Case Summary (G.R. No. L-28692)
Factual Background
On the day of the incident, Judge Abeto checked in and boarded the flight scheduled to take approximately two hours. Unfortunately, the aircraft did not reach its destination, and news of its disappearance emerged the following day. After three weeks, the wreckage was found on Mt. Baco in Mindoro, with all passengers presumed dead. Evidence retrieved from the crash site included personal effects belonging to Judge Abeto, indicating his presence on the ill-fated flight.
Plaintiff's Claims
The plaintiffs, namely the heirs of Judge Abeto, sought damages due to the loss of their loved one. They argued that PAL failed to exercise the extraordinary diligence required by law for the safety of its passengers. The trial court awarded damages for wrongful death, loss of earning capacity, moral suffering, actual damages, and attorney’s fees, totaling P57,800.00. This included specific compensations for burial expenses and the emotional distress experienced by the family.
Defendant's Defense
In response, PAL contested the trial court's findings, claiming the crash was a result of fortuitous circumstances beyond the pilot's control, such as adverse weather conditions and navigational errors. PAL argued that it had fulfilled its duty by ensuring that the aircraft was airworthy and that various pre-flight checks were conducted.
Applicable Law
The relevant stipulations from the Civil Code concerning the responsibilities of common carriers were cited, particularly Articles 1733, 1755, 1756, and 1757. Article 1733 mandates common carriers to exercise extraordinary diligence for passenger safety, while Article 1756 establishes a presumption of fault in cases of injury or death to passengers unless the carrier can demonstrate the exercise of extraordinary diligence.
Findings of the Trial Court
The trial court concluded that the pilot of the plane failed to adhere to standard regulations by not following the prescribed flight route, thereby demonstrating negligence. It was determined that the consequences of this negligence were directly tied to the tragic outcome of the flight, leading to the legal presumption of fault against PAL.
Appellate Court's Ruling
On appeal, the court scrutinized the trial court's findings, noting that the circumstances pre
...continue readingCase Syllabus (G.R. No. L-28692)
Case Background and Parties Involved
- The case involves plaintiffs-appellees: Conrada Vda. de Abeto, Carmelo Abeto, Cecilia Abeto, Concepcion Abeto, Maria Abeto, Estela Abeto, Perla Abeto, Patria Abeto, and Alberto Abeto, who are the heirs of Judge Quirico Abeto.
- The defendant-appellant is Philippine Airlines, Incorporated.
- Judge Quirico Abeto, aged 79, was a Technical Assistant in the Office of the President and had an extensive career in government service.
- He boarded Philippine Airlines flight PI-C133 from Mandurriao Airport, Iloilo City, to Manila on November 23, 1960, with valid tickets and was listed as the 18th passenger in the Load Manifest.
Incident and Aftermath
- The flight was scheduled to take approximately two hours but went missing, leading to a search.
- Three weeks later, it was confirmed that the plane had crashed at Mt. Baco, Province of Mindoro, killing all passengers, including Judge Abeto.
- A leather bag belonging to Judge Abeto was found at the crash site.
- The plaintiffs suffered emotional trauma and financial losses, including burial expenses of P1,700.00 and the loss of personal belongings valued at P300.00.
Legal Proceedings and Claims
- The plaintiffs filed for damages against the airline for negligence, claiming that the airline did not exercise the required extraordinary diligence in ensuring passenger