[G.R. No. L-12858. January 22, 1918.] THE UNITED STATES, plaintiff and appellee, vs.

SANTIAGO PINEDA, defendant-appellant.

SYLLABUS 1.EVINDENCE; "RES INTER ALIOS ACTA." As general rule, the evi en!e "# "ther "##enses !"$$itte %& a e#en ant is ina $issi%le. As "ne e'!e(ti"n, h")ever, it is (er$issi%le t" as!ertain e#en ant*s +n")le ge an intent an t" #i' his negligen!e. I# the e#en ant has "n $"re than "ne "!!asi"n (er#"r$e si$ilar a!ts, a!!i ent in g"" #aith is ("ssi%l& e'!lu e , negligen!e is intensi#ie , an #rau ulent intent $a& even %e esta%lishe . There is n" %etter evi en!e "# negligen!e than the #re,uen!& "# a!!i ents. -.ID; DISCRETION O. TRIAL /0D1E. On the trial "# a !ri$inal !ase )here the ,uesti"n relates t" the ten en!& "# !ertain testi$"n& t" thr") light u("n a (arti!ular #a!t, "r t" e'(lain the !"n u!t "# a (arti!ular (ers"n, there is a !ertain is!reti"n "n the (art "# the trial 2u ge )hi!h a !"urt "# err"r )ill n"t inter#ere )ith, unless it $ani#estl& a((ear that the testi$"n& has n" legiti$ate %earing u("n the ,uesti"n at issue, an is !al!ulate t" (re2u i!e the a!!use . 34""re vs. 0.S. 516789, 1:; 0.S., :<.= 8.ID; CIRC04STANTIAL EVIDENCE. >henever the ne!essit& arises #"r a res"rt t" !ir!u$stantial evi en!e, either #r"$ the nature "# the in,uir& "r the #ailure "# ire!t (r""#, "%2e!ti"ns t" the testi$"n& "n the gr"un "# irrelevan!& are n"t #av"re . 34""re vs. 0. S. 516789, 1:; 0.S :<.= ?.ID; 4OTIVE. Evi en!e is a $issi%le in a !ri$inal a!ti"n )hi!h ten s t" sh") $"tive, alth"ugh it ten s t" (r"ve the !"$$issi"n "# an"ther "##ense %& the e#en ant. 34""re vs. 0.S. 516789, 1:; 0.S. , :<.= :.ID; ID. A ruggist #ille a (res!ri(ti"n !alling #"r (r"tassiu$ !hl"rate )ith %ariu$ !hl"rate, a ("is"n, !ausing the eath "# t)" h"rses. A#ter anal&@ing the (a!+ages, t)" !he$ists )ent t" the rug st"re "# the e#en ant an %"ught ("tassiu$ !hl"rate, )hi!h )hen anal&@e )as #"un t" %e %ariu$ !hl"rate. Ael B That the testi$"n& "# the !he$ist )as a $issi%le in "r er t" e$"nstrate e#en ant*s $"tive an negligen!e. C.DR011ISTS; RESDONSIEILITF. The (r"#essi"n "# (har$a!& is "ne e$an ing !are an s+ill. The res("nsi%ilit& "# the ruggist t" use !are !an %e ,uali#ie as the highest egree "# !are +n")n t" (ra!ti!al $en. The s+ill re,uire "# the ruggist !an %e ,uali#ie as high "r a$(le. In "r er )"r s, the !are re,uire $ust %e !"$$ensurate )ith the anger

inv"lve , an the s+ill e$(l"&e $ust !"rres("n )ith the su(eri"r +n")le ge "# the %usiness )hi!h the la) e$an s. <.ID; ID The rule "# !aveat e$(t"r !ann"t %e a((lie t" the (ur!hase an sale "# rugs. An i$(erative ut& is "n the ruggist t" ta+e (re!auti"ns t" (revent eath "r seri"us in2ur& t" an& "ne )h" relies "n his a%s"lute h"nest& an (e!uliar learning. The nature "# rugs is su!h that e'a$inati"n )ill n"t avail the (ur!haser an&thing, C"nse,uentl&, it $ust %e that the ruggist )arrant that he )ill eliver the rug !alle #"r. 6.ID; ID. In !ivil !ases, the ruggist is $a e lia%le #"r an& in2ur& a((r"'i$atel& resulting #r"$ his negligen!e. "Dhar$a!ists "r a("the!aries )h" !"$("un "r sell $e i!ines, i# the& !arelessl& la%el a ("is"n as a har$less $e i!ine, an sen it s" la%ele int" the $ar+et are lia%le t" all (ers"ns, )h", )ith"ut #ault "n their (art, are in2ure %& using it as su!h $e i!ine, in !"nse,uen!e "# the #alse la%el; the rule %eing that the lia%ilit& in su!h a !ase arises, n"t "ut "# an& !"ntra!t "r ire!t (rivit& %et)een the )r"ng "er an the (ers"n in2ure , %ut "ut "# the ut& )hi!h the la) i$("ses "n hi$ t" av"i a!ts in their nature anger"us t" the lives "# "thers." 3Nat. Savings Ean+ vs. >ar 516<79, 1;; 0.S. 17:, #"ll")ing Th"$as vs. >in!hester 516:-9, - Sel . 5N.F .9, 87<.= 7.DAAR4ACF LA>; ".RA0D0LENT" CONSTR0ED. The Dhar$a!& La) $a+es it unla)#ul #"r an& (ers"n t" sell an& rug un er an& "#rau ulent na$e." The )"r "#rau ulent" is n"t here use in all "# its stri!tness. Rather !"nsi ering the res("nsi%ilit& #"r the e,ualit& "# rug )hi!h the la) i$("ses "n ruggists an the ("siti"n "# the )"r "#rau ulent" in 2u'ta("siti"n t" "na$e" )hat is $a e unla)#ul is the giving "# a #alse na$e t" the rug as+e #"r. 1;.DENALTF. The La) (enali@es an& ruggist )h" shall sell "ne rug #"r an"ther )hether it %e thr"ugh negligen!e "r $ista+e. 11.ID.; ID. A ruggist in #illing a (res!ri(ti"n !alling #"r ("tassiu$ !hl"rate gave instea t" the !ust"$er %ariu$ !hl"rate, a ("is"n, an (la!e this ("is"n in a (a!+age "# the (res!ri(ti"n t" t)" "# his si!+ h"rses )ith the result that the& ie sh"rtl& a#ter)ar s. HeldB That the ruggist is guilt& "# a vi"lati"n "# the Dhar$a!& La). DECISION MALCOLM, J B
(

This a((eal re,uires a !"nstru!ti"n an an a((li!ati"n, #"r the #irst ti$e, "# the (enal (r"visi"ns "# the Dhar$a!& La). Santiag" Dine a, the e#en ant, is a registere (har$a!ist "# l"ng stan ing an the ")ner "# a rug st"re l"!ate at N"s. ??-, ???, Calle Sant" Crist", !it& "# 4anila. One .eli!ian" Sant"s, having s"$e si!+ h"rses, (resente a

!"(& "# a (res!ri(ti"n "%taine #r"$ Dr. Ri!har s"n, an )hi!h "n "ther "!!asi"ns Sant"s ha given t" his h"rses )ith g"" results, at Dine a*s rug st"re #"r #illing. The (res!ri(ti"n rea "!l"rat" e ("tasa 1-; gra$"s en seis (a(elit"s e -; gra$"s, (ara !a%all"." 0n er the su(ervisi"n "# Dine a, the (res!ri(ti"n )as (re(are an returne t" Sant"s in the #"r$ "# si' (a(ers $ar+e , "E"ti!a Dine a Cl"rat" ("tasa 1-;.;; seis (a(eles (ara !a%all" St". Crist" ??-, ???, Ein"n ", 4anila." Sant"s, un er the %elie# that he ha (ur!hase the ("tasiu$ !hl"rate )hi!h he ha as+e #"r, (ut t)" "# his si!+ (a!+ages in )ater an gave the "ses t" t)" "# his si!+ h"rses. An"ther (a!+age )as $i'e )ith )ater #"r an"ther h"rse, %ut )as n"t use . The t)" h"rses, t" )hi!h ha %een given the (re(arati"n, ie sh"rtl& a#ter)ar s. Sant"s, thereu("n, t""+ the three re$aining (a!+ages t" the Eureau "# S!ien!e #"r e'a$inati"n. Drs. DeGa an Dar2uan, "# the Eureau "# S!ien!e, "n anal&sis #"un that the (a!+ages !"ntaine t" ("tassiu$ !hl"rate %ut %ariu$ !hl"rate. At the instan!e "# Sant"s, the t)" !he$ists als" )ent t" the rug st"re "# the e#en ant an %"ught ("tassiu$ !hl"rate, )hi!h )hen anal&@e )as #"un t" %e %ariu$ !hl"rate. 3Eariu$ !hl"rate, it sh"ul %e n"te , is a ("is"n; ("tassiu$ !hl"rate is n"t.= Dr. Euen!a$in", a veterinarian, (er#"r$e an aut"(s& "n the h"rse, an #"un that eath )as the result "# ("is"ning. ."ur assign$ents "# err"r are $a e. The #irst is that the l")er !"urt in a $itting the testi$"n& "# the !he$ist DeGa an Dar2uan as t" their (ur!hase "# ("tassiu$ !hl"rate at the rug st"re "# the a!!use , )hi!h su%stan!e (r"ve "n anal&sis t" %e %ariu$ !hl"rate. >hat a((ellant is here rel&ing "n is the $a'i$ res inter alois acta. As a general rule, the evi en!e "# "ther "##enses !"$$itte %& a e#en ant is ina $issi%le. Eut a((ellant has !"n#use this $a'i$ an this rule )ith !ertain e'!e(ti"ns theret". The e##"rt is n"t t" !"nvi!t the a!!use "# a se!"n "##ense. N"r is there an atte$(t t" ra) the $in a)a& #r"$ the ("int at issue an thus t" (re2u i!e e#en ant*s !ase. The (ur("se is t" as!ertain e#en ant*s +n")le ge an intent, an t" #i' his negligen!e is intensi#ie , an #rau ulent intent $a& even %e evi en!e "# negligen!e than the #re,uen!& "# a!!i ents. 3See 1; R. C. L. ((. 786 7?;.= The 0nite States Su(re$e C"urt has hel thatB
"On the trial "# a !ri$inal !ase )here the ,uesti"n relates t" the ten en!& "# !ertain testi$"n& t" thr") light u("n a (arti!ular #a!t, "r t" e'(lain the !"n u!t "# a (arti!ular (ers"n, there is a !ertain is!reti"n "n the (art "# the trial 2u ge )hi!h a !"urt "# err"rs )ill n"t inter#ere )ith, unless it $ani#estl& a((ear that the testi$"n& has n" legiti$ate %earing u("n the ,uesti"n at issue, an is !al!ulate t" (re2u i!e the a!!use . ">henever the ne!essit& arises #"r a res"rt t" !ir!u$stan!ial evi en!e, either #r"$ the nature "# the in,uir& "r the #ailure "# ire!t (r""#, "%2e!ti"ns t" the testi$"n& "n the gr"un "# irrelevan!& are n"t #av"re .

"Evi en!e is a $issi%le in a !ri$inal a!ti"n )hi!h ten s t" sh") $"tive, alth"ugh it ten s t" (r"ve the !"$$issi"n "# an"ther "##ense %& the e#en ant."34""re vs. 0.S. 516789, 1:; 0.S., :<.=

The se!"n assign$ent "# err"r is that the l")er !"urt erre in #in ing that the su%stan!e s"l %& the a!!use t" .eli!ian" Sant"s "n the -- "# /une, 171C, )as %ariu$ !hl"rate an n"t ("tassiu$ !hl"rate. The (r""# e$"nstrates the !"ntrar&. The thir an #"urth assign$ents "# err"r are that the l")er !"urt erre in #in ing that the a!!use has %een (r"ve ,ualit& %e&"n a reas"na%le "u%t "# an in#ra!ti"n "# A!t N". :7<, se!ti"n 1<, as a$en e . The thir assign$ent !"ntains the ("ints )e sh"ul !"nsi er, in!lu ing, )e $a& re$ar+, a s"$e)hat i##i!ult ,uesti"n !"n!erning )hi!h the %rie#s have given little assistan!e. The Dhar$a!& La) )as #irst ena!te as A!t N". :7<, )as later a$en e %& A!t N"s. 17-1, --8C, an -86-, an is n") #"un as Cha(ter 8; "# the A $inistrative e'a$iners, an the e'a$inati"n an registrati"n "# (har$a!ists, an #inall& !"ntains sun r& (r"visi"ns relative t" the (ra!ti!e "# (har$a!&. Aigh ,uali#i!ati"ns #"r a((li!ants #"r the (har$a!euti!al e'a$inati"n are esta%lishe . The (r"gra$ "# su%2e!ts #"r the e'a$inati"n in )i e. Res("nsi%ilit& #"r the ,ualit& "# rugs is #i'e %& se!ti"n 1< "# the Dhar$a!& La), as a$en e 3n") A $inistrative C" e 5171<9, se!ti"n <:1=, in the #"ll")ing ter$B
"Ever& (har$a!ist shall %e res("nsi%le #"r the ,ualit& "# all rugs, !he$i!als, $e i!ines, an ("is"ns he $a& sell "r +ee( #"r sale; an it shall be unlawful for any person)h"$s"ever t" $anu#a!ture, (re(are, sell, "r a $inister any prescription, drug, chemical, medicine, or poison under any fraudulent name, ire!ti"n, "r (retense, "r t" a ulterate an& rug, !he$i!al, "r ("is"n s" use , s"l , "r "##ere #"r sale. An& rug, !he$i!al, $e i!ine, "r ("is"n shall %e hel t" %e a ultere "r eteri"rate )ithin the $eaning "# this se!ti"n i# it i##ers #r"$ the stan ar "# ,ualit& "r (urit& given in the 0nite States Dhar$a!"("eia."

The sa$e a!ti"n "# the Dhar$a!& La) als" !"ntains the #"ll")ing (enal (r"visi"nB "An& (ers"n vi"lating the (r"visi"ns "# this A!t shall, u("n !"nvi!ti"n, %e (unishe %& a #ine n"t $"re than #ive hun re "llars." The A $inistrative C" e, se!ti"n -C<C, !hanges the (enalt& s"$e)hat %& (r"vi ing thatB
"An& (ers"n engaging in the (ra!ti!e "# (har$a!& in the Dhili((ine Islan s !"ntrar& t" an& (r"visi"n "# the Dhar$a!& La) "r vi"lating an& (r"visi"ns "# sai la) #"r )hi!h n" s(e!i#i! (enalt& is (r"vi e shall, #"r ea!h "##ense, %e (unishe %& a #ine n"t t" e'!ee t)" hun re (es"s, "r %& i$(ris"n$ent #"r n"t $"re than ninet& a&s, "r %"th, in the ire!ti"n "# the !"urt."

These are the (r"visi"ns "# la), (ursuant t" )hi!h (r"se!uti"n has %een

initiate an )hi!h it is n") in!u$%ent u("n us t" !"nstrue. Turning t" the la), !ertain ("ints therein as %earing "n "ur (resent #a!ts $ust %e a $itte . Thus, e#en ant is a (har$a!ist. As a (har$a!ist, he is $a e res("nsi%le #"r the ,ualit& "# all rugs an ("is"ns )hi!h he sells. An #inall& it is (r"vi e that it shall %e unla)#ul #"r hi$ t" sell an& rug "r ("is"n un er an& "#rau ulent na$e." It is the "ne )"r "#rau ulent" )hi!h has given the !"urt tr"u%le. >hat i the Legislature inten t" !"nve& %& this restri!tive a 2e!tiveH >ere )e t" a here t" the te!hni!al e#initi"n "# #rau , )hi!h a((ellant vig"r"usl& insists u("n, it )"ul %e i##i!ult, i# n"t i$("ssi%le, t" !"nvi!t an& ruggist "# a vi"lati"n "# the la). The (r"se!uti"n )"ul have t" (r"ve t" a reas"na%le egree "# !ertainl& that the ruggist $a e a $aterial re(resentati"n; that it )as #alse; that )hen he $a e it he +ne) that it )as #alse "# $a e it re!+lessl& )ith"ut an& +n")le ge "# its truth an as a ("sitive asserti"n; that he $a e it )ith the intenti"n that it sh"ul %e a!te u("n %& the (ur!haser; that the (ur!haser a!te in relian!e u("n it, an that the (ur!haser there%& su##ere in2ur&. Su!h a !"nstru!ti"n )ith a literal #"ll")ing "# )ellI+n")n (rin!i(les "n the su%2e!t "# #rau )"ul stri( the la) "# at least $u!h "# its #"r!e. It )"ul leave the inn"!ent (ur!haser "# rugs, )h" $ust %lin l& trust in the g"" #aith an vigilan!e "# the (har$a!ist, at the $er!& "# an& uns!ru(ul"us ven "r. >e sh"ul n"t, there#"re, )ith"ut g"" reas"n s" evitali@e the la). The (r"#essi"n "# (har$a!&, it has %een sai again an again, is "ne e$an ing care an skill. The res("nsi%ilit& "# the ruggist t" use !are has %een vari"usl& ,uali#ie as ""r inar& !are," "!are "# a s(e!iall& high egree," "the highest egree "# !are +n")n t" (ra!ti!al $en." Even un er the #irst !"nservative e'(ressi"n, ""r inar& !are" )ith re#eren!e t" the %usiness "# a ruggist, the Su(re$e C"urt "# C"nne!ti!ut has sai $ust %e hel t" signi#& "the highest (ra!ti!a%le egree "# (ru en!e, th"ught#ulness, an vigilan!e, an the $"st e'a!t an relia%le sa#eguar s !"nsistent )ith the reas"na%le !"n u!t "# the %usiness, in "r er that hu$an li#e $a& n"t !"nstantl& %e e'("se t" the anger #l")ing #r"$ the su%stituti"n "# ea l& ("is"ns #"r har$less $e i!ine." 3T"$%ari vs. C"nn"r 5171-9, 6: C"nn., -8:. See als" >ills"n vs. At+ins 517;<9 61 N. E., C;;.= The "s+ill " re,uire "# a ruggist is en"$inate as "high" "r "a$(le." 3Deter vs. /a!+s"n 517;-9, :; >. Va., C??; :< L. R.A., ?-6.= In "r er )"r s, the !are re,uire $ust %e !"$$ensurate )ith the anger inv"lve , an the s+ill e$(l"&e $ust !"rres("n )ith the su(eri"r +n")le ge "# the %usiness )hi!h the la) e$an s. 0n er "ne !"n!e(ti"n, an it sh"ul n"t %e #"rg"tten that the !ases )e !"nsi er are !ivil in nature, the ,uesti"n "# negligen!e "r ign"ran!e is irrelevant. The ruggist is res("nsi%le as an a%s"lute guarant"r "# )hat he sells. In a e!isi"n )hi!h stan s al"ne, the Su(re$e C"urt "# Jentu!+& sai B

"As a((li!a%le t" the ")ners "# rug st"res, "r (ers"ns engage in ven ing rugs an $e i!ines %& retail, the legal $a'i$ sh"ul %e reverse . Instea "# caveat emptor, it sh"ul %e !aveat ven it"r. That is t" sa&, let hi$ %e !ertain that he "es n"t sell t" a (ur!haser "r sen t" a (atient "ne rug #"r an"ther, as arseni! #"r !al"$el, !arthari es #"r "r $i'e )ith sna+er""t an Deruvian %ar+, "r even "n inn"!ent rug, !al!ulate t" (r" u!e a !ertain e##e!t, in (la!e "# an"ther sent #"r an esigne t" (r" u!e a i##erent e##e!t. I# he "es these things, he !ann"t es!a(e !ivil res("nsi%ilit&, u("n the allege (rete'ts that it )as an a!!i ental "r an inn"!ent $ista+e; that he ha %een ver& !are#ul an (arti!ular, an ha use e'tra"r inar& !are an iligen!e in (re(aring "r !"$("un ing the $e i!ines as re,uire , et!. Su!h e'!uses )ill n"t avail hi$."3.leet vs A"llen+e$( 516:-9, :C A$. De!., :C8.=

0n er the "ther !"n!e(ti"n, in )hi!h (r""# "# negligen!e is !"nsi ere as $aterial, )here a !ust"$er !alls u("n a ruggist #"r a har$less re$e &, eliver& "# a ("is"n"us rug %& $ista+e %& the ruggist is prima facie negligen!e, (la!ing the %ur en "n hi$ t" sh") that the $ista+e )as un er the !ir!u$stan!es !"nsistent )ith the e'er!ise "# ue !are. 3See Jn"e#el vs. At+ins, supra.= The ruggist !ann"t, #"r e'a$(le in #illing a (res!ri(ti"n !alling #"r ("tassiu$ !hl"rate give instea t" the !ust"$er %ariu$ !hl"rate, a ("is"n, (la!e this ("is"n in a (a!+age la%ele "("tassiu$ !hl"rate" , an e'(e!t t" es!a(e res("nsi%ilit& "n a (lea "# $ista+e. Ais $ista+e, un er the $"st #av"ra%le as(e!t #"r hi$sel#, )as negligen!e. S" in a !ase )here a ruggist #ille an "r er #"r !al"$el ta%lets )ith $"r(hine an (la!e the $"r(hine in a %"' la%ele !al"$el, it )as sai B
"It is n"t suggeste , n"r !an )e a((rehen that it is in an& )ise (r"%a%le, that the a!t "# #urnishing the )r"ng rug in this !ase )as )ill#ul. I# it )as #urnishe %& the !ler+, it )as un "u%te l& a $ista+e an unintenti"nal. A")ever, it )as a $ista+e "# the gravest +in , an "# the $"st isastr"us e##e!t. >e !ann"t sa& that "ne h"l ing hi$sel# "ut as !"$(etent t" han le su!h rugs, an )h" "es s", having right#ul a!!ess t" the$, an relie u("n %& th"se ealing )ith hi$ t" e'er!ise that high egree "# !auti"n an !are !alle #"r %& the (e!uliarl& anger"us nature "# this %usiness, !an %e hear t" sa& that his $ista+es %& )hi!h he #urnishes a !ust"$er the $"st ea l& "# rugs #"r th"se !"$(arativel& har$less is n"t, in an "# itsel#, gr"ss negligen!e, an that "# an aggravate #"r$." 3S$ith*s A $i'. vs. 4i elt"n 517;-9, :C L. R., ?6?.=

The rule "# caveat emptor !ann"t a((l& t" the (ur!hase an sale "# rugs. The ven "r an the ven ee " n"t stan at ar$s length as in "r inar& transa!ti"ns. An i$(erative ut& is "n the ruggist t" ta+e (re!auti"ns t" (revent eath "r seri"us in2ur& t" an&"ne )h" relies "n his a%s"lute h"nest& an (e!uliar learning. The nature "# rugs is su!h that e'a$inati"n )"ul n"t avail the (ur!haser an&thing. It )"ul %e i le $"!+er& #"r the !ust"$er t" $a+e an e'a$inati"n "# a !"$("un "# )hi!h he !an +n") n"thing. C"nse,uentl&, it $ust %e that the ruggist )arrants that he )ill eliver the rug !alle #"r.

In !ivil !ases, the ruggist is $a e lia%le #"r an& in2ur& a((r"'i$atel& resulting #r"$ his negligen!e. I# E negligentl& sells ("is"n un er the guise "# a %ene#i!ial rug t" A, he is lia%le #"r the in2ur& "ne t" A. In a !ase, )hi!h has re(eate l& %een #"ll")e %& the 0nite States Su(re$e C"urt, it )as sai , "Dhar$a!ists "r a("the!aries )h" !"$("un "r sell $e i!ines, i# the& !arelessl& la%el a ("is"n as a har$less $e i!ine, an sen it s" la%ele int" the $ar+et, are lia%le t" all (ers"ns )h", )ith"ut #ault "n their (art, are in2ure %& using it as su!h $e i!ine, in !"nse,uen!e "# the #alse la%el; the rule %eing that the lia%ilit& in su!h a !ase arises n"t "ut "# an& !"ntra!t "r ire!t (rivit& %et)een the )r"ngI "er an the (ers"n in2ure , %ut "ut "# the ut& )hi!h the la) i$("ses "n hi$ t" av"i a!ts in their nature anger"us t" the lives "# "thers." 3Nat. Savings Ean+ vs. >ar 516<79, 1;; 0.S., 17:, #"ll")ing Th"$as vs. >in!hester 516:-9, - Sel . 5N.F.9 87<.= In realit&, #"r the ruggist, $ista+e is negligen!e an !are is n" e#ense. Thr"ugh"ut the !ri$inal la), run the sa$e rig"r"us rules. ."r, e'a$(le, a("the!aries "r a("the!ar& !ler+s, )h" are ,ualit& "# negligen!e in the sale "# $e i!ine )hen eath ensues in !"nse,uen!e, have %een hel guilt& "# $anslaughter. 3See Tess&$"n *s Case K16-6L, 1 Le)in, C. C., 1C7.= Eearing these general (rin!i(les in $in , an re$e$%ering (arti!ularl& the !are an s+ill )hi!h are e'(e!te "# ruggists, that in s"$e 2uris i!ti"ns the& are lia%le even #"r their $ista+e an in "thers have the %ur en (la!e u("n the$ t" esta%lish that the& )ere n"t negligent, it !ann"t %e that the Dhili((ine Legislature inten e t" use the )"r "#rau ulent" in all its stri!tness. A (lea "# a!!i ent an $ista+e !ann"t e'!use #"r the& !ann"t ta+e (la!e unless there %e )ant"n an !ri$inal !arelessness an negle!t. A") the $is#"rtune "!!urs in uni$("rtant, i# un er all the !ir!u$stan!es the #a!t "# "!!urren!e is attri%uta%le t" the ruggist as a legal #ault. Rather !"nsi ering the res("nsi%ilit& #"r the ,ualit& "# rugs )hi!h the la) i$("ses "n ruggist an the ("siti"n "# the $a e unla)#ul is the giving "# a #alse na$e t" the rug as+e #"r. This vie) is %"rne "ut %& the S(anish translati"n, )hi!h )e are (er$itte t" !"nsult t" e'(lain the English te't. In the S(anish "su(uest"" is use , an this )"r is !ertainl& n"t s&n"n&$"us )ith "#rau ulent." The usual %a ges "# #rau , #alsit&, e!e(ti"n, an in2ur& $ust %e (resent %ut n"t s!ienter. In vie) "# the tre$en "us an i$$inent anger t" the (u%li! #r"$ the !areless sale "# ("is"ns an $e i!ines, )e " n"t ee$ it t"" rigi a rule t" h"l that the la) (enali@es an& ruggist )h" shall sell "ne rug #"r an"ther )hether it %e thr"ugh negligen!e "r $ista+e. The 2u g$ent "# the l")er !"urt, senten!ing the e#en ant t" (a& a #ine "# D1;;, )ith su%si iar& i$(ris"n$ent in !ase "# ins"lven!&, an t" (a& the !"sts, is a##ir$e )ith the !"sts "# this instan!e against the a((ellant, )ith"ut (re2u i!e t" an& !ivil a!ti"n )hi!h $a& %e institute . S" "r ere .

Arellano, C.J., Torres, Johnson, Carson, Araullo, an

treet, JJ.., !"n!ur.

51.R. N". 1:;C. .e%ruar& -C, 17;?.9 THE UNITED STATES, complainant-appellee, vs. FACUNDO PINEDA ET AL., defendants-appellants. !sabelo Artacho, #"r a((ellants. olicitor-"eneral Araneta, #"r a((ellee. SYLLABUS 1.CRI4INAL LA>; INS0RRECTION. The e#en ants, )h" )ere $e$%ers "# a !"r(s "# v"lunteers "rgani@e %& the (r"vin!ial g"vern$ent "# Eula!an, eserte )ith their ar$s an a$$uniti"n, an 2"ine the #"r!es "# the insurgent lea er San 4iguel, an as a $e$%ers "# his #"r!es engage in si$ilar s+ir$ishes )ith the C"nsta%ular&B Held, that the& )ere (r"(erl& !"nvi!te "# the !ri$e "# re%elli"n un er se!ti"n 8 "# A!t N". -7-, %e!ause the& t""+ (art as a%ett"rs in a!ts "# re%elli"n !"$$itte %& San 4iguel*s %an against the agents "# the Insular 1"vern$ent an in vi"lati"n "# its la)s. DECISION TORRES, J B
(

On August -7, 17;8, the (r"vin!ial #is!al "# Eula!an #ile an in#"r$ati"n !harging .a!un " Dine a, Eenign" Eae@a, Agustin e la Cru@, De r" Ten"ri", Eulali" Re&es, Ne$esi" Aernan e@, .ran!is!" Eene i!t", an .eli' La,uin anu$ )ith insurre!ti"n, in that the sai e#en ants, "n "r a%"ut the Cth a& "# .e%ruar& "# the sa$e &ear, %eing $e$%ers "# the v"lunteer !"r(s "rgani@e %& the g"vern$ent "# the sai (r"vin!e t" $aintain the (u%li! (ea!e, an %eing (r"vi e )ith guns an a$$uniti"n %el"nging t" the Insular 1"vern$ent, an )hile garris"ne )ith "thers t" the nu$%er "# -: in the t")n "# O%an ", a%an "ne the garris"n an eserte #r"$ the ran+s, )ith their ar$s an a$$uniti"n, an 2"ine the (art& "# the s"I !alle 1eneral San 4iguel, ai ing an (r"$"ting the insurre!ti"n against the !"nstitute g"vern$ent "# these Islan s, #ighting )ith the ar$s )ith )hi!h the& ha %een intruste against the l"&al tr""(s until the& )ere arreste s"$e $"nths a#ter)ar s in vari"us (arts "# the (r"vin!e; this against the statute in the !ase $a e an (r"vi e . The evi en!e in the !ase !"n!lusivel& esta%lishes the #a!ts that "n the a#tern""n "# .e%ruar& C, 17;8, -: v"lunteers, ar$e )ith ri#les an un er !"$$an "# Sergeant Da$as" Caa$%"l, a$"ng the$ the eight e#en ants, le#t their garris"n an %arra!+s in the t")n "# O%an ", an eserte , )ith their ar$s an a$$uniti"n, g"ing t" the %arri" "# Einauangan an then!e t" the (la!e !alle C"rral na Eat", )here the& 2"ine the (art& !"$$an e %& the s"I!alle 1eneral San 4iguel; that )hile "n their )a& the& )ere $et %& s"$e #i#teen $e$%ers "# the sai %an )h" ha !"$e "ut t" re!eive the$; that "n the #"ll")ing a&, "n )hi!h the (artisans "# San 4iguel ha a #ight )ith the C"nsta%ular&, %& )h"$ their en!a$($ent )as atta!+e , the sai e#en ants t""+ (art in the #ight, ai ing an a%etting San 4iguel*s $en; that su%se,uentl& s"$e "# the eserters !"n!eale the$selves in the $angr"ve s)a$(s at a (la!e !alle 4atala%a, "# the t")nshi( "# Da"$%"ng, )here the& #"r$e an"ther %an , )aiting #"r an "(("rtunit& t" $a+e an atta!+ u("n the t")n "# Aag"n"& an later u("n the t")n "# 4al"l"s, the !a(ital "# the (r"vin!e, "# )hi!h (ur("se Lieut. /"se Re&es, "# the C"nsta%ular& #"r!es, )as in#"r$e %& three $en, %& na$e Cris(ul" Ca(uli, Eenit" Villanueva, an Valentin e 1u@$an, )h" %& "r ers "# the sai lieutenant 2"ine the (art& en!a$(e in sai $angr"ve s)a$(s; that "n A(ril 8; "# the sa$e &ear, Lieutenant Re&es an his s"l iers atta!+e the (art& at 4atala%a, is(ersing it, an a#ter the !"$%at !a(ture (r"visi"ns, a rev"lver, an a Re$ingt"n ri#le; that the s(ies sa) Ne$esi" Aernan e@ an .a!un " Dine a a$"ng the $e$%ers "# the %an . /uan M"rilla, the !""+ "# San 4iguel*s (art&, testi#ie that he sa) Eulali" Re&es, .ran!is!" Eene i!t", Agustin e la Cru@, an .a!un " Dine a a$"ng the O%an " v"lunteers )h" 2"ine the sai (art&; that he +ne) that these $en ha s" 2"ine the %an , %e!ause he )as (resent )hen a letter #r"$ Sergeant Da$as" Caa$%"l )as rea , in )hi!h letter he ann"un!e his

arrival in the $"untains #"r the (ur("se "# 2"ining San 4iguel*s (art&; that the (ur("se "# this %an , a!!"r ing t" San 4iguel, an the lea ers, A("l"ni" Sa$s"n, Natali" Austria, 1uiller$", an C"ntreras, )as t" #ight against the C"nsta%ular& t" a!!"$(lish the in e(en en!e "# the !"untr&. Ins(e!t"r D"nat" Te" "r" an Liet. /"se Re&es i enti#ie the a!!use as $e$%ers "# the v"lunteer !"r(s t" )h"$ the& ha elivere guns an (a&. Ins(e!t"r D"nat" testi#ie su%se,uentl& that Eulali" Re&es, .ran!is!" Eene i!t", an .a!un " Dine a !"n#esse t" hi$ a#ter eserting the& 2"ine San 4iguel*s %an . Se!ti"n 8 "# A!t N". -7-, (asse N"ve$%er ?, 17;1, rea s as #"ll")sB
"Ever& (ers"n )h" in!ites, sets "n #""t, assist, "r engages in an& re%elli"n "r insurre!ti"n against the auth"rit& "# the 0nite States "r the 1"vern$ent "# the Dhili((ine Islan s, "r the la)s there"#, "r )h" gives ai "r !"$#"rt t" an&"ne s" engaging in su!h re%elli"n "r insurre!ti"n, shall, u("n !"nvi!ti"n, %e i$(ris"ne #"r n"t $"re than ten &ears an %e #ine n"t $"re than N1;,;;;."

The evi en!e in this !ase, !"nsisting "# the testi$"n& "# a nu$%er "# )itnesses an es(e!iall& the testi$"n& "# t)" "##i!ers, "ne "# the$ a $e$%er "# the C"nsta%ular& an an"ther a $e$%er "# the v"lunteer !"r(s "rgani@e in Eula!an, an the testi$"n& "# the )itness /uan M"rilla, esta%lishes the #a!t that "n the a#tern""n "# .e%ruar& C, 17;8, the eight e#en ants, )ith "thers u( t" the nu$%er "# -:, %eing v"lunteers (r"vi e )ith ar$s %el"nging t" the Insular 1"vern$ent, a%an "ne the garris"n in )hi!h the& ha %een stati"ne , un er the ire!ti"n "# Sergeant Da$as" Caa$%"l 2"ine the %an "# the s"I!alle 1eneral San 4iguel, en!a$(e at C"rral na Eat", a!ting u("n an agree$ent t" that en )ith San 4iguel "r s"$e "# the "##i!ers "# his %an , ai ing an a%etting an ta+ing a!tual (art in the a!ts "# re%elli"n an insurre!ti"n !"$$itte %& the sai %an against the auth"rit& "# the 0nite States an "# its la)s, resisting the agents an "##i!ers "# the Insular 1"vern$ent. N" "u%t the& eserte #"r the e'(ress (ur("se "# 2"ining the insurre!ti"n an "(("sing the auth"rities an their agents. These #a!ts are !"n#ir$e %& the testi$"n& "# the a!!use , Re&es, Eene i!t", Aernan e@, Eae@a, an Dine a. It #urther a((ears #r"$ the re!"r that s"$e "# the e#en ants le#t San 4iguel*s %an an )ent int" hi ing in the $angr"ve s)a$(s "# the t")n "# Da"$%"ng, )here the& (r"("se t" #"r$ an"ther (art& #"r the (ur("se "# #alling u("n the t")n "# Aag"n"& an su%se,uentl& 4al"l"s, the !a(ital "# the (r"vin!e, "u%tless )ith the intent "# atta!+ing the l"!al auth"rities "# these t")ns, u("n the su(("siti"n that the sai auth"rities )"ul "(("se their assault; an alth"ugh the (ur("se )as n"t !arrie int" e##e!t, this )as %e!ause Lieutenant Re&es "# the C"nsta%ular& atta!+e the$ %e#"rehan )ith the 1"vern$ent #"r!es an is(erse the$ "n A(ril 8;, 17;8. The eight e#en ants (lea e n"t guilt&, %ut n"t)ithstan ing the ina $issi%le an unsu(("rte e'!ul(ati"n )hi!h #ive "# the$ atte$(te ,

sa&ing that the& "nl& "%e&e the "r ers "# Sergeant Caa$%"l )hen leaving O%an " garris"n an that )ith the !"nsent an %& "r er "# the latter the& )ere isar$e %& a nu$%er "# the $e$%ers "# the San 4iguel Dart& )hi!h sur(rise the$ )hile their guns )ere unl"a e an t""+ the$ t" C"rral na Eat", the !ase nevertheless sh")s $"re than su##i!ient evi en!e "# the guilt "# the e#en ants "# the !ri$e "# re%elli"n !"$$itte against the auth"rities, #"r the& i n"t resist the allege isar$a$ent an +i na((ing )hi!h the& allege, an their !"n u!t at the ti$e "# their eserti"n an su%se,uentl& sh")s !"n!lusivel& that the& )ent int" the ran+s "# the ene$ies "# (ea!e, "# la), an "# the )ellI%eing "# the !"untr& )ill#ull& an )ith #ull +n")le ge "# the gravit& an !"nse,uen!es "# their a!ts. The %est (r""# "# the guilt "# the a!!use is that "n the a& #"ll")ing that "n )hi!h the& 2"ine San 4iguel*s #"r!es the& assiste the latter in the s+ir$ish against the C"nsta%ular&. C"nse,uentl& the& are guilt& as (rin!i(als "# the !ri$e )ith )hi!h the& are !harge an are su%2e!t t" the (ers"nal an (e!uniar& (enalties t" )hi!h the& have %een !"n e$ne . There#"re, #"r the reas"ns a%"ve state , )e are "# the "(ini"n that the 2u g$ent "# the !"urt %el"), ate Se(te$%er -:, 17;8, an %& )hi!h ea!h "# the eight e#en ants is !"n e$ne t" ten &ears* i$(ris"n$ent an t" the (a&$ent "# 1;,;;; Insular (es"s ea!h an t" the !"sts $ust %e a##ir$e . This e!isi"n an the 2u g$ent herea#ter t" %e entere in a!!"r an!e there)ith )ill %e sent t" the !"urt %el") #"r e'e!uti"n. S" "r ere . Arellano, C .J ., Cooper, #illard, $apa, $c%onough an Johnson, JJ ., !"n!ur.

51.R. N". <<C;. O!t"%er 1, 171?.9 E. M. WRIGHT, plaintiff-appellant, vs. MANILA ELECTRIC R. R. & LIGHT CO., defendant-appellant. #. A. &incaid, Thomas '. Hartigan, an Jose (obles 'ahesa, #"r (lainti##. )ruce. 'awrence, (oss * )lock, #"r e#en ant. SYLLABUS 1.ADDEAL; .INDIN1S; IN/0RF D0E TO INTOOICATION. >here the (lainti## r"ve h"$e in the nightti$e in a !alesa, a t)"I)heele vehi!le,

an , in !r"ssing the tra!+s "# a streetI!ar !"$(an&, the rails an a (art "# the ties "# )hi!h )ere a%"ve the sur#a!e "# the gr"un , the h"rse stu$%le , lea(e #"r)ar an #ell !ausing the vehi!le t" stri+e "ne "# the rails )ith su!h #"r!e as t" st"( it su enl& an t" %rea+ "ne "# the )heels, there%& !ausing the (lainti## t" (it!h #"r)ar #r"$ the vehi!le, stri+ing u("n the tra!+s an t" in2ure hi$sel# severel&, the (lainti## %eing at the ti$e s"$e)hat int"'i!ate %ut a%le t" han le the h"rse an vehi!le )ith "r inar& !are an (ru en!e, it is err"r #"r the !"urt t" #in that, i# the (lainti## ha n"t %een int"'i!ate , he )"ul n"t have %een in2ure , as the !"n!lusi"n that a s"%er $an )"ul n"t have #allen #r"$ the vehi!le un er the sa$e !ir!u$stan!es is #"un e "n s(e!ulati"n an guess)"r+. I# an& !"n!lusi"n at all !an %e legiti$atel& ra)n #r"$ the #a!ts, it is that the su en #alling "# the h"rse, resulting in the ,ui!+ an e!i e l")ering "# the thills, there%& giving the %" & "# the vehi!le a shar( #"r)ar in!linati"n, t"gether )ith the su en st"(, )"ul "r inaril& %e su##i!ient t" thr") a s"%er $an #r"$ the vehi!le an !ause the in2uries )hi!h resulte . -.STREET RAILROADS; DE.ECTS IN TRACJS, NE1LI1ENCE. A streetI!ar !"$(an& )hi!h $aintains its tra!+s in the (u%li! high)a&, at a ("int )here the& are !r"sse %& travelers, in su!h !"n iti"n that the rails an a !"nsi era%le ("rti"n "# the ties are a%"ve the level "# the street, is negligent an is res("nsi%le t" a (ers"n )h", having t" (ass "ver sai tra!+s at right angles )ith a vehi!le in the nightti$e, is in2ure %& reas"n "# the !"n iti"n "# the tra!+s, he using "r inar& !are an (ru en!e in $a+ing the !r"ssing. 8.INTOOICATION IS NOT NE1LI1ENCE. 4ere int"'i!ati"n is n"t negligen!e, n"r "es the $ere #a!t "# int"'i!ati"n esta%lish a )ant "# "r inar& !are. I# a (ers"n*s !"n u!t is !hara!teri@e %& a (r"(er egree "# !are an (ru en!e, it is i$$aterial )hether he is run+ "r s"%er. DECISION MORELAND, J B
(

This is an a!ti"n %r"ught t" re!"ver a$ages #"r in2uries sustaine a!!i ent )hi!h "!!urre in Cal""!an "n the night "# August 6, 17;7.

in an

The e#en ant is a !"r("rati"n engage in "(erating an ele!tri! street rail)a& in the !it& "# 4anila an its su%ur%s, in!lu ing the $uni!i(alit& "# Cal""!an. The (lainti##*s resi en!e in Cal""!an #r"nts "n the street al"ng )hi!h e#en ant*s tra!+s run, s" that t" enter his (re$ises #r"$ the street (lainti## is "%lige t" !r"ss e#en ant*s tra!+s. On the night $enti"ne (lainti## r"ve h"$e in a !alesa an in !r"ssing the tra!+s t" enter his (re$ises the h"rse stu$%le , lea(e #"r)ar , an #ell, !ausing the vehi!le t" stri+e "ne "# the rails )ith great #"r!e. The #all "# the h"rse an the !"llisi"n "# the vehi!le )ith the rails, resulting in a su en st"(, thre)

(lainti## #r"$ the vehi!le an !ause the in2uries !"$(laine "#. It is un is(ute that at the ("int )here (lainti## !r"sse the tra!+s "n the night in ,uesti"n n"t "nl& the rails )ere a%"veIgr"un , %ut that the ties u("n )hi!h the rails reste (r"2e!te #r"$ "neIthir t" "neIhal# "# their e(th "ut "# the gr"un , thus $a+ing the t"(s "# the rails s"$e : "r C in!hes "r $"re a%"ve the level "# the street. It is a $itte that the e#en ant )as negligent in $aintaining its tra!+s as es!ri%e , %ut it is !"nten e that the (lainti## )as als" negligent in that he )as int"'i!ate t" su!h an e'tent at the ti$e "# the a!!i ent that he )as una%le t" ta+e !are "# hi$sel# (r"(erl& an that su!h int"'i!ati"n )as the (ri$ar& !ause "# the a!!i ent. The trial !"urt hel that %"th (arties )ere negligent, %ut that the (lainti##*s negligen!e )as n"t as great as e#en ant*s an un er the auth"rit& "# the !ase "# Ra+es vs. A. 1. P D. CO. 3< Dhil. Re(., 8:7= a(("rti"ne the a$ages an a)ar e (lainti## a 2u g$ent "# D1,;;;. The ,uesti"n %e#"re us is state %& the e#en ant thusB
"A!!e(ting the #in ings "# the trial !"urt that %"th (lainti## an e#en ant )ere guilt& "# negligen!e, the "nl& ,uesti"n t" %e !"nsi ere is )hether the negligen!e "# (lainti## !"ntri%ute t" the *(rin!i(al "!!urren!e* "r *"nl& t" his ")n in2ur&.* I# the #"r$er, he !ann"t re!"ver; i# the latter, the trial !"urt )as !"rre!t in a(("rti"ning the a$ages."

The ,uesti"n as state %& (lainti## is as #"ll")sB "The $ain ,uesti"n at issue is )hether "r n"t the (lainti## )as negligent, an , i# s", t" )hat e'tent. I# the negligen!e "# the (lainti## )as the (ri$ar& !ause "# the a!!i ent then, "# !"urse, he !ann"t re!"ver; i# his negligen!e ha n"thing t" " )ith the a!!i ent %ut !"ntri%ute t" his in2ur&, then the !"urt )as right in a(("rti"ning the a$ages, %ut i# there )as n" negligen!e "n the (art "# the (lainti##, then he sh"ul %e a)ar e a$ages a e,uate t" the in2ur& sustaine ." In su(("rt "# the e#en ant*s !"ntenti"n !"unsel sa&sB
"De#en ant*s negligen!e )as its #ailure (r"(erl& t" $aintain the tra!+; (lainti##*s negligen!e )as his int"'i!ati"n; the *(rin!i(al "!!urren!e* )as (lainti##*s #all #r"$ his !alesa. It see$s !lear that (lainti##*s int"'i!ati"n !"ntri%ute t" the #all; i# he ha %een s"%er, it !an har l& %e "u%te that he )"ul have !r"sse the tra!+ sa#el&, as he ha "ne a hun re ti$es %e#"re."

>hile %"th (arties a((eale #r"$ the e!isi"n, the e#en ant "n the gr"un that it )as n"t lia%le an the (lainti## "n the gr"un that the a$ages )ere insu##i!ient a!!"r ing t" the evi en!e, an )hile the (lainti## $a e a $"ti"n #"r a ne) trial u("n the statut"r& gr"un s an t""+ (r"(er e'!e(ti"n t" the enial there"#, thus !"n#erring u("n this !"urt 2uris i!ti"n t" eter$ine the ,uesti"ns "# #a!t, nevertheless, n"t all "# the testi$"n& ta+en "n the trial,

s" #ar as !an %e gathere #r"$ the re!"r , has %een %r"ught t" this !"urt. There see$ t" have %een t)" hearings, "ne "n the 81st "# August an the "ther "n the -6th "# Se(te$%er. The evi en!e ta+en "n the #irst hearing is here; that ta+en "n the se!"n is n"t. N"t all the evi en!e ta+en "n the hearings %eing %e#"re the !"urt, )e $ust re#use, un er "ur rules, t" !"nsi er even that evi en!e )hi!h is here; an , in the e!isi"n "# this !ase, )e are, there#"re, relegate t" the #a!ts state in the "(ini"n "# the !"urt an the (lea ings #ile . A !are#ul rea ing "# the e!isi"n "# the trial !"urt lea s us t" the !"n!lusi"n that there is n"thing in the "(ini"n )hi!h sustains the !"n!lusi"n "# the !"urt that the (lainti## )as negligent )ith re#eren!e t" the a!!i ent )hi!h is the %asis "# this a!ti"n. 4ere int"'i!ati"n is n"t negligen!e, n"r "es the $ere #a!t "# int"'i!ati"n esta%lish a )ant "# "r inar& !are. It is %ut a !ir!u$stan!e t" %e !"nsi ere )ith the "ther evi en!e ten ing t" (r"ve negligen!e. It is the general rule that it is i$$aterial )hether a $an is run+ "r s"%er i# n" )ant "# "r inar& !are "r (ru en!e !an %e i$(ute t" hi$, an n" greater egree "# !are is re,uire t" %e e'er!ise %& an int"'i!ate $an #"r his ")n (r"te!ti"n than %& a s"%er "ne. I# "ne*s !"n u!t is !hara!teri@e %& a (r"(er egree "# !are an (ru en!e, it is i$$aterial )hether he is run+ "r s"%er. 3>ar vs. Chi!ag" et!., R. R. C"., 6: >is., C;1; A. P T. C. R. C". vs. Reas"n, C1 Te'., C18; Alger vs. L")ell, 8 Allen, 4ass., ?;-; Central R. R. C". vs. Dhina@ee, 78 1a., ?66; 4aguire vs. 4i lese' R. R. C"., 11: 4ass., -87; 4e&er vs. Da!i#i! R. R. C"., ?; 4"., 1:1; Chi!ag" P N. >. R. R. C". vs. Dra+e, 88 Ill. A((., 11?.= I# int"'i!ati"n is n"t in itsel# negligen!e, )hat are the #a!ts #"un %& the trial !"urt an state in its "(ini"n u("n )hi!h $a& %e (re i!ate the #in ing that the (lainti## i n"t use "r inar& !are an (ru en!e an that the int"'i!ati"n !"ntri%ute t" the in2ur& !"$(laine "# H A#ter sh")ing !learl& an #"r!i%l& the negligen!e "# the e#en ant in leaving its tra!+s in the !"n iti"n in )hi!h the& )ere "n the night "# the in2ur&, the !"urt has the #"ll")ing t" sa& an it is all that !an %e #"un in its "(ini"n, )ith re#eren!e t" the negligen!e "# the (lainti##B ">ith res(e!t t" the !"n iti"n in )hi!h 4r. >right )as "n returning t" his h"use "n the night in ,uesti"n, the testi$"n& "# D"!t"r Jnee ler )h" )as the (h&si!ian )h" atten e hi$ all h"ur a#ter the a!!i ent, e$"nstrates that he )as int"'i!ate . . . .
"I# the e#en ant "r its e$(l"&ees )ere negligent %& reas"n "# having le#t the rails an a (art "# the ties un!"vere in a street )here there is a large a$"unt "# travel, the (lainti## )as n" less negligent, he n"t having a%staine #r"$ his !ust"$ "# ta+ing $"re )ine than he !"ul !arr& )ith"ut istur%ing his 2u g$ent an his sel#I!"ntr"l, he +n")ing that he ha t" rive a h"rse an )ag"n an t" !r"ss railr"a tra!+s )hi!h )ere t" a !ertain e'tent anger"us %& reas"n "# the rails %eing elevate a%"ve the level "# the street. "I# the (lainti## ha %een (ru ent "n the night in ,uesti"n an ha n"t atte$(te

t" rive his !"nve&an!e )hile in a run+en !"n iti"n, he )"ul !ertainl& have av"i e the a$ages )hi!h he re!eive , alth"ugh the !"$(an&, "n its (art, )as negligent in $aintaining its tra!+s in a %a !"n iti"n #"r travel. "E"th (arties, there#"re, )ere negligent an %"th !"ntri%ute t" the a$ages resulting t" the (lainti##, alth"ugh the (lainti##, in the /u g$ent "# the !"urt, !"ntri%ute in greater (r"("rti"n t" the a$ages than i the e#en ant."

As is !lear #r"$ rea ing the "(ini"n, n" #a!ts are state therein )hi!h )arrant the !"n!lusi"n that the (lainti## )as negligent. The !"n!lusi"n that i# he ha %een s"%er he )"ul n"t have %een in2ure is n"t )arrante %& the #a!ts as #"un . It is i$("ssi%le t" sa& that a s"%er $an )"ul n"t have #allen #r"$ the vehi!le un er the !"n iti"ns es!ri%e . A h"rse !r"ssing the railr"a tra!+s )ith n"t "nl& the rails %ut a ("rti"n "# the ties the$selves a%"vegr"un stu$%ling %& reas"n "# the unsure #""ting an #alling, the vehi!le !rashing against the rails )ith su!h #"r!e as t" %rea+ a )heel, this $ight %e su##i!ient t" thr") a (ers"n #r"$ the vehi!le n" $atter )hat his !"n iti"n; an t" !"n!lu e that, un er su!h !ir!u$stan!es, a s"%er $an )"ul n"t have #allen )hile a run+en $an i , is t" ra) a !"n!lusi"n )hi!h enters the real$ "# s(e!ulati"n an guess)"r+. It having %een #"un that the (lainti## )as n"t negligent, it is unne!essar& t" is!uss the ,uesti"n (resente %& the a((ellant !"$(an& )ith re#eren!e t" the a((li!a%ilit& "# the !ase "# Ra+es vs. A. 1. P D. C"., a%"ve; an )e " n"t #in #a!ts in the "(ini"n "# the !"urt %el") )hi!h 2usti#& a larger ver i!t than the "ne #"un . The 2u g$ent a((eale #r"$ is a##ir$e , )ith"ut s(e!ial #in ing as t" !"sts. Arellano, C.J., Torres an Araullo, JJ., !"n!ur. Johnson, J., issents.

Separate Opinions
CARSON, J., dissenting I issent. I thin+, in the #irst (la!e, that %e#"re (r"n"un!ing 2u g$ent the (arties sh"ul have an "(("rtunit&, i# the& s" esire, t" !"rre!t the $ani#estl& a!!i ental "$issi"n #r"$ the re!"r "# a (art "# the trans!ri(t "# the re!"r . It is ver& !lear that )hen the !ase )as su%$itte , an the %rie#s #ile , %"th (arties )ere un er the $ista+en i$(ressi"n that all the evi en!e )as in the re!"r . I thin+, #urther$"re, that i# the !ase is t" %e e!i e "n the #in ings "# #a!t %& the trial 2u ge, these #in ings su##i!ientl& esta%lish the negligen!e "# the (lainti##. The trial 2u ge e'(ressl& #"un that
"I# the (lainti## ha %een (ru ent "n the night in ,uesti"n an ha n"t atte$(te

t" rive his !"nve&an!e )hile in a run+en !"n iti"n, he )"ul !ertainl& have av"i e the a$ages )hi!h he re!eive , alth"ugh the !"$(an&, "n its (art, )as negligent in $aintaining its tra!+s in a %a !"n iti"n #"r travel."

This is a #in ing "# #a!t the #a!t "# negligen!e an I +n") "# n" rule )hi!h re,uires the trial !"urt t" set #"rth n"t "nl& the ulti$ate #a!ts #"un %& it, %ut als" all the evi entiar& #a!ts "n )hi!h su!h !"n!lusi"ns are %ase The #in ing is n"t in !"n#li!t )ith the "ther #a!ts #"un %& the trial 2u ge, an th"ugh it is n"t #ull& sustaine there%&, )e $ust assu$e, i# )e e!line t" e'a$ine the re!"r , that there )ere evi entiar& #a!ts is!l"se at the trial )hi!h )ere su##i!ient t" sustain the #in ing "# negligen!e. "The state$ent "# #a!ts $ust !"ntain "nl& th"se #a!ts )hi!h are essential t" a !lear un erstan ing "# the issues (resente an the #a!ts inv"lve ." 3A!t N". 17;, se!. 188.=
"The #a!ts re,uire t" %e #"un are the ulti$ate #a!ts #"r$ing the issues (resente %& the (lea ings, an )hi!h !"nstitute the #"un ati"n #"r a 2u g$ent, ,an n"t th"se that are $erel& evi entiar& "# the$. The !"urt is n"t re,uire t" #in $erel& evi entiar& #a!ts, "r t" set #"rth an e'(lain the $eans "r (r"!esses %& )hi!h he arrive at su!h #in ings. Neither evi en!e, argu$ent, n"r !"$$ent has an& legiti$ate (la!e in #in ings "# #a!ts." 3C"nlan vs. 1ra!e, 8C 4inn., -<C,-6-.=

SECOND DIVISION
51.R. N". <8776. N"ve$%er 1?, 1766.9 PEDRO T. LA!UGAN, petitioner, vs. INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT, GODOFREDO ISIDRO, and TRA"ELLERS MULTI#INDEMNIT! CORPORATION, respondents. +dralin . $ateo #"r (etiti"ner. ,rlando '. +spinas #"r res("n ent Travellers 4ultiIIn e$nit& C"r(. (oberto T . -allarta #"r res("n ent 1" "#re " Isi r". SYLLABUS 1.RE4EDIAL LA>; CIVIL DROCED0RE; ADDEAL; .INDIN1S O. .ACT O. CO0RT O. ADDEALS ARE ENTITLED TO 1REAT RESDECT AND ORDINARILF NOT DIST0REED ON ADDEAL. It is an ele$entar& rule in the revie) "# e!isi"ns "# the C"urt "# A((eals that its #in ings "# #a!t are entitle t" great res(e!t an )ill n"t "r inaril& %e istur%e %& this C"urt. ."r i# )e have t" revie) ever& ,uesti"n "# #a!t elevate t" us, )e )"ul har l& have an& $"re ti$e le#t #"r the )eightier issues !"$(elling an eserving "ur (re#erential attenti"n. -.ID.; ID.; ID.; ID.; EOCEDTIONS. Surel& there are esta%lishe e'!e(ti"ns )hen the C"urt sh"ul revie) an re!ti#& the #in ings "# #a!t "# the l")er !"urt, su!h asB 1= )hen the !"n!lusi"n is a #in ing gr"un e entirel& "n s(e!ulati"n, sur$ise, "r !"n2e!ture; -= the in#eren!e $a e is $ani#estl& $ista+en; 8= there is grave a%use "# is!reti"n; ?= the 2u g$ent is %ase "n $isa((rehensi"n "# #a!ts; := the C"urt "# A((eals )ent %e&"n the issues "# the !ase i# the #in ings are !"ntrar& t" the a $issi"n "# %"th the a((ellant an the a((ellee; C= the #in ings "# the C"urt "# A((eals are !"ntrar& t" th"se "# the trial !"urt; <= the sai #in ings "# #a!t are !"n!lusi"ns )ith"ut !itati"n "# s(e!i#i! evi en!e "n )hi!h the& are %ase ; 6= the #a!ts set #"rth in the (etiti"n as )ell as in the (etiti"ner*s $ain an re(l& %rie#s are n"t is(ute %& the res("n ents; an 7= )hen the #in ings "# #a!t "# the C"urt "# A((eals are (re$ise "n the a%sen!e "# evi en!e an are !"ntra i!te "n re!"r . 8.CIVIL LA>; CIVIL CODE; Q0ASIIDELICT; NE1LI1ENCE; DE.INED. Negligen!e is the "$issi"n t" " s"$ething )hi!h a reas"na%le $an, gui e %& th"se !"nsi erati"ns )hi!h "r inaril& regulate the !"n u!t "# hu$an a##airs, )"ul ", "r the "ing "# s"$ething )hi!h a (ru ent an reas"na%le $an )"ul n"t ", "r as /u ge C""le& e#ines it, "3T=he

#ailure t" "%serve #"r the (r"te!ti"n "# the interests "# an"ther (ers"n, that egree "# !are, (re!auti"n, an vigilan!e )hi!h the !ir!u$stan!es 2ustl& e$an , )here%& su!h "ther (ers"n su##ers in2ur&." ?.ID.; ID.; ID.; ID.; TEST TO DETER4INE EOISTENCE. In Di!art vs. S$ith, e!i e $"re than sevent& &ears ag" %ut still a s"un rule, )e hel B The test %& )hi!h t" eter$ine the e'isten!e "# negligen!e in a (arti!ular !ase $a& %e state as #"ll")sB Di the e#en ant in "ing the allege negligent a!t use that reasonable care and caution which an ordinarily prudent person would have used in the same situation. I# n"t, then he is guilt& "# negligen!e. The la) here in e##e!t a "(ts the stan ar su(("se t" %e su((lie %& the i$aginar& !"n u!t "# the is!reet paterfamilias "# the R"$an la). The e'isten!e "# negligen!e in a given !ase is n"t eter$ine %& re#eren!e t" the (ers"nal 2u g$ent "# the a!t"r in the situati"n %e#"re hi$. The La) !"nsi ers )hat )"ul %e re!+less, %la$e)"rth&, "r negligent in the $an "# "r inar& intelligen!e an (ru en!e an eter$ines lia%ilit& %& that. :.ID.; ID.; ID.; ID.; DOCTRINE O. (+ !/ A ',01!T1(; EODLAINED. The "!trine res ipsa lo2uitur is state thusB ">here the thing )hi!h !auses in2ur& is sh")n t" %e un er the $anage$ent "# the e#en ant, an the a!!i ent is su!h as in the "r inar& !"urse "# things "es n"t ha((en i# th"se )h" have the $anage$ent use (r"(er !are, it a##"r s reas"na%le evi en!e, in the a%sen!e "# an e'(lanati"n %& the e#en ant, that the a!!i ent ar"se #r"$ )ant "# !are." 3C"!le& "n T"rts, V"l. 8, 8C7= C.ID.; ID.; ID.; ID.; ID.; ADDLICATION. The "!trine "# res ipsa lo2uitur as a rule "# evi en!e is (e!uliar t" the la) "# negligen!e )hi!h re!"gni@es that (ri$a #a!ie negligen!e $a& %e esta%lishe )ith"ut ire!t (r""# an #urnishes a su%stitute #"r s(e!i#i! (r""# "# negligen!e. The "!trine is n"t a rule "# su%stantive la) %ut $erel& a $" e "# (r""# "r a $ere (r"!e ural !"nvenien!e. The rule, )hen a((li!a%le t" the #a!ts an !ir!u$stan!es "# a (arti!ular !ase, is n"t inten e t" an "es n"t is(ense )ith the re,uire$ent "# (r""# "# !ul(a%le negligen!e "n the (art "# the (art& !harge . It $erel& eter$ines an regulates )hat shall %e (ri$a #a!ie evi en!e there"# an #a!ilitates the %ur en "# (lainti## "# (r"ving a %rea!h "# the ut& "# ue !are. The "!trine !an %e inv"+e )hen an "nl& )hen, un er the !ir!u$stan!es inv"lve , ire!t evi en!e is a%sent an n"t rea il& availa%le. <.ID.; ID.; ID.; ID.; DOCTRINE IS INADDLICAELE >AERE TAE ACT0AL CA0SE O. IN/0RF IS ESTAELISAED EEFOND CONTROVERSF . It has generall& %een hel that the (resu$(ti"n "# in#eren!e arising #r"$ the "!trine !ann"t %e availe "#, "r is "ver!"$e, )here (lainti## has +n")le ge an testi#ies "r (resents evi en!e as t" the s(e!i#i! a!t "# negligen!e )hi!h is the !ause "# the in2ur& !"$(laine "# "r )here there is ire!t evi en!e as t" the (re!ise !ause "# the a!!i ent an all the

#a!ts an !ir!u$stan!es atten ant "n the "!!urren!e !learl& a((ear. .inall&, "n!e the a!tual !ause "# in2ur& is esta%lishe %e&"n !"ntr"vers&, )hether %& the (lainti## "r %& the e#en ant, n" (resu$(ti"ns )ill %e inv"lve an the "!trine %e!"$es ina((li!a%le )hen the !ir!u$stan!es have %een s" !"$(letel& elu i!ate that n" in#eren!e "# e#en ant*s lia%ilit& !an reas"na%l& %e $a e, )hatever the s"ur!e "# the evi en!e, as in this !ase. 6.ID.; ID.; ID.; ID.; DOCTRINE O. RESDONDENT S0DERIOR; 4ASTER OR E4DLOFER IS DRES04ED NE1LI1ENT; DRES04DTION IS OVERCO4E O. A 1OOD .ATAER O. TAE .A4ILF . The (rivate res("n ent is sue un er Art. -1<C in relati"n t" Art. -16;, (aragra(h :, "# the Civil C" e. In the latter, )hen an in2ur& is !ause %& the negligen!e "# a servant "r e$(l"&ee there instantl& arises a (resu$(ti"n "# la) that there )as negligen!e "n the (art "# the $aster "r e$(l"&er either in the sele!ti"n "# the servant "r e$(l"&ee, "r in su(ervisi"n "ver hi$ a#ter sele!ti"n, "r %"th. Su!h (resu$(ti"n is 2uris tantu$ an n"t 2uris et e 2ure an !"nse,uentl&, $a& %e re%utte . I# #"ll")s ne!essaril& that i# the e$(l"&er sh")s t" the satis#a!ti"n "# the !"urt that in the sele!ti"n an in the su(ervisi"n he has e'er!ise the !are an iligen!e "# a g"" #ather "# a #a$il&, the (resu$(ti"n is "ver!"$e an he is relieve #r"$ lia%ilit&. DECISION SARMIENTO, J B
(

Assaile in this (etiti"n #"r revie) "n !erti"rari are 1= the e!isi"n $ "# the then Inter$e iate A((ellate C"urt % in ACI1.R. CV N". ;1;::, entitle "De r" T. La&ugan, Dlainti##IA((ellee, versus 1" "#re " Isi r", De#en antI A((ellant an Thir IDart& Dlainti##IA((ellee, versus Travellers 4ultiI In e$nit& C"r("rati"n, Thir Dart& De#en antIA((ellant, ")hi!h reverse an set asi e the e!isi"n & "# the Regi"nal Trial C"urt, Thir /u i!ial Regi"n, Eran!h OOVI, Ca%anatuan Cit&, an als" is$isse the !"$(laint, thir (art& !"$(laint, an the !"unter !lai$s "# the (arties an -= the res"luti"n ' en&ing the (lainti##Ia((ellee*s 3herein (etiti"ner= $"ti"n #"r re!"nsi erati"n, #"r la!+ "# $erit. The #in ings "# #a!t %& the trial !"urt )hi!h )ere a "(te %& the a((ellate !"urt are as #"ll")sB (
''' ''' ''' "De r" T. La&ugan #ile an a!ti"n #"r a$ages against 1" "#re " Isi r", alleging that "n 4a& 1:, 17<7 )hile at Earet%et, Eaga%ag, Nueva Vi@!a&a, the Dlainti## an a !"$(ani"n )ere re(airing the tire "# their !arg" tru!+ )ith Dlate N". S0I<8; )hi!h )as (ar+e al"ng the right si e "# the Nati"nal Aigh)a&; that e#en ant*s tru!+ %earing Dlate N". D>I:68, riven re!+lessl& %& Daniel Serran" %u$(e the

(lainti##; that as a result, (lainti## )as in2ure an h"s(itali@e at Dr. Daulin" /. 1ar!ia Resear!h an 4e i!al Center an the Our La & "# L"ur es A"s(ital; that he s(ent TEN TAO0SAND DESOS 3D1;,;;;.;;= an )ill in!ur $"re e'(enses as he re!u(erates #r"$ sai in2uries; that %e!ause "# sai in2uries he )"ul %e e(rive "# a li#eti$e in!"$e in the su$ "# SEVENTF TAO0SAND DESOS 3D<;,;;;.;;=; an that he agree t" (a& his la)&er the su$ "# TEN TAO0SAND DESOS 3D1;,;;;.;;=. As (ra&e #"r %& the (lainti##s !"unsel, the C"urt e!lare the e#en ant in e#ault "n O!t"%er 1-, 17<7, an (lainti##s evi en!e )as re!eive e'I(arte "n /anuar& 11, 17<6 an .e%ruar& 17, 176;. The e!isi"n "n %ehal# "# the (lainti## )as set asi e t" give a !han!e t" the e#en ant t" #ile his ans)er an later "n, a thir I(art& !"$(laint.
(r!

De#en ant a $itte his ")nershi( "# the vehi!le inv"lve in the a!!i ent riven %& Daniel Serran". De#en ant !"untere that the (lainti## )as $erel& a %&stan er, n"t a tru!+ hel(er %eing a %r"therIinIla) "# the river "# sai tru!+; that the tru!+ allege l& %eing re(aire )as (ar+e , "!!u(&ing al$"st hal# "# the light lane t")ar s S"lan", Nueva Vi@!a&a, light a#ter the !urve; that the (r"'i$ate !ause "# the in!i ent )as the #ailure "# the river "# the (ar+e tru!+ in installing the earl& )arning evi!e, hen!e the river "# the (ar+e !ar sh"ul %e lia%le #"r a$ages sustaine %& the tru!+ "# the herein e#en ant in the a$"unt "# $"re than D-;,;;;.;;; that (lainti## %eing a $ere %&stan er an hit!hhi+er $ust su##er all the a$ages he in!urre . E& )a& "# !"unter!lai$ e#en ant allege that ue t" (lainti##s %aseless !"$(laint he )as !"nstraine t" engage the servi!es "# !"unsel #"r D:,;;;.;; an D-;;.;; (er !"urt a((earan!e; that he su##ere slee(less nights, hu$iliati"n, )"un e #eelings )hi!h $a& %e esti$ate at D8;.;;;.;;. On 4a& -7, 1761, a thir I(art& !"$(laint )as #ile %& the e#en ant against his insurer, the Travellers 4ulti In e$nit& C"r("rati"n; that the thir I(art& (lainti##, )ith"ut a $itting his lia%ilit& t" the (lainti##, !lai$e that the thir I(art& e#en ant is lia%le t" the #"r$er #"r !"ntri%uti"n, in e$nit& an su%r"gati"n %& virtue "# their !"ntra!t un er Insuran!e D"li!& N". 11<-8 )hi!h !"vers the insurer*s lia%ilit& #"r a$ages arising #r"$ eath, %" il& in2uries an a$age t" (r"(ert&. Thir I(art& e#en ant ans)ere that, even assu$ing that the su%2e!t $atter "# the !"$(laint is !"vere %& a vali an e'isting insuran!e ("li!&, its lia%ilit& shall in n" !ase e'!ee the li$it e#ine un er the ter$s an !"n iti"ns state therein; that the !"$(laint is (re$ature as n" !lai$ has %een su%$itte t" the thir (art& e#en ant as (res!ri%e un er the Insuran!e C" e; that the a!!i ent in ,uesti"n )as a((r"'i$atel& !ause %& the !arelessness an gr"ss negligen!e "# the (lainti##; that %& reas"n "# the thir I(art& !"$(laint, thir I(art& e#en ant )as !"nstraine t" engage the servi!es "# !"unsel #"r a #ee "# D8,;;;.;;.
Le'Li%

De r" La&ugan e!lare that he is a $arrie $an )ith "ne 31= !hil . Ae )as e$(l"&e as se!urit& guar in 4an alu&"ng, 4etr" 4anila, )ith a salar& "# SIO A0NDRED DESOS 3C;;.;;= a $"nth. >hen he is "##I ut&, he )"r+e as a tru!+ hel(er an )hile )"r+ing as su!h, he sustaine in2uries as a result "# the %u$(ing "# the !arg" tru!+ the& )ere re(airing at Earet%et, Eaga%ag, Nueva Vi@!a&a %&

the river "# the e#en ant. Ae use t" earn T>O A0NDRED DESOS 3D-;;.;;= t" TAREE A0NDRED DESOS 3D8;;.;;= $"nthl&, at the rate "# ONE A0NDRED DESOS 3D1;;.;;= (er tri(. Due t" sai in2uries, his le#t leg )as a$(utate s" he ha t" use !rut!hes t" )al+. Dri"r t" the in!i ent, he su(("rte his #a$il& su##i!ientl&, %ut a#ter getting in2ure , his #a$il& is n") %eing su(("rte %& his (arents an %r"ther. 1ODO.REDO ISIDRO, e#en antRthir I(art& (lainti##, testi#ie that his tru!+ inv"lve in this vehi!ular a!!i ent is insure )ith the Travellers 4ulti In e$nit& C"r("rati"n !"vering ")n a$age an thir I(art& lia%ilit&, un er vehi!le ("li!& N". 11<-8 3E'h. S1*= ate 4a& 8;, 17<6; that a#ter he #ile the insuran!e !lai$ the insuran!e !"$(an& (ai hi$ the su$ "# D16,;;;.;; #"r the a$ages sustaine %& this tru!+ %ut n"t the thir (art& lia%ilit&. DANIEL SERRANO, e#en ant river, e!lare that he gave a state$ent %e#"re the $uni!i(al ("li!e "# Eaga%ag, Nueva Vi@!a&a "n 4a& 1C, 17<7; that he +ne) the res("nsi%ilities "# s river; that %e#"re leaving, he !he!+e the tru!+. The tru!+ ")ner use t" instru!t hi$ t" %e !are#ul in riving. Ae %u$(e the tru!+ %eing re(aire %& De r"La&ugan, (lainti##, )hile the sa$e )as at a st"( ("siti"n. .r"$ the evi en!e (resente , it has %een esta%lishe !learl& that the in2uries sustaine %& the (lainti## )as !ause %& e#en ant*s river, Daniel Serran". The ("li!e re("rt !"n#ir$e the allegati"n "# the (lainti## an a $itte %& Daniel Serran" "n !r"ssIe'a$inati"n. The !"llisi"n isl" ge the 2a!+ #r"$ the (ar+e tru!+ an (inne the (lainti## t" the gr"un . As a result there"#, (lainti## sustaine in2uries "n his le#t #"rear$ an le#t #""t. The le#t leg "# the (lainti## #r"$ %el") the +nee )as later "n a$(utate 3E'h. *C*= )hen gangrene ha set in, there%& ren ering hi$ in!a(a!itate #"r )"r+ e(riving hi$ "# his in!"$e." 3((. 116 t" 1-;, Re!"r "n A((eal.= ''' ''' '''

0("n su!h #in ings, a$(l& su(("rte %& the evi en!e "n re!"r , the trial !"urt ren ere its e!isi"n, the is("sitive (art "# )hi!h rea s as #"ll")sB
>AERE.ORE, (re$ises !"nsi ere , the e#en ant is here%& "r ere B a=T" (a& the (lainti## SEVENTF TAO0SAND 3D<;,;;;.;;= DESOS a!tual an !"$(ensat"r& a$ages; %=T>O TAO0SAND 3D-,;;;.;;= DESOS #"r att"rne&*s #ees; !=.IVE TAO0SAND 3D:,;;;.;;= DESOS #"r $"ral a$ages; an =T" (a& the !"sts "# this suit. On the thir I(art& !"$(laint, the thir I(art& e#en ant is "r ere t" in e$ni#& the e#en antRthir (art& (lainti##B a=The su$ "# .I.TF TAO0SAND 3D:;,;;;.;;= DESOS #"r a!tual an !"$(ensat"r& a$ages; an %=The !"sts "# this suit.

The Inter$e iate A((ellate C"urt as earlier state reverse the e!isi"n "#

the trial !"urt an is$isse the !"$(laint, the thir I(art& !"$(laint, an the !"unterI!lai$s "# %"th a((ellants. * Aen!e, this (etiti"n. The (etiti"ner alleges the #"ll")ing err"rs.
+

1.>AETAER 0DON TAE 1IVEN .ACTS, TAE INTER4EDIATE ADDELLATE CO0RT ACTED CORRECTLF IN REVERSIN1 AND SETTIN1 ASIDE AND DIS4ISSIN1 TAE DLAINTI..IADDELLEE*S CO4DLAINT. -.>AETAER TAE INTER4EDIATE ADDELLATE CO0RT ACTED CORRECTLF IN ADDLFIN1 TAE DOCTRINE O. "RES IDSA LOQ0IT0R" >ITA DRODER /0RISI DR0DENTIAL 3si!= EASIS.

The !ru' "# the !"ntr"vers& lies in the !"rre!tness "r err"r "# the e!isi"n "# the res("n ent !"urt #in ing the (etiti"ner negligent un er the "!trine "# (es ipsa lo2uitur 3The thing s(ea+s #"r itsel#=. C"r"llar& theret", is the ,uesti"n as t" )h" is negligent, i# the "!trine is ina((li!a%le. The res("n ent !"r("rati"n stresses that the issues raise in the (etiti"n %eing #a!tual, the sa$e is n"t revie)a%le %& this C"urt in a (etiti"n #"r revie) %& !erti"rari. , In ee , it is an ele$entar& rule in the revie) "# e!isi"ns "# the C"urt "# A((eals that its #in ings "# #a!t are entitle t" great res(e!t an )ill n"t "r inaril& %e istur%e %& this C"urt. $- ."r i# )e have t" revie) ever& ,uesti"n "# #a!t elevate t" us, )e )"ul har l& have an& $"re ti$e le#t #"r the )eightier issues !"$(elling an eserving "ur (re#erential attenti"n. $$ Ee that as it $a&, this rule is n"t in#le'i%le. Surel& there are esta%lishe e'!e(ti"ns $% )hen the C"urt sh"ul revie) an re!ti#& the #in ings "# #a!t "# the l")er !"urt, su!h asB 1=)hen the !"n!lusi"n is a #in ing gr"un e entirel& "n s(e!ulati"n, sur$ise, "r !"n2e!ture; -= the in#eren!e $a e is $ani#estl& $ista+en; 8= there is grave a%use "# is!reti"n; ?= the 2u g$ent is %ase "n $isa((rehensi"n "# #a!ts; := the C"urt "# A((eals )ent %e&"n the issues "# the !ase i# the #in ings are !"ntrar& t" the a $issi"n "# %"th the a((ellant an the a((ellee; C= the #in ings "# the C"urt "# A((eals are !"ntrar& t" th"se "# the trial !"urt; <= the sai #in ings "# #a!t are !"n!lusi"ns )ith"ut !itati"n "# s(e!i#i! evi en!e "n )hi!h the& are %ase ; 6= the #a!ts set #"rth in the (etiti"n as )ell as in the (etiti"ner*s $ain an re(l& %rie#s are n"t is(ute %& the res("n ents; an 7= )hen the #in ings "# #a!t "# the C"urt "# A((eals are (re$ise "n the a%sen!e "# evi en!e an are !"ntra i!te "n re!"r .

E'!e(ti"ns 1, -, ?, C, <, an 7 "%tain in the instant !ase t" )arrant a eviati"n #r"$ the general rule. .r"$ its #in ing that the (ar+e tru!+ )as l"a e )ith ten 31;= %ig r"un l"gs, $& the C"urt "# A((eals in#erre that %e!ause "# its )eight the tru!+ !"ul n"t have %een riven t" the sh"ul er "# the r"a an !"n!lu e that the sa$e )as (ar+e "n a ("rti"n "# the r"a $' at the ti$e "# the a!!i ent. C"nse,uentl&, the res("n ent !"urt in#erre that the $isha( )as ue t" the negligen!e "# the river "# the (ar+e tru!+.$( The in#eren!e "r !"n!lusi"n is $ani#estl& err"ne"us. In a large $easure, it is gr"un e "n s(e!ulati"n, sur$ise, "r !"n2e!ture. A") the res("n ent !"urt !"ul have reverse the #in ing "# the trial !"urt that a )arning evi!e )as installe $)es!a(es us %e!ause it is evi ent #r"$ the re!"r that reall& su!h a evi!e, in the #"r$ "# a lighte +er"sene la$(, )as installe %& the river "# the (ar+e tru!+ three t" #"ur $eters #r"$ the rear "# his (ar+e tru!+. $* >e see this negative #in ing "# the res("n ent a((ellate !"urt as a $isrea ing "# the #a!ts an the evi en!e "n re!"r an ire!tl& !"ntravening the ("sitive #in ing "# the trial !"urt that an earl& )arning evi!e )as in (r"(er (la!e )hen the a!!i ent ha((ene an that the river "# the (rivate res("n ent )as the "ne negligent. On the "ther han , the res("n ent !"urt, in re#using t" give its "i$(ri$atur t" the trial !"urt*s #in ing an !"n!lusi"n that Daniel Serran" 3(rivate res("n ent Isi r"*s river= )as negligent in riving the tru!+ that %u$(e the (ar+e tru!+", i n"t !ite s(e!i#i! evi en!e t" su(("rt its !"n!lusi"n. In !avalier #ashi"n, it si$(l& an ne%ul"usl& a verte t" uns(e!i#ie "s!ant& evi en!e "n re!"r ." $+ On the te!hni!al as(e!t "# the !ase, the res("n ent !"r("rati"n )"ul )ant us t" is$iss this (etiti"n "n the gr"un that it )as #ile "ut "# ti$e. It $ust %e n"te that there )as a $"ti"n #"r e'tensi"n, $, al%eit #ile err"ne"usl& )ith the res("n ent !"urt, ate 4ar!h 17, 176C, re,uesting #"r 8; a&s #r"$ 4ar!h -;, 176C, t" #ile the ne!essar& (etiti"n "r (lea ing %e#"re the Su(re$e C"urt". Als", "n A(ril 1, 176C, an a((earan!e "# a ne) la)&er #"r the (etiti"ner %e#"re the Su(re$e C"urt" )ith $"ti"n %- )as #ile , again err"ne"usl&, )ith the C"urt "# A((eals, re,uesting #"r -; a&s e'tensi"n "t" #ile the Detiti"n #"r Revie) "n Certi"rari." Li+e)ise a si$ilar $"ti"n %$ )as #ile )ith this C"urt als" "n A(ril 1, 176C. On the "ther han , the instant (etiti"n #"r revie) )as #ile "n A(ril 1<, 176C %% %ut it )as "nl& a#ter three $"nths, "n August i, 176C, in its !"$$ent, %& that the res("n ent !"r("rati"n raise the issue "# tar iness. The res("n ent !"r("rati"n sh"ul n"t have )aite in a$%ush %e#"re the !"$$ent )as re,uire an %e#"re ue !"urse )as given. In an& event, t" e'a!t its "a ("un "# #lesh", s" t" s(ea+, at this ver& late stage, )"ul !ause a grave $is!arriage "# 2usti!e. Darentheti!all&, it $ust %e n"te that (rivate res("n ent Isi r" i n"t raise this issue "# late #iling.

>e n") !"$e t" the $erits "# this (etiti"n. The ,uesti"n %e#"re us is )h" )as negligentH Negligen!e is the "$issi"n t" " s"$ething )hi!h a reas"na%le $an, gui e %& th"se !"nsi erati"ns )hi!h "r inaril& regulate the !"n u!t "# hu$an a##airs, )"ul ", "r the "ing "# s"$ething )hi!h a (ru ent an reas"na%le $an )"ul n"t ", %' "r as /u ge C""le& e#ines it, "3T=he #ailure t" "%serve #"r the (r"te!ti"n "# the interests "# an"ther (ers"n, that egree "# !are, (re!auti"n, an vigilan!e )hi!h the !ir!u$stan!es 2ustl& e$an , )here%& su!h "ther (ers"n su##ers in2ur&." %( In /icart vs. mith, rule, )e hel B
%)

e!i e $"re than sevent& &ears ag" %ut still a s"un

The test %& )hi!h t" eter$ine the e'isten!e "# negligen!e in a (arti!ular !ase $a& %e state as #"ll")sB Di the e#en ant in "ing the allege negligent a!t use that reasonable care and caution which an ordinarily prudent person would have used in the same situation. I# n"t, then he is guilt& "# negligen!e. The la) here in e##e!t a "(ts the stan ar su(("se t" %e su((lie %& the i$aginar& !"n u!t "# the is!reet paterfamilias "# the R"$an la). The e'isten!e "# negligen!e in a given !ase is n"t eter$ine %& re#eren!e t" the (ers"nal 2u g$ent "# the a!t"r in the situati"n %e#"re hi$. The La) !"nsi ers )hat )"ul %e re!+less, %la$e)"rth&, "r negligent in the $an "# "r inar& intelligen!e an (ru en!e an eter$ines lia%ilit& %& that.

Res("n ent Isi r" ("sits that an& i$$"%ile "%2e!t al"ng the high)a&, li+e a (ar+e tru!+, ("ses seri"us anger t" a $"ving vehi!le )hi!h has the right t" %e "n the high)a&. Ae argues that sin!e the (ar+e !arg" tru!+ in this !ase )as a threat t" li#e an li$% an (r"(ert&, it )as in!u$%ent u("n the river as )ell as the (etiti"ner, )h" !lai$s t" %e a hel(er "# the tru!+ river, t" e'er!ise e'tre$e !are s" that the $"t"rist neg"tiating the r"a )"ul %e (r"(erl& #"re)arne "# the (eril "# a (ar+e vehi!le. Isi r" su%$its that the %ur en "# (r"ving that !are an iligen!e )ere "%serve is shi#te t" the (etiti"ner, #"r, as (revi"usl& !lai$e , his 3Isi r"*s= Isu@u tru!+ ha a right t" %e "n the r"a , )hile the i$$"%ile !arg" tru!+ ha n" %usiness, s" t" s(ea+, t" %e there. Li+e)ise, Isi r" (r"##ers that the (etiti"ner $ust sh") t" the satis#a!ti"n "# a reas"na%le $in that the river an he 3(etiti"ner= hi$sel#, (r"vi e an earl& )arning evi!e, li+e that re,uire %& la), "r, %& s"$e "ther a e,uate $eans that )"ul (r"(erl& #"re)arn vehi!les "# the i$(en ing anger that the (ar+e vehi!le ("se !"nsi ering the ti$e, (la!e, an "ther (e!uliar !ir!u$stan!es "# the "!!asi"n. A%sent su!h (r""# "# !are, as in the !ase at %ar, Isi r" !"n!lu es, )"ul , un er the "!trine "# (es ipsa lo2uitur, ev"+e the (resu$(ti"n "# negligen!e "n the (art "# the river "# the (ar+e !arg" tru!+ as )ell as his hel(er, the (etiti"ner herein, )h" )as #i'ing the #lat tire "# the sai tru!+. %*

Res("n ent Isi r"*s !"ntenti"n is untena%le. The evi en!e "n re!"r is!l"ses that three "r #"ur $eters #r"$ the rear "# the (ar+e tru!+, a lighte +er"sene la$( )as (la!e . %+ 4"re"ver, there is the a $issi"n "# res("n ent Isi r"*s river, Daniel Serran", t" )itB %,
"Questi"n N". 6 3%& Datr"l$an /"se#in" Velas!"= >ill &"u narrate t" $e in %rie# h") the a!!i ent ha((ens 3si!= i# &"u !an still re$e$%erH Ans)erB3%& Daniel Serran"= That "n "r a%"ut 1;B?; (.$., 1: 4a& 17<7 )hile riving Isu@u tru!+ at Earet%et, Eaga%ag, Nueva Vi@!a&a an at J4 -6:, I $et an"ther vehi!le )h" 3si!= i n"t i$ his 3si!= lights which cause 3si!= me to be blinded with intense glare of the light that3s why ! did not notice a parked truck who 3si!= was repairing a front flat tire. >hen I )as a #e) $eters a)a&, I sa) the tru!+ )hi!h )as l"a e )ith r"un l"gs. ! step 3si!= on my foot brakes but it did not function with my many attempts. ! have 3si!= found out later that the fluid pipe on the rear right was cut that3s why the breaks did not function." 3E$(hasis su((lie =.

>hether the !arg" tru!+ )as (ar+e al"ng the r"a "r "n hal# the sh"ul er "# the right si e "# the r"a )"ul %e "# n" $"$ent ta+ing int" a!!"unt the )arning evi!e !"nsisting "# the lighte +er"sene la$( (la!e three "r #"ur $eters #r"$ the %a!+ "# the tru!+. &- Eut es(ite this )arning )hi!h )e rule as su##i!ient, the Isu@u tru!+ riven %& Daniel Serran", an e$(l"&ee "# the (rivate res("n ent, still %u$(e the rear "# the (ar+e !arg" tru!+. As a ire!t !"nse,uen!e "# su!h a!!i ent the (etiti"ner sustaine in2uries "n his le#t #"rear$ an le#t #""t. Ais le#t leg )as later a$(utate #r"$ %el") the +nee )hen gangrene ha set in. &$ It is !lear #r"$ the #"reg"ing is,uisiti"n that the a%sen!e "r )ant "# !are "# Daniel Serran" has %een esta%lishe %& !lear an !"nvin!ing evi en!e. It #"ll")s that in sta$(ing its imprimatur u("n the inv"!ati"n %& res("n ent Isi r" "# the "!trine "# (es ipsa lo2uitur t" es!a(e lia%ilit& #"r the negligen!e "# his e$(l"&ee, the res("n ent !"urt !"$$itte reversi%le err"r. The res("n ent !"urt rule B
&%

''' ''' ''' In a iti"n t" this, )e agree )ith the #"ll")ing argu$ents "# a((ellant 1" "#re " Isi r" )hi!h )"ul sh") that the a!!i ent )as !ause ue t" the negligen!e "# the river "# the !arg" tru!+B

''' ''' ''' ". . . In the !ase at %ar the %ur en "# (r"ving that !are an iligen!e )as 3si!= "%serve is shi#te evi entl& t" the (lainti##, #"r, as a verte t", the $"t"rists have the right t" %e "n the r"a , )hile the i$$"%ile tru!+ has n" %usiness, s" t" s(ea+, t" %e there. It is thus #"r the (lainti## t" sh") t" the satis#a!ti"n "# a reas"na%le $in that the river an he hi$sel# i e$(l"& earl& )arning evi!e su!h as that re,uire by law or by some other ade2uate means or device that would properly forewarn vehicles of the impending danger that the parked vehicle posed considering the time, place and other peculiar circumstances of the occasion. A%sent su!h (r""# "# !are, as in the !ase at %ar, )ill ev"+e the (resu$(ti"n "# negligen!e un er the "!trine "# res ipsa lo2uitur, "n the (art "# the river "# the (ar+e !arg" tru!+ as )ell as (lainti## )h" )as #i'ing the #lat tire "# sai tru!+. 3((. 1?I1<, A((ellant*s Erie#=." 3E$(hasis su((lie =.

At this 2un!ture, it $a& %e enlightening an hel(#ul in the (r"(er res"luti"n "# the issue "# negligen!e t" e'a$ine the "!trine "# (es ipsa lo2uitur. This "!trine is state thusB ">here the thing )hi!h !auses in2ur& is sh")n t" %e un er the $anage$ent "# the e#en ant, an the a!!i ent is su!h as in the "r inar& !"urse "# things "es n"t ha((en i# th"se )h" have the $anage$ent us e (r"(er !are, it a##"r s reas"na%le evi en!e, in the a%sen!e "# an e'(lanati"n %& the e#en ant, that the a!!i ent ar"se #r"$ )ant "# !are." && Or as )lack3s 'aw %ictionary &' (uts itB
(es ipsa lo2uitur. The thing s(ea+s #"r itsel# Re%utta%le (resu$(ti"n "r in#eren!e that e#en ant )as negligent, )hi!h arises u("n (r""# that instru$entalit& !ausing in2ur& )as in e#en ant*s e'!lusive !"ntr"l, an that the a!!i ent )as "ne )hi!h "r inaril& "es n"t ha((en in a%sen!e "# negligen!e. Res i(sa l",uitur is rule "# evi en!e )here%& negligen!e "# allege )r"ng "er $a& %e in#erre #r"$ $ere #a!t that a!!i ent ha((ene (r"vi e !hara!ter "# a!!i ent an !ir!u$stan!es atten ing it lea reas"na%l& t" %elie# that in a%sen!e "# negligen!e it )"ul n"t have "!!urre an that thing )hi!h !ause in2ur& is sh")n t" have %een un er $anage$ent an !"ntr"l "# allege )r"ng "er. Aillen v. A""+er C"nst. C"., Te'. Civ. A((., ?6? S.>. - 188, 1::. 0n er "!trine "# 4res ipsa lo2uitur4 the ha((ening "# an in2ur& (er$its an in#eren!e "# negligen!e )here (lainti## (r" u!es su%stantial evi en!e that in2ur& )as !ause %& an agen!& "r instru$entalit& un er e'!lusive !"ntr"l an $anage$ent "# e#en ant, an that the "!!urren!e )as su!h that in the "r inar& !"urse "# things )"ul n"t ha((en i# reas"na%le !are ha %een use .

In this 2uris i!ti"n )e have a((lie this "!trine in ,uite a nu$%er "# !ases, n"ta%l& in Africa et al. vs. Calte5, !nc., et al., &( an the latest is in the !ase "# 6.6. Cru7 and Co., !nc. vs. C A . &) The "!trine "# (es ipsa lo2uitur as a rule "# evi en!e is (e!uliar t" the la) "# negligen!e )hi!h re!"gni@es that prima facie negligen!e $a& %e esta%lishe )ith"ut ire!t (r""# an #urnishes a su%stitute #"r s(e!i#i! (r""# "# negligen!e. &* The "!trine is n"t a rule "# su%stantive la) &+ %ut $erel&

a $" e "# (r""# "r a $ere (r"!e ural !"nvenien!e. &, The rule, )hen a((li!a%le t" the #a!ts an !ir!u$stan!es "# a (arti!ular !ase, is n"t inten e t" an "es n"t is(ense )ith the re,uire$ent "# (r""# "# !ul(a%le negligen!e "n the (art "# the (art& !harge . '- It $erel& eter$ines an regulates )hat shall %e prima facie evi en!e there"# an #a!ilitates the %ur en "# (lainti## "# (r"ving a %rea!h "# the ut& "# ue !are. '$ The "!trine !an %e inv"+e )hen an "nl& )hen, un er the !ir!u$stan!es inv"lve , ire!t evi en!e is a%sent an n"t rea il& availa%le. '% Aen!e, it has generall& %een hel that the (resu$(ti"n "# in#eren!e arising #r"$ the "!trine !ann"t %e availe "#, "r is "ver!"$e, )here (lainti## has +n")le ge an testi#ies "r (resents evi en!e as t" the s(e!i#i! a!t "# negligen!e )hi!h is the !ause "# the in2ur& !"$(laine "# "r )here there is ire!t evi en!e as t" the (re!ise !ause "# the a!!i ent an all the #a!ts an !ir!u$stan!es atten ant "n the "!!urren!e !learl& a((ear. '& .inall&, "n!e the a!tual !ause "# in2ur& is esta%lishe %e&"n !"ntr"vers&, )hether %& the (lainti## "r %& the e#en ant, n" (resu$(ti"ns )ill %e inv"lve an the "!trine %e!"$es ina((li!a%le )hen the !ir!u$stan!es have %een s" !"$(letel& elu i!ate that n" in#eren!e "# e#en ant*s lia%ilit& !an reas"na%l& %e $a e, )hatever the s"ur!e "# the evi en!e, ''as in this !ase. The (rivate res("n ent is sue un er Art. -1<C in relati"n t" Art. -16;, (aragra(h :, "# the Civil C" e. In the latter, )hen an in2ur& is !ause %& the negligen!e "# a servant "r e$(l"&ee there instantl& arises a (resu$(ti"n "# la) that there )as negligen!e "n the (art "# the $aster "r e$(l"&er either in the sele!ti"n "# the servant "r e$(l"&ee, "r in su(ervisi"n "ver hi$ a#ter sele!ti"n, "r %"th. Su!h (resu$(ti"n is 8uris tantum an n"t 8uris et de 8ure an !"nse,uentl&, $a& %e re%utte . I# #"ll")s ne!essaril& that i# the e$(l"&er sh")s t" the satis#a!ti"n "# the !"urt that in the sele!ti"n an in the su(ervisi"n he has e'er!ise the !are an iligen!e "# a g"" #ather "# a #a$il&, the (resu$(ti"n is "ver!"$e an he is relieve #r"$ lia%ilit&. '( In is!lai$ing lia%ilit& #"r the in!i ent, the (rivate res("n ent stresses that the negligen!e "# his e$(l"&ee has alrea & %een a e,uatel& "ver!"$e %& his river*s state$ent that he +ne) his res("nsi%ilities as a river an that the tru!+ ")ner use t" instru!t hi$ t" %e !are#ul in riving. ') >e " n"t agree )ith the (rivate res("n ent in his su%$issi"n. In the #irst (la!e, It is !lear that the river i n"t +n") his res("nsi%ilities %e!ause he a((arentl& i n"t !he!+ his vehi!le %e#"re he t""+ it "n the r"a . I# he i he !"ul have is!"vere earlier that the %ra+e #lui (i(e "n the right )as !ut, an !"ul have re(aire it an thus the a!!i ent !"ul have %een av"i e . 4"re"ver, t" "ur $in , the #a!t that the (rivate res("n ent use t" instru!t his river t" %e !are#ul in his riving, that the river )as li!ense , an the #a!t that he ha n" re!"r "# an& a!!i ent, as #"un %& the res("n ent !"urt, are n"t su##i!ient t" estr"& the #in ing "# negligen!e

"# the Regi"nal Trial C"urt given the #a!ts esta%lishe at the trial '* The (rivate res("n ent "r his $e!hani!, )h" $ust %e !"$(etent, sh"ul have !"n u!te a th"r"ugh ins(e!ti"n "# his vehi!le %e#"re all")ing his river t" rive it. In the light "# the !ir!u$stan!es "%taining in the !ase, )e h"l that Isi r" #aile t" (r"ve the iligen!e "# a g"" #ather "# a #a$il& in the su(ervisi"n "# his e$(l"&ees )hi!h )"ul e'!ul(ate hi$ #r"$ s"li ar& lia%ilit& )ith his river t" the (etiti"ner. Eut even i# )e !"n!e e that the iligen!e "# a g"" #ather "# a #a$il& )as "%serve %& Isi r" in the su(ervisi"n "# his river, there is n"t an i"ta "# evi en!e "n re!"r "# the "%servan!e %& Isi r" "# the sa$e ,uantu$ "# iligen!e in the su(ervisi"n "# his $e!hani!, i# an&, )h" )"ul %e ire!tl& in !harge in $aintaining the r"a )"rthiness "# his 3Isi r"*s= tru!+. Eut that is n"t all. There is (au!it& "# (r""# that Isi r" e'er!ise the iligen!e "# a g"" #ather "# a #a$il& in the sele!ti"n "# his river, Daniel Serran", as )ell as in the sele!ti"n "# his $e!hani!, i# an&, in "r er t" insure the sa#e "(erati"n "# his tru!+ an thus (revent a$age t" "thers. A!!"r ingl&, the res("nsi%ilit& "# Isi r" as e$(l"&er treate in Arti!le -16;, (aragra(h :, "# the Civil C" e has n"t !ease .
(rLL

>AERE.ORE, the (etiti"n is here%& 1RANTED. The De!isi"n "# the res("n ent !"urt as )ell as its Res"luti"n en&ing the (etiti"ner*s $"ti"n #"r re!"nsi erati"n are here%& SET ASIDE an the e!isi"n "# the trial !"urt, ate /anuar& -;, 1768, is here%& REINSTATED in toto. >ith !"sts against the (rivate res("n ents. SO ORDERED.