ANY
LOCAL ORDINANCE, OR A CIVIL ACTIONOR ABATEMENT, WITHOUT JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS...IN
EXERCISE OF THE POLICE POWER OF THE STATE.
ART. 700, CC. IT IS REQUIRED FOR THE DISTRICT HEALTH OFFICER TO TAKE CARE THAT ONE
OR ALL OF THE REMEDIES AGAINST PUBLIC NUISANCE ARE AVAILED OF.
ART. 701, CC. IF A CIVIL ACTION IS BROUGHT BY REASON OF THE MAINTENANCE OF A PUBLIC
NUISANCE, SUCH ACTION SHALL COMMENCED BY THE CITY OR MUNICIPAL MAYOR.
ART. 702. THE LAW MANDATE STHAT THE DISTRICT HEALTH OFFICER SHALL DETERMINE
WHETHER OR NOT ABATEMENT, WITHOUT JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS, IS THE BEST REMEDY
AGAINST A PUBLIC NUISANCE.
ART. 703. A PRIVATE PERSON MAY FILE AN ACTION ON ACCOUNT OF A PUBLIC NUISANCE, IF IT
IS SPECIFICALLY INJURIOUS TO HIMSELF.
ART. 704.. BY REMOVING, OR IF NECESSARY, BY DESTROYING THE THING WHICH CONSTITUTE
THE SAME, WITHOUT COMMITTING A BREACH OF PEACE, OR DOING UNNECESSARY INJURY.
NEVERTHELESS, BEFORE A PRIVATE PERSON CAN ABATE A PUBLIC NUISANCE, HE MUST COMPLY
WITH THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:
THAT DEMAND BE FIRST MADE UPON THE OWNER OR POSSESSOR OF THE PROPERTY TO ABATE
THE NUISANCE.
THAT SUCH DEMAND HAS BEEN REJECTED.
THAT THE ABATEMENT BE APPROVED BY THE DISTRICT HEALTH OFFICER AND EXECUTED WITH
THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LOCAL POLICE.
THAT THE VALUE OF THE DESTRUCTION DOES NOT EXCEED 3,000.00.
b. PRIVATE NUISANCE CIVIL ACTION AND ABATEMENT, WITHOUT JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS.
ART. 705, CC. HOWEVER, IT IS INDISPENSABLE THAT THE PROCEDURE FOR
EXTRAJUDICIAL ABATEMENT OF A PUBLIC NUISANCE BY A PRIVATE PERSON BE
FOLLOWED. ART. 706, CC.
c. FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES SEC.10, PD. NO. 1185. FIRE HAZARDS SHALL BE
ABATED IMMEDIATELY. ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE BFP / HIS DULY
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE.
B.
C.
D.
E.
a. CIVIL CODE
b. CONSUMER ACT
WARRANTIES
a. CIVIL CODE
b. CONSUMER ACT
1. FORMALITIES
2. DURATION
3. RECORDS AND REPORTS
4. LIABILITY OF RETAILERS
5. ENFORCEMENT OF WARRANTIES AND BREACH
6. LACK FO PRIVITY
NEGLIGENCE
DELICT
STRICT LIABILITY
a. CIVIL CODE
b. CONSUMER ACT
1. PRIVITY NOT REQUIRED
2. PERSONS LIABLE
3. REASONS WHY LIABILITY IS IMPOSED ON MANUFACTURERS
4. MEANING OF DEFECTIVE PRODUCT
4.1. MANUFACTURING DEFECT
4.2. DESIGN DEFECT
4.3. PACKAGING AND PRESENTATION
4.4. LACK OF WARNING
4.5. DUTY TO WARN
4.6. KNOWLEDGE OF THE MANUFACTURER
5. PROOF OF DEFECT
6. DEFENSES
3. DEFENSES
4. DAMAGES
4.1. NATURE AND EXTENT
4.2. JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY
b. PROSPECTUS ANDTHE LIKE
c. STATUTE OF LIMITATON
CHAPTER 14 DAMAGES
1. DEFINITION AND CONCEPT
2. DAMNUM ABSQUE INJURIA
3. KINDS OF DAMAGES
A. ACTUAL OR COMPENSATORY
a. KINDS
b. EXTENT AND MEASURE OF DAMAGES
c. CERTAINTY
d. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY
e. PERSONAL INJURY AND DEATH
1. FIXED DAMAGES
2. LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY
FORMULA
NET EARNINGS
LIVING EXPENSES
NON-WORKING VICTIMS
LIFE EXPECTANCY
ALTERNATIVE FORMULA
INFLATION AND REDUCTION TO PRESENT WORTH
f. PERMANENT INCAPACITY
g. LOSS OF PROFITS
h. ATTORNEYS FEES
i. INTERESTS
j. MITIGATION OF LIABILITY
1. AVOIDABLE CONSEQUENCES
B. MORAL DAMAGES
a. CONCEPT
b. PROOF OF PROXIMATE CAUSE
c. CASES WHEN MORAL DAMAGES ARE ALLOWED
UNFOUNDED SUITS
LABOR CASES
CRIMINAL TAKING OF LIFE
d. FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN DETERMINING AMOUNT
e. PERSONS WHO MAY RECOVER
f. CORPORATIONS
C. NOMINAL DAMAGES
D. TEMPERATE DAMAGES
E. LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
F. EXEMPLARY OR CORRECTIVE DAMAGES