Professional Documents
Culture Documents
I. General Considerations
A. Public Utilities
1. Article XII, 1987 Constitution
Art. XII, Section 11.
No franchise,
certificate or any other form of authorization for
the operation of a public utility shall be granted
except to citizens
of the Philippines or to
corporations or associations organized under
the laws of the Philippines at least 60% of
whose capital is owned by such citizens, nor
shall such franchise, certificate or authorization
be exclusive in character or for a longer period
than fifty years. Neither shall any franchise or
right be granted except under the condition that
it shall be subject to amendment, alteration or
repeal by the Congress when the common good
so requires. The State shall encourage equity
participation in public utilities by the general
public. The participation of foreign investors in
the governing body of any public utility
enterprise
shall
be
limited
to
their
proportionate share in its capital, and all the
executive and managing officers of such
corporation or association must be citizens of
the Philippines.
Section 17.
In times of national
emergency, when the public interest so
requires, the State may, during the emergency
and under reasonable terms prescribed by it,
temporarily take over or direct the operation of
any privately owned public utility or business
affected with public interest.
Section 18.
The State may, in the
interest of national welfare or defense,
establish and operate vital industries and, upon
payment of just compensation, transfer to
public ownership utilities and other private
enterprises to be operated by the Government.
Section 19. The State shall regulate or
prohibit monopolies when the public interest so
requires. No combinations in restraint of trade
or unfair competition shall be allowed.
(a) What is a public utility?
A public utility is a business or service
engaged in regularly supplying the public with some
commodity or service of public consequence such as
electricity, gas, water, transportation, telephone or
telegraph service. Apart from statutes which define
the public utilities that are within the purview of such
statutes, it would be difficult to construct a definition
of a public utility which would fit every conceivable
case. As its name indicates, however, the term public
utility implies a public use and service to the public.
(Am. Jur. 2d V. 64, p.549.) (Albano vs Reyes)
(b) What is a public service?
The Public Service Act (CA No. 146 as
amended) provides that the term public service
"includes every person that now or hereafter may own,
operate, manage, or control in the Philippines, for hire
or compensation, with general or limited clientele,
whether permanent, occasional or accidental, and
of
or
to
to
or
2. Public Nature
(a) Public Service Act
Section 13 (a) The Commission (PSC)
shall have jurisdiction, supervision, and control
over all public services and their franchises,
eqpt., and other properties, and in the exercise
of its authority, it shall have the necessary
powers and the aid of the public force:
Provided, That public services owned or
operated by govt. entities or GOOCs shall be
regulated by the Commission in the same way
as privately owned public services, but
certificates of public convenience or certificates
of public convenience and necessity shall not
be required of such entities or corporations: And
provided, further, That it shall have no authority
to
require
steamboats,
motorships
and
steamship lines, whether privately owned or
owned or operated by any govt. controlled
corporation
or
instrumentality
to
obtain
certificates of public convenience or to
prescribe their definite routes or lines of
service.
(b)
The term public service includes
every person that now or hereafter may
operate, manage, or control in the Philippines,
for hire or compensation, with general or limited
clientele, whether permanent, occasional or
accidental, and done for general business
purposes, any common carrier, railroad, street
railway, traction railway, sub-way motor vehicle,
either for freight or passenger, or both with or
without fixed route and whatever may be its
classification, freight or carrier service or any
class, express service, steamboat, or steamship
line, pontines, ferries, and water craft, engaged
in the transportation of passengers and freight
or
both,
shipyard,
marine
repairshop,
warehouse, wharf or dock, ice plant, ice
refrigeration plant, canal, irrigation system,
gas, electric light, heat and power, water supply
and power, petroleum, sewerage system, wire or
wireless communications system, wire or
wireless broadcasting stations and other similar
public services: Provided, however, that a
person engaged in agriculture, not otherwise a
public service, who owns a motor vehicle and
uses it personally and/or enters into a special
contract whereby said motor vehicle is offered
for hire or compensation to a third party or third
parties engaged in agriculture, not itself or
themselves a public service, for operation by
the latter for a limited time and for a specific
purpose directly connected with the cultivation
of his or their farm, the transportation,
processing, and marketing of agricultural
products of such third party or third parties
shall not be considered as operating a public
service for the purposes of this Act.
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Section
16.
Proceedings
of
the
Commission, upon notice and hearing. The
Commission shall have power, upon proper
notice and hearing in accordance with the rules
and provisions of this Act, subject to the
limitations and exceptions mentioned and
saving provisions to the contrary.
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absent
transportation
contract
(b)
arising
from
transportation contract
(i)
contract
of
transportation, defined - one
whereby a certain person or
association of persons obligate
themselves
to
transport
persons, things or news from
one place to another for a fixed
price
(ii)
contract
of
transportation, elements
Parties to the contract :
1. shipper - one who gives rise to the contract
of transportation by agreeing to deliver the things or
news to be transported, or to present his own person
or those of other or others in the case of
transportation of passengers
2. carrier or conductor - one who binds himself
to transport persons, things, or news as the case may
be or one employed in or engaged in the business of
carrying goods for others for hire
Persons or corporations who undertake to
transport or convey goods, property, or persons from
one place to another, gratuitously or for hire, and are
classified as private or special carriers and common or
public carriers
C. Regulation of the Transportation Industry
* The Department of Transportation
and Communications
PAGE 8
RA 776, as amended
Section 5. The Civil Aeronautics Board
shall be composed of the Secretary of
Commerce and Industry (now DOTC) as
Chairman,
the
CAB
Administrator,
the
Commanding Officer of the Phil. Air Force, and 2
others to be appointed by the President xxx
Section 10 (A) Except as otherwise
provided herein, the Board shall have the power
to regulate the economic aspect of air
transportation, and shall have the general
supervision and regulation of, and jurisdiction
and control over, air carriers, as well as their
property, property rights, equipment, facilities,
and franchise, in so far as may be necessary for
the purpose of carrying out the provisions of
this Act.
Section 10 (C) Powers and Duties of the
CAB
1. issue, deny, amend, revise, alter,
modify, cancel, suspend, or revoke xxx any
temporary operating permit or CPCN xxx
2.
fix
and
determine
reasonable
individual, joint or special rates, charges, or
fares which an air carrier may demand, collect
or receive for any service in connection with air
commerce xxx
3. authorize charters whether domestic
or intl. and special air services or flights xxx;
4. approve or disapprove increase of
capital, sale of equipment of an air carrier
engaged
in
air
commerce,
consolidation,
merger, purchase, lease, operating contract, or
acquisition and control between domestic air
carriers xxx
5. inquire into the mgmt. of the business
of any air carrier xxx;
6. require annual, monthly, periodical
and special reports from any carrier xxx;
7. prescribe the forms of any and all
accounts, records, and memoranda of the
movement of traffic, as well as of the receipt
and expenditures of money and the length of
time such accounts, records, and memoranda
shall be preserved xxx;
8. require each officer and director of
any air carrier to transmit a report describing
the shares of stock or other interest held by
such air carrier with any person engaged in any
phase of aeronautics, and the holding of the
stock in, and control of, other persons engaged
in any phase of aeronautics.
(a) Air
(i) Air Transportation
Office
EO 125, as amended by EO 125-A
Sec. 10. Assistant Secretaries and
Service Chiefs.
xxx
h)
Office
of
the
Assistant
Secretary for Air Transportation
Sec. 11. xxx The present Airport Offices
of the Bureau of Air Transportation are hereby
abolished and their functions are transferred to
the Dept. Airport Offices. xxx
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(c) Water
2. As to place of travel: (1) land; (2) water; (3) air
(i) Maritime Industry
Authority
Parties to contract of transportation:
EO 125, Sec. 14 as amended by EO 125-A, Sec. 3
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of
or
to
to
PAGE 12
F:
A Peruvian firm shipped fishmeal through the
SS Crowborough consigned to the SMB and insured by
the Home Insurance Co. The cargo arrived with
shortages. SMB demanded and Home Insurance Co.
paid P14,000 in settlement of SMB's claim. Home
Insurance filed for recovery from Luzon Stevedoring
and American Steamship Agencies. Luzon Stevedoring
claimed that it merely delivered what it received from
the carrier in the same condition it received it.
American Steamship contended that it was not liable
because of a stipulation in the charter party that the
charterer and not the shipowner was to be liable for
any loss or damage to the cargo. The CFI absolved
Luzon Stevedoring but ordered American Steamship to
reimburse the P14,000 to Home Insurance, declaring
that Art. 587 of the Code of Commerce makes the ship
agent civilly liable for damages in favor of third
persons due to the conduct of carrier's captain and
that the stipulation in the charter party exempting
owner from liability is against public policy under Art.
1744 of NCC.
Issue : Is the stipulation valid? YES.
Held : The provisions of our Civil Code on common
carriers were taken from Anglo-American law. Under
American
jurisprudence,
a
common
carrier
undertaking to carry a special cargo or chartered to a
special person only, becomes a private carrier. As a
private carrier, a stipulation exempting the owner
from liability for the negligence of its agents is not
against public policy and is deemed valid.
The Civil Code provisions on common carriers
should not be applied where the carrier is not acting
as such but as a private carrier. The stipulation in the
charter party absolving the owner from liability for loss
due to the negligence of the agent would be void only
if the strict public policy governing CC is applied. Such
policy has no force where the public at large is not
involved, as in the case of a ship totally chartered (as
in this case) for the use of a single party. Based on the
stipulation, recovery cannot be had, for loss or
damage to the cargo against shipowners, unless the
same is due to personal acts or negligence of said
owner or its managers, as distinguished from agents
or employees. No personal act or negligence has been
proved.
In a charter of the entire vessel, the bill of
lading issued by the master to the charterer, as
shipper, is in fact and legal contemplation merely a
receipt and a document of title and not a contract, for
the contract is the charter party.
De Guzman vs CA, 168 SCRA 612
F:
Cendana was a junk dealer and was engaged
in buying used bottles and scrap materials in
Pangasinan and brought these to Manila for resale. He
used two 6-wheeler trucks. On the return trip to
Pangasinan, he would load his vehicles with cargo
which various merchants wanted delivered to
Pangasinan. For that service, he charged freight lower
than regular rates. General Milk Co. contracted with
him for the hauling of 750 cartons of mild. On the way
to Pangasinan, one of the trucks was hijacked by
armed men who took with them the truck and its cargo
and kidnapped the driver and his helper. Only 150
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Liability
and
presumption
of
negligence
(2) Under the Civil Code, common carriers,
from the nature of their business and for reasons of
public policy, are bound to observe extra-ordinary
diligence in the vigilance over goods, accdg. to all the
circumstances of each case. Common carriers are
responsible for the loss, destruction, or deterioration
PAGE 19
belongings.
A CC can terminate an EE whose
continued service is inimical to its interests and the
safety of the passengers.
Carrier has duty to keep and care for goods
carried.-- It is the duty of the CC to properly and
carefully handle, carry, keep and care for the goods
carried and to exercise due care to ascertain and
consider the nature of the goods offered for shipment
and to use such methods for their care during the
voyage as their nature requires. The carrier is liable
for injury to, or loss of, cargo resulting from the failure
to properly care for and handle the cargo en route; and
it is required to provide adequate ventilation for the
safe carriage of the cargo, and provide reasonable and
ordinary inspection and care in and about the
transportation of cargo. A vessel should not accept
cargo unless it can be given the type of storage that
its character requires, for placing of conditions in a bill
of lading does not relieve the vessels of obligation to
take appropriate care of the cargo.
Duty of carrier to deliver cargo in good
condition as when loaded.-- There is no absolute
obligation for a CC to accept cargo. It should not be
accepted unless it can be given the type of storage
that its character requires. Where a vessel accepts a
cargo for shipment for valuable consideration, it takes
the risk of delivering it in good condition as when it
was loaded. And if the fact of improper packing is
known to the carrier or his servants, or apparent upon
ordinary observation, but it accepts the goods
notwithstanding such condition, it is not relieved of
liability for loss or injury resulting therefrom.
In the exercise of extra-ordinary diligence
required by law, the CC must give due regard to all
circumstances and take all steps necessary to insure
the safety of the passengers and the goods given the
circumstances.
Presumption of negligence.-- Under Art. 1735, if
the goods are proved to have been lost, destroyed or
deteriorated, CC are presumed to have been at fault or
to have acted negligently, unless they prove that they
have observed the extra-o diligence required by law.
The plaintiff needs only to prove that the
goods he transported have been lost, destroyed or
deteriorated
CC must then prove that he has exercised
extra-ordinary diligence required by law or that the
loss, etc. was due to accident or some other
circumstances inconsistent with its liability
Mere proof of delivery of goods in order to a
carrier, and of their arrival at the place of destination
in bad order makes out a prima facie case against the
CC
Defenses available to CC:
1. Art. 1734
2. Art. 1735 (exercise of extra-ordinary
diligence required by law)
3. Natural disaster: The CC is exempt from
liability if he proves that the loss or destruction of the
merchandise was due to accident and force majeure
and not to fraud, fault or negligence on the part of the
EEs and owners of the CC.
CC cannot interpose the defense that it
exercised due diligence in the selection and
supervision of EEs. The liability of the CC arises from
breach of the contract of carriage and not from culpa
aquiliana. It is however the duty of CC to teach their
drivers not to overload vehicles, not to exceed safe
and legal speed limits, and other safety precautions.
Carrier not insurer.-- CC are not required to exercise
all the care, skill and diligence of which the human
mind can conceive nor such as will free the
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4 Agbayani:
Effect of New Civil Code.-- Transportation of the
merchandise "at the risk and venture of the shipper"
means that the shipper will suffer losses and
deterioration arising from fortuitous event, force
majeure, or inherent nature and defects of the goods.
It does not mean that the carrier is free from liability
for losses and deterioration arising from his negligence
or fault, w/c is presumed. Thus construed, par. 1 of
Art. 361 is not inconsistent with Art. 1735 of the NCC.
Requisites for defense of natural disaster:
1. Art. 1739 -- natural disaster must have been
the proximate and only cause of the loss
2. The CC must exercise due diligence to
prevent or minimize the loss before, during and after
the occurrence of flood, storm, or other natural
disaster. If the CC does not exercise due diligence in
minimizing the loss, he may yet be held liable
notwithstanding the fact that the loss, destruction or
deterioration of the goods arose out of natural
disaster.
3. Art. 1740 -- the CC must not be in delay. If
the CC incurs in delay, a natural disaster shall not free
it from responsibility. Under Art. 1165 par. 3, if the
obligor incurs delay, he shall be responsible for any
fortuitous event until he has effected delivery.
However, if between the delay or refusal of the
CC to transport the goods and the loss of the goods
due to an act of God there intervened the shipper's
negligence, thus causing a break in the chain of
causation between the act of God which caused their
loss and the CC's fault, the act of God is the proximate
cause of the loss and the carrier's delay or refusal to
transport the goods, is merely the remote cause. In
such cases, the shipper is not even entitled to set up
the claim of contributory negligence. It is then
necessary that it be established that the CC was guilty
of a willful or negligent act and that between this
willful or negligent act and the act of God, no
negligence on the part of the shipper intervened.
Accident due to defects of carrier not caso
fortuito.-- Accidents caused either by defects in the
carrier or through the negligence of the carrier is not
caso fortuito. The passenger or shipper has every
right to presume that the carrier is perfectly in good
condition and could transport him safely and securely
to his destination
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F:
Plaintiff shipped a cargo of roofing tiles from
Manila to Iloilo on a vessel owned by Ynchausti.
Defendant stamped on the bill of lading the condition
that the goods have been accepted for transportation
subject to the conditions prescribed by the Insular
Collector of Customs. The tiles were delivered by
defendant to the consignee of the plaintiff at Iloilo.
Upon delivery, it was found that some of the tiles had
been damaged. The LC absolved the defendant from
any liability since the defendant was able to prove that
the tiles were leaded, stored and discharged by hand
labor and not by any mechanical device. Defendant
proved, without dispute from the plaintiff, that there
PAGE 24
(e)
Order
of
competent
authority
Issue : WON the terms and conditions of the bill of
lading were binding upon the plaintiff. YES.
Ratio: The defendant placed said stamp upon the bill
of lading before the plaintiff shipped the tiles, and that
having shipped the tiles under said bill, with the terms
and conditions of carriage stamped thereon, the govt.
must be deemed to have assented to said terms and
conditions.
The binding effect of the conditions
stamped on the bill of lading did not proceed from the
Collector of Customs, but from the actual contract
which the parties made. Each bill of lading is a
contract and the parties thereto are bound by its
terms.
The defendant, to free itself from liability, was
only obliged to prove that the damages suffered by the
tile were by virtue of the nature or defect of the
articles. The plaintiff, to hold the defendant liable, was
obliged to prove that the damage to the tiles, by virtue
of their nature, occurred on account of the defendant's
negligence or because the latter did not take
precaution usually adopted by careful persons.
The defendant proved,and the plaintiff did not
attempt to dispute that the tiles were of a brittle and
fragile nature and that they were delivered to the
defendant without any packing or protective covering.
The plaintiff, not having proved negligence on the part
of the defendant, is not entitled to recover damages.
Southern Lines vs CA, 4 SCRA 256
F:
The city of Iloilo requisitioned for rice from
NARIC in Manila. NARIC shipped from Manila to Iloilo
1726 sacks of rice on board the SS Gen. Wright
belonging to Southern Lines. After the city paid for the
rice, it was noted that 41 sacks were missing. The city
filed a complaint against NARIC and Southern Lines to
recover the amount. The LC absolved NARIC but
ordered Southern Lines to pay. The CA affirmed.
Issue:
WON petitioner is liable for the loss or
shortage. YES.
Ratio: Under Art. 361 of the Code of Commerce, the
carrier, in order to free itself from liability, was only
obliged to prove that the damage suffered by the
goods were by virtue of defects of the articles. Under
Art. 362, the plaintiff in order to hold the carrier liable,
was obliged to prove that the damage to the goods by
virtue of their nature, occurred on account of the
carrier's negligence or because the carrier did not take
the precaution adopted by careful persons.
Petitioner claims exemption based on the fact
that the sacks were in bad condition and that rice was
improperly packed causing a lot of spillage of the rice
while it was being loaded.
Southern Lines' contention is untenable, for if
the fact of improper packing is known to the carrier or
its servants or apparent upon ordinary observation,
but it accepts the goods notwithstanding such
condition, it is not relieved of liability for loss or injury
resulting therefrom. Furthermore, the petitioner itself
frankly admitted that the strings tying the bags of rice
were broken, that some bags were with holes and
plenty of rice were spilled inside the hull of the vessel,
and that the boat personnel collected 26 sacks of rice,
which they distributed among themselves. This shows
that the shortage resulted from the negligence of the
petitioner.
This is an action for refund of the amount paid
in excess of delivery and is not for damages.
Therefore, the 24 hour rule under Art. 366 does not
apply.
Art. 1734.
Common carriers are
responsible for the loss, destruction, or
deterioration of the goods, unless the same is
due to any of the following causes only:
xxx
(5) Order or act of competent public
authority.
Art. 1743.
If through order of public
authority the goods are seized or destroyed, the
common carrier is not responsible, provided
said public authority had power to issue the
order.
4 Agbayani:
Order or act of competent authority.-- Under
1743, the CC is not responsible for the loss, etc. of the
goods if the public authority had power to issue the
order. Where the officer acts without legal process,
the CC will be held liable.
Ganzon vs CA, 161 SCRA 646
F:
Gelacio Tumambing contracted the services of
Ganzon to haul 305 tons of scrap iron from Mariveles,
Bataan to the port of Manila on board the lighter LCT
Batman. When half of the scrap iron was already
loaded, the mayor of Mariveles arrived and demanded
P 5,000 from Tumambing. An argument resulted in the
shooting of Tumambing. The loading of the scrap iron
was resumed but the acting mayor arrived and
ordered Captain Niza to dump the scrap iron. The
acting mayor took the rest to the compound of
NASSCO and took custody of the scrap iron.
Tumambing filed an action for damages against
Ganzon based on culpa contractual. The TC and CA
held Ganzon liable.
Held: Ganzon contended that the scrap iron had not
been unconditionally placed under his custody and
control to make him liable. However, he admitted that
he received the scraps of iron which Tumambing
delivered to him. By the said act of delivery, the
scraps were unconditionally placed in the possession
and control of the common carrier and upon their
receipt by the carrier for transportation, the contract
of carriage was deemed perfected. The carrier's
extraordinary responsibility for the loss, destruction, or
deterioration of the goods commenced.
Pursuant to Art. 1736, such extra-ordinary
responsibility would cease only upon the delivery,
actual or constructive, by the carrier to the consignee
or to the person who has the right to receive them.
The fact that part of the shipment had not been loaded
on board the lighter did not impair the said contract of
transportation as the goods remained in the custody
and control of the carrier, albeit still unloaded.
Ganzon failed to show that the loss was due to
any causes under Art. 1734. We cannot sustain the
theory of caso fortuito. The carrier raised the defense
that the loss was due to an order or act of competent
public authority. The carrier, however, failed to show
that the acting mayor had the power to issue the
disputed order or that it was lawful or issued under
legal process of authority. The order was part of the
pressure by the mayor to shakedown Tumambing for P
5,000. The order did not constitute valid authority for
Ganzon to carry out.
In any case, the intervention of the municipal
officials was not of a character that would render
PAGE 25
Duration
of
Extraordinary
Responsibility
Art.
1736.
The
extraordinary
responsibility of the common carrier lasts from
the time the goods are unconditionally placed in
the possession of, and received by the carrier
for transportation until the same are delivered,
actually or constructively, by the carrier to the
consignee, or to the person who has a right to
receive
them,
without
prejudice
to
the
provisions of Art. 1738.
Art. 1737. The common carrier's duty to
observe extra-ordinary diligence in the vigilance
over the goods remains in full force and effect
even when they are temporarily unloaded or
stored in transit, unless the shipper or owner
has made use of the right of stoppage in
transitu.
Art. 1738. The extra-ordinary liability of
the common carrier continues to be operative
even during the time the goods are stored in a
warehouse of the carrier at the place of
destination until the consignee has been
advised of the arrival of the goods and has
reasonable opportunity thereafter to remove
them or otherwise dispose of them.
4 Agbayani:
When carrier's responsibility begins.-- Under Art.
1738, the extra-o responsibility of the CC begins from
the time the goods are delivered to the carrier. The
delivery to the CC must place the goods to be
transported unconditionally in the possession of the
CC and the CC must receive them. Otherwise, the
extra-ordinary responsibility of the CC will not
commence.
When
carrier's
responsibility
terminates.-Under 1738, the extra-ordinary responsibility of the CC
is terminated at the time the goods are delivered to
the consignee or the person who has a right to receive
them (actual or constructive delivery).
Constructive delivery: Notice by the CC that
the cargo had already arrived, placing them at the
disposal of the shipper or consignee releases CC from
extra-ordinary responsibility. From such moment the
consignee or shipper should exercise over the cargo
the ordinary control pertinent to ownership (should
unload cargo from the CC)
Shipper bound to observe all diligence in
obtaining delivery of goods.-The shipper is
bound to observe all diligence in obtaining delivery of
the goods. Once the goods are delivered, the extraordinary responsibility of the CC ceases.
Liability of shipper for delay in obtaining
delivery of goods, demurrage.-- The shipper is
liable for lost earnings occasioned by the unnecessary
delay in the use of the vehicles belonging to the
12
F:
Macleod and Co. contracted the services of Cia
Maritima for the shipment of bales of hemp from
Davao to Manila. The bales were loaded into CC's
lighters. One of the lighters sunk. The insurance co.
paid Macleod and filed to collect from CC. CC denied
liability on the grounds that the hemp was loaded on a
barge owned by the CC free of charge, that there was
no bill of lading issued thereby resulting to the
nonexistence of a contract of carriage, that the sinking
was due to a fortuitous event, and that the insurance
co. has no personality to sue.
Held: There was a complete contract of carriage the
consummation of which has already begun when the
shipper delivered the cargo to the carrier and the
latter took possession of the same by placing it on a
lighter manned by its EEs, under which Macleod
became entitled to the privilege secured to him by law
for its safe transportation and delivery, and the carrier
to the full payment of its freight upon completion of
the voyage.
The barges or lighters were merely
employed as the first step of the voyage, which is part
of the contract.
The receipt of the goods by the carrier has
been said to lie at the foundation of the contract to
carry and deliver, and if no goods are received there
can be no such contract.
The liability and
responsibility of the carrier under a contract for the
carriage of goods commence on their actual delivery
to, or receipt by the carrier or an authorized agent, of
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F:
supra. Passenger aboard a bus who placed his
left arm on the window lost his arm when the bus
collided with a pick up.
Held : If the carrier's EE is confronted with a sudden
emergency, he is not held to the same degree of care
he would otherwise be required in the absence of such
emergency.
By placing his left arm on the window, the
passenger is guilty of contributory negligence, and
although contributory negligence cannot relieve the
carrier but can only reduce his liability (Art. 1762), this
is a circumstance which militates against plaintiff's
position. It is negligence per se for passengers to
protrude any part of his body and that no recovery can
be had for an injury.
Ratio: A CC is bound to carry the passengers safely as
far as human care and foresight can provide, using the
utmost diligence of very cautious persons, with due
regard for all circumstances.
This extraordinary
diligence required of common carriers is calculated to
protect the passengers from the tragic mishaps that
frequently occur in connection with rapid modern
transportation.
This high standard of care is
imperatively demanded by the preciousness of human
life and by the consideration that every person must in
every way be safeguarded against all injury.
Principles as to liability of CC:
(1) The liability of a carrier is contractual and
arises upon breach of its obligation; there is breach if
it fails to exert extraordinary diligence accdg. to all the
circumstances of each case
(2) A carrier is obliged to carry its passenger
with the utmost diligence of a very cautious person,
having due regard for all the circumstances
(3) A carrier is presumed to have been at fault
or to have acted negligently in case of death of, or
injury to, passengers, it being its duty to prove that it
exercised extraordinary diligence
(4) The carrier is not an insurer against all
risks of travel
Landingin vs Pantranco, 33 SCRA 284
F:
Plaintiffs are parents of 2 girls who were
passengers on a Pantranco bus on an excursion trip
from Dagupan to Baguio. The bus was open on one
side. The TC found that the crossjoint of the bus broke
and the bus started to roll back. Some passengers
jumped out. The bus driver maneuvered the bus safely
to the mountainside. Two of the girls who jumped
were seriously injured and died.
PAGE 32
2. Duration of responsibility
4 Agbayani:
When relationship of carrier and passenger
terminates.-- The relation of CC and passenger does
not cease at the moment that the passenger alights
from the CC's vehicle at a place selected by the CC at
the point of destination, but continues until the
passenger had reasonable time or a reasonable
opportunity to leave the CC's premises. What is a
reasonable time or a reasonable delay within this rule
is to be determined from all the circumstances
La Mallorca vs CA, 17 SCRA 739
F:
Husband and wife together with minor children
boarded a La Mallorca bus. They alighted from the
bus. The father returned to the bus to get their
baggage. He was followed by his daughter. While the
father was still on the running board awaiting for the
conductor to give his baggage, the bus stated to run
so that the father had to jump. His daughter was run
over and was killed. The bus co. contended that when
she was killed, she was no longer a passenger and the
contract of carriage had terminated.
Held: Whether or not the relation between carrier and
passenger does not cease at the moment the
passenger alights from the carrier's premises is to be
determined from the circumstances.
In this case, there was no utmost diligence.
The driver stopped the bus but did not turn off the
engine. He started to run the bus even before the
conductor gave him the signal.
The presence of
passengers near the bus was not unreasonable and
the duration of the responsibility still exists.
Bataclan vs Medina, 102 Phil 181
F:
The bus of Medina Trans left Cavite for Pasay
with 18 passengers. Around dawn, the front tires burst
and the vehicles began to zigzag until it fell into a
canal and turned turtle. Some passengers were able
to get out while four were trapped including Bataclan.
Later, 10 men came to help, one of them carrying a
lighted torch, fueled by petroleum. A fire started,
burning the bus and the 4 passengers. Gas had leaked
when the bus overturned.
Held: The proximate cause of the death was the
overturning of the vehicle which was followed by the
negligence of the driver and the conductor who were
on the road walking back and forth. They should have
known that with the position of the bus, leakage was
possible aside from the fact that gas when spilled can
be smelled from a distance. The failure of the driver
and conductor to have cautioned or taken steps to
warn rescuers not to bring a lighted torch too near the
bus constitutes negligence on the part of the agents of
the carrier.
Aboitiz vs CA 179 SCRA 95
F:
A farmer boarded a boat owned by Aboitiz at
Mindoro bound for Manila. When the vessel arrived,
Pioneer Stevedoring took over control of the cargoes
loaded at the vessel and placed its crane alongside the
vessel. One hour after he disembarked, he went back
to get his cargo but the crane hit him and he died.
Held: Aboitiz is still liable for his death under the
contract of carriage.
The relation of carrier and
PAGE 33
PAGE 34
PAGE 35
to
their
PAGE 36
PAGE 37
of
passenger;
effect
of
the
Warsaw
PAGE 38
PAGE 39
PAGE 40
to
the
Art. 2219.
Moral damages may be
recovered in the following analogous cases :
(1) A criminal offense resulting in
physical injuries;
(2)
Quasi-delicts
causing
physical
injuries;
xxx
(10) Acts and actions referred to in
Articles 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 34 and 35.
xxx
Art. 2220. Willful injury to property may
be a legal ground for awarding moral damages
if the court should find that, under the
circumstances, such damages are justly due.
The same rule applies to breaches of contract
where the defendant acted fraudulently or in
bad faith.
Art. 2206. xxx
(3)
The
spouses,
legitimate
and
illegitimate descendants and ascendants of the
deceased may demand moral damages for
mental anguish by reason of the death of the
deceased.
Fores vs Miranda 105 Phil 266
F:
supra. While the jeepney was descending the
Sta. Mesa bridge at an excessive rate of speed, the
driver lost control, causing it to swerve and hit the
bridge wall. Five of the passengers were injured,
including the respondent. The CA awarded moral
damages.
Held: Art. 1764 makes it all the more evident that
where the injured passenger does not die, moral
damages are not recoverable unless it is proved that
the CC was guilty of malice or bad faith. In the case at
bar, there is no other evidence of such malice to
support an award of moral damages. To award moral
damages for breach of contract, without proof of bad
faith or malice on the part of the CC, as required by
Art. 2220, would be to violate the clear provisions of
the law, and constitute unwarranted legislation. A
CC's bad faith is not to be lightly inferred from a mere
finding that the contract was breached through
negligence of the CC's EEs. The exception is a mishap
resulting to the death of a passenger in which case
Art. 1764 makes the CC subject to Art. 2206 (award of
moral damages).
Air France vs Carrascoso, 18 SCRA 155
3. Moral
Art. 2217.
Moral damages include
physical suffering, mental anguish, fright,
serious
anxiety,
besmirched
reputation,
wounded
feelings,
moral
shock,
social
humiliation, and similar injury.
Though
incapable of pecuniary computation, moral
damages may be recovered if they are the
proximate result of the defendant's wrongful
act or omission.
Art. 2216. No proof of pecuniary loss is
necessary
in order that moral, nominal,
temperate, liquidated or exemplary damages
may be adjudicated. The assessment of such
damages, except liquidated ones, is left to the
F:
Plaintiff, a civil engineer, was a member of a
group of 48 Filipinos that left Manila for Lourdes on
March 30, 1958. Air France, through its authorized
agent, PAL, issued to plaintiff a first class round trip
ticket from Manila to Rome. From Manila to Bangkok,
he traveled first class, but at Bangkok, Air France
forced him to vacate the first class seat that he was
occupying because there was a white man who had a
better right to the seat. There was a commotion when
plaintiff first refused to give up his seat, but he was
pacified by his fellow Filipino passengers to give up his
seat and transfer to another class.
The lower court sentenced Air France to pay P
25,000 as moral damages, P 10,000 as exemplary
damages, the difference in fare between first class and
tourist class plus P 3,000 for attorney's fees and costs
of suit. The CA reduced the refund from P 393.20 to P
383.20.
PAGE 41
PAGE 42
PAGE 43
PAGE 44
PAGE 45
PAGE 46
of
air
carrier
to
its
PAGE 47
D. Contract of Carriage
1. Bill of Lading
(a) Definition, Subject Matter
Art. 352. The bills of lading or tickets in
cases of transportation of passengers may be
diverse, one for persons and another for
baggage; but all of them shall bear the name of
the carrier, the date of shipment, the point of
departure and arrival, the cost, and with regard
to the baggage, the number and weight of the
packages, with such other statements which
may be necessary for their easy identification.
B. Nature of Contract
A bill of lading may defined as a written
acknowledgment of the receipt of goods and an
agreement to transport and to deliver them at a
PAGE 48
PAGE 49
1. When it commences
Art. 355. The liability of the carrier shall
begin from the moment he receives the
merchandise, in person or through a person
entrusted therewith in the place indicated for
their reception.
The responsibility of the CC commences from the
moment he receives the merchandise --> the delivery
must be made to him personally or through his duly
authorized agent, and at the place indicated for
receiving the merchandise
PAGE 50
Art. 1734.
Common carriers are
responsible for the loss, destruction, or
deterioration of the goods, unless the same is
due to any of the ff. causes only:
(1) Flood, storm, earthquake, lightning,
or other natural disaster or calamity;
(2) Act of the public enemy in war,
whether international or civil;
(3) Act or omission of the shipper or
owner of the goods;
(4) The character of the goods or defects
in the packing or in the containers;
(5) Order or act of competent public
authority. (New Civil Code.)
Art. 1735. In all cases other than those
mentioned in Nos. 1,2,3,4, and 5 of the
preceding article, if the goods are lost,
destroyed or deteriorated, CCs are presumed to
have been at fault or to have acted negligently,
unless
they
prove
that
they
observed
extraordinary diligence as required in Art. 1733.
(Ibid.)
4. Delivery
(a) Condition of Goods
If,
notwithstanding
the
precaution
referred to in this article, the goods transported
run the risk of being lost on account of the
PAGE 51
Partial delivery:
The consignee may refuse to
receive the goods delivered, if he can prove that he
cannot make use of them independently of those not
delivered --> true solution depends upon the economic
use which the goods transported have (consignee
cannot be arbitrary and must justify his determination)
Estoppel of shipper by laches : neglect or
delay of shipper to demand immediately, or within a
reasonable time, the return of the merchandise
shipped
or
its
value in case of non-delivery
constitutes estoppel by laches
Places the CC at a disadvantageous position to
show that it had fulfilled what it had undertaken;
makes it difficult for the CC to prove delivery
After
the
periods
mentioned
have
elapsed, or after the transportation charges
have been paid, no claim whatsoever shall be
admitted against the carrier with regard to the
condition in which the goods transported were
delivered.
PAGE 52
Art. 1752.
Even when there is an
agreement limiting the liability of the CC in the
vigilance over the goods, the CC is disputably
presumed to have been negligent in case of
their loss, destruction or deterioration. (New
Civil Code.)
(d) When to be made
PAGE 53
PAGE 54
2. Right to abandon
Art. 371. In cases of delay on account of
the fault of the carrier, referred to in the
foregoing articles, the consignee may leave the
goods transported in the hands of the carrier,
informing him thereof in writing before the
arrival of the same at the point of destination.
When this abandonment occurs, the
carrier shall satisfy the total value of the goods,
as if they had been lost or mislaid.
Should the abandonment not occur the
indemnity for loss and damages on account of
the delays cannot exceed the current price of
the goods transported on the day and at the
place where the delivery was to have been
made. The same provision shall be observed in
all cases where this indemnity is due.
Right of abandonment: Exceptional but limited
right
The right must be exercised during the
intervening period between the moment when the
fault of the CC produces a delay, which is the
generative cause of the action, until the moment just
before the arrival of the goods at the place of delivery,
by communicating such abandonment to the CC in
writing
PAGE 55
PAGE 56
G. Applicability of Provisions
Art. 379.
The provisions contained in
Article 349 et seq. shall also be understood as
relating to persons who, although they do not
personally
effect
the
transportation
of
commercial goods, contract to do so through
others, either as contracts for a special and
fixed
transaction
or
as
freight
and
transportation agents.
In either case they shall be subrogated to
the place of the carriers with regard to the
obligations and liability of the latter, as well as
with regard to their right.
F:
The S/S Belle of the Sea took on board in LA,
goods for shipment to Manila and covered by B/L No.
105. The S/S Belle of the Sea arrived in Manila and
discharged her cargo at the govt. piers under the
supervision and custody of the defendant Manila
Terminal Inc. Of the entire shipment, one carton of
assorted samples with a stipulated value of P200 was
not delivered to plaintiff Yaras and Co. The latter filed
a complaint with the Municipal Court of Manila against
International Harvester, as agent of the S/S Belle of
the Sea and Manila Terminal Inc.
The complaint
charged that the merchandise was lost through the
negligence of either of the defendants. Before trial
could proceed, the International Harvester Inc. (IH)
filed a motion to dismiss on the ground that the court
had no jurisdiction.
The motion was denied.
Prohibition proceedings were instituted before the CFI
of Manila to stop the judge from proceeding with the
action. The petition was granted and the respondents
now appeal.
Held : It is clear from the complaint that IH is being
held liable only on the assumption that the goods had
been lost in transit or before being discharged at the
pier. The liability of IH is predicated on the contract of
carriage by sea between IH and Yaras & Co. as
evidenced by the B/L, independently of the liability of
the Manila Terminal Co. as operator of an arrastre
service.
Admiralty has jurisdiction over all maritime
contracts, in whatever form, wherever they were
executed or are to be performed, but not over nonmaritime contracts. Whether or not a contract is
PAGE 57
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PAGE 59
F:
The appeal of Yu relates to the preferences to
the ten lorchas as between herself and the PNB.
Among the facts found by the trial judge is that they
were owned by Lim Ponzo Navigation Co. They were
mortgaged to Po Pauco to guarantee a loan of
P20,000. This was duly registered with the register of
deeds. Po Pauco later mortgaged them in favor of PNB
and registered with the register of deeds but was
recorded in the Office of Collector of Customs much
later. Meanwhile, Yu secured a judgment against Lim
Ponzo Navigation Co.
The notice of seizure was
recorded by the collector of customs of Iloilo on which
date the records of the office disclosed the vessels as
free from encumbrances.
HELD : Sec. 1171 of AC has modified the provisions of
the Chattel Mortgage Law, particularly Sec. 4 thereof.
It is now not necessary for a chattel mortgage of a
vessel to be noted in the register of deeds. But it is
essential that a record of documents affecting the title
of a vessel be entered in the office of the collector of
customs at a port of entry. This is designed to protect
persons who deal with a vessel on the strength of the
record title.
Mortgages on vessels., although not
recorded, are good as between the parties. But as
against creditors of the mortgagor, an unrecorded
mortgage is valid.
However, we find an explanation of the delay
of registration with the collector of customs-because of
doubts entertained by the latter relative to the
applicability of Act No. 3324 to a mortgage executed in
1918 in favor of a Chinese subject.
This
uncontradicted fact must be taken as curing the
PAGE 60
PAGE 61
Art. 599.
The managing agent of an
association, shall give his co-owners an account
of the results of each voyage of the vessel,
without prejudice to always having the books
and correspondence relating to the vessel and
to its voyages at their disposal.
Art. 600.
After the account of the
managing agent has been approved by a
relative majority, the co-owners shall satisfy the
expenses in proportion to their interest, without
prejudice to the civil or criminal actions which
the minority may deem fit to institute
afterwards.
In order to enforce the payment, the
managing agents shall be entitled to an
executory action, which shall be instituted by
virtue of a resolution of the majority, and
without
further
proceedings
than
the
acknowledgment of the signatures of the
persons who voted for the resolution.
Art. 618.
The captain shall be civilly
liable to the ship agent and the latter to the
third persons who may have made contracts
with the former 1. For all the damages suffered by the
vessel and its cargo by reason of want of skill or
negligence on his part. If a misdemeanor or
crime has been committed he shall be liable in
accordance with the Penal Code.
2.
For all the thefts and robberies
committed by the crew, reserving his right of
action against the guilty parties.
3.
For
the
losses,
fines,
and
confiscations imposed on account of violation of
the laws and regulations of customs, police,
health, and navigation.
4. For the losses and damages caused by
mutinies on board the vessel, or by reason of
faults committed by the crew in the service and
defense of the same, if he does not prove that
he made full use of his authority to prevent or
avoid them.
5.
For those arising by reason of a
misuse of powers and nonfulfillment of the
duties which pertain to him in accordance with
Articles 610 and 612.
6. For those arising by reason of his
going out of his course or taking a course which,
in the opinion of the officers of the vessel, at a
meeting
attended
by
the
shippers
or
supercargoes who may be on board, he should
not have taken without sufficient cause.
No exception whatsoever shall exempt
him from his obligation.
7. For those arising by reason of his
voluntarily entering a port other than his
destination, with the exception of the cases or
without the formalities referred to in Article
612.
8. For those arising by reason of the
nonobservance of the provisions contained in
the regulations for lights and maneuvers for the
purpose of preventing collisions.
Art. 618 provides for the direct responsibility of the
shipowner and shipagent to third persons; the captain
shall be civilly liable to the ship agent and the latter is
the one liable to third persons This article applies to
PAGE 62
PAGE 63
PAGE 64
PAGE 65
PAGE 66
PAGE 67
PAGE 68
PAGE 69
HELD: Yes.
1. It is well settled that confidential and managerial
employees cannot be arbitrarily dismissed at any time,
and without case as reasonably established in an
appropriate investigation.
2. The captain of a vessel is a confidential and
managerial employee within the meaning of the above
doctrine. A master or captain, for purposes of maritime
commerce, is one who has command of a vessel. A
captain commonly performs three (3) distinct roles: (1)
he is a general agent of the shipowner; (2) he is also
commander and technical director of the vessel; and (3)
he is a representative of the country under whose flag
he navigates. Of these roles, by far the most important
is the role performed by the captain as commander of
the vessel, for such role (which to our mind, is
analogous to that of "Chief Executive Officer" [CEO] of a
present-day corporate enterprise) has to do with the
operation and protection of the vessel during its voyag
and the protection of the passengers (if any) and crew
and cargo. In his role as general agent of the shipowner,
the captain has authority to sign bills of lading, carry
goods aboard and and deal with the freight earned,
agree upon rates and decide whether to take cargo. The
ship captain, as agent of the shipowner, has legal
authority to enter into contracts with respect to the
vessel and the trading of the vessel, subkect to
applicable limitations established by statute, contract or
instructions and regulations of the shipowner. To the
captain is committed the governance, care and
management of the vessel. Clearly, the captain is veste
with both management and fiduciary functions.
3. More importantly, a ship's captain must be accorded
a reasonable measure of discretionary authority to
decide what the safety of the ship and its crew and
cargo specifically requires on a stipulated ocean voyage.
The captain is held responsible, and properly so, for
such safety.
PAGE 70
PAGE 71
Art. 644.
A seaman who
falls sick shall not lose his right to
wages during the voyage, unless
the sickness is the result of his
own fault. At any rate, the costs of
the attendance and cure shall be
defrayed from the common funds,
in the form of a loan.
PAGE 72
PAGE 73
PAGE 74
(b) Essential
Requisites
Art. 813. In order to incur the expenses
and cause the damages corresponding to gross
average, there must be a resolution of the
captain, adopted after deliberation with the
sailing mate and other officers of the vessel,
and after hearing the persons interested in the
cargo who may be present.
PAGE 75
PAGE 76
(e) Jason
Clause
Jason Clause, Rule D, York-Antwerp Rules
Rights to contribution in general average shall
not be affected, though the event which gave rise to
PAGE 77
PAGE 78
Art. 867.
If the persons contributing
should not pay the amount of the contribution
at the end of the third day after having been
required to do so, the goods saved shall be
proceeded against, at the request of the
captain, until payment has been made from
their proceeds.
Art. 868.
If the person interested in
receiving the goods saved should not give
security sufficient to answer for the amount
corresponding to the gross average,
the
captain may defer the delivery thereof until
payment has been made.
Art. 869. The experts whom the court or
the persons interested may appoint, as the case
may be, shall proceed with the examination and
appraisement of the averages in the manner
prescribed in Articles 853 and 854, Rules 2 to 7,
in so far as they are applicable.
(3) Liquidation of
general average
(4) Liquidation of
particular average
Art. 858.
In order to
effect the
liquidation, the liquidator shall examine the
protest of the captain, comparing it, if
necessary, with the log book, and all the
contracts which may have been made among
the persons interested in the average, the
appraisements,
expert
examinations,
and
accounts of repairs made. If, as a result of this
examination, he should find any defect in the
procedure which might injure the rights of the
persons interested or affect the liability of the
captain, he shall call attention thereto in order
that it may be corrected, if possible, and
otherwise he shall include it in the exordial of
the liquidation.
Immediately thereafter he shall proceed
with the distribution of the amount of the
average, for which purpose he shall fix:
1.
The contributing capital, which he
shall determine by the value of the cargo, in
accordance with the rules established in Article
854.
2. That of the vessel in its actual
condition, according to a statement of experts.
3. The 50 per cent of the amount of the
freightage, deducting the remaining 50 per cent
for wages and maintenance of the crew.
After the amount of the gross average
has been determined in accordance with the
provisions of this Code, it shall be distributed
pro rata among the goods which are to cover
the same.
Art. 865. The distribution of the gross
average shall not be final until it has been
agreed to, or in the absence thereof, until it has
been approved by the judge or court, after an
examination of the liquidation and a hearing of
the persons interested who may be present or
of their representatives.
Art. 866. After the liquidation has been
approved, it shall be the duty of the captain to
collect the amount of the contribution, and he
shall be liable to the owners of the goods
averaged for the damages they may suffer
through his delay or negligence.
Art. 820.
An arrival shall not be
considered lawful in the following cases:
1. If the lack of provisions should arise
from the failure to take the necessary
provisions for the voyage according to usage
and custom, or if they should have been
rendered useless or lost through bad stowage or
negligence in their care.
2. If the risk of enemies, privateers, or
pirates should not have been well known,
PAGE 79
(c) Expenses
Art. 821.
The expenses of an arrival
under stress shall always be for the account of
the shipowner or agent, but they shall not be
liable for the damages which may be caused the
shippers by reason of the arrival, provided the
latter is legitimate.
Otherwise, the ship agent and the
captain shall be jointly liable.
Art. 822. If in order to make repairs to
the vessel or because there is danger that the
cargo may suffer damage, it should be
necessary to unload, the captain must request
authorization from the competent judge or court
for the removal, and carry it out with the
knowledge of the person interested in the
cargo, or his representative, should there be
any.
In a foreign port, it shall be the duty of
the Filipino consul, where there is one, to give
the authorization.
In the first case, the expenses shall be
for the account of the ship agent or owner, and
in the second, they shall be chargeable against
the owners of the merchandise for whose
benefit the act was performed.
If the unloading should take place for
both reasons, the expenses shall be divided
proportionately between the value of the vessel
and that of the cargo.
Requisites for the captain to unload the cargo
arriving under stress:
1. the unloading must be necessary to make repairs or
there must be danger that the cargo may suffer
damage
2. the captain must be authorized by either a
competent court or the Phil. consul, depending on the
port of arrival
(d) Responsibility of Captain
Art. 823. The custody and preservation
of the cargo which has been unloaded shall be
entrusted to the captain, who shall be
responsible for the same, except in cases of
force majeure.
Art. 824.
If the entire cargo or part
thereof should appear to be damaged, or there
should be imminent danger of its being
damaged, the captain may request of the
competent judge or court, or of the consul in a
proper case, the sale of all or of part of the
former, and the person taking cognizance of the
matter shall authorize it, after an examination
and declaration of experts, advertisements, and
other formalities required by the case, and an
entry in the book, in accordance with the
provisions of Article 624.
The captain shall, in a proper case,
justify the legality of his conduct, under the
penalty of answering to the shipper for the price
the merchandise would have brought if it had
arrived in good condition at the port of
destination.
Art. 825.
The captain
shall
be
responsible for the damages caused by his
delay, if after the cause of the arrival under
PAGE 80
3. Collisions
Collision: impact of two vessels both of which are
moving
Allision: striking of a moving vessel against one that
is stationary
Cases of collision :
1. due to the fault, negligence or lack of skill of the
captain, sailing mate or the complement of the vessel
--> under 826, the shipowner shall be liable for the
losses and damages
2. due to the fault of both vessels --> under 827, each
vessel shall suffer its own losses, but as regards the
owners of the cargoes, both vessels shall be jointly
and severally liable
3. where it cannot be determined which of the 2
vessels is at fault --> under 828, each vessel shall
suffer its own losses, and both shall also be solidarily
responsible for the losses and damages caused to
their cargoes
4. collision due to fortuitous event or force majeure -->
under 830, each vessel shall bear its own damages
5. where two vessels collide with each other without
their fault but by reason of the fault of a third vessel -> under 831, the owner of the third vessel causing the
collision shall be liable for the losses and damages 6. a
vessel which is properly anchored and moored may
collide with those nearby by reason of a storm or other
cause of force majeure --> under 832, the vessel run
into shall suffer its own damages and expenses
Nautical Rules to determine negligence :
1. When 2 vessels are about to enter a port,
the farther one must allow the nearer to enter first; if
they collide, the fault is presumed to be imputable to
the one who arrived later, unless it can be proved that
there was no fault on its part.
(1) Fortuitous
PAGE 81
(2) Culpable
PAGE 82
4. Shipwrecks
Art. 840. The losses and deteriorations
suffered by a vessel and her cargo by reason of
shipwreck or stranding shall be individually for
the account of the owners, the part which may
be saved belonging to them in the same
proportion.
Art. 841. If the wreck or standing should
be caused by the malice,e negligence, or lack of
skill of the captain, or because the vessel put to
sea insufficiently repaired and equipped, the
ship agent or the shippers may demand
indemnity of the captain for the damages
caused to the vessel or to the cargo by the
accident, in accordance with the provisions
contained in Articles 610, 612, 614, and 621.
Shipwreck: Loss of a vessel at sea, either by being
swallowed up by the waves, by running against
another vessel or thing at sea, or on coast --> renders
the ship incapable of navigation
Under 841, in case the wreck or stranding is
due to the (1) malice, negligence, or lack of skill of the
captain, or (2) because the vessel put to sea was
insufficiently repaired and equipped, the captain shall
be liable
Art. 842.
The goods saved from the
wreck shall be specially bound for the payment
of the expenses of the respective salvage, and
the amount thereof must be paid by the owners
of the former before they are delivered to them,
and with preference over any other obligation if
the merchandise should be sold.
Where a ship and its cargo are saved together, the
salvage allowance should be charged against the ship
and cargo in proportion of their respective values, the
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1. Charter Parties
b. Kinds
a. Definition; as common
carrier
(3) as to freightage
(a) for a fixed amount for the whole
cargo
(b) for a fixed rate per ton
(c) for so much per month
Maritime Agencies vs CA 187 SCRA 346
F:
Transcontinental Fertilizer Co. of London
chartered from Hongkong Island Shipping Co. the
motor vessel Hongkong Island for the shipment of
bagged urea from Odessa, USSR to the Philippines.
The parties signed a Uniform General Charter dated
August 1979. The consignee was Atlas Fertilizer Co.
while the insurer was the Union Insurance Society of
Canton. Maritime Agencies was appointed as the
charterer's agent and Macondray as the owner's
agent. The vessel arrived in Manila to unload part of its
cargo and then proceeded to Cebu to discharge the
rest of the cargo. The consignee filed a formal claim
for shortlanded bags. The consignee also filed a claim
against Viva Customs Brokerage for the unrecovered
spillage. These claims having been rejected, the
consignee went to Union, which paid the total
indemnity of P 113,123.86 pursuant to the insurance
contract. As subrogee of the consignee, Union filed a
claim for reimbursement against Hongkong Island Co.,
Maritime Agencies and/or Viva Customs Brokerage.
Viva was dropped from the complaint while Macondray
Co. was impleaded.
The RTC found Hongkong Island liable for the
shortlanded bags while Maritime Agencies was held
liable for the spillage during discharge. The RTC
ordered Hongkong Island
and its local agent
Macondray to pay P 87,000+ and Maritime Agencies to
pay P 36,000+ to Union Insurance. CA exempted
Hongkong Island and Macondray exempt from liability.
Thus this petition. Maritime pleads non-liability on the
ground that it was only the charterer's agent and
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Marine insurance
bottomry/respondentia loans
1. indemnity is paid after the
indemnity is paid in advance by way of loan
loss has occurred
2. when marine peril occurs,
when marine peril causes the loss of the
the obligation of the insurer
vessel
or cargo, the obligation of the
becomes absolute
borrower to pay is extinguished
3. consensual contract
real
contract --perfected from the
* governed by Insurance Act
moment of delivery of the thing loaned
b. Loan on Respondentia,
defined
One made on the goods laden on board the
ship, and which are to be sold or exchanged in the
course of the voyage, the borrower's personal
responsibility being deemed the principal security for
the performance of the contract, which is therefore
called respondentia.
The lender must be paid his
principal and interest, thought the ship perishes,
provided that the goods are saved.
c. Character of Loan
Art. 719. A loan in which, under any
condition whatever, the repayment of the sum
loaned and of the premium stipulated depends
upon the safe arrival in port of the goods on
which it is made, or of the price they may
receive in case of accident, shall be considered
a loan on bottomry or respondentia.
loan
safe
no limit
view of
PAGE 93
Effect of registration:
1. the loan shall have, with regard to other credits, the
preference which, according to its nature, it should
have (Art. 580 - 8th in the order of preference)
2. effective against third persons from the time of
execution/registration
Art. 721. In a contract on bottomry or
respondentia the following must be stated:
1. The kind, name, and registry of the
vessel.
2. The name, surname, and domicile of
the captain.
3. The names, surnames, and domiciles
of the person giving and the person receiving
the loan.
4. The amount of the loan and the
premium stipulated.
5. The time for repayment.
6. The goods pledged to secure
repayment.
7. The voyage during which the risk is
run.
Art. 722. The contracts may be made to
order, in which case they shall be transferable
by indorsement, and the indorsee shall acquire
all the rights and shall incur all the risks
corresponding to the indorser.
e. On What Constituted
Art. 724. The loans may be constituted
jointly or separately:
1. On the hull of the vessel.
2. On the rigging.
3. On the equipment, provisions, and
fuel.
4. On the engine, if the vessel is a
steamer.
5. On the merchandise loaded.
If the loan is constituted on the hull of
the vessel, the rigging, equipment and other
goods, provisions, fuel, steam engines, and the
freightage earned during the voyage on which
the loan is made, shall also be considered as
included in the liability for the loan.
If the loan is made on the cargo, all that
which constitutes the same shall be subject to
the repayment; and if on a particular object of
the vessel or of the cargo, only the object concretely and specifically mentioned shall be
liable.
Art. 725. No loans on bottomry may be
made on the salaries of the crew or on the
profits expected.
f. Amount
Art. 723. Loans may be made in goods
and in merchandise, fixing their value in order
to determine the principal of the loan.
Art. 726. If the lender should prove that
he loaned an amount larger than the value of
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F. BILL OF LADING
B/L operates both as a receipt and as a contract; it is a
receipt for the goods shipped and a contract to
transport and deliver the same as stipulated
A stipulation that a CC's liability is limited to
the value of the goods appearing in the B/L, unless the
owner declares a greater value, is valid and binding
Bill of Lading vs Charter party
1. Charter party - entire or complete contract
B/L - private receipt which the captain gives to
accredit that such goods belong to such persons
2. Charter party - consensual party, which can be
dissolved by means of indemnity for losses and
damages
B/L - real contract; exists only after delivery of the
goods to be transported is made
1. Contents
Art. 706. The captain and the shipper
shall have the obligation of drawing up the bill
of lading, in which shall be stated:
1. The name, registry, and tonnage of
the vessel.
2. The name of the captain and his
domicile.
3. The port of loading and that of
unloading.
4. The name of the shipper.
5. The name of the consignee, if the bill
of lading is issued in the name of a specified
person.
6.
The quantity, quality, number of
packages, and marks of the merchandise.
7. The freightage and the primage
stipulated.
The bill of lading may be issued to
bearer, to order, or in the name of a specified
person, and must be signed within twenty- four
hours after the cargo has been received on
board, the shipper being entitled to demand the
unloading at the expense of the captain should
the latter not sign it, and, in any case, the
losses and damages suffered thereby.
Art.707. Four true copies of the original
bill of lading shall be made, and all of them shall
be signed by the captain and by the shipper. Of
these copies the shipper shall keep one and
send another to the consignee; the captain shall
take two, one for himself and the other for the
ship agent.
There may also be drawn as many copies
of the bill of lading as may be considered
necessary by the parties; but, when they are
issued to order or to bearer, there shall be
stated in all the copies, be they the first four or
the subsequent ones, the destination of each
one, stating whether it is for the ship agent, for
the captain, for the shipper, or for the
consignee. If the copy sent to the latter should
have a duplicate, this circumstance and the fact
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Sec. 1. When used in this Act(a) The term "carrier" includes the owner
or the charterer
who enters into a contract of carriage with a
shipper.
(b) The term "contract
of
carriage"
applies only to contracts of carriage covered
by a bill of lading or any similar document of
title, insofar as such document relates to the
carriage of goods by sea, including any bill of
lading or any similar document as aforesaid
issued under or pursuant to a charter party
from the moment at which such bill of lading or
similar document of title regulates the relations
between a carrier and a holder of the same.
(c) The term "goods" includes goods,
wares, merchandise, and articles of ever kind
whatsoever, except live animals and cargo
which by the contract of carriage is stated as
being carried on deck and is so carried.
(d) The term "ship" means any vessel
used for the carriage
of goods by sea.
(e) The term "carriage of goods" covers
the period from the time when the goods are
loaded to the time when they are discharged
from the ship
RISKS
Sec. 2.
Subject to the provisions of
Section 6, under every contract of carriage of
goods by sea, the carrier in relation to the
loading, handling, stowage, carriage, custody,
care, and discharge of such goods shall be
subject to the responsibilities and liabilities and
entitled
to
the
rights
and
immunities
hereinafter set forth.
(2)
The carrier shall properly and
carefully load, handle, stow, carry, keep, care
for, and discharge the goods carried.
(3) After receiving the goods into his
charge the carrier, or the master or agent of the
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case
of
loss:
PAGE 102
(Not
applicable
to
the
(Not
applicable
to
the
Sec. 13.
This act shall apply to all
contracts for carriage of goods by sea to or from
ports of the United States in foreign trade. As
used in this Act the term "United States" includes
its
districts,
territories,
and
possessions:
Provided, however, that the Philippine Legislature
may
by
law
exclude
its
application
to
transportation to or from ports of the Philippine
Islands. The term "foreign trade" means the
transportation of goods between the ports of the
United States and ports of foreign countries.
Nothing in this Act shall be held to apply to contracts for carriage of goods by sea between any
port of the United States or its possession:
Provided, however, that any bill of lading or
similar document of the title which is evidence of
a contract for the carriage of goods by sea
between such ports, containing an express
statement that it shall be subject to the
provisions of this Act, shall be subjected hereto
as fully as if subject hereto by the express
provisions of this Act: Provided, further, that
every bill of lading or similar document of title
which is evidence of a contract for the carriage of
goods by sea from ports of the United States in
foreign trade, shall contain a statement that it
shall have effect subject to the provisions of this
Act.
Notes: American Insurance vs Cia Maritima : contract of
carriage from NY with final destination in Cebu. COGSA
is applicable despite the fact that from Manila to Cebu,
the goods were transshipped on an interisland vessel.
Transshipment was not a separate transaction from that
originally entered into by the parties but was part of the
carrier's contractual obligation.
Sec. 14.
Upon the certification of the
Secretary
of
Commerce
that
the
foreign
commerce of the United States in its competition
with that of foreign nations is prejudiced by the
provisions, or any of them, of the Title I of this
Act, or by the laws of any foreign country or
countries relating to the carriage of goods by
sea, the President of the United States may, from
time to time by proclamation, suspend any or all
provisions of Title I of this Act for such periods of
time or indefinitely as may be designated in the
proclamation., The President may at any time
rescind such suspension of Title I hereof, and any
time rescind such suspension of Title I hereof,
and any provisions thereof which may have been
thereafter made for carriage of goods by sea.
Any proclamation of suspension or rescission of
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be
COURTS
HAVE
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E. Limitations on Liability
RE: PASSENGERS
Art.22.
(1) In the transportation of
passengers the liability of the carrier for each
passenger shall be limited to the sum of 125,000
francs. (Now $100,000) Where, in accordance w/
the law of the court to w/c the case is submitted,
damages may be awarded in the form of
periodical payments, the equivalent capital value
of the said payments shall not be exceed 125,000
francs. Nevertheless, by special contract, the
carrier and the passenger may agree to a higher
limit of liability.
RE: BAGGAGE/GOODS
(2) In the transportation of checked
baggage and of goods, the liability of the carrier
shall be limited to a sum of 250 francs per
kilogram (Now $20 per kilo), unless the consignor
has made, at the time when the package was
handed over to the carrier, a special declaration
of the value of the delivery and has paid a
supplementary sum if the case so requires. In
that case, the carrier will be liable to pay a sum
not exceeding the declared sun, unless he proves
that the sum is grater that the actual value to the
consignor at delivery.
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on WC if it was guilty of
xxx
In this case, the ff. were not followed, and hence
the Phils., not being one of the courts mentioned in
Art.28 (1), does not have jurisdiction over the case.
(1) court of domicile is U.S., Minnesota;
(2) principal place of business of carrier is also US;
(3) place of business where contract was made was in
San Francisco;
(4) place of destination is also San Francisco, Santos
having purchased a round trip-ticket from SFO-TYO-MNL,
then back to TYO- SFO. The "ultimate destination" being
San Francisco.
Art. 32.
Any clause contained in the
contract an all special agreements entered into
before the damage occurred by which the parties
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