Case Digest (G.R. No. 72827)
Facts:
- Lucia Europa, mother of deceased Lucrecia Europa, filed a complaint against Hunter Garments Manufacturing (Phil.) Inc. and the Intermediate Appellate Court.
- Lucrecia was employed as a sample maker by Hunter Garments since 1973.
- On March 9, 1978, Lucrecia died from electrocution while using a high-speed sewing machine.
- Lucia filed a complaint for damages based on quasi-delict on July 18, 1980.
- The summons and complaint were served to production manager Mr. Simplicio A. Garcia, but the company did not respond.
- The trial court declared Hunter Garments in default, allowing Lucia to present evidence ex parte.
- On April 8, 1981, the trial court awarded damages totaling P62,580.00, covering various expenses and moral damages.
- Hunter Garments filed a motion for reconsideration and to admit an answer, citing excusable negligence of the production manager's secretary.
- The trial court denied these motions, leading to an appeal to the Court of Appeals.
- The appellate court found improper service of summons and set aside the default order and judgment, prompting Lucia to file a petition for certiorari.
Issue:
- (Unlock)
Ruling:
- The Supreme Court ruled that the trial court did acquire jurisdiction over Hunter Garments when it filed motions for reconsideration and to admit an answer.
- The Court of Appeals' decision to set aside the default order and judgment was reversed, reinstating the trial court's judgment.
- The damages...(Unlock)
Ratio:
- The Supreme Court reasoned that Hunter Garments submitted to the court's jurisdiction by filing motions, despite initial improper service of summons.
- The denial ...continue reading
Case Digest (G.R. No. 72827)
Facts:
The case involves Lucia Europa, the mother of the deceased Lucrecia Europa, as the petitioner against Hunter Garments Manufacturing (Phil.) Inc. and the Intermediate Appellate Court as respondents. The events leading to the case began in 1973 when Lucrecia was employed as a sample maker by Hunter Garments. On March 9, 1978, Lucrecia suffered a fatal electrocution while operating a high-speed sewing machine assigned to her by the company. Following this tragic incident, Lucia Europa filed a complaint for damages against Hunter Garments on July 18, 1980, based on quasi-delict. The summons and a copy of the complaint were served to the production manager, Mr. Simplicio A. Garcia, but the company failed to file an answer. Consequently, the trial court declared the private respondent in default, allowing the petitioner to present evidence ex parte. On April 8, 1981, the trial court rendered a judgment in favor of the petitioner, awarding damages totaling P62,580.00, which included compensation for the death of Lucrecia, actual expenses, loss of income, moral damages, and attorney's fees. Hunter Garments subsequently filed a motion for reconsideration and a motion to admit an answer, claiming that the failure to respond was due to the excusable negligence of Ms. Lilia Jimenez, the production manager's secretary. The trial court denied both motions, leading the private respondent to appeal to the Court of Appeals. The appellate court found that the trial court had not acquired jur...