Case Digest (G.R. No. 157906)
Facts:
The case involves Joaquinita P. Capili, the petitioner, and spouses Dominador and Rosalita CardaAa, the respondents. The incident occurred on February 1, 1993, at the San Roque Elementary School, where Capili served as the principal. On that day, a branch from a caimito tree located within the school premises fell on 12-year-old Jasmin CardaAa, a Grade 6 student, resulting in her instantaneous death. The parents of the deceased, Dominador and Rosalita CardaAa, filed a case for damages against Capili in the Regional Trial Court of Palo, Leyte. They claimed that Capili was grossly negligent, as a resident named Eufronio Lerios had previously reported the potential danger posed by the tree to her on December 15, 1992. Lerios had pointed out the tree's condition, suggesting it was dead and rotting. Capili denied the allegations, asserting that Lerios only expressed interest in purchasing the tree and that she was unaware of its deteriorating state. The trial court initially d...
Case Digest (G.R. No. 157906)
Facts:
Incident Overview: On February 1, 1993, Jasmin Cardaña, a 12-year-old Grade 6 student at San Roque Elementary School, was walking along the perimeter fence of the school when a branch of a caimito tree within the school premises fell on her, causing her instantaneous death.
Prior Warning: As early as December 15, 1992, Eufronio Lerios, a barangay resident, reported to Joaquinita Capili, the school principal, about the potential danger posed by the tree. Lerios pointed out the tree, which was near the principal's office.
Petitioner’s Defense: Capili denied knowing the tree was dead and rotting. She claimed Lerios only offered to buy the tree for firewood. She also stated that she had assigned Remedios Palaña, another teacher, to negotiate the sale of the tree.
Trial Court Decision: The Regional Trial Court of Palo, Leyte, dismissed the complaint filed by Jasmin’s parents, Dominador and Rosalita Cardaña, for failure to prove negligence on Capili’s part.
Court of Appeals Decision: The appellate court reversed the trial court’s decision, holding Capili liable for negligence and ordering her to pay damages to the Cardañas.
Issue:
Primary Issue: Whether petitioner Joaquinita Capili was negligent and liable for the death of Jasmin Cardaña under Article 2206 of the Civil Code.
Subsidiary Issues:
- Whether the Court of Appeals erred in finding Capili negligent and ordering her to pay damages.
- Whether the Court of Appeals erred in denying Capili’s motion for reconsideration.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)