G.R. No. L-51183 December 21, 1983 CARMEN L. MADEJA, petitioner, v . !"N. #EL$% &.

CAR" 'n( E)A ARELLAN"JA*+"N, re pon(ent . A,AD -AN&"-, J In Criminal Case No. 75-88 of the defunct Court of First Instance of Eastern Samar, D . E!" ". #"$%&N is accused of homicide throu'h rec(less im)rudence for the death of Cleto *ade+a after an a))endectom,. -he com)lainin' .itness is the .ido. of the deceased, Carmen /. *ade+a. -he information states that0 1-he offended )art, Carmen /. *ade+a reser2in' her ri'ht to file a se)arate ci2il action for dama'es.1 3 ollo, ). 45.6 -he criminal case still )endin', Carmen /. *ade+a sued Dr. E2a ". #a)7on for dama'es in Ci2il Case No. 848 of the same court. She alle'ed that her hus9and died 9ecause of the 'ross ne'li'ence of Dr. #a)7on. -he res)ondent +ud'e 'ranted the defendant:s motion to dismiss .hich motion in2o(ed Section 43a6 of ule 888 of the ules of Court .hich reads0t.hqw Sec. 4. Other civil actions arising from offenses. ; In all cases not included in the )recedin' section the follo.in' rules shall 9e o9ser2ed0 3a6 Criminal and ci2il actions arisin' from the same offense ma, 9e instituted se)aratel,, 9ut after the criminal action has 9een commenced the ci2il action can not 9e instituted until final +ud'ment has 9een rendered in the criminal action. ... "ccordin' to the res)ondent +ud'e, 1under the fore'oin' Sec. 4 3a6, ule 888, Ne. ules of Court, the instant ci2il action ma, 9e instituted onl, after final +ud'ment has 9een rendered in the criminal action.1 3 ollo, ). 44.6 -he instant )etition .hich see(s to set aside the order of the res)ondent +ud'e 'rantin' the defendant:s motion to dismiss Ci2il Case No. 848 is hi'hl, im)ressed .ith merit. Section <, ule 888 of the ules of Court in relation to "rticle 44 of the Ci2il Code is the a))lica9le )ro2ision. -he t.o enactments are =uoted herein9elo.0t.hqw Sec. <. Independent civil action. ; In the cases )ro2ided for in "rticles 48,4<, 44, 44 and <877 of the Ci2il Code of the $hili))ines, an inde)endent ci2il action entirel, se)arate and distinct from the criminal action, ma, 9e 9rou'ht 9, the in+ured )art, durin' the )endenc, of the criminal case, )ro2ided the ri'ht is reser2ed as re=uired in the )recedin' section. Such ci2il action shall )roceed inde)endentl, of the criminal )rosecution, and shall re=uire onl, a )re)onderance of e2idence.1 3 ule 888, ules of Court.6 "rt. 44. In cases of defamation, fraud, and )h,sical in+uries, a ci2il action for dama'es, entirel, se)arate and distinct from the criminal action, ma, 9e 9rou'ht 9, the in+ured )art,. Such ci2il action shall )roceed inde)endentl, of the criminal )rosecution, and shall re=uire onl, a )re)onderance of e2idence. 3Ci2il Code,6 -here are at least t.o thin's a9out "rt. 44 of the Ci2il Code .hich are .orth notin', namel,0 8. -he ci2il action for dama'es .hich it allo.s to 9e instituted is ex-delicto. -his is manifest from the )ro2ision .hich uses the e>)ressions 1criminal action1 and 1criminal )rosecution.1 -his conclusion is su))orted 9, the comment of the Code Commission, thus0t.hqw -he underl,in' )ur)ose of the )rinci)le under consideration is to allo. the citi7en to enforce his ri'hts in a )ri2ate action 9rou'ht 9, him, re'ardless of the action of the

State attorne,. It is not conduci2e to ci2ic s)irit and to indi2idual self-reliance and initiati2e to ha9ituate the citi7ens to de)end u)on the 'o2ernment for the 2indication of their o.n )ri2ate ri'hts. It is true that in man, of the cases referred to in the )ro2ision cited, a criminal )rosecution is )ro)er, 9ut it should 9e remem9ered that .hile the State is the com)lainant in the criminal case, the in+ured indi2idual is the one most concerned 9ecause it is he .ho has suffered directl,. ?e should 9e )ermitted to demand re)aration for the .ron' .hich )eculiarl, affects him. 3 e)ort, ). 45.6 "nd -olentino sa,s0t.hqw -he 'eneral rule is that .hen a criminal action is instituted, the ci2il action for reco2er, of ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from the offense char'ed is im)liedl, instituted .ith the criminal action, unless the offended )art, reser2es his ri'ht to institute it se)aratel,@ and after a criminal action has 9een commenced, no ci2il action arisin' from the same offense can 9e )rosecuted. -he )resent articles creates an e>ce)tion to this rule .hen the offense is defamation, fraud, or )h,sical in+uries, In these cases, a ci2il action ma, 9e filed inde)endentl, of the criminal action, e2en if there has 9een no reser2ation made 9, the in+ured )art,@ the la. itself in this article ma(es such reser2ation@ 9ut the claimant is not 'i2en the ri'ht to determine .hether the ci2il action should 9e scheduled or sus)ended until the criminal action has 9een terminated. -he result of the ci2il action is thus inde)endent of the result of the ci2il action.1 3I Ci2il Code, ). 844 A8974.B6 <. -he term 1)h,sical in+uries1 is used in a 'eneric sense. It is not the crime of )h,sical in+uries defined in the e2ised $enal Code. It includes not onl, )h,sical in+uries 9ut consummated, frustrated and attem)ted homicide.t.hqw -he "rticle in =uestion uses the .ords :defamation:, :fraud: and :)h,sical in+uries.: Defamation and fraud are used in their ordinar, sense 9ecause there are no s)ecific )ro2isions in the e2ised $enal Code usin' these terms as means of offenses defined therein, so that these t.o terms defamation and fraud must ha2e 9een used not to im)art to them an, technical meanin' in the la.s of the $hili))ines, 9ut in their 'eneric sense. Cith this a))arent circumstance in mind, it is e2ident that the terms :)h,sical in+uries: could not ha2e 9een used in its s)ecific sense as a crime defined in the e2ised $enal Code, for it is difficult to 9elie2e that the Code Commission .ould ha2e used terms in the same article-some in their 'eneral and another in its technical sense. In other .ords, the term :)h,sical in+uries: should 9e understood to mean 9odil, in+ur,, not the crime of )h,sical in+uries, 9acause the terms used .ith the latter are 'eneral terms. In an, case the Code Commission recommended that the ci2il action for )h,sical in+uries 9e similar to the ci2il action for assault and 9atter, in "merican /a., and this recommendation must ho2e 9een acce)ted 9, the /e'islature .hen it a))ro2ed the article intact as recommended. If the intent has 9een to esta9lish a ci2il action for the 9odil, harm recei2ed 9, the com)lainant similar to the ci2il action for assault and 9atter,, as the Code Commission states, the ci2il action should lie .hether the offense committed is that of )h,sical in+uries, or frustrated homicide, or attem)ted homicide, or e2en death,1 3Carandan' vs. Santiago 97 $hil. 94, 95-97 A8955B.6 !orp"s vs. #a$e /-<5747, #ul, 48, 8959, <8 SC " 8D5<, .hich states that rec(less im)rudence or criminal ne'li'ence is not included in "rticle 44 of the Ci2il Code is not authoritati2e. &f ele2en +ustices onl, nine too( )art in the decision and four of them merel, concurred in the result. In the li'ht of the fore'oin', it is a))arent that the ci2il action a'ainst Dr. #a)7on ma, )roceed inde)endentl, of the criminal action a'ainst her.

49

C?E EF& E, the )etition is here9, 'ranted@ the order dismissin' Ci2il Case No. 848 is here9, set aside@ no s)ecial )ronouncement as to costs. S& & DE ED G.R. No. L-.8//0 J123 8, 19.2 #A4-&" ,ARRED", petitioner, v . -E)ER$N" GARC$A 'n( &$M"&EA ALMAR$", re pon(ent . ,"C",", J.5 -his case comes u) from the Court of "))eals .hich held the )etitioner herein, Fausto Earredo, lia9le in dama'es for the death of Faustino Farcia caused 9, the ne'li'ence of $edro Fontanilla, a ta>i dri2er em)lo,ed 9, said Fausto Earredo. "t a9out half )ast one in the mornin' of *a, 4, 8945, on the road 9et.een *ala9on and Na2otas, $ro2ince of i7al, there .as a head-on collision 9et.een a ta>i of the *alate -a>ica9 dri2en 9, $edro Fontanilla and a carretela 'uided 9, $edro Dima)alis. -he carretela .as o2erturned, and one of its )assen'ers, 85-,ear-old 9o, Faustino Farcia, suffered in+uries from .hich he died t.o da,s later. " criminal action .as filed a'ainst Fontanilla in the Court of First Instance of i7al, and he .as con2icted and sentenced to an indeterminate sentence of one ,ear and one da, to t.o ,ears of prision correccional. -he court in the criminal case 'ranted the )etition that the ri'ht to 9rin' a se)arate ci2il action 9e reser2ed. -he Court of "))eals affirmed the sentence of the lo.er court in the criminal case. Se2erino Farcia and -imotea "lmario, )arents of the deceased on *arch 7, 8949, 9rou'ht an action in the Court of First Instance of *anila a'ainst Fausto Earredo as the sole )ro)rietor of the *alate -a>ica9 and em)lo,er of $edro Fontanilla. &n #ul, 8, 8949, the Court of First Instance of *anila a.arded dama'es in fa2or of the )laintiffs for $<,DDD )lus le'al interest from the date of the com)laint. -his decision .as modified 9, the Court of "))eals 9, reducin' the dama'es to $8,DDD .ith le'al interest from the time the action .as instituted. It is undis)uted that Fontanilla :s ne'li'ence .as the cause of the misha), as he .as dri2in' on the .ron' side of the road, and at hi'h s)eed. "s to Earredo:s res)onsi9ilit,, the Court of "))eals found0 ... It is admitted that defendant is Fontanilla:s em)lo,er. -here is )roof that he e>ercised the dili'ence of a 'ood father of a famil, to )re2ent dama'e. 3See ). <<, a))ellant:s 9rief.6 In fact it is sho.n he .as careless in em)lo,in' Fontanilla .ho had 9een cau'ht se2eral times for 2iolation of the "utomo9ile /a. and s)eedin' 3E>hi9it "6 ; 2iolation .hich a))eared in the records of the Eureau of $u9lic Cor(s a2aila9le to 9e )u9lic and to himself. -herefore, he must indemnif, )laintiffs under the )ro2isions of article 89D4 of the Ci2il Code. -he main theor, of the defense is that the lia9ilit, of Fausto Earredo is 'o2erned 9, the e2ised $enal Code@ hence, his lia9ilit, is onl, su9sidiar,, and as there has 9een no ci2il action a'ainst $edro Fontanilla, the )erson criminall, lia9le, Earredo cannot 9e held res)onsi9le in the case. -he )etitioner:s 9rief states on )a'e 8D0 ... -he Court of "))eals holds that the )etitioner is 9ein' sued for his failure to e>ercise all the dili'ence of a 'ood father of a famil, in the selection and su)er2ision of $edro Fontanilla to )re2ent dama'es suffered 9, the res)ondents. In other .ords, -he Court of "))eals insists on a))l,in' in the case article 89D4 of the Ci2il Code. "rticle 89D4 of the Ci2il Code is found in Cha)ter II, -itle 85, Eoo( I! of the Ci2il Code. -his fact ma(es said article to a ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from a crime as in the case at 9ar sim)l, 9ecause Cha)ter II of -itle 85 of Eoo( I! of the Ci2il Code, in the )recise .ords of article 89D4 of the Ci2il Code itself, is a))lica9le onl, to 1those 3o9li'ations6 arisin' from .ron'ful or ne'li'ent acts or commission not p"nisha%le %& law. -he 'ist of the decision of the Court of "))eals is e>)ressed thus0 ... Ce cannot a'ree to the defendant:s contention. -he lia9ilit, sou'ht to 9e im)osed u)on him in this action is not a ci2il o9li'ation arisin' from a felon, or a misdemeanor 3the crime of $edro Fontanilla,6, 9ut an o9li'ation im)osed in article 89D4 of the Ci2il Code 9, reason of his ne'li'ence in the selection or su)er2ision of his ser2ant or em)lo,ee.

-he )i2otal =uestion in this case is .hether the )laintiffs ma, 9rin' this se)arate ci2il action a'ainst Fausto Earredo, thus ma(in' him )rimaril, and directl,, res)onsi9le under article 89D4 of the Ci2il Code as an em)lo,er of $edro Fontanilla. -he defendant maintains that Fontanilla:s ne'li'ence 9ein' )unisha9le 9, the $enal Code, his 3defendant:s6 lia9ilit, as an em)lo,er is onl, su9sidiar,, accordin' to said $enal code, 9ut Fontanilla has not 9een sued in a ci2il action and his )ro)ert, has not 9een e>hausted. -o decide the main issue, .e must cut throu'h the tan'le that has, in the minds of man, confused and +um9led to'ether delitos and c"asi delitos, or crimes under the $enal Code and fault or ne'li'ence under articles 89D<-898D of the Ci2il Code. -his should 9e done, 9ecause +ustice ma, 9e lost in a la9,rinth, unless )rinci)les and remedies are distinctl, en2isa'ed. Fortunatel,, .e are aided in our in=uir, 9, the luminous )resentation of the )er)le>in' su9+ect 9, reno.n +urists and .e are li(e.ise 'uided 9, the decisions of this Court in )re2ious cases as .ell as 9, the solemn clarit, of the consideration in se2eral sentences of the Su)reme -ri9unal of S)ain. "uthorities su))ort the )ro)osition that a q"asi-delict or 1c"lpa aq"iliana 1 is a se)arate le'al institution under the Ci2il Code .ith a su9stanti2it, all its o.n, and indi2idualit, that is entirel, a)art and inde)endent from delict or crime. G)on this )rinci)le and on the .ordin' and s)irit article 89D4 of the Ci2il Code, the )rimar, and direct res)onsi9ilit, of em)lo,ers ma, 9e safel, anchored. -he )ertinent )ro2isions of the Ci2il Code and e2ised $enal Code are as follo.s0 CI!I/ C&DE " -. 8D89 &9li'ations arise from la., from contracts and =uasi-contracts, and from acts and omissions .hich are unla.ful or in .hich an, (ind of fault or ne'li'ence inter2enes. " -. 8D9<. Ci2il o9li'ations arisin' from felonies or misdemeanors shall 9e 'o2erned 9, the )ro2isions of the $enal Code. " -. 8D94. -hose .hich are deri2ed from acts or omissions in .hich fault or ne'li'ence, not )unisha9le 9, la., inter2enes shall 9e su9+ect to the )ro2isions of Cha)ter II, -itle H!I of this 9oo(. " - 89D<. "n, )erson .ho 9, an act or omission causes dama'e to another 9, his fault or ne'li'ence shall 9e lia9le for the dama'e so done. " -. 89D4. -he o9li'ation im)osed 9, the ne>t )recedin' article is enforci9le, not onl, for )ersonal acts and omissions, 9ut also for those of )ersons for .hom another is res)onsi9le. -he father and in, case of his death or inca)acit,, the mother, are lia9le for an, dama'es caused 9, the minor children .ho li2e .ith them. Fuardians are lia9le for dama'es done 9, minors or inca)acitated )ersons su9+ect to their authorit, and li2in' .ith them. &.ners or directors of an esta9lishment or 9usiness are e=uall, lia9le for an, dama'es caused 9, their em)lo,ees .hile en'a'ed in the 9ranch of the ser2ice in .hich em)lo,ed, or on occasion of the )erformance of their duties. -he State is su9+ect to the same lia9ilit, .hen it acts throu'h a s)ecial a'ent, 9ut not if the dama'e shall ha2e 9een caused 9, the official u)on .hom )ro)erl, de2ol2ed the dut, of doin' the act )erformed, in .hich case the )ro2isions of the ne>t )recedin' article shall 9e a))lica9le.

49

Finall,, teachers or directors of arts trades are lia9le for an, dama'es caused 9, their )u)ils or a))rentices .hile the, are under their custod,. -he lia9ilit, im)osed 9, this article shall cease in case the )ersons mentioned therein )ro2e that the, are e>ercised all the dili'ence of a 'ood father of a famil, to )re2ent the dama'e. " -. 89D4. "n, )erson .ho )a,s for dama'e caused 9, his em)lo,ees ma, reco2er from the latter .hat he ma, ha2e )aid. E!ISED $EN"/ C&DE " -. 8DD. !ivil lia%ilit& of a person g"ilt& of felon&. ; E2er, )erson criminall, lia9le for a felon, is also ci2ill, lia9le. " -. 8D8. '"les regarding civil lia%ilit& in certain cases. ; -he e>em)tion from criminal lia9ilit, esta9lished in su9di2isions 8, <, 4, 5, and 5 of article 8< and in su9di2ision 4 of article 88 of this Code does not include e>em)tion from ci2il lia9ilit,, .hich shall 9e enforced to the follo.in' rules0 (irst. In cases of su9di2ision, 8, < and 4 of article 8< the ci2il lia9ilit, for acts committed 9, an, im9ecile or insane )erson, and 9, a )erson under nine ,ears of a'e, or 9, one o2er nine 9ut under fifteen ,ears of a'e, .ho has acted .ithout discernment shall de2ol2e u)on those ha2in' such )erson under their le'al authorit, or control, unless it a))ears that there .as no fault or ne'li'ence on their )art. Should there 9e no )erson ha2in' such insane, im9ecile or minor under his authorit,, le'al 'uardianshi), or control, or if such )erson 9e insol2ent, said insane, im9ecile, or minor shall res)ond .ith their o.n )ro)ert,, e>ce)tin' )ro)ert, e>em)t from e>ecution, in accordance .ith the ci2il la.. Second. In cases fallin' .ithin su9di2ision 4 of article 88, the )erson for .hose 9enefit the harm has 9een )re2ented shall 9e ci2ill, lia9le in )ro)ortion to the 9enefit .hich the, ma, ha2e recei2ed. -he courts shall determine, in their sound discretion, the )ro)ortionate amount for .hich each one shall 9e lia9le. Chen the res)ecti2e shares can not 9e e=uita9l, determined, e2en a))ro>imatel,, or .hen the lia9ilit, also attaches to the Fo2ernment, or to the ma+orit, of the inha9itants of the to.n, and, in all e2ents, .hene2er the dama'e has 9een caused .ith the consent of the authorities or their a'ents, indemnification shall 9e made in the manner )rescri9ed 9, s)ecial la.s or re'ulations. )hird. In cases fallin' .ithin su9di2isions 5 and 5 of article 8<, the )ersons usin' 2iolence or causin' the fear shall 9e )rimaril, lia9le and secondaril,, or, if there 9e no such )ersons, those doin' the act shall 9e lia9le, sa2in' al.a,s to the latter that )art of their )ro)ert, e>em)t from e>ecution. " -. 8D<. S"%sidiar& civil lia%ilit& of inn*eepers tavern *eepers and proprietors of esta%lishment . ; In default of )ersons criminall, lia9le, inn(ee)ers, ta2ern (ee)ers, and an, other )ersons or cor)oration shall 9e ci2ill, lia9le for crimes committed in their esta9lishments, in all cases .here a 2iolation of munici)al ordinances or some 'eneral or s)ecial )olice re'ulation shall ha2e 9een committed 9, them or their em)lo,ees. Inn(ee)ers are also su9sidiaril, lia9le for the restitution of 'oods ta(en 9, ro99er, or theft .ithin their houses lod'in' therein, or the )erson, or for the )a,ment of the 2alue thereof, )ro2ided that

such 'uests shall ha2e notified in ad2ance the inn(ee)er himself, or the )erson re)resentin' him, of the de)osit of such 'oods .ithin the inn@ and shall furthermore ha2e follo.ed the directions .hich such inn(ee)er or his re)resentati2e ma, ha2e 'i2en them .ith res)ect to the care of and 2i'ilance o2er such 'oods. No lia9ilit, shall attach in case of ro99er, .ith 2iolence a'ainst or intimidation a'ainst or intimidation of )ersons unless committed 9, the inn(ee)er:s em)lo,ees. " -. 8D4. S"%sidiar& civil lia%ilit& of other persons. ; -he su9sidiar, lia9ilit, esta9lished in the ne>t )recedin' article shall also a))l, to em)lo,ers, teachers, )ersons, and cor)orations en'a'ed in an, (ind of industr, for felonies committed 9, their ser2ants, )u)ils, .or(men, a))rentices, or em)lo,ees in the dischar'e of their duties. " -. 455. Im)rudence and ne'li'ence. ; "n, )erson .ho, 9, rec(less im)rudence, shall commit an, act .hich, had it 9een intentional, .ould constitute a 'ra2e felon,, shall suffer the )enalt, of arresto ma,or in its ma>imum )eriod to )rision correccional in its minimum )eriod@ if it .ould ha2e constituted a less 'ra2e felon,, the )enalt, of arresto ma,or in its minimum and medium )eriods shall 9e im)osed. "n, )erson .ho, 9, sim)le im)rudence or ne'li'ence, shall commit an act .hich .ould other.ise constitute a 'ra2e felon,, shall suffer the )enalt, of arresto ma&or in its medium and ma>imum )eriods@ if it .ould ha2e constituted a less serious felon,, the )enalt, of arresto ma&or in its minimum )eriod shall 9e im)osed.1 It .ill thus 9e seen that .hile the terms of articles 89D< of the Ci2il Code seem to 9e 9road enou'h to co2er the dri2er:s ne'li'ence in the instant case, ne2ertheless article 8D94 limits c"asi-delitos to acts or omissions 1not )unisha9le 9, la..1 Eut inasmuch as article 455 of the e2ised $enal Code )unishes not onl, rec(less 9ut e2en sim)le im)rudence or ne'li'ence, the fault or ne'li'ence under article 89D< of the Ci2il Code has a))arentl, 9een cro.ded out. It is this o2erla))in' that ma(es the 1confusion .orse confounded.1 ?o.e2er, a closer stud, sho.s that such a concurrence of sco)e in re'ard to ne'li'ent acts does not destro, the distinction 9et.een the ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from a crime and the res)onsi9ilit, for cuasi-delitos or cul)a e>tracontractual. -he same ne'li'ent act causin' dama'es ma, )roduce ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from a crime under article 8DD of the e2ised $enal Code, or create an action for c"asi-delito or c"lpa extra-contract"al under articles 89D<-898D of the Ci2il Code. -he indi2idualit, of c"asi-delito or c"lpa extra-contract"al looms clear and unmista(a9le. -his le'al institution is of ancient linea'e, one of its earl, ancestors 9ein' the +ex ,q"ilia in the oman /a.. In fact, in S)anish le'al terminolo',, this res)onsi9ilit, is often referred to as cul)a a=uiliana. -he $artidas also contri9uted to the 'enealo', of the )resent fault or ne'li'ence under the Ci2il Code@ for instance, /a. 5, -itle 85, of $artida 7, sa,s0 1-enudo es de fa7er emienda, )or=ue, como =uier =ue el non fi7o a sa9iendas en daIo al otro, )ero acaescio )or su cul)a.1 -he distincti2e nature of c"asi-delitos sur2i2es in the Ci2il Code. "ccordin' to article 8D89, one of the fi2e sources of o9li'ations is this le'al institution of c"asi-delito or c"lpa extra-contract"al0 1los actos . . . en =ue inter2en'a cual=uier 'enero de cul)a o ne'li'encia.1 -hen article 8D94 )ro2ides that this (ind of o9li'ation shall 9e 'o2erned 9, Cha)ter II of -itle H!I of Eoo( I!, meanin' articles 89D<-D98D. -his )ortion of the Ci2il Code is e>clusi2el, de2oted to the le'al institution of c"lpa aq"iliana. Some of the differences 9et.een crimes under the $enal Code and the c"lpa aq"iliana or c"asi-delito under the Ci2il Code are0 8. -hat crimes affect the )u9lic interest, .hile c"asi-delitos are onl, of )ri2ate concern. <. -hat, conse=uentl,, the $enal Code )unishes or corrects the criminal act, .hile the Ci2il Code, 9, means of indemnification, merel, re)airs the dama'e.

49

4. -hat delicts are not as 9road as =uasi-delicts, 9ecause the former are )unished onl, if there is a )enal la. clearl, co2erin' them, .hile the latter, c"asi-delitos, include all acts in .hich 1an, (in' of fault or ne'li'ence inter2enes.1 ?o.e2er, it should 9e noted that not all 2iolations of the )enal la. )roduce ci2il res)onsi9ilit,, such as 9e''in' in contra2ention of ordinances, 2iolation of the 'ame la.s, infraction of the rules of traffic .hen no9od, is hurt. 3See Colin and Ca)itant, 1Curso Elemental de Derecho Ci2il,1 !ol. 4, ). 7<8.6 /et us no. ascertain .hat some +urists sa, on the se)arate e>istence of =uasi-delicts and the em)lo,er:s )rimar, and direct lia9ilit, under article 89D4 of the Ci2il Code. Dorado *ontero in his essa, on 1 es)onsi9ilidad1 in the 1Enciclo)edia #uridica Es)aIola1 3!ol. HH!II, ). 4846 sa,s0 El conce)to +uridico de la responsa%ilidad civil a9arca di2ersos as)ectos , com)rende a diferentes )ersonas. "si, e>iste una res)onsa9ilidad ci2il )ro)iamente dicha, =ue en nin'un casl lle2a a)are+ada res)onsa9ilidad criminal al'una, , otra =ue es consecuencia indeclina9le de la )enal =ue nace de todo delito o falta.1 -he +uridical conce)t of ci2il res)onsi9ilit, has 2arious as)ects and com)rises different )ersons. -hus, there is a ci2il res)onsi9ilit,, )ro)erl, s)ea(in', .hich in no case carries .ith it an, criminal res)onsi9ilit,, and another .hich is a necessar, conse=uence of the )enal lia9ilit, as a result of e2er, felon, or misdemeanor.1 *aura, an outstandin' authorit,, .as consulted on the follo.in' case0 -here had 9een a collision 9et.een t.o trains 9elon'in' res)ecti2el, to the Ferrocarril Canta9rico and the Ferrocarril del Norte. "n em)lo,ee of the latter had 9een )rosecuted in a criminal case, in .hich the com)an, had 9een made a )art, as su9sidiaril, res)onsi9le in ci2il dama'es. -he em)lo,ee had 9een ac=uitted in the criminal case, and the em)lo,er, the Ferrocarril del Norte, had also 9een e>onerated. -he =uestion as(ed .as .hether the Ferrocarril Canta9rico could still 9rin' a ci2il action for dama'es a'ainst the Ferrocarril del Norte. *aura:s o)inion .as in the affirmati2e, statin' in )art 3*aura, -ictamenes, !ol. 5, )). 588-58460 Juedando las cosas asi, a )ro)osito de la realidad )ura , neta de los hechos, toda2ia menos )arece sosteni9le =ue e>ista cosa $".gada acerca de la o9li'acion ci2il de indemni7ar los =ue9rantos , menosca9os inferidos )or el cho=ue de los trenes. El titulo en =ue se funda la accion )ara demandar el resarcimiento, no )uede confundirse con las res)onsa9ilidades ci2iles nacidas de delito, si=uiera e>ista en este, sea el cual sea, una c"lpa rodeada de notas a'ra2atorias =ue moti2an sanciones )enales, mas o menos se2eras. /a lesion causada )or delito o falta en los derechos ci2iles, re=uiere restituciones, re)araciones o indemni7aciones, =ue cual la )ena misma ataIen al orden )u9lico@ )or tal moti2o 2ienen encomendadas, de ordinario, al *inisterio Fiscal@ , claro es =ue si )or esta 2ia se enmiendan los =ue9rantos , menosca9os, el a'ra2iado e>cusa )rocurar el ,a conse'uido desa'ra2io@ )ero esta e2entual coincidencia de los efectos, no 9orra la di2ersidad ori'inaria de las acciones ci2iles )ara )edir indemni7acion. Estas, )ara el caso actual 3)rescindiendo de cul)as contract"ales, =ue no 2endrian a cuento , =ue tiene otro re'imen6, dimanan, se'un el articulo 89D< del Codi'o Ci2il, de toda accion u omision, causante de daIos o )er+uicios, en =ue inter2en'a cul)a o ne'li'encia. Es tri2ial =ue acciones seme+antes son e+ercitadas ante los -ri9unales de lo ci2il cotidianamente, sin =ue la #usticia )uniti2a ten'a =ue me7clarse en los asuntos. /os articulos 88 al <8 , 8<8 al 8<8 del Codi'o $enal, atentos al es)iritu , a los fines sociales , )oliticos del mismo, desen2uel2en , ordenan la materia de res)onsa9ilidades ci2iles nacidas de delito, en terminos se)arados del re'imen )or le, comun de la cul)a =ue se denomina a=uiliana, )or alusion a )recedentes le'islati2os del !orp"s /"ris. Seria intem)esti2o un )aralelo entre a=uellas ordenaciones, , la de la o9li'acion de indemni7ar a titulo de cul)a ci2il@ )ero 2iene al caso , es necesaria una de las diferenciaciones =ue en el tal )aralelo se notarian.

/os articulos <D , <8 del Codi'o $enal, des)ues de distri9uir a su modo las res)onsa9ilidades ci2iles, entre los =ue sean )or di2ersos conce)tos cul)a9les del delito o falta, las hacen e>tensi2as a las em)resas , los esta9lecimientos al ser2icio de los cuales estan los delincuentes@ )ero con caracter su9sidiario, o sea, se'un el te>to literal, en defecto de los q"e sean responsa%les criminalmente. No coincide en ello el Codi'o Ci2il, cu,o articulo 89D4, dice@ /a o9li'acion =ue im)one el articulo anterior es exigi%le, no solo )or los actos , omisiones )ro)ios, sino por los de aq"ellas personas de q"ienes se de%e responder @ )ersonas en la enumeracion de las cuales fi'uran los de)endientes , em)leados de los esta9lecimientos o em)resas, sea )or actos del ser2icio, sea con ocasion de sus funciones. $or esto acontece, , se o9ser2a en la +uris)rudencia, =ue las em)resas, des)ues de inter2enir en las causas criminales con el caracter su9sidiario de su res)onsa9ilidad ci2il )or ra7on del delito, son demandadas , condenadas directa & aisladamente, cuando se trata de la o9li'acion, ante los tri9unales ci2iles. Siendo como se 2e, di2erso el titulo de esta o9li'acion, , formando 2erdadero )ostulado de nuestro re'imen +udicial la se)aracion entre +usticia )uniti2a , tri9unales de lo ci2il, de suerte =ue tienen unos , otros normas de fondo en distintos cuer)os le'ales, , diferentes modos de )roceder, ha9iendose, )or aIadidura, a9stenido de asistir al +uicio criminal la Com)aIia del Ferrocarril Canta9rico, =ue se reser2o e+ercitar sus acciones, )arece inne'a9le =ue la de indemni7acion )or los daIos , )er+uicios =ue le irro'o el cho=ue, no estu2o s"% $"dice ante el -ri9unal del #urado, ni fue sentenciada, sino =ue )ermanecio intacta, al )ronunciarse el fallo de <8 de mar7o. "un cuando el 2eredicto no hu9iese sido de incul)a9ilidad, mostrose mas arri9a, =ue tal accion =ueda9a le'itimamente reser2ada )ara des)ues del )roceso@ )ero al declararse =ue no e>istio delito, ni res)onsa9ilidad dimanada de delito, materia "nica so9re =ue tenian +urisdiccion a=uellos +u7'adores, se redo9la el moti2o )ara la o9li'acion ci2il ex lege, , se )atenti7a mas , mas =ue la accion )ara )edir su cum)limiento )ermanece incolume, e>traIa a la cosa $".gada. "s thin's are, apropos of the realit, )ure and sim)le of the facts, it seems less tena9le that there should 9eres $"dicata .ith re'ard to the ci2il o9li'ation for dama'es on account of the losses caused 9, the collision of the trains. -he title u)on .hich the action for re)aration is 9ased cannot 9e confused .ith the ci2il res)onsi9ilities %orn of a crime, 9ecause there e>ists in the latter, .hate2er each nature, a c"lpasurrounded .ith a''ra2atin' as)ects .hich 'i2e rise to )enal measures that are more or less se2ere. -he in+ur, caused 9, a felon, or misdemeanor u)on ci2il ri'hts re=uires restitutions, re)arations, or indemnifications .hich, li(e the )enalt, itself, affect )u9lic order@ for this reason, the, are ordinaril, entrusted to the office of the )rosecutin' attorne,@ and it is clear that if 9, this means the losses and dama'es are re)aired, the in+ured )art, no lon'er desires to see( another relief@ 9ut this coincidence of effects does not eliminate the )eculiar nature of ci2il actions to as( for indemnit,. Such ci2il actions in the )resent case 3.ithout referrin' to contractual faults .hich are not )ertinent and 9elon' to another sco)e6 are deri2ed, accordin' to article 89D< of the Ci2il Code, from e2er, act or omission causin' losses and dama'es in .hich cul)a or ne'li'ence inter2enes. It is unim)ortant that such actions are e2er, da, filed 9efore the ci2il courts .ithout the criminal courts interferin' there.ith. "rticles 88 to <8 and 8<8 to 8<8 of the $enal Code, 9earin' in mind the s)irit and the social and )olitical )ur)oses of that Code, de2elo) and re'ulate the matter of ci2il res)onsi9ilities arising from a crime, se)aratel, from the re'ime under common la., of c"lpa .hich is (no.n as aq"iliana, in accordance .ith le'islati2e )recedent of the !orp"s /"ris. It .ould 9e un.arranted to ma(e a detailed com)arison 9et.een the former )ro2isions and that re'ardin' the o9li'ation to indemnif, on account of ci2il c"lpa@ 9ut it is )ertinent and necessar, to )oint out to one of such differences. "rticles <D and <8 of the $enal Code, after distri9urin' in their o.n .a, the ci2il res)onsi9ilities amon' those .ho, for different reasons, are 'uilt, of felon, or misdemeanor, ma(e such ci2il res)onsi9ilities a))lica9le to enter)rises and esta9lishments for .hich the 'uilt, )arties render ser2ice, 9ut .ith su9sidiar, character, that is to sa,, accordin' to the .ordin' of the $enal

49

Code, in defa"lt of those who are criminall& responsi%le. In this re'ard, the Ci2il Code does not coincide 9ecause article 89D4 sa,s0 1-he o9li'ation im)osed 9, the ne>t )recedin' article is demanda9le, not onl, for )ersonal acts and omissions, 9ut also for those of )ersons for .hom another is res)onsi9le.1 "mon' the )ersons enumerated are the su9ordinates and em)lo,ees of esta9lishments or enter)rises, either for acts durin' their ser2ice or on the occasion of their functions. It is for this reason that it ha))ens, and it is so o9ser2ed in +udicial decisions, that the com)anies or enter)rises, after ta(in' )art in the criminal cases 9ecause of their su9sidiar, ci2il res)onsi9ilit, 9, reason of the crime, are sued and sentenced directl& and separatel& .ith re'ard to theo%ligation, 9efore the ci2il courts. Seein' that the title of this o9li'ation is different, and the se)aration 9et.een )uniti2e +ustice and the ci2il courts 9ein' a true )ostulate of our +udicial s,stem, so that the, ha2e different fundamental norms in different codes, as .ell as different modes of )rocedure, and inasmuch as the Com)aIa del Ferrocarril Canta9rico has a9stained from ta(in' )art in the criminal case and has reser2ed the ri'ht to e>ercise its actions, it seems undenia9le that the action for indemnification for the losses and dama'es caused to it 9, the collision .as not s"% $"dice 9efore the )ri%"nal del /"rado, nor .as it the su9+ect of a sentence, 9ut it remained intact .hen the decision of *arch <8 .as rendered. E2en if the 2erdict had not 9een that of ac=uittal, it has alread, 9een sho.n that such action had 9een le'itimatel, reser2ed till after the criminal )rosecution@ 9ut 9ecause of the declaration of the non-e>istence of the felon, and the none>istence of the res)onsi9ilit, arisin' from the crime, .hich .as the sole su9+ect matter u)on .hich the )ri%"nal del /"radohad +urisdiction, there is 'reater reason for the ci2il o9li'ation ex lege, and it 9ecomes clearer that the action for its enforcement remain intact and is not res $"dicata. /aurent, a +urist .ho has .ritten a monumental .or( on the French Ci2il Code, on .hich the S)anish Ci2il Code is lar'el, 9ased and .hose )ro2isions on c"asi-delito or c"lpa extra-contract"al are similar to those of the S)anish Ci2il Code, sa,s, referrin' to article 8484 of the French Ci2il Code .hich corres)onds to article 89D4, S)anish Ci2il Code0 -he action can 9e 9rou'ht directl, a'ainst the )erson res)onsi9le 3for another6, .ithout includin' the author of the act. -he action a'ainst the )rinci)al is accessor, in the sense that it im)lies the e>istence of a )re+udicial act committed 9, the em)lo,ee, 9ut it is not su9sidiar, in the sense that it can not 9e instituted till after the +ud'ment a'ainst the author of the act or at least, that it is su9sidiar, to the )rinci)al action@ the action for res)onsi9ilit, 3of the em)lo,er6 is in itself a )rinci)al action. 3/aurent, $rinci)les of French Ci2il /a., S)anish translation, !ol. <D, )). 744745.6 "mandi, in his 1Cuestionario del Codi'o Ci2il eformado1 3!ol. 4, )). 4<9, 44D6, declares that the res)onsi9ilit, of the em)lo,er is )rinci)al and not su9sidiar,. ?e .rites0 Cuestion 8. /a res)onsa9ilidad declarada en el articulo 89D4 )or las acciones u omisiones de a=uellas )ersonas )or las =ue se de9e res)onder, es su9sidiariaK es )rinci)alK $ara contestar a esta )re'unta es necesario sa9er, en )rimer lu'ar, en =ue se funda el )rece)to le'al. Es =ue realmente se im)one una res)onsa9ilidad )or una falta a+enaK "si )arece a )rimera 2ista@ )ero seme+ante afirmacion seria contraria a la +usticia , a la ma>ima uni2ersal, se'un la =ue las faltas son )ersonales, , cada uno res)onde de a=uellas =ue le son im)uta9les. /a res)onsa9ilidad de =ue tratamos se im)one con ocasion de un delito o cul)a, )ero no por ca"sa de ellos, sino )or causa del causi delito, esto es, de la im)rudencia o de la ne'li'encia del )adre, del tutor, del dueIo o director del esta9lecimiento, del maestro, etc. Cuando cual=uiera de las )ersonas =ue enumera el articulo citado 3menores de edad, inca)acitados, de)endientes, a)rendices6 causan un daIo, la le, )resume =ue el )adre, el tutor, el maestro, etc., han cometido una falta de ne'li'encia )ara )re2enir o e2itar el daIo. Esta falta es la =ue la le, casti'a. No ha,, )ues, res)onsa9ilidad )or un hecho a+eno, sino en la a)ariencia@ en realidad la res)onsa9ilidad se e>i'e

)or un hecho )ro)io. /a idea de =ue esa res)onsa9ilidad sea su9sidiaria es, )or lo tanto, com)letamente inadmisi9le. Juestion No. 8. Is the res)onsi9ilit, declared in article 89D4 for the acts or omissions of those )ersons for .ho one is res)onsi9le, su9sidiar, or )rinci)alK In order to ans.er this =uestion it is necessar, to (no., in the first )lace, on .hat the le'al )ro2ision is 9ased. Is it true that there is a res)onsi9ilit, for the fault of another )ersonK It seems so at first si'ht@ 9ut such assertion .ould 9e contrar, to +ustice and to the uni2ersal ma>im that all faults are )ersonal, and that e2er,one is lia9le for those faults that can 9e im)uted to him. -he res)onsi9ilit, in =uestion is im)osed on the occasion of a crime or fault, 9ut not 9ecause of the same, 9ut 9ecause of the c"asi-delito, that is to sa,, the im)rudence or ne'li'ence of the father, 'uardian, )ro)rietor or mana'er of the esta9lishment, of the teacher, etc. Chene2er an,one of the )ersons enumerated in the article referred to 3minors, inca)acitated )ersons, em)lo,ees, a))rentices6 causes an, dama'e, the la. )resumes that the father, 'uardian, teacher, etc. ha2e committed an act of ne'li'ence in not )re2entin' or a2oidin' the dama'e. It is this fault that is condemned 9, the la.. It is, therefore, onl, a))arent that there is a res)onsi9ilit, for the act of another@ in realit, the res)onsi9ilit, e>acted is for one:s o.n act. -he idea that such res)onsi9ilit, is su9sidiar, is, therefore, com)letel, inadmissi9le. &,uelos, in his 1Di'esto0 $rinci)ios, Doctrina , #uris)rudencia, eferentes al Codi'o Ci2il Es)aIol,1 sa,s in !ol. !II, ). 7440 Es decir, no res)onde de hechos a+enos, )or=ue se res)onde solo de su )ro)ia cul)a, doctrina del articulo 89D<@ mas )or e>ce)cion, se res)onde de la a+ena res)ecto de a=uellas )ersonas con las =ue media al'un ne>o o 2inculo, =ue moti2a o ra7ona la res)onsa9ilidad. Esta res)onsa9ilidad, es directa o es su9sidiariaK En el orden )enal, el Codi'o de esta clase distin'ue entre menores e inca)acitados , los demas, declarando directa la )rimera 3articulo 896 , su9sidiaria la se'unda 3articulos <D , <86@ )ero en el orden ci2il, en el caso del articulo 89D4, ha de entenderse directa, )or el tenor del articulo =ue im)one la res)onsa9ilidad )recisamente 1)or los actos de a=uellas )ersonas de =uienes se de9a res)onder.1 -hat is to sa,, one is not res)onsi9le for the acts of others, 9ecause one is lia9le onl, for his o.n faults, this 9ein' the doctrine of article 89D<@ 9ut, 9, e>ce)tion, one is lia9le for the acts of those )ersons .ith .hom there is a 9ond or tie .hich 'i2es rise to the res)onsi9ilit,. Is this res)onsi9ilit, direct or su9sidiar,K In the order of the )enal la., the $enal Code distin'uishes 9et.een minors and inca)acitated )ersons on the one hand, and other )ersons on the other, declarin' that the res)onsi9ilit, for the former is direct 3article 896, and for the latter, su9sidiar, 3articles <D and <86@ 9ut in the scheme of the ci2il la., in the case of article 89D4, the res)onsi9ilit, should 9e understood as direct, accordin' to the tenor of that articles, for )recisel, it im)oses res)onsi9ilit, 1for the acts of those )ersons for .hom one should 9e res)onsi9le.1 Comin' no. to the sentences of the Su)reme -ri9unal of S)ain, that court has u)held the )rinci)les a9o2e set forth0 that a q"asi-delict or c"lpa extra-contract"al is a se)arate and distinct le'al institution, inde)endent from the ci2il res)onsi9ilit, arisin' from criminal lia9ilit,, and that an em)lo,er is, under article 89D4 of the Ci2il Code, )rimaril, and directl, res)onsi9le for the ne'li'ent acts of his em)lo,ee. &ne of the most im)ortant of those S)anish decisions is that of &cto9er <8, 898D. In that case, amon /afuente died as the result of ha2in' 9een run o2er 9, a street car o.ned 9, the 1com)aIia Electric *adrileIa de -raccion.1 -he conductor .as )rosecuted in a criminal case 9ut he .as ac=uitted. -hereu)on, the .ido. filed a ci2il action a'ainst the street car com)an,, )a,in' for dama'es in the amount of 85,DDD )esetas. -he lo.er court a.arded dama'es@ so the com)an, a))ealed to the Su)reme -ri9unal, alle'in' 2iolation of articles 89D< and 89D4 of the Ci2il Code 9ecause 9, final +ud'ment the non-e>istence of fault or ne'li'ence had 9een declared. -he Su)reme Court of S)ain dismissed the a))eal, sa,in'0

49

Considerando =ue el )rimer moti2o del recurso se funda en el e=ui2ocado su)uesto de =ue el -ri9unal a q"o, al condonar a la com)aIia Electrica *adrileIa al )a'o del daIo causado con la muerte de amon /a fuente I7=uierdo, desconoce el 2alor , efectos +uridicos de la sentencia a9solutoria deictada en la causa criminal =ue se si'uio )or el mismo hecho, cuando es lo cierto =ue de este han conocido las dos +urisdicciones 9a+o diferentes as )ectos, , como la de lo criminal declrao dentro de los limites de su com)etencia =ue el hecho de =ue se trata no era constituti2o de delito )or no ha9er mediado descuido o ne'li'encia 'ra2es, lo =ue no e>clu,e, siendo este el unico fundamento del fallo a9solutorio, el concurso de la cul)a o ne'li'encia no califacadas, fuente de o9li'aciones ci2iles se'un el articulo 89D< del Codi'o, , =ue alcan7an, se'un el 89D4, netre otras )erosnas, a los Directores de esta9lecimientos o em)resas )or los daIos causados )or sus de)endientes en determinadas condiciones, es manifesto =ue la de lo ci2il, al conocer del mismo hehco 9aho este ultimo as)ecto , al condenar a la com)aIia recurrente a la indemni7acion del daIo causado )or uno de sus em)leados, le+os de infrin'er los mencionados te>tos, en relacion con el articulo 885 de la /e, de En+uciamiento Criminal, se ha atenido estrictamente a ellos, sin in2adir atri9uciones a+enas a su +urisdiccion )ro)ia, ni contrariar en lo mas minimo el fallo recaido en la causa. Considerin' that the first 'round of the a))eal is 9ased on the mista(en su))osition that the trial court, in sentencin' the !ompaia 0adrilea to the )a,ment of the dama'e caused 9, the death of amon /afuente I7=uierdo, disre'ards the 2alue and +uridical effects of the sentence of ac=uittal rendered in the criminal case instituted on account of the same act, .hen it is a fact that the t.o +urisdictions had ta(en co'ni7ance of the same act in its different as)ects, and as the criminal +urisdiction declared .ithin the limits of its authorit, that the act in =uestion did not constitute a felon, 9ecause there .as no 'ra2e carelessness or ne'li'ence, and this 9ein' the onl, 9asis of ac=uittal, it does no e>clude the co-e>istence of fault or ne'li'ence .hich is not =ualified, and is a so"rce of civil o%ligations according to article 1234 of the !ivil !ode , affectin', in accordance .ith article 89D4, amon' other )ersons, the mana'ers of esta9lishments or enter)rises 9, reason of the dama'es caused 9, em)lo,ees under certain conditions, it is manifest that the civil $"risdiccion in ta*ing cogni.ance of the same act in this latter aspect and in ordering the compan& appellant herein to pa& an indemnit& for the damage ca"sed %& one of its emplo&ees, far from 2iolatin' said le'al )ro2isions, in relation .ith article 885 of the /a. of Criminal $rocedure, strictl& followed the same witho"t invading attri%"tes which are %e&ond its own $"risdiction and witho"t in an& wa& contradicting the decision in that ca"se . 3Em)hasis su))lied.6 It .ill 9e noted, as to the case +ust cited0 (irst. -hat the conductor .as not sued in a ci2il case, either se)aratel, or .ith the street car com)an,. -his is )recisel, .hat ha))ens in the )resent case0 the dri2er, Fontanilla, has not 9een sued in a ci2il action, either alone or .ith his em)lo,er. Second. -hat the conductor had 9een ac=uitted of 'ra2e criminal ne'li'ence, 9ut the Su)reme -ri9unal of S)ain said that this did not e>clude the co-e>istence of fault or ne'li'ence, .hich is not =ualified, on the )art of the conductor, under article 89D< of the Ci2il Code. In the )resent case, the ta>i dri2er .as found 'uilt, of criminal ne'li'ence, so that if he had e2en sued for his ci2il res)onsi9ilit, arisin' from the crime, he .ould ha2e 9een held )rimaril, lia9le for ci2il dama'es, and Earredo .ould ha2e 9een held su9sidiaril, lia9le for the same. Eut the )laintiffs are directl, suin' Earredo, on his )rimar, res)onsi9ilit, 9ecause of his o.n )resumed ne'li'ence ; .hich he did not o2ercome ; under article 89D4. -hus, there .ere t.o lia9ilities of Earredo0 first, the su9sidiar, one 9ecause of the ci2il lia9ilit, of the ta>i dri2er arisin' from the latter:s criminal ne'li'ence@ and, second, Earredo:s )rimar, lia9ilit, as an em)lo,er under article 89D4. -he )laintiffs .ere free to choose .hich course to ta(e, and the, )referred the second remed,. In so doin', the, .ere actin' .ithin their ri'hts. It mi'ht 9e o9ser2ed in )assin', that the )laintiff choose the more e>)editious and effecti2e method of relief, 9ecause Fontanilla .as either in )rison, or had +ust 9een released, and 9esides, he .as )ro9a9l, .ithout )ro)ert, .hich mi'ht 9e sei7ed in enforcin' an, +ud'ment a'ainst him for dama'es.

)hird. -hat inasmuch as in the a9o2e sentence of &cto9er <8, 898D, the em)lo,er .as held lia9le ci2ill,, not.ithstandin' the ac=uittal of the em)lo,ee 3the conductor6 in a )re2ious criminal case, .ith 'reater reason should Earredo, the em)lo,er in the case at 9ar, 9e held lia9le for dama'es in a ci2il suit filed a'ainst him 9ecause his ta>i dri2er had 9een con2icted. -he de'ree of ne'li'ence of the conductor in the S)anish case cited .as less than that of the ta>i dri2er, Fontanilla, 9ecause the former .as ac=uitted in the )re2ious criminal case .hile the latter .as found 'uilt, of criminal ne'li'ence and .as sentenced to an indeterminate sentence of one ,ear and one da, to t.o ,ears of prision correccional. 3See also Sentence of Fe9ruar, 89, 89D<, .hich is similar to the one a9o2e =uoted.6 In the Sentence of the Su)reme Court of S)ain, dated Fe9ruar, 84, 8989, an action .as 9rou'ht a'ainst a railroad com)an, for dama'es 9ecause the station a'ent, em)lo,ed 9, the com)an,, had un+ustl, andfra"d"lentl&, refused to deli2er certain articles consi'ned to the )laintiff. -he Su)reme Court of S)ain held that this action .as )ro)erl, under article 89D< of the Ci2il Code, the court sa,in'0 Considerando =ue la sentencia discutida reconoce, en 2irtud de los hechos =ue consi'na con relacion a las )rue9as del )leito0 8.L, =ue las e>)ediciones facturadas )or la com)aIia ferro2iaria a la consi'nacion del actor de las 2asi+as 2acias =ue en su demanda relacionan tenian como fin el =ue este las de2ol2iera a sus remitentes con 2inos , alcoholes@ <.L, =ue lle'adas a su destino tales mercanias no se =uisieron entre'ar a dicho consi'natario )or el +efe de la estacion sin moti2o +ustificado , con intencion dolosa, , 4.L, =ue la falta de entre'a de estas e>)ediciones al tiem)o de reclamarlas el demandante le ori'inaron daIos , )er+uicios en cantidad de 9astante im)ortancia como e>)endedor al )or ma,or =ue era de 2inos , alcoholes )or las 'anancias =ue de+o de o9tener al 2erse )ri2ado de ser2ir los )edidos =ue se le ha9ian hecho )or los remitentes en los en2ases0 Considerando =ue so9re esta 9ase ha, necesidad de estimar los cuatro moti2os =ue inte'ran este recurso, )or=ue la demanda inicial del )leito a =ue se contrae no contiene accion =ue na7ca del incum)limiento del contrato de trans)orte, toda 2e7 =ue no se funda en el retraso de la lle'ada de las mercancias ni de nin'un otro 2inculo contractual entre las )artes contendientes, careciendo, )or tanto, de a)licacion el articulo 478 del Codi'o de Comercio, en =ue )rinci)almente descansa el fallo recurrido, sino =ue se limita a )edir la re)araction de los daIos , )er+uicios )roducidos en el )atrimonio del actor )or la in+ustificada , dolosa ne'ati2a del )orteador a la entre'a de las mercancias a su nom9re consi'nadas, se'un lo reconoce la sentencia, , cu,a res)onsa9ilidad esta claramente sancionada en el articulo 89D< del Codi'o Ci2il, =ue o9li'a )or el si'uiente a la Com)aIia demandada como li'ada con el causante de a=uellos )or relaciones de caracter economico , de +urar=uia administrati2a. Considerin' that the sentence, in =uestion reco'ni7es, in 2irtue of the facts .hich it declares, in relation to the e2idence in the case0 386 that the in2oice issued 9, the railroad com)an, in fa2or of the )laintiff contem)lated that the em)t, rece)tacles referred to in the com)laint should 9e returned to the consi'nors .ith .ines and li=uors@ 3<6 that .hen the said merchandise reached their destination, their deli2er, to the consi'nee .as refused 9, the station a'ent .ithout +ustification and .ith fra"d"lent intent, and 346 that the lac( of deli2er, of these 'oods .hen the, .ere demanded 9, the )laintiff caused him losses and dama'es of considera9le im)ortance, as he .as a .holesale 2endor of .ines and li=uors and he failed to reali7e the )rofits .hen he .as una9le to fill the orders sent to him 9, the consi'nors of the rece)tacles0 Considerin' that u)on this 9asis there is need of u)holdin' the four assi'nments of error, as the ori'inal com)laint did not contain an, cause of action arisin' from non-fulfillment of a contract of trans)ortation, 9ecause the action .as not 9ased on the dela, of the 'oods nor on an, contractual relation 9et.een the )arties liti'ant and, therefore, article 478 of the Code of Commerce, on .hich the decision a))ealed from is 9ased, is not a))lica9le@ 9ut it limits to as(in' for re)aration for losses and dama'es )roduced on the )atrimon, of the )laintiff on account of the un+ustified and fra"d"lent ref"sal of the carrier to deli2er the 'oods consi'ned to the )laintiff as

49

stated 9, the sentence, and the carrier:s res)onsi9ilit, is clearl& laid down in article 1234 of the !ivil !ode .hich 9inds, in 2irtue of the ne>t article, the defendant com)an,, 9ecause the latter is connected .ith the )erson .ho caused the dama'e 9, relations of economic character and 9, administrati2e hierarch,. 3Em)hasis su))lied.6 -he a9o2e case is )ertinent 9ecause it sho.s that the same act ma, come under 9oth the $enal Code and the Ci2il Code. In that case, the action of the a'ent .as un+ustified and fra"d"lent and therefore could ha2e 9een the su9+ect of a criminal action. "nd ,et, it .as held to 9e also a )ro)er su9+ect of a ci2il action under article 89D< of the Ci2il Code. It is also to 9e noted that it .as the em)lo,er and not the em)lo,ee .ho .as 9ein' sued. /et us no. e>amine the cases )re2iousl, decided 9, this Court. In the leadin' case of a(es vs. "tlantic Fulf and $acific Co. 37 $hil., 459, 45<-455 A,ear 89D7B6, the trial court a.arded dama'es to the )laintiff, a la9orer of the defendant, 9ecause the latter had ne'li'entl, failed to re)air a tram.a, in conse=uence of .hich the rails slid off .hile iron .as 9ein' trans)orted, and cau'ht the )laintiff .hose le' .as 9ro(en. -his Court held0 It is contended 9, the defendant, as its first defense to the action that the necessar, conclusion from these collated la.s is that the remed, for in+uries throu'h ne'li'ence lies onl, in a criminal action in .hich the official criminall, res)onsi9le must 9e made )rimaril, lia9le and his em)lo,er held onl, su9sidiaril, to him. "ccordin' to this theor, the )laintiff should ha2e )rocured the arrest of the re)resentati2e of the com)an, accounta9le for not re)airin' the trac(, and on his )rosecution a suita9le fine should ha2e 9een im)osed, )a,a9le )rimaril, 9, him and secondaril, 9, his em)lo,er. -his reasonin' misconcei2ed the )lan of the S)anish codes u)on this su9+ect. "rticle 8D94 of the Ci2il Code ma(es o9li'ations arisin' from faults or ne'li'ence not p"nished %& the law, su9+ect to the )ro2isions of Cha)ter II of -itle H!I. Section 89D< of that cha)ter reads0 1" )erson .ho 9, an act or omission causes dama'e to another .hen there is fault or ne'li'ence shall 9e o9li'ed to re)air the dama'e so done. 1SEC. 89D4. -he o9li'ation im)osed 9, the )receedin' article is demanda9le, not onl, for )ersonal acts and omissions, 9ut also for those of the )ersons for .hom the, should 9e res)onsi9le. 1-he father, and on his death or inca)acit,, the mother, is lia9le for the dama'es caused 9, the minors .ho li2e .ith them. 1&.ners or directors of an esta9lishment or enter)rise are e=uall, lia9le for the dama'es caused 9, their em)lo,ees in the ser2ice of the 9ranches in .hich the latter ma, 9e em)lo,ed or in the )erformance of their duties. 1-he lia9ilit, referred to in this article shall cease .hen the )ersons mentioned therein )ro2e that the, em)lo,ed all the dili'ence of a 'ood father of a famil, to a2oid the dama'e.1 "s an ans.er to the ar'ument ur'ed in this )articular action it ma, 9e sufficient to )oint out that no.here in our 'eneral statutes is the em)lo,er )enali7ed for failure to )ro2ide or maintain safe a))liances for his .or(men. ?is o9li'ation therefore is one :not )unished 9, the la.s: and falls under ci2il rather than criminal +uris)rudence. Eut the ans.er ma, 9e a 9roader one. Ce should 9e reluctant, under an, conditions, to ado)t a forced construction of these scientific codes, such as is )ro)osed 9, the defendant, that .ould ro9 some of these articles of effect, .ould shut out

liti'ants a'ainst their .ill from the ci2il courts, .ould ma(e the assertion of their ri'hts de)endent u)on the selection for )rosecution of the )ro)er criminal offender, and render reco2er, dou9tful 9, reason of the strict rules of )roof )re2ailin' in criminal actions. E2en if these articles had al.a,s stood alone, such a construction .ould 9e unnecessar,, 9ut clear li'ht is thro.n u)on their meanin' 9, the )ro2isions of the /a. of Criminal $rocedure of S)ain 3 +e& de 5n$"iciamiento !riminal6, .hich, thou'h ne2er in actual force in these Islands, .as formerl, 'i2en a su))letor, or e>)lanator, effect. Gnder article 888 of this la., 9oth classes of action, ci2il and criminal, mi'ht 9e )rosecuted +ointl, or se)aratel,, 9ut .hile the )enal action .as )endin' the ci2il .as sus)ended. "ccordin' to article 88<, the )enal action once started, the ci2il remed, should 9e sou'ht there.ith, unless it had 9een .ai2ed 9, the )art, in+ured or 9een e>)ressl, reser2ed 9, him for ci2il )roceedin's for the future. If the ci2il action alone .as )rosecuted, arisin' out of a crime that could 9e enforced onl, on )ri2ate com)laint, the )enal action thereunder should 9e e>tin'uished. -hese )ro2isions are in harmon, .ith those of articles <4 and 844 of our $enal Code on the same su9+ect. "n e>amination of this to)ic mi'ht 9e carried much further, 9ut the citation of these articles suffices to sho. that the ci2il lia9ilit, .as not intended to 9e mer'ed in the criminal nor e2en to 9e sus)ended there9,, e>ce)t as e>)ressl, )ro2ided in the la.. Chere an indi2idual is ci2ill, lia9le for a ne'li'ent act or omission, it is not re=uired that the in+ured )art, should see( out a third )erson criminall, lia9le .hose )rosecution must 9e a condition )recedent to the enforcement of the ci2il ri'ht. Gnder article <D of the $enal Code the res)onsi9ilit, of an em)lo,er ma, 9e re'arded as su9sidiar, in res)ect of criminal actions a'ainst his em)lo,ees onl, .hile the, are in )rocess of )rosecution, or in so far as the, determine the e>istence of the criminal act from .hich lia9ilit, arises, and his o9li'ation under the ci2il la. and its enforcement in the ci2il courts is not 9arred there9, unless 9, the election of the in+ured )erson. Inasmuch as no criminal )roceedin' had 9een instituted, 'ro.in' our of the accident in =uestion, the )ro2isions of the $enal Code can not affect this action. -his construction renders it unnecessar, to finall, determine here .hether this su9sidiar, ci2il lia9ilit, in )enal actions has sur2i2ed the la.s that full, re'ulated it or has 9een a9ro'ated 9, the "merican ci2il and criminal )rocedure no. in force in the $hili))ines. -he difficult, in construin' the articles of the code a9o2e cited in this case a))ears from the 9riefs 9efore us to ha2e arisen from the inter)retation of the .ords of article 8D94, 1fault or ne'li'ence not )unished 9, la.,1 as a))lied to the com)rehensi2e definition of offenses in articles 558 and 59D of the $enal Code. It has 9een sho.n that the lia9ilit, of an em)lo,er arisin' out of his relation to his em)lo,ee .ho is the offender is not to 9e re'arded as deri2ed from ne'li'ence )unished 9, the la., .ithin the meanin' of articles 89D< and 8D94. *ore than this, ho.e2er, it cannot 9e said to fall .ithin the class of acts un)unished 9, the la., the conse=uence of .hich are re'ulated 9, articles 89D< and 89D4 of the Ci2il Code. -he acts to .hich these articles are a))lica9le are understood to 9e those not 'ro.in' out of )re-e>istin' duties of the )arties to one another. Eut .here relations alread, formed 'i2e rise to duties, .hether s)rin'in' from contract or =uasi contract, then 9reaches of those duties are su9+ect to articles 88D8, 88D4, and 88D4 of the same code. " t,)ical a))lication of this distinction ma, 9e found in the conse=uences of a rail.a, accident due to defecti2e machiner, su))lied 9, the em)lo,er. ?is lia9ilit, to his em)lo,ee .ould arise out of the contract of em)lo,ment, that to the )assen'ers out of the contract for )assa'e, .hile that to the in+ured 9,stander .ould ori'inate in the ne'li'ent act itself. In 0an.anares vs. 0oreta, 48 $hil., 8<8 3,ear 89886, the mother of the 8 of 9-,ear-old child Sal2ador Eona 9rou'ht a ci2il action a'ainst *oreta to reco2er dama'es resultin' from the death of the child, .ho had 9een run o2er 9, an automo9ile dri2en and mana'ed 9, the defendant. -he trial court rendered +ud'ment re=uirin' the defendant to )a, the )laintiff the sum of $8,DDD as indemnit,0 -his Court in affirmin' the +ud'ment, said in )art0

49

If it .ere true that the defendant, in comin' from the southern )art of Solana Street, had to sto) his auto 9efore crossin' eal Street, 9ecause he had met 2ehicles .hich .ere 'oin' alon' the latter street or .ere comin' from the o))osite direction alon' Solana Street, it is to 9e 9elie2ed that, .hen he a'ain started to run his auto across said eal Street and to continue its .a, alon' Solana Street north.ard, he should ha2e ad+usted the s)eed of the auto .hich he .as o)eratin' until he had full, crossed eal Street and had com)letel, reached a clear .a, on Solana Street. Eut, as the child .as run o2er 9, the auto )recisel, at the entrance of Solana Street, this accident could not ha2e occurred if the auto had 9een runnin' at a slo. s)eed, aside from the fact that the defendant, at the moment of crossin' eal Street and enterin' Solana Street, in a north.ard direction, could ha2e seen the child in the act of crossin' the latter street from the side.al( on the ri'ht to that on the left, and if the accident had occurred in such a .a, that after the automo9ile had run o2er the 9od, of the child, and the child:s 9od, had alread, 9een stretched out on the 'round, the automo9ile still mo2ed alon' a distance of a9out < meters, this circumstance sho.s the fact that the automo9ile entered Solana Street from eal Street, at a hi'h s)eed .ithout the defendant ha2in' 9lo.n the horn. If these )recautions had 9een ta(en 9, the defendant, the de)lora9le accident .hich caused the death of the child .ould not ha2e occurred. It .ill 9e noticed that the defendant in the a9o2e case could ha2e 9een )rosecuted in a criminal case 9ecause his ne'li'ence causin' the death of the child .as )unisha9le 9, the $enal Code. ?ere is therefore a clear instance of the same act of ne'li'ence 9ein' a )ro)er su9+ect-matter either of a criminal action .ith its conse=uent ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from a crime or of an entirel, se)arate and inde)endent ci2il action for fault or ne'li'ence under article 89D< of the Ci2il Code. -hus, in this +urisdiction, the se)arate indi2iduall, of a c"asidelito or c"lpa aq"iliana under the Ci2il Code has 9een full, and clearl, reco'ni7ed, e2en .ith re'ard to a ne'li'ent act for .hich the .ron'doer could ha2e 9een )rosecuted and con2icted in a criminal case and for .hich, after such a con2iction, he could ha2e 9een sued for this ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from his crime. Mears later 3in 894D6 this Court had another occasion to a))l, the same doctrine. In 6ernal and 5nverso vs. 7o"se and )aclo%an 5lectric 8 Ice #lant +td., 54 $hil., 4<7, the )arents of the fi2e-,ear-old child, $urificacion Eernal, 9rou'ht a ci2il action to reco2er dama'es for the child:s death as a result of 9urns caused 9, the fault and ne'li'ence of the defendants. &n the e2enin' of ")ril 8D, 89<5, the Food Frida, )rocession .as held in -aclo9an, /e,te. Fortunata En2erso .ith her dau'hter $urificacion Eernal had come from another munici)alit, to attend the same. "fter the )rocession the mother and the dau'hter .ith t.o others .ere )assin' alon' Fran Ca)itan Street in front of the offices of the -aclo9an Electric N Ice $lant, /td., o.ned 9, defendants #. !. ?ouse, .hen an automo9ile a))eared from the o))osite direction. -he little 'irl, .ho .as sli'htl, ahead of the rest, .as so fri'htened 9, the automo9ile that she turned to run, 9ut unfortunatel, she fell into the street 'utter .here hot .ater from the electric )lant .as flo.in'. -he child died that same ni'ht from the 9urns. -he trial courts dismissed the action 9ecause of the contri9utor, ne'li'ence of the )laintiffs. Eut this Court held, on a))eal, that there .as no contri9utor, ne'li'ence, and allo.ed the )arents $8,DDD in dama'es from #. !. ?ouse .ho at the time of the tra'ic occurrence .as the holder of the franchise for the electric )lant. -his Court said in )art0 "lthou'h the trial +ud'e made the findin's of fact herein9efore outlined, he ne2ertheless .as led to order the dismissal of the action 9ecause of the contri9utor, ne'li'ence of the )laintiffs. It is from this )oint that a ma+orit, of the court de)art from the stand ta(en 9, the trial +ud'e. -he mother and her child had a )erfect ri'ht to 9e on the )rinci)al street of -aclo9an, /e,te, on the e2enin' .hen the reli'ious )rocession .as held. -here .as nothin' a9normal in allo.in' the child to run alon' a fe. )aces in ad2ance of the mother. No one could foresee the coincidence of an automo9ile a))earin' and of a fri'htened child runnin' and fallin' into a ditch filled .ith hot .ater. -he doctrine announced in the much de9ated case of a(es 2s. "tlantic Fulf and $acific Co. 3A89D7B6, 7 $hil., 4596, still rule. "rticle 89D< of the Ci2il Code must a'ain 9e enforced. -he contri9utor, ne'li'ence of the child and her mother, if an,, does not o)erate as a 9ar to reco2er,, 9ut in its strictest sense could onl, result in reduction of the dama'es. It is most si'nificant that in the case +ust cited, this Court s)ecificall, a))lied article 89D< of the Ci2il Code. It is thus that althou'h #. !. ?ouse could ha2e 9een criminall, )rosecuted for rec(less or sim)le ne'li'ence and

not onl, )unished 9ut also made ci2ill, lia9le 9ecause of his criminal ne'li'ence, ne2ertheless this Court a.arded dama'es in an inde)endent ci2il action for fault or ne'li'ence under article 89D< of the Ci2il Code. In 6ahia vs. +iton$"a and +e&nes 34D $hil., 5<4 A,ear 89856, the action .as for dama'es for the death of the )laintiff:s dau'hter alle'ed to ha2e 9een caused 9, the ne'li'ence of the ser2ant in dri2in' an automo9ile o2er the child. It a))eared that the cause of the misha) .as a defect in the steerin' 'ear. -he defendant /e,nes had rented the automo9ile from the International Fara'e of *anila, to 9e used 9, him in carr,in' )assen'ers durin' the fiesta of -u,, Eatan'as. /e,nes .as ordered 9, the lo.er court to )a, $8,DDD as dama'es to the )laintiff. &n a))eal this Court re2ersed the +ud'ment as to /e,nes on the 'round that he had sho.n that the e>ercised the care of a 'ood father of a famil,, thus o2ercomin' the )resum)tion of ne'li'ence under article 89D4. -his Court said0 "s to selection, the defendant has clearl, sho.n that he e>ercised the care and dili'ence of a 'ood father of a famil,. ?e o9tained the machine from a re)uta9le 'ara'e and it .as, so far as a))eared, in 'ood condition. -he .or(men .ere li(e.ise selected from a standard 'ara'e, .ere dul, licensed 9, the Fo2ernment in their )articular callin', and a))arentl, thorou'hl, com)etent. -he machine had 9een used 9ut a fe. hours .hen the accident occurred and it is clear from the e2idence that the defendant had no notice, either actual or constructi2e, of the defecti2e condition of the steerin' 'ear. -he le'al as)ect of the case .as discussed 9, this Court thus0 "rticle 89D4 of the Ci2il Code not onl, esta9lishes lia9ilit, in cases of ne'li'ence, 9ut also )ro2ides .hen the lia9ilit, shall cease. It sa,s0 1-he lia9ilit, referred to in this article shall cease .hen the )ersons mentioned therein )ro2e that the, em)lo,ed all the dili'ence of a 'ood father of a famil, to a2oid the dama'e.1 From this article t.o thin's are a))arent0 386 -hat .hen an in+ur, is caused 9, the ne'li'ence of a ser2ant or em)lo,ee there instantl, arises a )resum)tion of la. that there .as ne'li'ence on the )art of the matter or em)lo,er either in the selection of the ser2ant or em)lo,ee, or in su)er2ision o2er him after the selection, or 9oth@ and 3<6 that )resum)tion is $"ris tant"m and not $"ris et de $"re, and conse=uentl,, ma, 9e re9utted. It follo.s necessaril, that if the em)lo,er sho.s to the satisfaction of the court that in selection and su)er2ision he has e>ercised the care and dili'ence of a 'ood father of a famil,, the )resum)tion is o2ercome and he is relie2e from lia9ilit,. -his theor, 9ases the res)onsi9ilit, of the master ultimatel, on his o.n ne'li'ence and not on that of his ser2ant. -he doctrine of the case +ust cited .as follo.ed 9, this Court in !erf vs. 0edel 344 $hil., 47 A,ear 8985B6. In the latter case, the com)laint alle'ed that the defendant:s ser2ant had so ne'li'entl, dri2en an automo9ile, .hich .as o)erated 9, defendant as a )u9lic 2ehicle, that said automo9ile struc( and dama'ed the )laintiff:s motorc,cle. -his Court, a))l,in' article 89D4 and follo.in' the rule in 6ahia vs. +iton$"a and +e&nes, said in )art 3). 486 that0 -he master is lia9le for the ne'li'ent acts of his ser2ant .here he is the o.ner or director of a 9usiness or enter)rise and the ne'li'ent acts are committed .hile the ser2ant is en'a'ed in his master:s em)lo,ment as such o.ner. "nother case .hich follo.ed the decision in 6ahia vs. +iton$"a and +e&nes .as Cuison 2s. Norton N ?arrison Co., 55 $hil., 88 3,ear 894D6. -he latter case .as an action for dama'es 9rou'ht 9, Cuison for the death of his se2en-,ear-old son *oises. -he little 9o, .as on his .a, to school .ith his sister *arciana. Some lar'e )ieces of lum9er fell from a truc( and )inned the 9o, underneath, instantl, (illin' him. -.o ,ouths, -elesforo

49

Eino,a and Francisco Eautista, .ho .ere .or(in' for &ra, an em)lo,ee of defendant Norton N ?arrison Co., )leaded 'uilt, to the crime of homicide throu'h rec(less ne'li'ence and .ere sentenced accordin'l,. -his Court, a))l,in' articles 89D< and 89D4, held0 -he 9asis of ci2il la. lia9ilit, is not respondent s"perior 9ut the relationshi) of pater familias. -his theor, 9ases the lia9ilit, of the master ultimatel, on his o.n ne'li'ence and not on that of his ser2ant. 3Eahia vs./iton+ua and /e,nes A8985B, 4D $hil., 5<4@ Can'co 2s. *anila ailroad Co. A8988B, 48 $hil., 758.6 In Calter ". Smith N Co. vs. Cad.allader Fi9son /um9er Co., 55 $hil., 587 3,ear 894D6 the )laintiff 9rou'ht an action for dama'es for the demolition of its .harf, .hich had 9een struc( 9, the steamer ?elen C 9elon'in' to the defendant. -his Court held 3). 5<560 -he e2idence sho.s that Ca)tain /asa at the time the )laintiff:s .harf colla)sed .as a dul, licensed ca)tain, authori7ed to na2i'ate and direct a 2essel of an, tonna'e, and that the a))ellee contracted his ser2ices 9ecause of his re)utation as a ca)tain, accordin' to F. C. Cad.allader. -his 9ein' so, .e are of the o)inion that the )resum)tion of lia9ilit, a'ainst the defendant has 9een o2ercome 9, the e>ercise of the care and dili'ence of a 'ood father of a famil, in selectin' Ca)tain /asa, in accordance .ith the doctrines laid do.n 9, this court in the cases cited a9o2e, and the defendant is therefore a9sol2ed from all lia9ilit,. It is, therefore, seen that the defendant:s theor, a9out his secondar, lia9ilit, is ne'ati2ed 9, the si> cases a9o2e set forth. ?e is, on the authorit, of these cases, )rimaril, and directl, res)onsi9le in dama'es under article 89D4, in relation to article 89D<, of the Ci2il Code. /et us no. ta(e u) the $hili))ine decisions relied u)on 9, the defendant. Ce stud, first, !it& of 0anila vs. 0anila 5lectric !o., 5< $hil., 585 3,ear 89<86. " collision 9et.een a truc( of the Cit, of *anila and a street car of the *anila Electric Co. too( )lace on #une 8, 89<5. -he truc( .as dama'ed in the amount of $8,788.<7. Si>to Eusta=uio, the motorman, .as )rosecuted for the crime of dama'e to )ro)ert, and sli'ht in+uries throu'h rec(less im)rudence. ?e .as found 'uilt, and sentenced to )a, a fine of $9DD, to indemnif, the Cit, of *anila for $8,788.<7, .ith su9sidiar, im)risonment in case of insol2enc,. Gna9le to collect the indemnit, from Eusta=uio, the Cit, of *anila filed an action a'ainst the *anila Electric Com)an, to o9tain )a,ment, claimin' that the defendant .as su9sidiaril, lia9le. -he main defense .as that the defendant had e>ercised the dili'ence of a 'ood father of a famil, to )re2ent the dama'e. -he lo.er court rendered +ud'ment in fa2or of the )laintiff. -his Court held, in )art, that this case .as 'o2erned 9, the $enal Code, sa,in'0 Cith this )reliminar, )oint out of the .a,, there is no esca)in' the conclusion that the )ro2isions of the $enal Code 'o2ern. -he $enal Code in easil, understanda9le lan'ua'e authori7es the determination of su9sidiar, lia9ilit,. -he Ci2il Code ne'ati2es its a))lication 9, )ro2idin' that ci2il o9li'ations arisin' from crimes or misdemeanors shall 9e 'o2erned 9, the )ro2isions of the $enal Code. -he con2iction of the motorman .as a misdemeanor fallin' under article 5D4 of the $enal Code. -he act of the motorman .as not a .ron'ful or ne'li'ent act or omission not )unisha9le 9, la.. "ccordin'l,, the ci2il o9li'ation connected u) .ith the $enal Code and not .ith article 89D4 of the Ci2il Code. In other .ords, the $enal Code affirms its +urisdiction .hile the Ci2il Code ne'ati2es its +urisdiction. -his is a case of criminal ne'li'ence out of .hich ci2il lia9ilit, arises and not a case of ci2il ne'li'ence. > > > &ur deduction, therefore, is that the case relates to the $enal Code and not to the Ci2il Code. Indeed, as )ointed out 9, the trial +ud'e, an, different rulin' .ould )ermit the master to esca)e scot-free 9, sim)l, alle'in' and )ro2in' that the master had e>ercised all dili'ence in the selection and trainin' of its ser2ants to )re2ent the dama'e. -hat .ould 9e a 'ood defense to a strictl, ci2il action, 9ut mi'ht or mi'ht not 9e to a ci2il action either as a )art of or )redicated on con2iction for a crime or misdemeanor. 3E, .a, of )arenthesis, it ma, 9e said further that the statements here

made are offered to meet the ar'ument ad2anced durin' our deli9erations to the effect that article D9D< of the Ci2il Code should 9e disre'arded and codal articles 8D94 and 89D4 a))lied.6 It is not clear ho. the a9o2e case could su))ort the defendant:s )ro)osition, 9ecause the Court of "))eals 9ased its decision in the )resent case on the defendant:s )rimar, res)onsi9ilit, under article 89D4 of the Ci2il Code and not on his su9sidiar, lia9ilit, arisin' from Fontanilla:s criminal ne'li'ence. In other .ords, the case of Cit, of *anila 2s. *anila Electric Co., su)ra, is )redicated on an entirel, different theor,, .hich is the su9sidiar, lia9ilit, of an em)lo,er arisin' from a criminal act of his em)lo,ee, .hereas the foundation of the decision of the Court of "))eals in the )resent case is the em)lo,er:s )rimar, lia9ilit, under article 89D4 of the Ci2il Code. Ce ha2e alread, seen that this is a )ro)er and inde)endent remed,. ,ram%"lo vs. 0anila 5lectric !o. 355 $hil., 756, is another case in2o(ed 9, the defendant. " motorman in the em)lo, of the *anila Electric Com)an, had 9een con2icted o homicide 9, sim)le ne'li'ence and sentenced, amon' other thin's, to )a, the heirs of the deceased the sum of $8,DDD. "n action .as then 9rou'ht to enforce the su9sidiar, lia9ilit, of the defendant as em)lo,er under the $enal Code. -he defendant attem)ted to sho. that it had e>ercised the dili'ence of a 'ood father of a famil, in selectin' the motorman, and therefore claimed e>em)tion from ci2il lia9ilit,. Eut this Court held0 In 2ie. of the fore'oin' considerations, .e are of o)inion and so hold, 386 that the e>em)tion from ci2il lia9ilit, esta9lished in article 89D4 of the Ci2il Code for all .ho ha2e acted .ith the dili'ence of a 'ood father of a famil,, is not a))lica9le to the su9sidiar, ci2il lia9ilit, )ro2ided in article <D of the $enal Code. -he a9o2e case is also e>traneous to the theor, of the defendant in the instant case, 9ecause the action there had for its )ur)ose the enforcement of the defendant:s su9sidiar, lia9ilit, under the $enal Code, .hile in the case at 9ar, the )laintiff:s cause of action is 9ased on the defendant:s )rimar, and direct res)onsi9ilit, under article 89D4 of the Ci2il Code. In fact, the a9o2e case destro,s the defendant:s contention 9ecause that decision illustrates the )rinci)le that the em)lo,er:s )rimar, res)onsi9ilit, under article 89D4 of the Ci2il Code is different in character from his su9sidiar, lia9ilit, under the $enal Code. In tr,in' to a))l, the t.o cases +ust referred to, counsel for the defendant has failed to reco'ni7e the distinction 9et.een ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from a crime, .hich is 'o2erned 9, the $enal Code, and the res)onsi9ilit, for c"asi-delito or c"lpa aq"iliana under the Ci2il Code, and has li(e.ise failed to 'i2e the im)ortance to the latter t,)e of ci2il action. -he defendant-)etitioner also cites (rancisco vs. Onr"%ia 345 $hil., 4<76. -hat case need not 9e set forth. Suffice it to sa, that the =uestion in2ol2ed .as also ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from a crime. ?ence, it is as ina))lica9le as the t.o cases a9o2e discussed. -he fore'oin' authorities clearl, demonstrate the se)arate indi2idualit, of c"asi-delitos or c"lpa aq"iliana under the Ci2il Code. S)ecificall, the, sho. that there is a distinction 9et.een ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from criminal ne'li'ence 3'o2erned 9, the $enal Code6 and res)onsi9ilit, for fault or ne'li'ence under articles 89D< to 898D of the Ci2il Code, and that the same ne'li'ent act ma, )roduce either a ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from a crime under the $enal Code, or a se)arate res)onsi9ilit, for fault or ne'li'ence under articles 89D< to 898D of the Ci2il Code. Still more concretel,, the authorities a9o2e cited render it inesca)a9le to conclude that the em)lo,er ; in this case the defendant-)etitioner ; is )rimaril, and directl, lia9le under article 89D4 of the Ci2il Code. -he le'al )ro2isions, authors, and cases alread, in2o(ed should ordinaril, 9e sufficient to dis)ose of this case. Eut inasmuch as .e are announcin' doctrines that ha2e 9een little understood in the )ast, it mi'ht not 9e ina))ro)riate to indicate their foundations. Firstl,, the e2ised $enal Code in article 455 )unishes not onl, rec(less 9ut also sim)le ne'li'ence. If .e .ere to hold that articles 89D< to 898D of the Ci2il Code refer onl, to fault or ne'li'ence not )unished 9, la.,

49

accordin' to the literal im)ort of article 8D94 of the Ci2il Code, the le'al institution of cul)a a=uiliana .ould ha2e 2er, little sco)e and a))lication in actual life. Death or in+ur, to )ersons and dama'e to )ro)ert, throu'h an, de'ree of ne'li'ence ; e2en the sli'htest ; .ould ha2e to 9e indemnified onl, throu'h the )rinci)le of ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from a crime. In such a state of affairs, .hat s)here .ould remain for c"asi-delito or c"lpa aq"ilianaK Ce are loath to im)ute to the la.ma(er an, intention to 9rin' a9out a situation so a9surd and anomalous. Nor are .e, in the inter)retation of the la.s, dis)osed to u)hold the letter that (illeth rather than the s)irit that 'i2eth life. Ce .ill not use the literal meanin' of the la. to smother and render almost lifeless a )rinci)le of such ancient ori'in and such full-'ro.n de2elo)ment as c"lpa aq"iliana or c"asi-delito, .hich is conser2ed and made endurin' in articles 89D< to 898D of the S)anish Ci2il Code. Secondl,, to find the accused 'uilt, in a criminal case, )roof of 'uilt 9e,ond reasona9le dou9t is re=uired, .hile in a ci2il case, )re)onderance of e2idence is sufficient to ma(e the defendant )a, in dama'es. -here are numerous cases of criminal ne'li'ence .hich can not 9e sho.n 9e,ond reasona9le dou9t, 9ut can 9e )ro2ed 9, a )re)onderance of e2idence. In such cases, the defendant can and should 9e made res)onsi9le in a ci2il action under articles 89D< to 898D of the Ci2il Code. &ther.ise, there .ould 9e man, instances of un2indicated ci2il .ron's. 9%i $"s i%i remedi"m. -hirdl,, to hold that there is onl, one .a, to ma(e defendant:s lia9ilit, effecti2e, and that is, to sue the dri2er and e>haust his 3the latter:s6 )ro)ert, first, .ould 9e tantamount to com)ellin' the )laintiff to follo. a de2ious and cum9ersome method of o9tainin' relief. -rue, there is such a remed, under our la.s, 9ut there is also a more e>)editious .a,, .hich is 9ased on the )rimar, and direct res)onsi9ilit, of the defendant under article 89D4 of the Ci2il Code. &ur 2ie. of the la. is more li(el, to facilitate remed, for ci2il .ron's, 9ecause the )rocedure indicated 9, the defendant is .asteful and )roducti2e of dela,, it 9ein' a matter of common (no.led'e that )rofessional dri2ers of ta>is and similar )u9lic con2e,ance usuall, do not ha2e sufficient means .ith .hich to )a, dama'es. Ch,, then, should the )laintiff 9e re=uired in all cases to 'o throu'h this rounda9out, unnecessar,, and )ro9a9l, useless )rocedureK In construin' the la.s, courts ha2e endea2ored to shorten and facilitate the )ath.a,s of ri'ht and +ustice. "t this +uncture, it should 9e said that the )rimar, and direct res)onsi9ilit, of em)lo,ers and their )resumed ne'li'ence are )rinci)les calculated to )rotect societ,. Cor(men and em)lo,ees should 9e carefull, chosen and su)er2ised in order to a2oid in+ur, to the )u9lic. It is the masters or em)lo,ers .ho )rinci)all, rea) the )rofits resultin' from the ser2ices of these ser2ants and em)lo,ees. It is 9ut ri'ht that the, should 'uarantee the latter:s careful conduct for the )ersonnel and )atrimonial safet, of others. "s -heilhard has said, 1the, should re)roach themsel2es, at least, some for their .ea(ness, others for their )oor selection and all for their ne'li'ence.1 "nd accordin' to *anresa, 1It is much more e=uita9le and +ust that such res)onsi9ilit, should fall u)on the )rinci)al or director .ho could ha2e chosen a careful and )rudent em)lo,ee, and not u)on the in+ured )erson .ho could not e>ercise such selection and .ho used such em)lo,ee 9ecause of his confidence in the )rinci)al or director.1 3!ol. 8<, ). 5<<, <nd Ed.6 *an, +urists also 9ase this )rimar, res)onsi9ilit, of the em)lo,er on the )rinci)le of re)resentation of the )rinci)al 9, the a'ent. -hus, &,uelos sa,s in the .or( alread, cited 3!ol. 7, ). 7476 that 9efore third )ersons the em)lo,er and em)lo,ee 12ienen a ser como una sola )ersonalidad, )or refundicion de la del de)endiente en la de =uien le em)lea , utili7a.1 319ecome as one )ersonalit, 9, the mer'in' of the )erson of the em)lo,ee in that of him .ho em)lo,s and utili7es him.16 "ll these o9ser2ations ac=uire a )eculiar force and si'nificance .hen it comes to motor accidents, and there is need of stressin' and accentuatin' the res)onsi9ilit, of o.ners of motor 2ehicles. Fourthl,, 9ecause of the 9road s.ee) of the )ro2isions of 9oth the $enal Code and the Ci2il Code on this su9+ect, .hich has 'i2en rise to the o2erla))in' or concurrence of s)heres alread, discussed, and for lac( of understandin' of the character and efficac, of the action for c"lpa aq"iliana, there has 'ro.n u) a common )ractice to see( dama'es onl, 9, 2irtue of the ci2il res)onsi9ilit, arisin' from a crime, for'ettin' that there is another remed,, .hich is 9, in2o(in' articles 89D<-898D of the Ci2il Code. "lthou'h this ha9itual method is allo.ed 9, our la.s, it has ne2ertheless rendered )racticall, useless and nu'ator, the more e>)editious and effecti2e remed, 9ased on c"lpa aq"iliana or c"lpa extra-contract"al. In the )resent case, .e are as(ed to hel) )er)etuate this usual course. Eut .e 9elie2e it is hi'h time .e )ointed out to the harm done 9, such )ractice and to restore the )rinci)le of res)onsi9ilit, for fault or ne'li'ence under articles 89D< et seq. of the Ci2il Code to its full ri'or. It is hi'h time .e caused the stream of =uasi-delict or c"lpa aq"iliana to flo. on its

o.n natural channel, so that its .aters ma, no lon'er 9e di2erted into that of a crime under the $enal Code. -his .ill, it is 9elie2ed, ma(e for the 9etter safe'uardin' of )ri2ate ri'hts 9ecause it re-esta9lishes an ancient and additional remed,, and for the further reason that an inde)endent ci2il action, not de)endin' on the issues, limitations and results of a criminal )rosecution, and entirel, directed 9, the )art, .ron'ed or his counsel, is more li(el, to secure ade=uate and efficacious redress. In 2ie. of the fore'oin', the +ud'ment of the Court of "))eals should 9e and is here9, affirmed, .ith costs a'ainst the defendant-)etitioner. G.R. No. L-2255. A161 t 29, 1975 DEL#$N L$M 'n( J$8$L &A!A, p2'inti99 -'ppe22'nt , v . #RANC$-C" *"NCE DE LE"N AND "RLAND" MADDELA, (e9en('nt -'ppe22ee . MAR&$N, J.: "))eal on a =uestion of la. from the decision of the Court of First Instance of $ala.an in Ci2il Case No. 485, entitled 1Delfin /im and #i(il -aha 2s. Francisco $once de /eon and &rlando *addela1, dismissin' the com)laint of the )laintiffs and orderin' them to )a, each of the defendants +ointl, and se2erall, the sum of $5DD.DD 9, .a, of actual dama'es@ $5DD.DD 9, .a, of attorne,:s fees@ and $8,DDD.DD 9, .a, of e>em)lar, dama'es. &n ")ril <9, 8958, )laintiff-a))ellant #i(il -aha sold to a certain "l9erto -im9an'ca,a of Eroo(e:s $oint, $ala.an a motor launch named *O/ 1S"N "F"E/1. " ,ear later or on ")ril 9, 895< "l9erto -im9an'ca,a filed a com)laint .ith the &ffice of the $ro2incial Fiscal of $ala.an alle'in' that after the sale #i(il -aha forci9l, too( a.a, the motor launch from him. &n *a, 84, 895<, after conductin' a )reliminar, in2esti'ation, Fiscal Francisco $once de /eon in his ca)acit, as "ctin' $ro2incial Fiscal of $ala.an, filed .ith the Court of First Instance of $ala.an the corres)ondin' information for o99er, the Force and Intimidation u)on $ersons a'ainst #i(il -aha. -he case .as doc(eted as Criminal Case No. <789. &n #une 85, 895<, Fiscal Francisco $once de /eon, u)on 9ein' informed that the motor launch .as in Eala9ac, $ala.an, .rote the $ro2incial Commander of $ala.an re=uestin' him to direct the detachment commander-in Eala9ac to im)ound and ta(e custod, of the motor launch. 1 &n #une <5, 895<, Fiscal $once de /eon reiterated his re=uest to the $ro2incial Commander to im)ound the motor launch, e>)lainin' that its su9se=uent sale to a third )art,, )laintiff-a))ellant Delfin /im, cannot )re2ent the court from ta(in' custod, of the same. 2 So, on #ul, 5, 895< u)on order of the $ro2incial Commander, defendant-a))ellee &rlando *addela, Detachment Commander of Eala9ac, $ala.an, sei7ed the motor launch 1S"N "F"E/1 from )laintiff-a))ellant Delfin /im and im)ounded it. &n #ul, 85, 895< )laintiff-a))ellant Delfin /im )leaded .ith &rlando *addela to return the motor launch 9ut the latter refused. /i(e.ise, on Se)tem9er <D, 895<, #i(il -aha throu'h his counsel made re)resentations .ith Fiscal $once de /eon to return the sei7ed )ro)ert, to )laintiff-a))ellant Delfin /im 9ut Fiscal $once de /eon refused, on the 'round that the same .as the su9+ect of a criminal offense. "ll efforts to reco2er the motor launch 'oin' to nau'ht, )laintiffs-a))ellants Delfin /im and #i(il -aha, on No2em9er 89, 895<, filed .ith the Court of First Instance of $ala.an a com)laint for dama'es a'ainst defendants-a))ellees Fiscal Francisco $once de /eon and &rlando *addela, alle'in' that on #ul, 5, 895< &rlando *addela entered the )remises of Delfin /im .ithout a search .arrant and then and there too( a.a, the hull of the motor launch .ithout his consent@ that he effected the sei7ure u)on order of Fiscal $once de /eon .ho (ne. full, .ell that his office .as not 2ested .ith authorit, to order the sei7ure of a )ri2ate )ro)ert,@ that said motor launch .as )urchased 9, Delfin /im from #i(il -aha in consideration of -hree -housand $esos 3$4,DDD.DD6, -.o -housand $esos 3$<,DDD.DD6 of .hich has 9een 'i2en to #i(il -aha as ad2ance )a,ment@ that as a conse=uence of the unla.ful sei7ure of the motor launch, its sale did not

49

materiali7e@ and that since #ul, 5, 895<, the said motor launch had 9een moored at the Eala9ac Ea,, $ala.an and 9ecause of e>)osure to the elements it had 9ecome .orthless and 9e,ond re)air. For the alle'ed 2iolation of their constitutional ri'hts, )laintiffs-a))ellants )ra,ed that defendants-a))ellees 9e ordered to )a, +ointl, and se2erall, each of them the sum of $5,75D.DD re)resentin' actual, moral and e>em)lar, dama'es and attorne,:s fees. In their ans.er, defendants-a))ellees denied the material alle'ations of the com)laint and as affirmati2e defenses alle'ed that the motor launch in =uestion .hich .as sold 9, #i(il -aha to "l9erto -im9an'ca,a on ")ril <9, 8958 .as sometime in ")ril 895<, forci9l, ta(en .ith 2iolence u)on )ersons and .ith intent to 'ain 9, #i(il -aha from "lfredo -im9an'ca,a .ithout the latter:s (no.led'e and consent, thus 'i2in' rise to the filin' of a criminal char'e of ro99er, a'ainst #i(il -aha@ that Fiscal $once de /eon, in his ca)acit, as "ctin' $ro2incial Fiscal of $ala.an ordered &rlando *addela to sei7e and im)ound the motor launch 1S"N "F"E/1, for 9ein' the corp"s delicti of the ro99er,@ and that &rlando *addela merel, o9e,ed the orders of his su)erior officer to im)ound said launch. E, .a, of counterclaim, defendants-a))ellees alle'ed that 9ecause of the malicious and 'roundless filin' of the com)laint 9, )laintiffs-a))ellants, the, .ere constrained to en'a'e the ser2ices of la.,ers, each of them )a,in' $5DD.DD as attorne,:s fees@ and that the, suffered moral dama'es in the amount of $5,DDD.DD each and actual dama'es in the amount of $5DD.DD each. -he, also )ra,ed that each of them a.arded e>em)lar, dama'es in the amount of $8,DDD.DD. &n Se)tem9er 84, 8955, the trial court rendered its decision, u)holdin' the 2alidit, of the sei7ure of the motor launch on the 'round that 1the authorit, to im)ound e2idences or e>hi9its or corp"s delicti in a case )endin' in2esti'ation is inherent in the $ro2incial Fiscal .ho controls the )rosecution and .ho introduces those e>hi9its in the court.1 "ccordin'l,, the trial court dismissed the com)laint of )laintiffs-a))ellants and ordered them to )a, +ointl, and se2erall, each of the defendants-a))ellees the amount of $5DD.DD 9, .a, of actual dama'es another amount of $5DD.DD for attorne,:s fees and $8,DDD.DD as e>em)lar, dama'es. ?ence, this a))eal. -.o 2ital issues call for resolution 9, this Court. First, .hether or not defendant-a))ellee Fiscal $once de /eon had the )o.er to order the sei7ure of the motor launch in =uestion .ithout a .arrant of search and sei7ure e2en if the same .as admittedl, the corp"s delicti of the crime. Second, .hether or not defendantsa))ellees are ci2ill, lia9le to )laintiffs-a))ellants for dama'es alle'edl, suffered 9, them 'rantin' that the sei7ure of the motor launch .as unla.ful. -he 'ra2amen of )laintiffs-a))ellants: ar'ument is that the ta(in' of the motor launch on #ul, 5, 895< 9, &rlando *addela u)on the order of Fiscal $once de /oon .as in 2iolation of the constitutional 'uarantee a'ainst unreasona9le searches and sei7ures since it .as done .ithout a .arrant. -he )ertinent )ro2ision of the Constitution then in force reads0 46 -he ri'ht of the )eo)le to 9e secure in their )ersons, houses, )a)ers and effects a'ainst unreasona9le searches and sei7ures shall not 9e 2iolated, and no .arrants shall issue 9ut u)on )ro9a9le cause, to 9e determined 9, the +ud'e after e>amination under oath or affirmation of the com)lainant and the .itnesses he ma, )roduce, and )articularl, descri9in' the )lace to 9e searched, and the )ersons or thin's to 9e sei7ed. 3 " cursor, readin' of the a9o2e )ro2ision easil, 9rin's into focus the unreasona9leness of the sei7ure of the aforementioned motor launch. " search and sei7ure to 9e reasona9le, must 9e effected 9, means of a 2alid search .arrant. "nd for a search .arrant to 9e 2alid0 386 it must 9e issued u)on )ro9a9le cause@ 3<6 the )ro9a9le cause must 9e determined 9, the +ud'e himself and not 9, the a))licant or an, other )erson@ 346 in the determination of )ro9a9le cause, the +ud'e must e>amine, under oath or affirmation, the com)lainant and such .itnesses as the latter ma, )roduce@ and 346 the .arrant issued must )articularl, descri9e the )lace to

9e searched and )ersons or thin's to 9e sei7ed. . -hus in a lon' line of decisions, this Court has declared in2alid search .arrants .hich .ere issued in utter disre'ard of the constitutional in+unction. 5 Defendants-a))ellees admitted that .hen &rlando *addela entered the )remises of Delfin /im and im)ounded the motor launch he .as not armed .ith a search .arrant@ that he effected the sei7ure of the motor launch in the a9sence of and .ithout the consent of Delfin /im. -here can 9e no =uestion that .ithout the )ro)er search .arrant, no )u9lic official has the ri'ht to enter the )remises of another .ithout his consent for the )ur)ose of search and sei7ure. 0 "nd since in the )resent case defendants-a))ellees sei7ed the motor launch .ithout a .arrant, the, ha2e 2iolated the constitutional ri'ht of )laintiffs-a))ellants a'ainst unreasona9le search and sei7ure. Defendants-a))ellees ho.e2er .ould .ant to +ustif, the sei7ure of the motor launch e2en .ithout a .arrant 9ecause of Fiscal $once de /eon:s alle'ed inherent )o.er to order the sei7ure of a )ersonal )ro)ert, .hich is thecorp"s delicti of a crime, he 9ein' a q"asi +udicial officer .ho has the control of the )rosecution and the )resentation of the e2idence in the criminal case. -he, ar'ue that inasmuch as the motor launch in =uestion .as alle'edl, stolen 9, #i(il -aha from -im9an'ca,a, Fiscal $once de /eon could order its sei7ure e2en .ithout a search .arrant. Ce cannot a'ree. Gnder the old Constitution 7 the )o.er to issue a search .arrant is 2ested in a +ud'e or ma'istrate and in no other officer and no search and sei7ure can 9e made .ithout a )ro)er .arrant. "t the time the act com)lained of .as committed, there .as no la. or rule that reco'ni7ed the authorit, of $ro2incial Fiscals to issue a search .arrant. In his 2ain attem)t to +ustif, the sei7ure of the motor launch in =uestion .ithout a .arrant Fiscal $once de /eon in2o(ed the )ro2isions of e)u9lic "ct No. 74<, .hich amended Sections 8574 and 8587 of the e2ised "dministrati2e Code. Eut there is nothin' in said la. .hich confers u)on the )ro2incial fiscal@ the authorit, to issue .arrants, much less to order .ithout .arrant the sei7ure of a )ersonal )ro)ert, e2en if it is the corp"s delicti of a crime. -rue, e)u9lic "ct No. 74< has 9roadened the )o.er of )ro2incial fiscals to conduct )reliminar, in2esti'ations, 9ut said la. did not di2est the +ud'e or ma'istrate of its )o.er to determine, 9efore issuin' the corres)ondin' .arrant, .hether or not )ro9a9le cause e>ists therefor. 8 *oreo2er, under Sections < and 4 of ule 8<< of the ules of Court 9 .hich com)lement the constitutional )ro2ision earlier cited, t.o )rinci)les are made clear, namel,0 386 that in the sei7ure of a stolen )ro)ert, search .arrant is still necessar,@ and 3<6 that in issuin' a search .arrant the +ud'e alone determines .hether or not there is a )ro9a9le cause. -he fact that a thin' is a corp"s delicti of a crime does not +ustif, its sei7ure .ithout a .arrant. "s held in 9.S. v. de los 'e&es and 5sg"erra, 1/ citin' 0c!l"rg v. 6renton0 11 -he mere fact that a man is an officer, .hether of hi'h or lo. de'ree, 'i2es him no more ri'ht than is )ossessed 9, the ordinar, )ri2ate citi7en to 9rea( in u)on the )ri2ac, of a home and su9+ect its occu)ant to the indi'nit, of a search for the e2idence of crime, .ithout a le'al .arrant )rocured for that )ur)ose. :o amo"nt of incriminating evidence whatever its so"rce will s"ppl& the place of s"ch warrant. "t the closed door of the home 9e it )alace or ho2el e2en 9loodhounds must .ait till the la., 9, authoritati2e )rocess, 9ids it o)en. 3Em)hasis su))lied.6 Defendant-a))ellee Fiscal $once de /eon .ould also in2o(e lac( of time to )rocure a search .arrant as an e>cuse for the sei7ure of the motor launch .ithout one. ?e claimed that the motor launch had to 9e sei7ed immediatel, in order to )reser2e it and to )re2ent its remo2al out of the localit,, since Eala9ac, $ala.an, .here the motor launch .as at the time, could onl, 9e reached after three to four da,s: tra2el 9, 9oat. 12 -he claim cannot 9e sustained. -he records sho. that on #une 85, 895< 13 Fiscal $once de /eon made the first re=uest to the $ro2incial Commander for the im)oundin' of the motor launch@ and on #une <5, 895< 1. another re=uest .as made. -he sei7ure .as not effected until #ul, 5, 895<. In short, Fiscal $once de /eon had all the time to )rocure a search .arrant had he .anted to and .hich he could ha2e ta(en in less than a da,, 9ut he did not. Eesides, there is no 9asis for the a))rehension that the motor launch mi'ht 9e mo2ed out of Eala9ac 9ecause e2en )rior to its sei7ure the motor launch .as alread, .ithout its en'ine. 15 In sum, the fact that there .as no time to secure a search .arrant .ould not le'all, +ustif, a search .ithout one. 10

49

"s to .hether or not the, are entitled to dama'es, )laintiffs-a))ellants anchor their claim for dama'es on "rticles 4< and <<89 of the Ne. Ci2il Code .hich )ro2ide in )art as follo.s0 " -. 4<. "n, )u9lic officer or em)lo,ee, or an, )ri2ate indi2idual, .ho directl, or indirectl, o9structs, defeats, 2iolates or in an, manner im)edes or im)airs an, of the follo.in' ri'hts and li9erties of another )erson shall 9e lia9le to the latter for dama'es. >>> >>> >>> 396 -he ri'hts to 9e secure in one:s )erson, house, )a)ers, and effects a'ainst unreasona9le searches and sei7ures. >>> >>> >>> -he indemnit, shall include moral dama'es. E>em)lar, dama'es ma, also 9e ad+udicated. " -. <<89. *oral dama'es ma, 9e reco2ered in the follo.in' and analo'ous cases0 >>> >>> >>> 356 Ille'al search@ >>> >>> >>> 386 "cts and action referred to in "rticles <8, <5, <7, <8, <9, 4D, 4<, 44 and 45. $ursuant to the fore'oin' )ro2isions, a )erson .hose constitutional ri'hts ha2e 9een 2iolated or im)aired is entitled to actual and moral dama'es from the )u9lic officer or em)lo,ee res)onsi9le therefor. In addition, e>em)lar, dama'es ma, also 9e a.arded. In the instant case, )laintiff-a))ellant Delfin /im claimed that he )urchased the motor launch from #i(il -aha in consideration of $4,DDD.DD, ha2in' 'i2en $<,DDD.DD as ad2anced )a,ment@ that since or sei7ure on #ul, 5, 895< the motor launch had 9een moored at Eala9ac Ea, and 9ecause of e>)osure to the elements it has 9ecome .orthless at the time of the filin' of the )resent action@ that 9ecause of the ille'alit, of the sei7ure of the motor launch, he suffered moral dama'es in the sum of $8,DDD.DD@ and that 9ecause of the 2iolation of their constitutional ri'hts the, .ere constrained to en'a'e the ser2ices of a la.,er .hom the, ha2e )aid $8,5DD.DD for attorne,:s fees. Ce find these claims of Delfin /im am)l, su))orted 9, the e2idence and therefore should 9e a.arded the sum of $4,DDD.DD as actual dama'es@ $8,DDD.DD as moral dama'es and $75D.DD for attorne,:s fees. ?o.e2er, .ith res)ect co )laintiff #i(il -aha, he is not entitled to reco2er an, dama'e .hich he alle'ed he had suffered from the unla.ful sei7ure of the motor launch inasmuch as he had alread, transferred the o.nershi) and )ossession of the motor launch to Delfin /im at the time it .as sei7ed and therefore, he has no le'al standin' to =uestion the 2alidit, of the sei7ure. Cell settled is the rule that the le'alit, of a sei7ure can 9e contested onl, 9, the )art, .hose ri'hts ha2e 9een im)aired there9,, and that the o9+ection to an unla.ful search and sei7ure is )urel, )ersonal and cannot 9e a2ailed of 9, third )arties. 17 Conse=uentl,, one .ho is not the o.ner, lessee, or la.ful occu)ant of the )remise searched cannot raise the =uestion of 2alidit, of the search and sei7ure. 18 #i(il -aha is not .ithout recourse thou'h. ?e can still collect from his co-)laintiff, Delfin /im the un)aid 9alance of $8,DDD.DD. Defendant-a))ellee Fiscal $once de /eon .anted to .ash his hands of the incident 9, claimin' that 1he .as in 'ood faith, .ithout malice and .ithout the sli'htest intention of inflictin' in+ur, to )laintiff-a))ellant, #i(il -aha1 19.hen he ordered the sei7ure of the motor launch. Ce are not )re)ared to sustain his defense of 'ood faith. -o 9e lia9le under "rticle 4< of the Ne. Ci2il Code it is enou'h that there .as a 2iolation of the constitutional ri'hts of the )laintiffs and it is not re=uired that defendants should ha2e acted .ith malice or 9ad faith. Dr. #or'e Eoco9o, Chairman of the Code Commission, 'a2e the follo.in' reasons durin' the )u9lic hearin's of the #oint Senate and ?ouse Committees, .h, 'ood faith on the )art of the )u9lic officer or em)lo,ee is immaterial. -hus0 DE"N E&C&E&. "rticle 4<, re'ardin' indi2idual ri'hts@ "ttorne, Cirilo $aredes )ro)oses that "rticle 4< 9e so amended as to ma(e a )u9lic official lia9le for 2iolation

of another )erson:s constitutional ri'hts onl, if the )u9lic official acted maliciousl, or in 9ad faith. -he Code Commission o))oses this su''estion for these reasons0 -he 2er, nature of "rticle 4< is that the .ron' ma, 9e ci2il or criminal. It is not necessar, therefore that there should 9e malice or 9ad faith. -o ma(e such a re=uisite .ould defeat the main )ur)ose of "rticle 4< .hich is the effecti2e )rotection of indi2idual ri'hts. $u9lic officials in the )ast ha2e a9used their )o.ers on the )rete>t of +ustifia9le moti2es or 'ood faith in the )erformance of their duties. $recisel,, the o9+ect of the "rticle is to )ut an end to official a9use 9, the )lea of 'ood faith. In the Gnited States this remed, is in he nature of a tort. *r. Chairman, this article is firml, one of the fundamental articles introduced in the Ne. Ci2il Code to im)lement democrac,. -here is no real democrac, if a )u9lic official is a9usin', and .e made the article so stron' and so com)rehensi2e that it concludes an a9use of indi2idual ri'hts e2en if done in 'ood faith, that official is lia9le. "s a matter of fact, .e (no. that there are 2er, fe. )u9lic officials .ho o)enl, and definitel, a9use the indi2idual ri'hts of the citi7ens. In most cases, the a9use is +ustified on a )lea of desire to enforce the la. to com)l, .ith one:s dut,. "nd so, if .e should limit the sco)e of this article, that .ould )racticall, nullif, the o9+ect of the article. $recisel,, the o)enin' o9+ect of the article is to )ut an end to a9uses .hich are +ustified 9, a )lea of 'ood faith, .hich is in most cases the )lea of officials a9usin' indi2idual ri'hts. 2/ Eut defendant-a))ellee &rlando *addela cannot 9e held accounta9le 9ecause he im)ounded the motor launch u)on the order of his su)erior officer. Chile a su9ordinate officer ma, 9e held lia9le for e>ecutin' unla.ful orders of his su)erior officer, there are certain circumstances .hich .ould .arrant *addela:s e>cul)ation from lia9ilit,. -he records sho. that after Fiscal $once de /eon made his first re=uest to the $ro2incial Commander on #une 85, 895< *addela .as reluctant to im)ound the motor launch des)ite re)eated orders from his su)erior officer. 21 It .as onl, after he .as furnished a co), of the re)l, of Fiscal $once de /eon, dated #une <5, 895<, to the letter of the $ro2incial Commander, +ustif,in' the necessit, of the sei7ure of the motor launch on the 'round that the su9se=uent sale of the launch to Delfin /im could not )re2ent the court from ta(in' custod, of the same, 22 that he im)ounded the motor launch on #ul, 5, 895<. Cith said letter comin' from the le'al officer of the )ro2ince, *addela .as led to 9elie2e that there .as a le'al 9asis and authorit, to im)ound the launch. -hen came the order of his su)erior officer to e>)lain for the dela, in the sei7ure of the motor launch. 23 Faced .ith a )ossi9le disci)linar, action from his Commander, *addela .as left .ith no alternati2e 9ut to sei7e the 2essel. In the li'ht of the a9o2e circumstances. Ce are not dis)osed to hold *addela ans.era9le for dama'es. IN !IEC &F -?E F& EF&INF, the decision a))ealed from is here9, re2ersed and another one entered declarin' the sei7ure ille'al and orderin' defendant-a))ellee Fiscal Francisco $once de /eon to )a, to )laintiff-a))ellant Delfin /im the sum of $4,DDD.DD as actual dama'es, )lus $8,DDD.DD moral dama'es, and, in addition, $75D.DD for attorne,:s fees. Cith costs a'ainst defendant-a))ellee Fiscal $once de /eon. S& & DE ED.

G.R. No. 8072/ -eptember 2, 199. M!* GARMEN&-, $NC., 'n( LARR: C. DE G4+MAN, petitioner , v . &!E !"N"RA,LE C"4R& "# A**EAL-, AGNE- )$LLA CR4+, M$RA-"L L4GA&$MAN, 'n( GER&R4DE- G"N+ALE-, re pon(ent . *4N", J.: -he constitutional )rotection of our )eo)le a'ainst unreasona9le search and sei7ure is not merel, a )leasin' )latitude. It 2ouchsafes our ri'ht to )ri2ac, and di'nit, a'ainst undesira9le intrusions committed 9, an, )u9lic officer or )ri2ate indi2idual. "n infrin'ement of this ri'ht +ustifies an a.ard for dama'es.

49

&n Fe9ruar, <<, 8984, )etitioner *?$ Farments, Inc., .as a.arded 9, the Eo, Scouts of the $hili))ines, the e>clusi2e franchise to sell and distri9ute official Eo, Scouts uniforms, su))lies, 9ad'es, and insi'nias. In their *emorandum "'reement, )etitioner cor)oration .as 'i2en the authorit, to 1underta(e or cause to 9e underta(en the )rosecution in court of all ille'al sources of scout uniforms and other scoutin' su))lies.1 1 Sometime in &cto9er 8984, )etitioner cor)oration recei2ed information that )ri2ate res)ondents "'nes !illa Cru7, *irasol /u'atiman, and Fertrudes Fon7ales .ere sellin' Eo, Scouts items and )ara)hernalia .ithout an, authorit,. $etitioner de Fu7man, an em)lo,ee of )etitioner cor)oration, .as tas(ed to underta(e the necessar, sur2eillance and to ma(e a re)ort to the $hili))ine Consta9ular, 3$C6. &n &cto9er <5, 8984, at a9out 8D04D ".*., )etitioner de Fu7man, Ca)tain enato *. $eIafiel, and t.o 3<6 other consta9ular, men of the eaction Force Eattalion, Si(atuna !illa'e, Diliman, Jue7on Cit, .ent to the stores of res)ondents at the *ari(ina $u9lic *ar(et. Cithout an, .arrant, the, sei7ed the 9o, and 'irl scouts )ants, dresses, and suits on dis)la, at res)ondents: stalls. -he sei7ure caused a commotion and em9arrassed )ri2ate res)ondents. ecei)ts .ere issued for the sei7ed items. -he items .ere then turned o2er 9, Ca)tain $eIafiel to )etitioner cor)oration for safe(ee)in'. " criminal com)laint for unfair com)etition .as then filed a'ainst )ri2ate res)ondents. 2 Durin' its )endenc,, )etitioner de Fu7man e>acted from )ri2ate res)ondent /u'atiman the sum of -? EE -?&GS"ND &NE ?GND ED $ES&S 3$4,8DD.DD6 in order to 9e dro))ed from the com)laint. &n Decem9er 5, 8984, after a )reliminar, in2esti'ation, the $ro2incial Fiscal of i7al dismissed the com)laint a'ainst all the )ri2ate res)ondents. &n Fe9ruar, 5, 8984, he also ordered the return of the sei7ed items. -he sei7ed items .ere not immediatel, returned des)ite demands. 3 $ri2ate res)ondents had to 'o )ersonall, to )etitioners: )lace of 9usiness to reco2er their 'oods. E2en then, not all the sei7ed items .ere returned. -he other items returned .ere of inferior =ualit,. $ri2ate res)ondents then filed Ci2il Case No. 58844 a'ainst the )etitioners for sums of mone, and dama'es. . In its Decision dated #anuar, 9, 8987, the trial court ruled for the )ri2ate res)ondents, thus0 C?E EF& E, +ud'ment is here9, rendered in fa2or of )laintiffs and a'ainst defendants, orderin' the latter +ointl, and se2erall,0 8. -o return the amount of $4,8DD.DD to )laintiff *irasol /u'atiman .ith interest at 8<P )er annum from #anuar, 8<, 8984, the date of the last recei)t issued, until full, )aid@ <. -o )a, )laintiff "'nes !illa Cru7 the sum of $<,DDD.DD for the <5 )ieces of 'irl scout items not returned@ 4. -o )a, )laintiffs the amount of $5D,DDD.DD for and as moral dama'es and $85,DDD.DD for and as e>em)lar, dama'es@ and 4. $5,DDD.DD for and as attorne,:s fees and liti'ation e>)enses. Costs a'ainst the defendants. S& & DE ED. -he decision .as a))ealed to the res)ondent court. &n #anuar, 88, 8989, its Fifth Di2ision, 5 affirmed the Decision .ith modification, thus0 C?E EF& E, the decision a))ealed from is "FFI *ED .ith *&DIFIC"-I&N@ and, as modified, the dis)ositi2e )ortion thereof no. reads as follo.s0 III.

#ud'ment is here9, rendered in fa2or of )laintiffs 3)ri2ate res)ondents6 and a'ainst defendants 3)etitioners6, orderin' the latter +ointl, and se2erall,@ 8. -o return the amount of $4,8DD.DD to )laintiff 3res)ondent6 *irasol /u'atiman and cancel her a))lication for distri9utor:s license@ <. -o )a, )laintiff 3res)ondent6 "'nes !illa Cru7 the sum of $<,DDD.DD for the unreturned <5 )ieces of 'irl scouts items .ith interest at 8<P )er annum from #une 4, 8984 3date the com)laint .as filed6 until it is full, )aid@ 4. -o )a, )laintiffs 3res)ondents6 the amount of $8D,DDD.DD each, or a total of $4D,DDD.DD, for and as moral dama'es@ and $5,DDD.DD each, or a total of $85,DDD.DD, for and as e>em)lar, dama'es@ and 4. -o )a, )laintiffs 3res)ondents6 $5,DDD.DD for and as attorne,:s fees and liti'ation e>)enses. Costs of the case a =uo and the instant a))eal are assessed +ointl, and se2erall, a'ainst defendants-a))ellants 3)etitioners6 *?$ Farments, Inc. and /arr, de Fu7man. S& & DE ED. In this )etition for certiorari, )etitioners contend0 I. -?E C&G - &F "$$E"/S E ED IN I*$G-INF /I"EI/I-M F& D"*"FES -& -?E $E-I-I&NE S C?& DID N&- EFFEC- -?E SEI%G E &F -?E SGE#EC*E C?"NDISE. -?E C&G - &F "$$E"/S E ED C?EN I- *"DE " FINDINF -?"- -?E *"NNE CI-? C?IC? -?E C&NFISC"-I&N &F $ I!"-E ES$&NDEN-S C"S -& -I&GS EG$EN"/I%ED INS-E"D -?E $E-I-I&NE S C?& DID N&- C&**I- -?E "C- &F C&NFISC"-I&N. -?E C&G - &F "$$E"/S E ED C?EN I- F&GND F& -?E $ I!"-E ES$&NDEN-S "ND "F"INS- -?E $E-I-I&NE S.

II.

Ce affirm. "rticle III, section <, of the Constitution )rotects our )eo)le from unreasona9le search and sei7ure. It )ro2ides0 -he ri'ht of the )eo)le to 9e secure in their )ersons, houses, )a)ers, and effects a'ainst unreasona9le searches and sei7ures of .hate2er nature for an, )ur)ose shall 9e in2iola9le, and no search .arrant or .arrant of arrest shall issue e>ce)t u)on )ro9a9le cause to 9e determined )ersonall, 9, the +ud'e after e>amination under oath or affirmation of the com)lainant and the .itnesses he ma, )roduce, and )articularl, descri9in' the )lace to 9e searched and the )ersons or thin's to 9e sei7ed. -his )ro2ision )rotects not onl, those .ho a))ear to 9e innocent 9ut also those .ho a))ear to 9e 'uilt, 9ut are ne2ertheless to 9e )resumed innocent until the contrar, is )ro2ed. 0 In the case at 9ench, the sei7ure .as made .ithout an, .arrant. Gnder the ules of Court, 7 a .arrantless search can onl, 9e underta(en under the follo.in' circumstance0 Sec. 8<. Search incident to a la.ful arrest. - " )erson la.full, arrested ma, 9e searched for dan'erous .ea)ons or an,thin' .hich ma, 9e used as )roof of the commission of an offense, .ithout a search .arrant.

49

Ce hold that the e2idence did not +ustif, the .arrantless search and sei7ure of )ri2ate res)ondents: 'oods. $etitioner cor)oration recei2ed information that )ri2ate res)ondents .ere ille'all, sellin' Eo, Scouts items and )ara)hernalia in &cto9er 8984. -he s)ecific date and time are not esta9lished in the e2idence adduced 9, the )arties. $etitioner de Fu7man then made a sur2eillance of the stores of )ri2ate res)ondents. -he, re)orted to the $hili))ine Consta9ular, and on &cto9er <5, 8984, the raid .as made on the stores of )ri2ate res)ondents and the su))osed illicit 'oods .ere sei7ed. -he )ro'ression of time 9et.een the recei)t of the information and the raid of the stores of )ri2ate res)ondents sho.s there .as sufficient time for )etitioners and the $C raidin' )art, to a))l, for a +udicial .arrant. Des)ite the sufficienc, of time, the, did not a))l, for a .arrant and sei7ed the 'oods of )ri2ate res)ondents. In doin' so, the, too( the ris( of a suit for dama'es in case the sei7ure .ould 9e )ro2ed to 2iolate the ri'ht of )ri2ate res)ondents a'ainst unreasona9le search and sei7ure. In the case at 9ench, the search and sei7ure .ere clearl, ille'al. -here .as no )ro9a9le cause for the sei7ure. $ro9a9le cause for a search has 9een defined as 1such facts and circumstances .hich .ould lead a reasona9l, discreet and )rudent man to 9elie2e that an offense has 9een committed and that the o9+ects sou'ht in connection .ith the offense are in the )lace sou'ht to 9e searched.1 8 -hese facts and circumstances .ere not in an, .a, sho.n 9, the )etitioners to +ustif, their .arrantless search and sei7ure. Indeed, after a )reliminar, in2esti'ation, the $ro2incial Fiscal of i7al dismissed their com)laint for unfair com)etition and later ordered the return of the sei7ed 'oods. $etitioners .ould deflect their lia9ilit, .ith the ar'ument that it .as the $hili))ine Consta9ular, that conducted the raid and their )artici)ation .as onl, to re)ort the alle'ed ille'al acti2it, of )ri2ate res)ondents. Chile undou9tedl,, the mem9ers of the $C raidin' team should ha2e 9een included in the com)laint for 2iolation of the )ri2ate res)ondents: constitutional ri'hts, still, the omission .ill not e>cul)ate )etitioners. In the case of +im vs. #once de +eon, 9 .e ruled for the reco2er, of dama'es for 2iolation of constitutional ri'hts and li9erties from )u9lic officer or )ri2ate indi2idual, thus0 "rt. 4<. "n, )u9lic officer or emplo&ee or an& private individ"al who directl& or indirectl& o9structs, defeats, 2iolates or in an, manner im)edes or im)airs an, of the follo.in' ri'hts and li9erties of another )erson shall 9e lia9le to the latter for dama'es. 396 -he ri'hts to 9e secure in one:s )erson, house, )a)ers, and effects a'ainst unreasona9le searches and sei7ures. -he indemnit, shall include moral dama'es. E>em)lar, dama'es ma, also 9e ad+ud'ed. "rt. <<89. *oral dama'es ma, 9e reco2ered in the follo.in' and analo'ous cases0 356 Ille'al search@ 386 "cts and actions referred to in "rticles <8, <5, <7, <8, <9, 4D, ;4, 44, and 45. $ursuant to the fore'oin' )ro2isions, a )erson .hose constitutional ri'hts ha2e 9een 2iolated or im)aired is entitled to actual and moral dama'es from the )u9lic officer or emplo&ee responsi%le therefor. In addition, e>em)lar, dama'es ma, also 9e a.arded. >>> >>> >>> -he 2er, nature of "rticle 4< is that the .ron' ma, 9e ci2il or criminal. It is not necessar, therefore that there should 9e malice or 9ad faith. -o ma(e such a re=uisite .ould defeat the main )ur)ose of "rticle 4< .hich is the effecti2e )rotection of indi2idual ri'hts. $u9lic officials in the )ast ha2e a9used their )o.ers on the )rete>t of +ustifia9le moti2es or 'ood faith in the )erformance of their duties. $recisel,, the o9+ect

of the "rticle is to )ut an end to official a9use 9, )lea of the 'ood faith. In the Gnited States this remed, is in the nature of a tort. 3em)hasis su))lied6 In the su9se=uent case of ,%erca vs. <er, 1/ the Court 5n 6anc e>)lained the lia9ilit, of )ersons indirectl, res)onsi9le, vi.0 A-Bhe decisi2e factor in this case, in our 2ie., is the lan'ua'e of "rticle 4<. -he la. s)ea(s of an officer or emplo&ee or person =directl& or indirectl&= res)onsi9le for the 2iolation of the constitutional ri'hts and li9erties of another. -hus, it is not the actor alone 3i.e., the one directl, res)onsi9le6 .ho must ans.er for dama'es under "rticle 4<@ the )erson indirectl, res)onsi9le has also to ans.er for the dama'es or in+ur, caused to the a''rie2ed )art,. >>> >>> >>> Chile it .ould certainl, 9e too nai2e to e>)ect that 2iolators of human ri'hts .ould easil, 9e deterred 9, the )ros)ect of facin' dama'es suits, it should nonetheless 9e made clear in no uncertain terms that "rticle 4< of the Ci2il Code ma(es the )ersons .ho are directl,, as well as indirectl& responsi%le for the transgression $oint tortfeasors. >>> >>> >>> ANBeither can it 9e said that onl, those sho.n to ha2e )artici)ated 1directl,1 should 9e held lia9le. "rticle 4< of the Ci2il Code encom)asses .ithin the am9it of its )ro2isions those directl,, as well as indirectl& responsi%le for its violations . 3em)hasis su))lied6 "))l,in' the aforecited )ro2isions and leadin' cases, the res)ondent court correctl, 'ranted dama'es to )ri2ate res)ondents. $etitioners .ere indirectl& in2ol2ed in trans'ressin' the ri'ht of )ri2ate res)ondents a'ainst unreasona9le search and sei7ure. Firstl,, the, insti'ated the raid )ursuant to their co2enant in the *emorandum "'reement to underta(e the )rosecution in court of all ille'al sources of scoutin' su))lies. 11 "s correctl, o9ser2ed 9, res)ondent court0 Indeed, the acts committed 9, the $C soldiers of unla.full, sei7in' a))ellees: 3res)ondents:6 merchandise and of filin' the criminal com)laint for unfair com)etition a'ainst a))ellees 3res)ondents6 .ere for the )rotection and 9enefit of a))ellant 3)etitioner6 cor)oration. Such 9ein' the case, it is, thus, reasona9l, fair to infer from those acts that it was "pon appellant >petitioner? corporation@s instance that the #! soldiers cond"cted the raid and effected the illegal sei."re. -hese circumstances should ans.er the trial court:s =uer, ; )osed in its decision no. under consideration ; as to wh& the #! soldiers immediatel& t"rned over the sei.ed merchandise to appellant >petitioner? corporation. 12 -he raid .as conducted .ith the acti2e )artici)ation of their em)lo,ee. /arr, de Fu7man did not lift a fin'er to sto) the sei7ure of the 9o, and 'irl scouts items. E, standin' 9, and apparentl& assenting thereto, he .as lia9le to the same e>tent as the officers themsel2es. 13 So .ith the )etitioner cor)oration .hich e2en recei2ed for safe(ee)in' the 'oods unreasona9l, sei7ed 9, the $C raidin' team and de Fu7man, and refused to surrender them for =uite a time des)ite the dismissal of its com)laint for unfair com)etition. Secondl,, /etter of Instruction No. 8<99 .as )recisel, crafted on *arch 9, 8984 to safe'uard not onl, the )ri2ile'e of franchise holder of scoutin' items 9ut also the citi7en:s constitutional ri'hts, to wit0 -I-/E0 "$$ E?ENSI&N &F GN"G-?& I%ED *"NGF"C-G E S "ND DIS- IEG-& S &F SC&G$" "$?E N"/I" "ND I*$&GNDINF &F S"ID $" "$?E N"/I". "ES- "C-0

49

Directs all la. enforcement a'encies of the e)u9lic of the $hili))ines, to a))rehend immediatel, unauthori7ed manufacturers and distri9utors of Scout )ara)hernalia, "pon proper application %& the 6o& Sco"ts of the #hilippines andAor Birl Sco"ts of the #hilippines for warrant of arrest andAor search warrant with a $"dge or s"ch other responsi%le officer as ma& %e a"thori.ed %& law@ and to im)ound the said )ara)hernalia to 9e used as e2idence in court or other a))ro)riate administrati2e 9od,. &rders the immediate and strict compliance with the Instr"ctions. 1. Gnder the a9o2e )ro2ision and as aforediscussed, )etitioners misera9l, failed to re)ort the unla.ful )eddlin' of scoutin' 'oods to the Eo, Scouts of the $hili))ines for the )ro)er a))lication of a .arrant. $ri2ate res)ondents: ri'hts are immuta9le and cannot 9e sacrificed to transient needs. 15 $etitioners did not ha2e the un9ridled license to cause the sei7ure of res)ondents: 'oods .ithout an, .arrant. "nd thirdl,, if )etitioners did not ha2e a hand in the raid, the, should ha2e filed a third-)art, com)laint a'ainst the raidin' team for contri9ution or an, other relief, 10 in res)ect of res)ondents: claim for eco2er, of Sum of *one, .ith Dama'es. "'ain, the, did not. Ce ha2e consistentl, ruled that moral dama'es are not a.arded to )enali7e the defendant 9ut to com)ensate the )laintiff for the in+uries he ma, ha2e suffered. 17 Conforma9l, .ith our rulin' in +im vs. #once de +eon, op. cit., moral dama'es can 9e a.arded in the case at 9ench. -here can 9e no dou9t that )etitioners must ha2e suffered slee)less ni'hts, serious an>iet,, and .ounded feelin's due the tortious raid caused 9, )etitioners. $ri2ate res)ondents: a2o.als of em9arrassment and humiliation durin' the sei7ure of their merchandise .ere su))orted 9, their testimonies. es)ondent Cru7 declared0 I felt 2er, ner2ous. I .as cr,in' to loss 3sic6 m, 'oods and ca)ital 9ecause I am doin' 9usiness .ith 9orro.ed mone, onl,, there .as commotion created 9, the raidin' team and the, e2en ste))ed on some of the )ants and dresses on dis)la, for sale. "ll )assers9, sto))ed to .atch and stared at me .ith accusin' e>)ressions. I .as trem9lin' and terri9l, ashamed, sir. 18 es)ondent /u'atiman testified0 I felt 2er, ner2ous. I .as cr,in' and I .as 2er, much ashamed 9ecause man, )eo)le ha2e 9een .atchin' the $C soldiers haulin' m, items, and man,OI 3sic6 heard sa, 1na(a. )ala an' m'a i,an1 for .hich I am claimin' $<5,DDD.DD for dama'es. 19 Chile res)ondent Fon7ale7 stated thus0 I do not li(e the .a, the raid .as conducted 9, the team sir 9ecause it loo(ed li(e that .hat I ha2e 9een sellin' .ere stolen items that the, should 9e confiscated 9, uniformed soldiers. *an, )eo)le .ere around and the more the confiscation .as made in a scandalous manner@ e2er, clothes, --shirts, )ants and dresses e2en those not .ra))ed dro))ed to the 'round. I .as terri9l, shamed in the )resence of mar(et 'oers that mornin'.2/ Needles to state, the .antonness of the .ron'ful sei7ure +ustifies the a.ard of e>em)lar, dama'es. 21 It .ill also ser2e as a stern reminder to all and sundr, that the constitutional )rotection a'ainst unreasona9le search and sei7ure is a 2irile realit, and not a mere 9urst of rhetoric. -he all encom)assin' )rotection e>tends a'ainst intrusions directl, done 9oth 9, 'o2ernment and indirectl, 9, )ri2ate entities. IN !IEC C?E E&F, the a))ealed decision is "FFI *ED CI-? *&DIFIC"-I&N. Ce im)ose a SIH $E CEN- 35P6 interest from #anuar, 9, 8987 on the -C& -?&GS"ND $ES&S 3$<,DDD.DD6 for the unreturned t.ent,-si> 3<56 )ieces of 'irl scouts items and a -CE/!E $E CEN- 38<P6 interest, in lieu of SIH

$E CEN- 35P6, on the said amount u)on finalit, of this Decision until the )a,ment thereof. 22 Costs a'ainst )etitioners. S& & DE ED. G.R. No. L-09800 Apri2 15, 1988 R"GEL$" A,ERCA, R"D"L#" ,EN"-A, NE-&"R ,"D$N" N"EL E&A,AG DAN$L" DE LA #4EN&E, ,ELEN D$A+-#L"RE-, MAN4EL MAR$" G4+MAN, ALAN JA+M$NE+, ED;$N L"*E+, AL#RED" MAN-"-, ALE% MARCEL$N", EL$+A,E&! *R"&AC$"-MARCEL$N", J"-E*! "LA:ER, CARL"*ALMA, MARC" *AL", R"LAND" -AL4&$N, ,ENJAM$N -E-G4ND", AR&4R" &A,ARA, ED;$N &4LAL$AN 'n( RE,ECCA &4LAL$ANpetitioner , v . MAJ. GEN. #A,$AN )ER, C"L. #$DEL -$NG-"N, C"L. R"LAND" A,AD$LLA, C"L. GERARD" ,. LAN&"R$A, C"L. GAL$LE" 8$N&ANAR, 1-& L&. C"L. *AN#$L" M. LAC-"N, MAJ. R"D"L#" AG4$NALD", CA*&. DAN$L" *$+ARR", 1-& L&. *EDR" &ANG", 1-& L&. R"ME" R$CARD", 1-& L&. RA4L ,ACAL-", M-G& ,$EN)EN$D" ,ALA,A 'n( REG$"NAL &R$AL C"4R&, N'tion'2 C'pit'2 J1(ici'2 Re6ion, ,r'nc< %C) =95>, ?1e@on Cit3,re pon(ent . :A*, J.: -his )etition for certiorari )resents 2ital issues not heretofore )assed u)on 9, this Court. It )oses the =uestion .hether the sus)ension of the )ri2ile'e of the .rit of ha9eas cor)us 9ars a ci2il action for dama'es for ille'al searches conducted 9, militar, )ersonnel and other 2iolations of ri'hts and li9erties 'uaranteed under the Constitution. If such action for dama'es ma, 9e maintained, .ho can 9e held lia9le for such 2iolations0 onl, the militar, )ersonnel directl, in2ol2ed andOor their su)eriors as .ell. -his case stems from alle'ed ille'al searches and sei7ures and other 2iolations of the ri'hts and li9erties of )laintiffs 9, 2arious intelli'ence units of the "rmed Forces of the $hili))ines, (no.n as -as( Force *a(a9ansa 3-F*6 ordered 9, Feneral Fa9ian !er 1to conduct )re-em)ti2e stri(es a'ainst (no.n communistterrorist 3C-6 under'round houses in 2ie. of increasin' re)orts a9out C- )lans to so. distur9ances in *etro *anila,1 $laintiffs alle'e, amon' others, that com)l,in' .ith said order, elements of the -F* raided se2eral )laces, em)lo,in' in most cases defecti2el, issued +udicial search .arrants@ that durin' these raids, certain mem9ers of the raidin' )art, confiscated a num9er of )urel, )ersonal items 9elon'in' to )laintiffs@ that )laintiffs .ere arrested .ithout )ro)er .arrants issued 9, the courts@ that for some )eriod after their arrest, the, .ere denied 2isits of relati2es and la.,ers@ that )laintiffs .ere interro'ated in 2iolation of their ri'hts to silence and counsel@ that militar, men .ho interro'ated them em)lo,ed threats, tortures and other forms of 2iolence on them in order to o9tain incriminator, information or confessions and in order to )unish them@ that all 2iolations of )laintiffs constitutional ri'hts .ere )art of a concerted and deli9erate )lan to forci9l, e>tract information and incriminator, statements from )laintiffs and to terrori7e, harass and )unish them, said )lans 9ein' )re2iousl, (no.n to and sanctioned 9, defendants. $laintiffs sou'ht actualOcom)ensator, dama'es amountin' to $49,D4D.DD@ moral dama'es in the amount of at least $85D,DDD.DD each or a total of $4,DDD,DDD.DD@ e>em)lar, dama'es in the amount of at least $85D,DDD.DD each or a total of $4,DDD,DDD.DD@ and attorne,:s fees amountin' to not less than $<DD,DDD.DD. " motion to dismiss .as filed 9, defendants, throu'h their counsel, then Solicitor-Feneral Estelito *endo7a, alle'in' that 386 )laintiffs ma, not cause a +udicial in=uir, into the circumstances of their detention in the 'uise of a dama'e suit 9ecause, as to them, the )ri2ile'e of the .rit of ha9eas cor)us is sus)ended@ 3<6 assumin' that the courts can entertain the )resent action, defendants are immune from lia9ilit, for acts done in the )erformance of their official duties@ and 346 the com)laint states no cause of action a'ainst the defendants. &))osition to said motion to dismiss .as filed 9, )laintiffs *arco $alo, Danilo de la Fuente, Een+amin Ses'undo, Nel Eta9a', "lfredo *ansos and olando Salutin on #ul, 8, 8984, and 9, )laintiffs Ed.in /o)e7, *anuel *ario Fu7man, "lan #asmine7, Nestor Eodino, Carlos $alma, "rturo -a9ara, #ose)h &la,er, odolfo Eenosa, Eelen Dia7, Flores, o'elio "9erca, "le> *arcelino and Eli7a9eth *arcelino on #ul, <8, 8984. &n No2em9er 7, 8984, a Consolidated e)l, .as filed 9, defendants: counsel. -hen, on No2em9er 8, 8984, the e'ional -rial Court, National Ca)ital e'ion, Eranch 95, #ud'e Cillelmo C. Fortun, $residin', 1 issued a resolution 'rantin' the motion to dismiss. I sustained, loc(, stoc( and 9arrel, the defendants: contention 386 the )laintiffs ma, not cause a +udicial in=uir, into the circumstances of their

49

detention in the 'uise of a dama'e suit 9ecause, as to them, the )ri2ile'e of the .rit of ha9eas cor)us is sus)ended@ 3<6 that assumin' that the court can entertain the )resent action, defendants are immune from lia9ilit, for acts done in the )erformance of their official duties@ and 346 that the com)laint states no cause of action a'ainst defendants, since there is no alle'ation that the defendants named in the com)laint confiscated )laintiffs: )urel, )ersonal )ro)erties in 2iolation of their constitutional ri'hts, and .ith the )ossi9le e>ce)tion of *a+or odolfo "'uinaldo and Ser'eant Eien2enido Eala9o committed acts of torture and maltreatment, or that the defendants had the dut, to e>ercise direct su)er2ision and control of their su9ordinates or that the, had 2icarious lia9ilit, as em)lo,ers under "rticle <88D of the Ci2il Code. -he lo.er court stated, 1"fter a careful stud, of defendants: ar'uments, the court finds the same to 9e meritorio"s and must, therefore, 9e 'ranted. &n the other hand, )laintiffs: ar'uments in their o))osition are lac(in' in merit.1 " motion to set aside the order dismissin' the com)laint and a su))lemental motion for reconsideration .as filed 9, the )laintiffs on No2em9er 88, 8984, and No2em9er <4, 8984, res)ecti2el,. &n Decem9er 9, 8984, the defendants filed a comment on the aforesaid motion of )laintiffs, furnishin' a co), thereof to the attorne,s of all the )laintiffs, namel,, "tt,s. #ose C. Dio(no, $roco)io Eeltran, ene Sarmiento, Efren *ercado, "u'uso Sanche7, "ntonio /. osales, $edro E. Ella #r., "rno !. Sanidad, "le>ander $adilla, #o(er "rro,o, ene Sa'uisa', amon Es'uerra and Felicitas "=uino. &n Decem9er 85, 8984, #ud'e Fortun issued an order 2oluntaril, inhi9itin' himself from further )roceedin' in the case and lea2in' the resolution of the motion to set aside the order of dismissal to #ud'e /isin', 1to )reclude an, sus)icion that he 3#ud'e Fortun6 cannot resol2e AtheB aforesaid )endin' motion .ith the cold neutralit, of an im)artial +ud'e and to )ut an end to )laintiffs assertion that the undersi'ned has no authorit, or +urisdiction to resol2e said )endin' motion.1 -his order )rom)ted )laintiffs to reesol2e an am)lificator, motion for reconsideration si'ned in the name of the Free /e'al "ssistance Frou) 3F/"F6 of *a9ini /e'al "id Committee, 9, "tt,s. #o(er $. "rro,o, Felicitas "=uino and "rno Sanidad on ")ril 8<, 8984. &n *a, <,8984, the defendants filed a comment on said am)lificator, motion for reconsideration. In an order dated *a, 88, 8984, the trial court, #ud'e Este9an /isin', $residin', .ithout actin' on the motion to set aside order of No2em9er 8, 8984, issued an order, as follo.s0 It a))earin' from the records that, indeed, the follo.in' )laintiffs, o'elio "9erca, Danilo de la Fuente and *arco $alo, re)resented 9, counsel, "tt,. #ose C. Dio(no, "lan #asmine7 re)resented 9, counsel, "tt,. "u'usta Sanche7, S)ouses "le> *arcelino and Eli7a9eth $rotacio-*arcelino, re)resented 9, counsel, "tt,. $roco)io Eeltran, "lfredo *ansos re)resented 9, counsel, "tt,. ene Sarmiento, and olando Salutin, re)resented 9, counsel, "tt,. Efren *ercado, failed to file a motion to reconsider the &rder of No2em9er 8, 8984, dismissin' the com)laint, nor inter)osed an a))eal therefrom .ithin the re'lementar, )eriod, as )ra,ed for 9, the defendants, said &rder is no. final a'ainst said )laintiffs. "ssailin' the said order of *a, 88, 8984, the )laintiffs filed a motion for reconsideration on *a, <8,8984, alle'in' that it .as not true that )laintiffs o'elio "9erca, Danilo de la Fuente, *arco $alo, "lan #asmine7, "le> *arcelino, Eli7a9eth $rotacio-*arcelino, "lfredo *ansos and olando Salutin failed to file a motion to reconsider the order of No2em9er 8, 8984 dismissin' the com)laint, .ithin the re'lementar, )eriod. $laintiffs claimed that the motion to set aside the order of No2em9er 8, 8984 and the am)lificator, motion for reconsideration .as filed for all the )laintiffs, althou'h si'ned 9, onl, some of the la.,ers. In its resolution of Se)tem9er <8, 8984, the res)ondent court dealt .ith 9oth motions 386 to reconsider its order of *a, 88, 8984 declarin' that .ith res)ect to certain )laintiffs, the resolution of No2em9er 8, 8984 had alread, 9ecome final, and 3<6 to set aside its resolution of No2em9er 8, 8984 'rantin' the defendants: motion to dismiss. In the dis)ositi2e )ortion of the order of Se)tem9er <8, 8984, the res)ondent court resol2ed0 386 -hat the motion to set aside the order of finalit,, dated *a, 88, 8984, of the esolution of dismissal of the com)laint of )laintiffs o'elio "9erca, Danilo de la

Fuente, *arco $alo, "lan #asmine7 "le> *arcelino, Eli7a9eth $rotacio-*arcelino, "lfredo *ansos and olando Salutin is deed for lac( of merit@ 3<6 For lac( of cause of action as a'ainst the follo.in' defendants, to .it0 8. Fen Fa9ian !er <. Col. Fidel Sin'son 4. Col. olando "9adilla 4. /t. Col. Conrado /antoria, #r. 5. Col. Falileo *ontanar 5. Col. $anfilo /acson 7. Ca)t. Danilo $i7aro 8. 8 /t $edro -an'o 9. /t. omeo icardo 8D. /t. aul Eacalso the motion to set aside and reconsider the esolution of dismissal of the )resent action or com)laint, dated No2em9er 8, 8984, is also denied 9ut in so far as it affects and refers to defendants, to .it0 8. *a+or odolfo "'uinaldo, and <. *aster S't. Eien2enido Eala9a

the motion to reconsider and set aside the esolution of dismissal dated No2em9er 4, 8984 is 'ranted and the esolution of dismissal is, in this res)ect, reconsidered and modified. ?ence, )etitioners filed the instant )etition for certiorari on *arch 85, 8985 see(in' to annul and set aside the res)ondent court:s resolution of No2em9er 8, 8984, its order of *a, 88, 8984, and its resolution dated Se)tem9er <8, 8984. es)ondents .ere re=uired to comment on the )etition, .hich it did on No2em9er 9, 8985. " re)l, .as filed 9, )etitioners on "u'ust <5, 8985. Ce find the )etition meritorious and decide to 'i2e it due course. "t the heart of )etitioners: com)laint is "rticle 4< of the Ci2il Code .hich )ro2ides0 " -. 4<. "n, )u9lic officer or em)lo,ee, or an, )ri2ate indi2idual .ho directl, or indirectl, o9structs, defeats, 2iolates or in an, manner im)edes or im)airs an, of the follo.in' ri'hts and li9erties of another )erson shall 9e lia9le to the latter for dama'es0 386 Freedom of reli'ion@ 3<6 Freedom of s)eech@ 346 Freedom to .rite for the )ress or to maintain a )eriodical )u9lication@ 346 Freedom from ar9itrar, or ille'al detention@ 356 Freedom of suffra'e@ 356 -he ri'ht a'ainst de)ri2ation of )ro)ert, .ithout due )rocess of la.@ 386 -he ri'ht to a +ust com)ensation .hen )ri2ate )ro)ert, is ta(en for )u9lic use@ 396 -he ri'ht to the e=ual )rotection of the la.s@ 38D6 -he ri'ht to 9e secure in one:s )erson, house, )a)ers, and effects a'ainst unreasona9le searches and sei7ures@ 3886 -he li9ert, of a9ode and of chan'in' the same@ 38<6 -he )ri2ac, of cmmunication and corres)ondence@

49

3846 -he ri'ht to 9ecome a mem9er of associations or societies for )ur)oses not contrar, to la.@ 3846 -he ri'ht to ta(e )art in a )eacea9le assem9l, to )etition the Fo2ernment for redress of 'rie2ances@ 3856 -he ri'ht to 9e free from in2oluntar, ser2itude in an, form@ 3856 -he ri'th of the accused a'ainst e>cessi2e 9ail@ 3876 -he ri'th of the aaccused to 9e heard 9, himself and counsel, to 9e informed of the nature and cause of the accusation a'ainst him, to ha2e a s)eed, and )u9lic trial, to meet the .itnesses face to face, and to ha2e com)ulsor, )rocess to secure the attendance of .itness in 9ehalf@ 3886 Freedom from 9ein' com)elled to 9e a .itness a'ainst ones self, or from 9ein' forced to confess 'uilt, or from 9ein' induced 9, a )romise of immunit, or re.ard to ma(e such confession, e>ce)t .hen the )erson confessin' 9ecomes a State .itness@ 3896 Freedom from e>cessi2e fines or cruel and unusual )unishment, unless the same is im)osed or inflicted in accordance .ith a statute .hich has not 9een +udiciall, declared unconstitutional@ and 3<D6 Freedom of access to the courts. In an, of the cases referred to in this article, .hether or not the defendant:s act or omission constitutes a criminal offense, the a'ainst 'rie2ed )art, has a ri'ht to commence an entirel, se)arate and distinct ci2il action for dama'es, and for other relief. Such ci2il action shall )roceed inde)endentl, of an, criminal )rosecution 3if the latter 9e instituted6, and ma, 9e )ro2ed 9, a )re)onderance of e2idence. -he indemnit, shall include moral dama'es. E>em)lar, dama'es ma, also 9e ad+udicated. -he res)onsi9ilit, herein set forth is not demanda9le from a +ud'e unless his act or omission constitutes a 2iolation of the $enal Code or other )enal statute. It is o92ious that the )ur)ose of the a9o2e codal )ro2ision is to )ro2ide a sanction to the dee)l, cherished ri'hts and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. Its messa'e is clear@ no man ma, see( to 2iolate those sacred ri'hts .ith im)unit,. In times of 'reat u)hea2al or of social and )olitical stress, .hen the tem)tation is stron'est to ,ield ; 9orro.in' the .ords of Chief #ustice Claudio -eehan(ee ; to the la. of force rather than the force of la., it is necessar, to remind oursel2es that certain 9asic ri'hts and li9erties are immuta9le and cannot 9e sacrificed to the transient needs or im)erious demands of the rulin' )o.er. -he rule of la. must )re2ail, or else li9ert, .ill )erish. &ur commitment to democratic )rinci)les and to the rule of la. com)els us to re+ect the 2ie. .hich reduces la. to nothin' 9ut the e>)ression of the .ill of the )redominant )o.er in the communit,. 1Democrac, cannot 9e a rei'n of )ro'ress, of li9ert,, of +ustice, unless the la. is res)ected 9, him .ho ma(es it and 9, him for .hom it is made. No. this res)ect im)lies a ma>imum of faith, a minimum of Idealism. &n 'oin' to the 9ottom of the matter, .e disco2er that life demands of us a certain residuum of sentiment .hich is not deri2ed from reason, 9ut .hich reason ne2ertheless controls. 2 See(in' to +ustif, the dismissal of )laintiffs: com)laint, the res)ondents )ostulate the 2ie. that as )u9lic officers the, are co2ered 9, the mantle of state immunit, from suit for acts done in the )erformance of official duties or function In su))ort of said contention, res)ondents maintain that ; es)ondents are mem9ers of the "rmed Forces of the $hili))ines. -heir )rimar, dut, is to safe'uard )u9lic safet, and order. -he Constitution no less )ro2ides that the $resident ma, call them 1to )re2ent or su)ress la.less 2iolence, in2asion, insurrection or re9ellion, or imminent dan'er thereof.1 3Constitution, "rticle !II, Section 96. &n #anuar, 87, 8988, the $resident issued $roclamation No. <D45 liftin' martial la. 9ut )ro2idin' for the continued sus)ension of the )ri2ile'e of the .rit of ha9eas cor)us in 2ie. of the remainin' dan'ers to the securit, of the nation. -he )roclamation also )ro2ided 1that the call to the "rmed Forces of the $hili))ines to )re2ent or su))ress

la.less 2iolence, insuitection re9ellion and su92ersion shall continue to 9e in force and effect.1 $etitioners alle'e in their com)laint that their causes of action )roceed from res)ondent Feneral !er:s order to -as( Force *a(a9ansa to launch )re-em)ti2e stri(es a'ainst communist terrorist under'round houses in *etro *anila. $etitioners claim that this order and its su9se=uent im)lementation 9, elements of the tas( force resulted in the 2iolation of their constitutional ri'hts a'ainst unla.ful searches, sei7ures and arrest, ri'hts to counsel and to silence, and the ri'ht to )ro)ert, and that, therefore, res)ondents !er and the named mem9ers of the tas( force should 9e held lia9le for dama'es. Eut, 9, launchin' a )re-em)ti2e stri(e a'ainst communist terrorists, res)ondent mem9ers of the armed forces merel, )erformed their official and constitutional duties. -o allo. )etitioners to reco2er from res)ondents 9, .a, of dama'es for acts )erformed in the e>ercise of such duties run contrar, to the )olic, considerations to shield res)ondents as )u9lic officers from undue interference .ith their duties and from )otentiall, disa9lin' threats of ha9ilit, 3"arlon 2. Fit7'erald 8D< S. Ct. <748-8 For9es 2. Chuoco -iaco, 85 $hil. 5446, and u)on the necessit, of )rotectin' the )erformance of 'o2ernmental and )u9lic functions from 9ein' harassed undul, or constantl, interru)ted 9, )ri2ate suits 3*cCallan 2. State, 45 Cal. ")). 5D5@ *etran 2. $aredes, 79 $hil. 8896. -he immunit, of )u9lic officers from lia9ilit, arisin' from the )erformance of their duties is no. a settled +uris)rudence "l7ua 2. #ohnson, <8 $hil. 4D8@ %ulueta 2. Nicolas, 8D< $hil. 944@ S)aldin' 2. !ilas, 858 GS 484@ 4D /. Ed. 78D, 85 S. Ct. 548@ Earr 2. *ateo, 45D@ Eut7 2. Economon, 448 GS 478@ 57 /. Ed. <d 895, 98 S. Ct. <894@ Scheuer 2. hodes, 485 GS <4<@ For9es 2. Chuoco -iaco, su)ra@ *iller 2. de /eune, 5D< F. <d 898@ Sami 2. GS, 587 F. <d 7556. es)ondents-defendants .ho merel, o9e,ed the la.ful orders of the $resident and his call for the su))ression of the re9ellion in2ol2in' )etitioners en+o, such immunit, from Suit. 3 Ce find res)ondents: in2ocation of the doctrine of state immunit, from suit totall, mis)laced. -he cases in2o(ed 9, res)ondents actuall, in2ol2ed acts done 9, officers in the )erformance of official duties .ritten the am9it of their )o.ers. "s held in For9es, etc. 2s. Chuoco -iaco and Crossfield0 . No one can 9e held le'all, res)onsi9le in dama'es or other.ise for doin' in a le'al manner .hat he had authorit,, under the la., to do. -herefore, if the Fo2ernorFeneral had authorit,, under the la. to de)ort or e>)el the defendants, and circumstances +ustif,in' the de)ortation and the method of carr,in' it out are left to him, then he cannot 9e held lia9le in dama'es for the e>ercise of this )o.er. *oreo2er, if the courts are .ithout authorit, to interfere in an, manner, for the )ur)ose of controllin' or interferrin' .ith the e>ercise of the )olitical )o.ers 2ested in the chief e>ecuti2e authorit, of the Fo2ernment, then it must follo. that the courts cannot inter2ene for the )ur)ose of declarin' that he is lia9le in dama'es for the e>eercise of this authorit,. It ma, 9e that the res)ondents, as mem9ers of the "rmed Forces of the $hili))ines, .ere merel, res)ondin' to their dut,, as the, claim, 1to )re2ent or su))ress la.less 2iolence, insurrection, re9ellion and su92ersion1 in accordance .ith $roclamation No. <D54 of $resident *arcos, des)ite the liftin' of martial la. on #anuar, <7, 8988, and in )ursuance of such o9+ecti2e, to launch )re- em)ti2e stri(es a'ainst alle'ed communist terrorist under'round houses. Eut this cannot 9e construed as a 9lan(et license or a ro2in' commission untramelled

49

9, an, constitutional restraint, to disre'ard or trans'ress u)on the ri'hts and li9erties of the indi2idual citi7en enshrined in and )rotected 9, the Constitution. -he Constitution remains the su)reme la. of the land to .hich all officials, hi'h or lo., ci2ilian or militar,, o.e o9edience and alle'iance at all times. "rticle 4< of the Ci2il Code .hich renders an, )u9lic officer or em)lo,ee or an, )ri2ate indi2idual lia9le in dama'es for 2iolatin' the Constitutional ri'hts and li9erties of another, as enumerated therein, does not e>em)t the res)ondents from res)onsi9ilit,. &nl, +ud'es are e>cluded from lia9ilit, under the said article, )ro2ided their acts or omissions do not constitute a 2iolation of the $enal Code or other )enal statute. -his is not to sa, that militar, authorities are restrained from )ursuin' their assi'ned tas( or carr,in' out their mission .ith 2i'or. Ce ha2e no =uarrel .ith their dut, to )rotect the e)u9lic from its enemies, .hether of the left or of the ri'ht, or from .ithin or .ithout, see(in' to destro, or su92ert our democratic institutions and im)eril their 2er, e>istence. Chat .e are merel, tr,in' to sa, is that in carr,in' out this tas( and mission, constitutional and le'al safe'uards must 9e o9ser2ed, other.ise, the 2er, fa9ric of our faith .ill start to unra2el. In the 9attle of com)etin' Ideolo'ies, the stru''le for the mind is +ust as 2ital as the stru''le of arms. -he linch)in in that )s,cholo'ical stru''le is faith in the rule of la.. &nce that faith is lost or com)romised, the stru''le ma, .ell 9e a9andoned. Ce do not find merit in res)ondents: su''estion that )laintiffs: cause of action is 9arred 9, the sus)ension of the )ri2ile'e of the .rit of ha9eas cor)us. es)ondents contend that 1$etitioners cannot circum2ent the sus)ension of the )ri2ile'e of the .rit 9, resortin' to a dama'e suit aimed at the same )ur)ose-+udicial in=uir, into the alle'ed ille'alit, of their detention. Chile the main relief the, as( 9, the )resent action is indemnification for alle'ed dama'es the, suffered, their causes of action are ine>trica9l, 9ased on the same claim of 2iolations of their constitutional ri'hts that the, in2o(ed in the ha9eas cor)us case as 'rounds for release from detention. Cere the )etitioners allo.ed the )resent suit, the +udicial in=uir, 9arred 9, the sus)ension of the )ri2ile'e of the .rit .ill ta(e )lace. -he net result is that .hat the courts cannot do, i.e. o2erride the sus)ension ordered 9, the $resident, )etitioners .ill 9e a9le to do 9, the mere e>)edient of alterin' the title of their action.1 Ce do not a'ree. Ce find merit in )etitioners: contention that the sus)ension of the )ri2ile'e of the .rit of ha9eas cor)us does not destro, )etitioners: ri'ht and cause of action for dama'es for ille'al arrest and detention and other 2iolations of their constitutional ri'hts. -he sus)ension does not render 2alid an other.ise ille'al arrest or detention. Chat is sus)ended is merel, the ri'ht of the indi2idual to see( release from detention throu'h the .rit of ha9eas cor)us as a s)eed, means of o9tainin' his li9ert,. *oreo2er, as )ointed out 9, )etitioners, their ri'ht and cause of action for dama'es are e>)licitl, reco'ni7ed in $.D. No. 8755 .hich amended "rticle 8845 of the Ci2il Code 9, addin' the follo.in' to its te>t0 ?o.e2er, .hen the action 3for in+ur, to the ri'hts of the )laintiff or for a =uasi-delict6 arises from or out of an, act, acti2it, or conduct of an, )u9lic officer in2ol2in' the e>ercise of )o.ers or authorit, arisin' from *artial /a. includin' the arrest, detention andOor trial of the )laintiff, the same must 9e 9rou'ht .ithin one 386 ,ear. $etitioners ha2e a )oint in contendin' that e2en assumin' that the sus)ension of the )ri2ile'e of the .rit of ha9eas cor)us sus)ends )etitioners: ri'ht of action for dama'es for ille'al arrest and detention, it does not and cannot sus)end their ri'hts and causes of action for in+uries suffered 9ecause of res)ondents: confiscation of their )ri2ate 9elon'in's, the 2iolation of their ri'ht to remain silent and to counsel and their ri'ht to )rotection a'ainst unreasona9le searches and sei7ures and a'ainst torture and other cruel and inhuman treatment. ?o.e2er, .e find it unnecessar, to address the constitutional issue )ressed u)on us. &n *arch <5, 8985, $resident Cora7on C. "=uino issued $roclamation No. <, re2o(in' $roclamation Nos. <D45 and <D45-" and liftin' the sus)ension of the )ri2ile'e of the .rit of ha9eas cor)us. -he =uestion therefore has 9ecome moot and academic.

-his 9rin's us to the crucial issue raised in this )etition. *a, a su)erior officer under the notion of res)ondent su)erior 9e ans.era9le for dama'es, +ointl, and se2erall, .ith his su9ordinates, to the )erson .hose constitutional ri'hts and li9erties ha2e 9een 2iolatedK es)ondents contend that the doctrine of respondent s"perior is a))lica9le to the case. Ce a'ree. -he doctrine of respondent s"perior has 9een 'enerall, limited in its a))lication to )rinci)al and a'ent or to master and ser2ant 3i.e. em)lo,er and em)lo,ee6 relationshi). No such relationshi) e>ists 9et.een su)erior officers of the militar, and their su9ordinates. Ee that as it ma,, ho.e2er, the decisi2e factor in this case, in our 2ie., is the lan'ua'e of "rticle 4<. -he la. s)ea(s of an officer or em)lo,ee or )erson :directl,: or 1indirectl,1 res)onsi9le for the 2iolation of the constitutional ri'hts and li9erties of another. -hus, it is not the actor alone 3i.e. the one directl, res)onsi9le6 .ho must ans.er for dama'es under "rticle 4<@ the )erson indirectl, res)onsi9le has also to ans.er for the dama'es or in+ur, caused to the a''rie2ed )art,. E, this )ro2ision, the )rinci)le of accounta9ilit, of )u9lic officials under the Constitution 5 ac=uires added meanin' and as'ilrnes a lar'er dimension. No lon'er ma, a su)erior official rela> his 2i'ilance or a9dicate his dut, to su)er2ise his su9ordinates, secure in the thou'ht that he does not ha2e to ans.er for the trans'ressions committed 9, the latter a'ainst the constitutionall, )rotected ri'hts and li9erties of the citi7en. $art of the factors that )ro)elled )eo)le )o.er in Fe9ruar, 8985 .as the .idel, held )erce)tion that the 'o2ernment .as callous or indifferent to, if not actuall, res)onsi9le for, the ram)ant 2iolations of human ri'hts. Chile it .ould certainl, 9e 'o nai2e to e>)ect that 2iolators of human ri'hts .ould easil, 9e deterred 9, the )ros)ect of facin' dama'e suits, it should nonetheless 9e made clear in no ones terms that "rticle 4< of the Ci2il Code ma(es the )ersons .ho are directl,, as .ell as indirectl,, res)onsi9le for the trans'ression +oint tortfeasors. In the case at 9ar, the trial court dro))ed defendants Feneral Fa9ian !er, Col. Fidel Sin'son, Col. olando "9adilla, Col. Ferardo /antoria, #r., Col. Falileo Qintanar, Col. $anfilo /acson, Ca)t. Danilo $i7arro, lst /t. $edro -an'o, /t. omeo icardo and /t. icardo Eacalso from the acts of their su9ordinates. &nl, *a+or odolfo "'uinaldo and *aster S't. Eien2enido Eala9a .ere (e)t as defendants on the 'round that the, alone :ha2e 9een s)ecificall, mentioned and Identified to ha2e alle'edl, caused in+uries on the )ersons of some of the )laintiff .hich acts of alle'ed )h,sical 2iolence constitute a delict or .ron' that 'a2e rise to a cause of action. Eut such findin' is not su))orted 9, the record, nor is it in accord .ith la. and +uris)rudence. Firstl,, it is .ron' to at the )laintiffs: action for dama'es 5 Section 8, "rticle 89. to :acts of alle'ed )h,sical 2iolence1 .hich constituted delict or .ron'. "rticle 4< clearl, s)ecifies as actiona9le the act of 2iolatin' or in an, manner im)edin' or im)airin' an, of the constitutional ri'hts and li9erties enumerated therein, amon' others ; 8. Freedom from ar9itrar, arrest or ille'al detention@ <. -he ri'ht a'ainst de)ri2ation of )ro)ert, .ithout due )rocess of la.@ 4. -he ri'ht to 9e secure in one:s )erson, house, )a)ers and effects a'ainst unreasona9le searches and sei7ures@ 4. -he )ri2ac, of communication and corres)ondence@ 5. Freedom from 9ein' com)elled to 9e a .itness a'ainst one:s self, or from 9ein' forced to confess 'uilt, or from 9ein' induced 9, a )romise of immunit, or re.ard to ma(e a confession, e>ce)t .hen the )erson confessin' 9ecomes a state .itness. -he com)laint in this liti'ation alle'es facts sho.in' .ith a9undant clarit, and details, ho. )laintiffs: constitutional ri'hts and li9erties mentioned in "rticle 4< of the Ci2il Code .ere 2iolated and im)aired 9, defendants. -he com)laint s)ea(s of, amon' others, searches made .ithout search .arrants or 9ased on irre'ularl, issued or su9stantiall, defecti2e .arrants@ sei7ures and confiscation, .ithout )ro)er recei)ts, of cash and )ersonal effects 9elon'in' to )laintiffs and other items of )ro)ert, .hich .ere not su92ersi2e and ille'al nor co2ered 9, the search .arrants@ arrest and detention of )laintiffs .ithout .arrant or under irre'ular, im)ro)er and ille'al circumstances@ detention of )laintiffs at se2eral undisclosed )laces of :safehouses1 .here

49

the, .ere (e)t incommunicado and su9+ected to )h,sical and )s,cholo'ical torture and other inhuman, de'radin' and 9rutal treatment for the )ur)ose of e>tractin' incriminator, statements. -he com)laint contains a detailed recital of a9uses )er)etrated u)on the )laintiffs 2iolati2e of their constitutional ri'hts. Secondl,, neither can it 9e said that onl, those sho.n to ha2e )artici)ated 1directl,1 should 9e held lia9le. "rticle 4< of the Ci2il Code encom)asses .ithin the am9it of its )ro2isions those directl,, as .ell as indirectl,, res)onsi9le for its 2iolation. -he res)onsi9ilit, of the defendants, .hether direct or indirect, is am)l, set forth in the com)laint. It is .ell esta9lished in our la. and +uris)rudence that a motion to dismiss on the 'round that the com)laint states no cause of action must 9e 9ased on .hat a))ears on the face of the com)laint. 0 -o determine the sufficienc, of the cause of action, onl, the facts alle'ed in the com)laint, and no others, should 9e considered. 7 For this )ur)ose, the motion to dismiss must h,)otheticall, admit the truth of the facts alle'ed in the com)laint. 8 "))l,in' this test, it is difficult to +ustif, the trial court:s rulin', dismissin' for lac( of cause of action the com)laint a'ainst all the defendants, e>ce)t *a+or odolfo "'uinaldo and *aster S't. Eien2enido Eala9a. -he com)laint contained alle'ations a'ainst all the defendants .hich, if admitted h,)otheticall,, .ould 9e sufficient to esta9lish a cause or causes of action a'ainst all of them under "rticle 4< of the Ci2il Code. -his 9rin's us to the last issue. Cas the trial court correct in dismissin' the com)laint .ith res)ect to )laintiffs o'elio "9erca, Danilo de la $uente, *arco $alo, "lan #a7mine7, "le> *arcelino, Eli7a9eth $rotacio*arcelino, "lfredo *ansos and olando Salutin, on the 9asis of the alle'ed failure of said )laintiffs to file a motion for reconsideration of the court:s resolution of No2em9er 8, 8984, 'rantin' the res)ondent:s motion to dismissK It is undis)uted that a timel, motion to set aside said order of No2em9er 8, 8984 .as filed 9, :)laintiffs, throu'h counsel. -rue, the motion .as si'ned onl, 9, "tt,. #o(er $. "rro,o, counsel for Een+amin Ses'ulido@ "tt,. "ntonio osales, counsel for Ed.in /o)e7 and *anuel *artin Fu7man@ "tt,. $edro E. Ella, #r., counsel for Nestor Eodino and Carlos $alma@ "tt,. "rno !. Sanidad, counsel for "rturo -a9ara@ "tt,. Felicitas S. "=uino, counsel for #ose)h &la,er@ and "tt,. "le>ander $adilla, counsel for odolfo Eenosa. Eut the 9od, of the motion itself clearl, indicated that the motion .as filed on 9ehalf of all the )laintiffs. "nd this must ha2e 9een also the understandin' of defendants: counsel himself for .hen he filed his comment on the motion, he furnished co)ies thereof, not +ust to the la.,ers .ho si'ned the motion, 9ut to all the la.,ers of )laintiffs, to .it0 "tt,s. #ose Dio(no, $roco)io Eeltran, ene Sarmiento, Efren *ercado, "u'usto Sanche7, "ntonio osales, $edro Efla #r., "rno Sanidad, "le>ander $adilla, #o(er "rro,o, ene Sa'uisa', amon Es'uerra and Felicitas S. "=uino. In filin' the motion to set aside the resolution of No2em9er 8, 8984, the si'nin' attorne,s did so on 9ehalf of all the )laintiff. -he, needed no s)ecific authorit, to do that. -he authorit, of an attorne, to a))ear for and in 9ehalf of a )art, can 9e assumed, unless =uestioned or challen'ed 9, the ad2erse )art, or the )art, concerned, .hich .as ne2er done in this case. -hus, it .as 'ra2e a9use on the )art of res)ondent +ud'e to ta(e it u)on himself to rule that the motion to set aside the order of No2em9er 8, 8954 dismissin' the com)laint .as filed onl, 9, some of the )laintiffs, .hen 9, its 2er, lan'ua'e it .as clearl, intended to 9e filed 9, and for the 9enefit of all of them. It is o92ious that the res)ondent +ud'e too( um9ra'e under a contri2ed technicalit, to declare that the dismissal of the com)laint had alread, 9ecome final .ith res)ect to some of the )laintiffs .hose la.,ers did not si'n the motion for reconsideration. Such action tainted .ith le'al infirmit, cannot 9e sanctioned. "ccordin'l,, .e 'rant the )etition and annul and set aside the resolution of the res)ondent court, dated No2em9er 8, 8984, its order dated *a, 88, 8984 and its resolution dated Se)tem9er <8, 8984. /et the case 9e remanded to the res)ondent court for further )roceedin's. Cith costs a'ainst )ri2ate res)ondents. S& & DE ED.

G.R. No. L-03559 M'3 3/, 1980 NE;-;EE8, $NC., petitioner, v .&!E $N&ERMED$A&E A**ELLA&E C"4R&, 'n( NA&$"NAL #EDERA&$"N "# -4GARCANE *LAN&ER- $NC., ,$NAL,AGAN-$-A,ELA *LAN&ER- A--"C$A&$"N, $NC., A-"C$AC$"N DE AGR$C4L&"RE- DE LA CARL"&A, LA CA-&ELLANA 3 *"N&E)EDRA, $NC., D"NEDC" *LAN&ER- A--"C$A&$"N $NC., ARMAND" G4-&$L", ENR$?4E R"JA-, AL#RED" M"N&EL$,AN", JR., *A,L" -"LA, J"-E M"N&AL)", )$CEN&E G4-&$L", J"-E*! MARAN"N, R",ER&" C4ENCA, J"-E -$CANGC", #L"RENC$" AL"N-", M$G4EL GA&4-LA", *EDR" :4L", MAR$N" R4,$N 'n( ,ENJAM$N ,A4&$-&A, re pon(ent . #ER$A, J.: $etitioner, Ne.s.ee(, Inc., a forei'n cor)oration licensed to do 9usiness in the $hili))ines, in this s)ecial action for certiorari, )rohi9ition .ith )reliminar, in+unction, see(s to annul the decision of the Intermediate "))ellate Court dated Decem9er 87, 898< sustainin' the &rder of the then Court of First Instance of Eacolod Cit, .hich denied )etitioner:s *otion to Dismiss the com)laint for li9el filed 9, )ri2ate res)ondents 3Ci2il Case No. 8588<6, and the esolution dated *arch 8D, 8984 .hich denied its *otion for econsideration. It a))ears that on *arch 5, 8988, )ri2ate res)ondents, incor)orated associations of su'arcane )lanters in Ne'ros &ccidental claimin' to ha2e 8,5DD mem9ers and se2eral indi2idual su'ar )lanters, filed Ci2il Case No. 8588< in their o.n 9ehalf andOor as a class suit in 9ehalf of all su'arcane )lanters in the )ro2ince of Ne'ros &ccidental, a'ainst )etitioner and t.o of )etitioners: non-resident corres)ondentsOre)orters Fred Erunin' and Earr, Came. -he com)laint alle'ed that )etitioner and the other defendants committed li9el a'ainst them 9, the )u9lication of the article 1"n Island of Fear1 in the Fe9ruar, <4, 8988 issue of )etitioner:s .ee(l, ne.s ma'a7ine :ewswee*. -he article su))osedl, )ortra,ed the island )ro2ince of Ne'ros &ccidental as a )lace dominated 9, 9i' lando.ners or su'arcane )lanters .ho not onl, e>)loited the im)o2erished and under)aid su'arcane .or(ersOla9orers, 9ut also 9rutali7ed and (illed them .ith im)runit,. Com)lainants therein alle'ed that said article, ta(en as a .hole, sho.ed a deli9erate and malicious use of falsehood, slanted )resentation andOor misre)resentation of facts intended to )ut them 3su'arcane )lanters6 in 9ad li'ht, e>)ose them to )u9lic ridicule, discredit and humiliation here in the $hili))ines and a9road, and ma(e them o9+ects of hatred, contem)t and hostilit, of their a'ricultural .or(ers and of the )u9lic in 'eneral. -he, )ra,ed that defendants 9e ordered to )a, them $l* as actual and com)ensator, dama'es, and such amounts for moral, e>em)lar, and correcti2e dama'es as the court ma, determine, )lus e>)enses of liti'ation, attorne,:s fees and costs of suit. " )hoto co), of the article .as attached to the com)laint. &n No2em9er 5, 8988, )etitioner filed a motion to dismiss on the 'rounds that 386 the )rinted article sued u)on is not actiona9le in fact and in la.@ and 3<6 the com)laint is 9ereft of alle'ations that state, much less su))ort a cause of action. It )ointed out the non-li9elous nature of the article and, conse=uentl,, the failure of the com)laint to state a cause of action. $ri2ate res)ondents filed an &))osition to the motion to dismiss and )etitioner filed a re)l,. &n *arch 87, 898<, the trial court denied the motion to dismiss, statin' that the 'rounds on .hich the motion to dismiss are )redicated are not indu9ita9le as the com)laint on its face states a 2alid cause of action@ and the =uestion as to .hether the )rinted article sued u)on its actiona9le or not is a matter of e2idence. $etitioner:s motion for reconsideration .as denied on *a, <8, 898<. &n #une 88, 898<, )etitioner filed a )etition for certiorari .ith res)ondent Court 3C"-F. . No. 844D56 see(in' the annulment of the aforecited trial court:s &rders for ha2in' 9een issued .ith such a 'ra2e a9use of discretion as amountin' to lac( of +urisdiction and )ra,in' for the dismissal of the com)laint for failure to state a cause of action. "s earlier stated, res)ondent Court affirmed the trial court:s &rders in a Decision dated Decem9er 87, 898< and ordered the case to 9e tried on the merits on the 'rounds that -386 the com)laint contains alle'ations of fact .hich called for the )resentation of e2idence@ and 3<6 certiorari under ule 55 cannot 9e made to su9stitute for an a))eal .here an a))eal .ould lie at a )ro)er time. Su9se=uentl,, on *arch 8D, 8984, the res)ondent Court denied )etitioner:s *otion for econsideration of the aforesaid decision, hence this )etition.

49

-he )ro)er remed, .hich )etitioner should ha2e ta(en from the decision of res)ondent Court is an a))eal 9, certiorari under ule 45 of the ules of Court and not the s)ecial ci2il action of certiorari and )rohi9ition under ule 55 of said ules. ?o.e2er, since the )etition .as filed on time .ithin fifteen da,s from notice of the esolution den,in' the motion for reconsideration, .e shall treat the same as a )etition for re2ie. on certiorari. -he t.o 3<6 issues raised in the )etition are0 386 .hether or not the )ri2ate res)ondents: com)laint failed to state a cause of action@ and 3<6 .hether or not the )etition for certiorari and )rohi9ition is )ro)er to =uestion the denial of a motion to dismiss for failure to state a cause of action. First, )etitioner ar'ues that )ri2ate res)ondents: com)laint failed to state a cause of action 9ecause the com)laint made no alle'ation that an,thin' contained in the article com)lained of re'ardin' su'arcane )lanters referred s)ecificall, to an, one of the )ri2ate res)ondents@ that li9el can 9e committed onl, a'ainst indi2idual re)utation@ and that in cases .here li9el is claimed to ha2e 9een directed at a 'rou), there is actiona9le defamation onl, if the li9el can 9e said to reach 9e,ond the mere collecti2it, to do dama'e to a s)ecific, indi2idual 'rou) mem9er:s re)utation. Ce a'ree .ith )etitioner. In the case of !orp"s vs. !"aderno Sr. 385 SC " 8D76 this Court ruled that 1in order to maintain a li9el suit, it is essential that the 2ictim 9e identifia9le 3$eo)le 2s. *onton, /-8577<, No2em9er 4D, 895<6, althou'h it is not necessar, that he 9e named 389 "./. . 8856.1 In an earlier case, this Court declared that1 ... defamator, matter .hich does not re2eal the Identit, of the )erson u)on .hom the im)utation is cast, affords no 'round of action unless it 9e sho.n that the readers of the li9el could ha2e Identified the )ersonalit, of the indi2idual defamed.1 3Qun(le 2s. Ca9lene.s-"merican and /,ons 4< $hil. 75D6. -his )rinci)le has 9een reco'ni7ed to 9e of 2ital im)ortance, es)eciall, .here a 'rou) or class of )ersons, as in the case at 9ar, claim to ha2e 9een defamed, for it is e2ident that the lar'er the collecti2it,, the more difficult it is for the indi2idual mem9er to )ro2e that the defamator, remar(s a))l, to him. 3Cf. 7D "/ <d. 84846. In the case of 9& )ioco vs. Cang Sh" Den 4< $hil. 5<4, this Court held as follo.s0 Defamator, remar(s directed at a class or 'rou) of )ersons in 'eneral lan'ua'e onl,, are not actiona9le 9, indi2iduals com)osin' the class or 'rou) unless the statements are s.ee)in'@ and it is 2er, )ro9a9le that e2en then no action .ould lie .here the 9od, is com)osed of so lar'e a num9er of )ersons that common sense .ould tell those to .hom the )u9lication .as made that there .as room for )ersons connected .ith the 9od, to )ursue an u)ri'ht and la. a9idin' course and that it .ould 9e unreasona9le and a9surd to condemn all 9ecause of the actions of a )art. 3 s"pra ). 5<86. It is e2ident from the a9o2e rulin' that .here the defamation is alle'ed to ha2e 9een directed at a 'rou) or class, it is essential that the statement must 9e so s.ee)in' or all-em9racin' as to a))l, to e2er, indi2idual in that 'rou) or class, or sufficientl, s)ecific so that each indi2idual in the class or 'rou) can )ro2e that the defamator, statement s)ecificall, )ointed to him, so that he can 9rin' the action se)aratel,, if need 9e. Ce note that )ri2ate res)ondents filed a 1class suit1 in re)resentation of all the 8,5DD su'arcane )lanters of Ne'ros &ccidental. $etitioner disa'rees and ar'ues that the a9sence of an, actiona9le 9asis in the com)laint cannot 9e cured 9, the filin' of a class suit on 9ehalf of the aforesaid su'ar )lanters. Ce find )etitioner:s contention meritorious. -he case at 9ar is not a class suit. It is not a case .here one or more ma, sue for the 9enefit of all 3*atha, 2s. Consolidated Ean( and -rust Com)an,, 58 SC " 5596 or .here the re)resentation of class interest affected 9, the +ud'ment or decree is indis)ensa9le to ma(e each mem9er of the class an actual )art,

3Eorla7a 2s. $olistico, 47 $hil. 4486. Ce ha2e here a case .here each of the )laintiffs has a se)arate and distinct re)utation in the communit,. -he, do not ha2e a common or 'eneral interest in the su9+ect matter of the contro2ers,. -he dis)uted )ortion of the article .hich refers to )laintiff Sola and .hich .as claimed to 9e li9elous ne2er sin'led out )laintiff Sola as a su'ar )lanter. -he ne.s re)ort merel, stated that the 2ictim had 9een arrested 9, mem9ers of a s)ecial )olice unit 9rou'ht into the area 9, $a9lo Sola, the ma,or of Qa9an(alan. ?ence, the re)ort, referrin' as it does to an official act )erformed 9, an electi2e )u9lic official, is .ithin the realm of )ri2ile'e and )rotected 9, the constitutional 'uarantees of free s)eech and )ress. -he article further stated that Sola and the commander of the s)ecial )olice unit .ere arrested. -he Court ta(es +udicial notice of this fact. 3$eo)le 2s. Sola, 8D4 SC " 494.6 -he second issue to 9e resol2ed here is .hether or not the s)ecial ci2il action of certiorari or )rohi9ition is a2aila9le to )etitioner .hose motion to dismiss the com)laint and su9se=uent motion for reconsideration .ere denied. "s a 'eneral rule, an order den,in' a motion to dismiss is merel, interlocutor, and cannot 9e su9+ect of a))eal until final +ud'ment or order is rendered. 3Sec. < of ule 4 86. -he ordinar, )rocedure to 9e follo.ed in such a case is to file an ans.er, 'o to trial and if the decision is ad2erse, reiterate the issue on a))eal from the final +ud'ment. -he same rule a))lies to an order den,in' a motion to =uash, e>ce)t that instead of filin' an ans.er a )lea is entered and no a))eal lies from a +ud'ment of ac=uittal. -his 'eneral rule is su9+ect to certain e>ce)tions. If the court, in den,in' the motion to dismiss or motion to =uash, acts .ithout or in e>cess of +urisdiction or .ith 'ra2e a9use of discretion, then certiorari or )rohi9ition lies. -he reason is that it .ould 9e unfair to re=uire the defendant or accused to under'o the ordeal and e>)ense of a trial if the court has no +urisdiction o2er the su9+ect matter or offense, or is not the court of )ro)er 2enue, or if the denial of the motion to dismiss or motion to =uash is made .ith 'ra2e a9use of discretion or a .himsical and ca)ricious e>ercise of +ud'ment. In such cases, the ordinar, remed, of a))eal cannot 9e )lain and ade=uate. -he follo.in' are a fe. e>am)les of the e>ce)tions to the 'eneral rule. In -e /es"s vs. Barcia 389 SC " 5546, u)on the denial of a motion to dismiss 9ased on lac( of +urisdiction o2er the su9+ect matter, this Court 'ranted the )etition for certiorari and )rohi9ition a'ainst the Cit, Court of *anila and directed the res)ondent court to dismiss the case. In +ope. vs. !it& /"dge 388 SC " 5856, u)on the denial of a motion to =uash 9ased on lac( of +urisdiction o2er the offense, this Court 'ranted the )etition for )rohi9ition and en+oined the res)ondent court from further )roceedin' in the case. In 5nriq"e. vs. 0acadaeg 384 $hil. 5746, u)on the denial of a motion to dismiss 9ased on im)ro)er 2enue, this Court 'ranted the )etition for )rohi9ition and en+oined the res)ondent +ud'e from ta(in' co'ni7ance of the case e>ce)t to dismiss the same. In 0analo vs. 0ariano 359 SC " 8D6, u)on the denial of a motion to dismiss 9ased on 9ar 9, )rior +ud'ment, this Court 'ranted the )etition for certiorari and directed the res)ondent +ud'e to dismiss the case. In C"viengco vs. -ac"&c"& 38D5 SC " 5586, u)on the denial of a motion to dismiss 9ased on the Statute of Frauds, this Court 'ranted the )etition for certiorari and dismissed the amended com)laint. In )acas vs. !ariaso 37< SC " 5<76, this Court 'ranted the )etition for certiorari after the motion to =uash 9ased on dou9le +eo)ard, .as denied 9, res)ondent +ud'e and ordered him to desist from further action in the criminal case e>ce)t to dismiss the same.

49

In #eople vs. 'amos 384 SC " 886, the order den,in' the motion to =uash 9ased on )rescri)tion .as set aside on certiorari and the criminal case .as dismissed 9, this Court. es)ondent Court correctl, stated the 'eneral rule and its e>ce)tions. ?o.e2er, it ruled that none of the e>ce)tions is )resent in the case at 9ar and that the case a))ears com)le> and com)licated, necessitatin' a full-9lo.n trial to 'et to the 9ottom of the contro2ers,. $etitioner:s motion to dismiss is 9ased on the 'round that the com)laint states no cause of action a'ainst it 9, )ointin' out the non-li9elous nature of the article sued u)on. -here is no need of a trial in 2ie. of the conclusion of this Court that the article in =uestion is not li9elous. -he s)ecific alle'ation in the com)laint, to the effect that the article attri9uted to the su'arcane )lanters the deaths and 9rutali7ation of su'arcane .or(ers, is not 9orne out 9, a )erusal of the actual te>t. -he com)laint contains a recital of the fa2ora9le .or(in' conditions of the a'ricultural .or(ers in the su'ar industr, and the 2arious foundations and )ro'rams su))orted 9, )lanters: associations for the 9enefit of their .or(ers. Gndou9tedl,, the statements in the article in =uestion are s.ee)in' and e>a''erated@ 9ut, )ara)hrasin' the rulin' in the G, -ioco case a9o2e =uoted, it .ould 9e unreasona9le and a9surd to condemn the ma+orit, of the su'arcane )lanters, .ho ha2e at heart the .elfare of their .or(ers, 9ecause of the actions of a )art. Nonetheless, articles such as the one in =uestion ma, also ser2e to )ric( the consciences of those .ho ha2e 9ut are not doin' an,thin' or enou'h for those .ho do not ha2e. &n the other hand, )etitioner .ould do .ell to heed the admonition of the $resident to media that the, should chec( the sources of their information to ensure the )u9lication of the truth. Freedom of the )ress, li(e all freedoms, should 9e e>ercised .ith res)onsi9ilit,. C?E EF& E, the decision of the Intermediate "))ellate Court is re2ersed and the com)laint in Ci2il Case No. 8588< of the Court of First Instance of Ne'ros &ccidental is dismissed, .ithout )ronouncement as to costs. S& & DE ED. G.R. No. 120.00 J'n1'r3 1., 1999 AR&4R" ,"RJAL '.A.'. AR& ,"RJAL 'n( MA%$M" -"L$)EN, petitioner , v . C"4R& "# A**EAL'n( #RANC$-C" ;ENCE-LA", re pon(ent . ,ELL"-$LL", J.: $E $E-G"//M ?"F IDDEN as the )u9lic is a9out losin' one of the most 9asic ,et oft hotl, contested freedoms of man, the issue of the ri'ht of free e>)ression 9e stirs and )resents itself time and a'ain, in c,clic occurrence, to in2ei'le, na,, challen'e the courts to re-sur2e, its e2er shiftin' terrain, e>)lore and furro. its heretofore uncharted moors and 2alle,s and finall, redefine the metes and 9ounds of its contro2ersial domain. -his, )rominentl,, is one such case. $erha)s, ne2er in +uris)rudential histor, has an, freedom of man under'one radical doctrinal metamor)hoses than his ri'ht to freel, and o)enl, e>)ress his 2ie.s. Elac(stone:s )ontifical comment that 1.here 9las)hemous, immoral, treasona9le, schismatical, seditious, or scandalous li9els are )unished 9, En'lish la. ... the li9ert, of the )ress, )ro)erl, understood, is 9, no means infrin'ed or 2iolated,1 found (indred e>)ression in the landmar( o)inion of En'land:s Star Cham9er in the +i%elis (amosis case in 85D4. 1 -hat case esta9lished t.o ma+or )ro)ositions in the )rosecution of defamator, remar(s0 first, that li9el a'ainst a )u9lic )erson is a 'reater offense than one directed a'ainst an ordinar, man, and second, that it is immaterial that the li9el 9e true. Gntil re)u9licanism cau'ht fire in earl, "merica, the 2ie. from the to) on li9el .as no less dismal. E2en the 2enera9le #ustice ?olmes a))eared to .affle as he s.a,ed from the conce)t of criminal li9el lia9ilit, under the clear and )resent dan'er rule, to the other end of the s)ectrum in defense of the constitutionall, )rotected status of un)o)ular o)inion in free societ,.

!ie.ed in modern times and the current re2olution in information and communication technolo',, li9el )rinci)les formulated at one time or another ha2e .a>ed and .aned throu'h the ,ears in the constant e99 and flo. of +udicial re2ie.. "t the 2er, least, these )rinci)les ha2e lost much of their fla2or, dro.ned and s.am)ed as the, ha2e 9een 9, the ceaseless caco)hon, and din of thou'ht and discourse emanatin' from +ust a9out e2er, source and direction, aided no less 9, an increasin'l, )o.erful and irre)ressi9le mass media. $u9lic discourse, laments Qni'ht, has 9een de2alued 9, its utter commonalit,@ and .e a'ree, for its lo'ical effect is to 9enum9 thou'ht and sensi9ilit, on .hat ma, 9e considered as criminal ille'itimate encroachments on the ri'ht of )ersons to en+o, a 'ood, honora9le and re)uta9le name. -his ma, e>)lain the im)erce)ti9le demise of criminal )rosecutions for li9el and the trend to rel, instead on indemnit, suits to re)air an, dama'e on one:s re)utation. In this )etition for re2ie., .e are as(ed to re2erse the Court of "))eals in 1Francisco Cenceslao 2. "rturo Eor+al and *a>imo Soli2en,1 C"-F. . No. 4D495, holdin' on <5 *arch 8995 that )etitioners "rturo Eor+al and *a>imo Soli2en are solidaril, lia9le for dama'es for .ritin' and )u9lishin' certain articles claimed to 9e dero'ator, and offensi2e to )ri2ate res)ondent Francisco Cenceslao. $etitioners "rturo Eor+al and *a>imo Soli2en are amon' the incor)orators of $hili))ines -oda,, Inc. 3$-I6, no. $hilS-" Dail,, Inc., o.ner of -he $hili))ine Star, a dail, ne.s)a)er. "t the time the com)laint .as filed, )etitioner Eor+al .as its $resident .hile Soli2en .as 3and still is6 $u9lisher and Chairman of its Editorial Eoard. "mon' the re'ular .riters of -he $hili))ine Star is Eor+al .ho runs the column /a&wal*er. $ri2ate res)ondent Francisco Cenceslao, on the other hand, is a ci2il en'ineer, 9usinessman, 9usiness consultant and +ournalist 9, )rofession. In 8988 he ser2ed as a technical ad2iser of Con'ressman Fa9ian Sison, then Chairman of the ?ouse of e)resentati2es Su9-Committee on Industrial $olic,. Durin' the con'ressional hearin's on the trans)ort crisis sometime in Se)tem9er 8988 underta(en 9, the ?ouse Su9-Committee on Industrial $olic,, those .ho attended a'reed to or'ani7e the First National Conference on /and -rans)ortation 3FNC/-6 to 9e )artici)ated in 9, the )ri2ate sector in the trans)ort industr, and 'o2ernment a'encies concerned in order to find .a,s and means to sol2e the trans)ortation crisis. *ore im)ortantl,, the o9+ecti2e of the FNC/- .as to draft an omni9us 9ill that .ould em9od, a lon'term land trans)ortation )olic, for )resentation to Con'ress. -he conference .hich, accordin' to )ri2ate res)ondent, .as estimated to cost around $8,885,DDD.DD .ould 9e funded throu'h solicitations from 2arious s)onsors such as 'o2ernment a'encies, )ri2ate or'ani7ations, trans)ort firms, and indi2idual dele'ates or )artici)ants. 2 &n <8 Fe9ruar, 8989, at the or'ani7ational meetin' of the FNC/-, )ri2ate res)ondent Francisco Cenceslao .as elected E>ecuti2e Director. "s such, he .rote numerous solicitation letters to the 9usiness communit, for the su))ort of the conference. Eet.een *a, and #ul, 8989 a series of articles .ritten 9, )etitioner Eor+al .as )u9lished on different dates in his column /a&wal*er. -he articles dealt .ith the alle'ed anomalous acti2ities of an 1or'ani7er of a conference1 .ithout namin' or identif,in' )ri2ate res)ondent. Neither did it refer to the FNC/- as the conference therein mentioned. Juoted hereunder are e>cer)ts from the articles of )etitioner to'ether .ith the dates the, .ere )u9lished. 3 ;1 0a& 12E2 "nother self-)roclaimed 1hero1 of the EDS" e2olution 'oes around or'ani7in' 1seminars and conferences1 for a hu'e fee. -his is a sim)le )lo, coated in +a77, letterheads and slic( )rose. -he 1hero1 has the 'all to solicit fees from an,9od, .ith 9uc(s to s)are. ecentl,, in his usual strai'htfor.ard st,le, -rans)ortation Secretar, ainerio 1 a,1 e,es, as(ed that his name, 9e stric(en off from the letterheads the 1hero1 has 9een usin' to im)lement one of his )et 1seminars.1 e,es said0 1I .ould

49

li(e to reiterate m, re=uest that ,ou delete m, name.1 Note that a, e,es is an honest man .ho .ould confront an,9od, e,e9all to e,e9all .ithout 9lin(in'. 2 /"ne 12E2 "nother =uestiona9le )ortion of the so-called conference is its unauthori7ed use of the names of $resident "=uino and Secretar, a, e,es. -he conference )ro'ram 9ein' circulated claims that $resident "=uino and e,es .ill 9e main s)ea(ers in the conference. Met, the .ord is that Cor, and e,es ha2e not acce)ted the in2itation to a))ear in this confa9. a, e,es e2en sa,s that the conference should 9e unmas(ed as a mone,ma(in' 'immic(. 12 /"ne 12E2 . . . some 4,DDD fund solicitation letters .ere sent 9, the or'ani7er to e2er, -om, Dic( and ?arr, and to almost all 'o2ernment a'encies. "nd the letterheads carried the names of e,es and $eri=uet. "'rarian eform Secretar, on lea2e $hili) #uico recei2ed one, 9ut he decided to find out front e,es himself .hat the )ro+ect .as all a9out. a, e,es, in effect, ad2ised #uico to )ut the fund solicitation letter in the .aste 9as(et. No., if the 4,DDD )ersons and a'encies a))roached 9, the or'ani7er shelled out 8,DDD each, that:s easil, $4 million to a )ro+ect that seems so unso)histicated. Eut note that one 'arment com)an, 'a2e $8DD,DDD, after .hich the Farments e'ulator, Eoard headed 9, -rade and Industr, Gndersecretar, Floria *aca)a'al-"rro,o .as a))roached 9, the or'ani7er to e>)edite the 'arment license a))lication of the $8DD,DDD donor. 41 /"ne 12E2 " 1conference or'ani7er1 associated .ith shad, deals seems to ha2e a lot of trash tuc(ed inside his closet. -he #a,.al(er continues to recei2e information a9out the man:s du9ious deals. ?is notoriet,, in accordin' to relia9le sources, has reached the $remier Fuest ?ouse .here his name is s)o(en li(e dun'.>>> >>> >>> -he first information sa,s that the 1or'ani7er1 tried to mulct half a million )esos from a 'arment )roducer and e>)orter .ho .as 9ein' in2esti'ated for 2iolation of the rules of the Farments, -e>tile, Em9roider, and "))arel Eoard. -he 1or'ani7er1 told the 'arment e>)orter that the case could 9e fi>ed for a sum of $5DD,DDD.DD. -he or'ani7er 'ot the shoc( of his life .hen the e>)orter told him0 1If I ha2e that amount. I .ill hire the 9est la.,ers, not ,ou.1 -he or'ani7er left in a huff, his thic( face 2er, )ale.>>> >>> >>> Friends in 'o2ernment and the )ri2ate sector ha2e )romised the #a,.al(er more 1do)e1 on the 1or'ani7er.1 It seems that he .as not onl, indiscreet@ he e2en failed to co2er his trac(s. Mou .ill 9e hearin' more of the 1or'ani7er:s1 e>)loits from this corner soon. 44 /"ne 12E2 -he schemin' 1or'ani7er1 .e ha2e 9een .ritin' a9out seems to ha2e 9een s)readin' his .in's too far. " con'ressional source has informed the #a,.al(er that the schemer once .or(ed for a con'ressman from the North as some sort of a consultant on economic affairs. -he first thin' the 1or'ani7er1 did .as to initiate hearin's and round-the-ta9le discussions .ith )eo)le from the 9usiness, e>)ort and ; his fa2orite ; the 'arments sector.>>> >>> >>>

-he 1or'ani7er:s1 )rinci)al 'amel, .ent alon', thin(in' that his 1consultant1 had nothin' 9ut the 'ood of these sectors in mind. It .as onl, later that he reali7ed that the 1consultant1 .as actin' .ith a 9urst of ener', 1in aid of e>tortion.1 -he 1consultant1 .as fired.>>> >>> >>> -here seems to 9e no end to .hat a man could do to )ursue his du9ious .a,s. ?e has tried to o)erate under a 'uise of a .ell-meanin', reformist. ?e has intellectual )retensions ; and sometimes he succeeds in 'ettin' his thou'hts in the inside )a'es of some ne.s)a)ers, .ith the aid of some nai2e ne.s)a)er )eo)le. ?e has 9een turnin' out a lot of funn,-loo(in' ad2ice on in2estments, e>)ort 'ro.th, and the li(e. >>> >>> >>> " ca9inet secretar, has one 9i' .ish. ?e is ho)in' for a 9road )o.er to 9an croo(s and influence-)eddlers from enterin' the )remises of his de)artment. Eut the Ca9inet man mi'ht not 'et his .ish. -here is one 1or'ani7er1 .ho, e2en if )h,sicall, 9anned, call still concoct .a,s of doin' his thin'. Cithout a tin'e of remorse, the 1or'ani7er1 could fill u) his letterheads .ith, names of Ca9inet mem9ers, con'ressmen, and re)uta9le )eo)le from the )ri2ate sector to shore u) his shad, re)utation and co2er u) his notoriet,. ; /"l& 12E2 " su))osed conference on trans)ortation .as a 9i' failure. -he attendance .as 2er, )oor and the fe. .ho )artici)ated in, the affair .ere mostl, leaders of +ee)ne, dri2ers: 'rou)s. None of the 'o2ernment officials in2ol2ed in re'ulatin' )u9lic trans)ortation .as there. -he 9i' names in the industr, also did not )artici)ate. Cith such a )oor attendance, one .onders .h, the conference or'ani7ers .ent ahead .ith the affair and tried so hard to con2ince 4,DDD com)anies and indi2iduals to contri9ute to the affair.>>> >>> >>> -he conference .as doomed from the start. It .as 9ound to fail. -he )ersonalities .ho count in the field of trans)iration refused to attend the affair or .ithdre. their su))ort after findin' out the 9ac('round of the or'ani7er of the conference. ?o. could a conference on trans)ortation succeed .ithout the )artici)ation of the 9i' names in the industr, and 'o2ernment )olic,-ma(ersK $ri2ate res)ondent reacted to the articles. ?e sent a letter to -he $hili))ine Star insistin' that he .as the 1or'ani7er1 alluded to in )etitioner Eor+al:s columns. . In a su9se=uent letter to -he $hili))ine Star, )ri2ate res)ondent refuted the matters contained in )etitioner Eor+al:s columns and o)enl, challen'ed him in this manner ; -o test if Eor+al has the 'uts to 9ac( u) his holier than thou attitude, I am )re)ared to relin=uish this )osition in case it is found that I ha2e misa))ro)riated e2en one )eso of FNC/- mone,. &n the other hand, if I can )ro2e that Eor+al has used his column as a 1hammer1 to 'et clients for his $ Firm, "" Eor+al "ssociates, he should resi'n from the S-" and ne2er a'ain .rite a column. Is it a dealK 5 -hereafter, )ri2ate res)ondent filed a com)laint .ith the National $ress Clu9 3N$C6 a'ainst )etitioner Eor+al for unethical conduct. ?e accused )etitioner Eor+al of usin' his column as a form of le2era'e to o9tain contracts for his )u9lic relations firm, "" Eor+al "ssociates. 0 In turn, )etitioner Eor+al )u9lished a re+oinder to the challen'e of )ri2ate res)ondent not onl, to )rotect his name and honor 9ut also to refute the claim that he .as usin' his column for character assassination. 7

49

"))arentl, not satisfied .ith his com)laint .ith the N$C, )ri2ate res)ondent filed a criminal case for li9el a'ainst )etitioners Eor+al and Soli2en, amon' others. ?o.e2er, in a esolution dated 7 "u'ust 899D, the "ssistant $rosecutor handlin' the case dismissed the com)laint for insufficienc, of e2idence. -he dismissal .as sustained 9, the De)artment of #ustice and later 9, the &ffice of the $resident. &n 48 &cto9er 899D )ri2ate res)ondent instituted a'ainst )etitioners a ci2il action for dama'es 9ased on li9el su9+ect of the instant case. 8 In their ans.er, )etitioners inter)osed com)ulsor, counterclaims for actual, moral and e>em)lar, dama'es, )lus attorne,:s fees and costs. "fter due consideration, the trial court decided in fa2or of )ri2ate res)ondent Cenceslao and ordered )etitioners Eor+al and Soli2en to indemnif, )ri2ate res)ondent $8,DDD,DDD.DD for actual and com)ensator, dama'es, in addition to $<DD,DDD.DD for moral dama'es, $8DD,DDD.DD for e>em)lar, dama'es, $<DD,DDD.DD for attorne,:s fees, and to )a, the costs of suit. -he Court of "))eals affirmed the decision of the court a q"o 9ut reduced the amount of the monetar, a.ard to $88D,DDD.DD actual dama'es, $<DD,DDD.DD moral dama'es and $75,DDD.DD attorne,:s fees )lus costs. In a <D-)a'e Decision )romul'ated <5 *arch 8995, the a))ellate court ruled inter alia that )ri2ate res)ondent .as sufficientl, identifia9le, althou'h not named, in the =uestioned articles@ that )ri2ate res)ondent .as in fact defamed 9, )etitioner Eor+al 9, descri9in' him 2ariousl, as a 1self-)roclaimed hero,1 1a conference or'ani7er associated .ith shad, deals .ho has a lot of trash tuc(ed inside his closet,1 1thic( face,1 and 1a )erson .ith du9ious .a,s@1 that )etitioner:s claim of )ri2ile'e communication .as una2ailin' since the )ri2ile'ed character of the articles .as lost 9, their )u9lication in a ne.s)a)er of 'eneral circulation@ that )etitioner could ha2e )erformed his officer as a ne.s)a)erman .ithout necessaril, trans'ressin' the ri'hts of Cenceslao 9, callin' the attention of the 'o2ernment offices concerned to e>amine the authorit, 9, .hich Cenceslao acted, .arnin' the )u9lic a'ainst contri9utin' to a conference that, accordin' to his )erce)tion, lac(ed the uni2ocal indorsement of the res)onsi9le 'o2ernment officials, or sim)l, informin' the )u9lic of the letters Cenceslao .rote and the fa2ors he re=uested or demanded@ and, that .hen he im)uted dishonest,, falsehood and misre)resentation, shamelessness and intellectual )retentions to Cenceslao, )etitioner Eor+al crossed the thin 9ut clear line that se)arated fair comment from actiona9le defamation. $ri2ate res)ondent manifested his desire to a))eal that )ortion of the a))ellate court:s decision .hich reduced the amount of dama'es a.arded him 9, filin' .ith this Court a $etition for E>tension of -ime to File $etition and a *otion for Sus)ension of -ime to File $etition. 9 ?o.e2er, in a esolution dated <7 *a, 8995, the Second Di2ision denied 9oth motions0 the first, for 9ein' )remature, and the second, for 9ein' a .ron' remed,. &n <D No2em9er 8995 .hen the First Di2ision consolidated and transferred the )resent case to the Second Di2ision, there .as no lon'er an, case thereat .ith .hich to consolidate this case since F. . No. 8<4495 had alread, 9een dis)osed of 9, the Second Di2ision almost si> 356 months earlier. &n their )art, )etitioners filed a motion for reconsideration 9ut the Court of "))eals denied the motion in its esolution of 8< Se)tem9er 8995. ?ence the instant )etition for re2ie.. -he )etitioners contend that the Court of "))eals erred0 3a6 in rulin' that )ri2ate res)ondent Cenceslao .as sufficientl, identified 9, )etitioner Eor+al in the =uestioned articles@ 396 in refusin' to accord serious consideration to the findin's of the De)artment of #ustice and the &ffice of the $resident that )ri2ate res)ondent Cenceslao .as not sufficientl, identified in the =uestioned articles, this not.ithstandin' that the de'ree of )roof re=uired in a )reliminar, in2esti'ation is merel, prima faciee2idence .hich is si'nificantl, less than the )re)onderance of e2idence re=uired in ci2il cases@ 3c6 in rulin' that the su9+ect articles do not constitute =ualifiedl, )ri2ile'ed communication@ 3d6 in refusin' to a))l, the 1)u9lic official doctrine1 laid do.n in Ne. Mor( -imes 2. Sulli2an@ 3e6 in rulin' that the =uestioned articles lost their )ri2ile'ed character 9ecause of their )u9lication in a ne.s)a)er of 'eneral circulation@ 3f6 in rulin' that )ri2ate res)ondent has a 2alid cause of action for li9el a'ainst )etitioners althou'h he failed to )ro2e actual malice on their )art, and that the )rosecutors of the Cit, of *anila, the De)artment of #ustice, and e2entuall,, the &ffice of the $resident, had alread, resol2ed that there .as no sufficient e2idence to )ro2e the e>istence of li9el@ and, 3'6 assumin' arg"endo that Eor+al should 9e held lia9le, in ad+ud'in' )etitioner Soli2en solidaril, lia9le .ith him. -hus, )etitioners )ra, for the re2ersal of the a))ellate court:s rulin', the dismissal of the com)laint a'ainst them for lac( of merit, and the a.ard of dama'es on their counterclaim.

-he )etition is im)ressed .ith merit. In order to maintain a li9el suit, it is essential that the 2ictim 9e identifia9le althou'h it is not necessar, that he 9e named. It is also not sufficient that the offended )art, reco'ni7ed himself as the )erson attac(ed or defamed, 9ut it must 9e sho.n that at least a third )erson could identif, him as the o9+ect of the li9elous )u9lication. 1/ e'retta9l,, these re=uisites ha2e not 9een com)lied .ith in the case at 9ar. In rulin' for )ri2ate res)ondent, the Court of "))eals found that Eor+al:s column .ritin's sufficientl, identified Cenceslao as the 1conference or'ani7er.1 It cited the First National Conference on /and -rans)ortation, the letterheads used listin' different tele)hone num9ers, the donation of $8DD,DDD.DD from #uliano /im and the reference to the :1or'ani7er of the conference1 ; the 2er, same a))ellation em)lo,ed in all the column items ; as ha2in' sufficientl, esta9lished the identit, of )ri2ate res)ondent Cenceslao for those .ho (ne. a9out the FNC/- .ho .ere )resent at its ince)tion, and .ho had )led'ed their assistance to it. Ce hold other.ise. -hese conclusions are at 2ariance .ith the e2idence at hand. -he =uestioned articles .ritten 9, Eor+al do not identif, )ri2ate res)ondent Cenceslao as the or'ani7er of the conference. -he first of the/a&wal*er articles .hich a))eared in the 48 *a, 8989 issue of -he $hili))ine Star ,ielded nothin' to indicate that )ri2ate res)ondent .as the )erson referred to therein. Surel,, as o9ser2ed 9, )etitioners, there .ere millions of 1heroes1 of the EDS" e2olution and an,one of them could 9e 1self-)roclaimed1 or an 1or'ani7er of seminars and conferences.1 "s a matter of fact, in his 9 #une 8989 column )etitioner Eor+al .rote a9out the 1so-called First National Conference on /and -rans)ortation .hose )rinci)al or'ani7ers are not s)ecified1 3em)hasis su))lied6. 11Neither did the FNC/- letterheads 12 disclose the identit, of the conference or'ani7er since these contained onl, an enumeration of names .here )ri2ate res)ondent Francisco Cenceslao .as descri9ed as E>ecuti2e Director and S)o(esman and not as a conference or'ani7er. 13 -he )rintout 1. and tentati2e )ro'ram 15 of the conference .ere de2oid of an, indication of Cenceslao as or'ani7er. -he )rintout .hich contained an article entitled 1Cho &r'ani7ed the NC/-K1 did not e2en mention )ri2ate res)ondent:s name, .hile the tentati2e )ro'ram onl, denominated )ri2ate res)ondent as 1!ice Chairman and E>ecuti2e Director,1 and not as or'ani7er. No less than )ri2ate res)ondent himself admitted that the FNC/- had se2eral or'ani7ers and that he .as onl, a )art of the or'ani7ation, thus ; I .ould li(e to clarif, for the record that I .as onl, a )art of the or'ani7ation. I .as in2ited then 9ecause I .as the head of the technical )anel of the ?ouse of e)resentati2es Su9-Committee on Industrial $olic, that too( care of con'ressional hearin's. 10 Si'nificantl,, )ri2ate res)ondent himself entertained dou9t that he .as the )erson s)o(en of in Eor+al:s columns. -he former e2en called u) columnist Eor+al to in=uire if he 3Cenceslao6 .as the one referred to in the su9+ect articles. 17 ?is letter to the editor )u9lished in the 4 #une 8989 issue of -he $hili))ine Star e2en sho.ed )ri2ate res)ondent Cenceslao:s uncertaint, ; "lthou'h he used a su9terfu'e, I .as almost certain that "rt Eor+al referred to the First National Conference on /and -rans)ortation 3#une <9-4D6 and me in the second )ara'ra)h of his *a, 48 column . . . 18 Identification is 'rossl, inade=uate .hen e2en the alle'ed offended )art, is himself unsure that he .as the o9+ect of the 2er9al attac(. It is .ell to note that the re2elation of the identit, of the )erson alluded to came not from )etitioner Eor+al 9ut from )ri2ate res)ondent himself@ .hen he su))lied the information throu'h his 4 #une 8989 letter to the editor. ?ad )ri2ate res)ondent not re2ealed that he .as the 1or'ani7er1 of the FNC/referred to in the Eor+al articles, the )u9lic .ould ha2e remained in 9lissful i'norance of his identit,. It is therefore clear that on the element of identifia9ilit, alone the case falls.

49

-he a9o2e dis=uisitions not.ithstandin', and on the assum)tion arg"endo that )ri2ate res)ondent has 9een sufficientl, identified as the su9+ect of Eor+al:s dis)uted comments, .e no. )roceed to resol2e the other issues and )ass u)on the )ertinent findin's of the courts a q"o. -he third, fourth, fifth and si>th assi'ned errors all re2ol2e around the )rimar, =uestion of .hether the dis)uted articles constitute )ri2ile'ed communications as to e>em)t the author from lia9ilit,. -he trial court ruled that )etitioner Eor+al cannot hide 9ehind the )ro)osition that his articles are )ri2ile'ed in character under the )ro2isions of "rt. 454 of -he e2ised $enal Code .hich state ; "rt. 454. e=uirement for )u9licit,. ; E2er, defamator, im)utation is )resumed to 9e malicious, e2en if it 9e true, if no 'ood intention and +ustifia9le moti2e for ma(in' it is sho.n, e>ce)t in the follo.in' cases0 86 " )ri2ate communication made 9, an, )erson to another in the )erformance of an, le'al, moral or social dut,@ and, <6 " fair and true re)ort, made in 'ood faith, .ithout an, comments or remar(s, of an, +udicial or other official )roceedin's .hich are not of confidential nature, or of an, statement, re)ort or s)eech deli2ered in said )roceedin's, or of an, other act )erformed 9, )u9lic officers in the e>ercise of their functions. es)ondent court e>)lained that the .ritin's in =uestion did not fall under an, of the e>ce)tions descri9ed in the a9o2e-=uoted article since these .ere neither 1)ri2ate communications1 nor 1fair and true re)ort . . . .ithout an, comments or remar(s.1 Eut this is incorrect. " )ri2ile'ed communication ma, 9e either a9solutel, )ri2ile'ed or =ualifiedl, )ri2ile'ed. "9solutel, )ri2ile'ed communications are those .hich are not actiona9le e2en if the author has acted in 9ad faith. "n e>am)le is found in Sec. 88, "rt.!I, of the 8987 Constitution .hich e>em)ts a mem9er of Con'ress from lia9ilit, for an, s)eech or de9ate in the Con'ress or in an, Committee thereof. G)on the other hand, =ualifiedl, )ri2ile'ed communications containin' defamator, im)utations are not actiona9le unless found to ha2e 9een made .ithout 'ood intention +ustifia9le moti2e. -o this 'enre 9elon' 1)ri2ate communications1 and 1fair and true re)ort .ithout an, comments or remar(s.1 Indis)uta9l,, )etitioner Eor+al:s =uestioned .ritin's are not .ithin the e>ce)tions of "rt. 454 of -he e2ised $enal Code for, as correctl, o9ser2ed 9, the a))ellate court, the, are neither )ri2ate communications nor fair and true re)ort .ithout an, comments or remar(s. ?o.e2er this does not necessaril, mean that the, are not )ri2ile'ed. -o 9e sure, the enumeration under "rt. 454 is not an e>clusi2e list of =ualifiedl, )ri2ile'ed communications since fair commentaries on matters of )u9lic interest are li(e.ise )ri2ile'ed. -he rule on )ri2ile'ed communications had its 'enesis not in the nation:s )enal code 9ut in the Eill of i'hts of the Constitution 'uaranteein' freedom of s)eech and of the )ress. 19 "s earl, as 8988, in 9nited States v. !aete, 2/ this Court ruled that )u9lications .hich are )ri2ile'ed for reasons of )u9lic )olic, are )rotected 9, the constitutional 'uarant, of freedom of s)eech. -his constitutional ri'ht cannot 9e a9olished 9, the mere failure of the le'islature to 'i2e it e>)ress reco'nition in the statute )unishin' li9els. -he conce)t of )ri2ile'ed communications is im)licit in the freedom of the )ress. "s held in 5li.alde v. B"tierre. 21and reiterated in Santos v. !o"rt of ,ppeals 22 ; -o 9e more s)ecific, no cul)a9ilit, could 9e im)uted to )etitioners for the alle'ed offendin' )u9lication .ithout doin' 2iolence to the conce)t of )ri2ile'ed communications im)licit in the freedom of the )ress. "s .as so .ell )ut 9, #ustice *alcolm in Eustos0 1$u9lic )olic,, the .elfare of societ,, and the orderl, administration of 'o2ernment ha2e demanded )rotection of )u9lic o)inion. -he ine2ita9le and

incontesta9le result has 9een the de2elo)ment and ado)tion of the doctrine of )ri2ile'e.1 -he doctrine formulated in these t.o 3<6 cases resonates the rule that )ri2ile'ed communications must, s"i generis, 9e )rotecti2e of )u9lic o)inion. -his closel, adheres to the democratic theor, of free s)eech as essential to collecti2e self-determination and esche.s the strictl, li9ertarian 2ie. that it is )rotecti2e solel, of self-e>)ression .hich, in the .ords of Male Sterlin' $rofessor &.en Fiss, 23 ma(es its a))eal to the indi2idualistic ethos that so dominates our )o)ular and )olitical culture. It is therefore clear that the restricti2e inter)retation 2ested 9, the Court of "))eals on the )enal )ro2ision e>em)tin' from lia9ilit, onl, )ri2ate communications and fair and true re)ort .ithout comments or remar(s defeats, rather than )romotes, the o9+ecti2e of the rule on )ri2ile'ed communications, sadl, contri2in' as it does, to su))ress the health, effloresence of )u9lic de9ate and o)inion as shinin' linch)ins of trul, democratic societies. -o reiterate, fair commentaries on matters of )u9lic interest are )ri2ile'ed and constitute a 2alid defense in an action for li9el or slander. -he doctrine of fair comment means that .hile in 'eneral e2er, discredita9le im)utation )u9licl, made is deemed false, 9ecause e2er, man is )resumed innocent until his 'uilt is +udiciall, )ro2ed, and e2er, false im)utation is deemed malicious, ne2ertheless, .hen the discredita9le im)utation is directed a'ainst a )u9lic )erson in his )u9lic ca)acit,, it is not necessaril, actiona9le. In order that such discredita9le im)utation to a )u9lic official ma, 9e actiona9le, it must either 9e a false alle'ation of fact or a comment 9ased on a false su))osition. If the comment is an e>)ression of o)inion, 9ased on esta9lished facts, then it is immaterial that the o)inion ha))ens to 9e mista(en, as lon' as it mi'ht reasona9l, 9e inferred from the facts. 21 -here is no den,in' that the =uestioned articles dealt .ith matters of )u9lic interest. In his testimon,, )ri2ate res)ondent s)elled out the o9+ecti2es of the conference thus ; . . . -he )rinci)al conference o9+ecti2e is to come u) .ith a draft of an &mni9us Eill that .ill em9od, a lon' term land trans)ortation )olic, for )resentation to Con'ress in its ne>t re'ular session in #ul,. Since last #anuar,, the National Conference on /and -rans)ortation 3NC/-6, the conference secretariat, has 9een enlistin' su))ort from all sectors to ensure the success of the )ro+ect. 25 $ri2ate res)ondent li(e.ise testified that the FNC/- .as raisin' funds throu'h solicitation from the )u9lic J0 No., in this first letter, ,ou ha2e attached a 9ud'et and it sa,s here that in this seminar of the First National Conference on /and -rans)ortation, ,ou .ill need around &ne million ei'ht hundred fifteen thousand )esos, is that ri'htK "0 -hat .as the 9ud'et estimate, sir. J0 ?o. do ,ou intend as e>ecuti2e officer, to raise this fund of ,our seminarK "0 Cell, from s)onsors such as 'o2ernment a'encies and )ri2ate sectors or or'ani7ations as .ell as indi2idual trans)ort firms and from indi2idual dele'atesO)artici)ants. 20 -he declared o9+ecti2e of the conference, the com)osition of its mem9ers and )artici)ants, and the manner 9, .hich it .as intended to 9e funded no dou9t lend to its acti2ities as 9ein' 'enuinel, im9ued .ith )u9lic interest. "n or'ani7ation such as the FNC/- aimin' to rein2ent and resha)e the trans)ortation la.s of the countr, and see(in' to source its funds for the )ro+ect from the )u9lic at lar'e cannot dissociate itself from the )u9lic character of its mission. "s such, it cannot 9ut in2ite close scrutin, 9, the media o9li'ed to inform the )u9lic of the le'itimac, of the )ur)ose of the acti2it, and of the =ualifications and inte'rit, of the )ersonalities 9ehind it.

49

-his in effect is the stron' messa'e in :ew Cor* )imes v. S"llivan 27 .hich the a))ellate court failed to consider or, for that matter, to heed. It insisted that )ri2ate res)ondent .as not, )ro)erl, s)ea(in', a 1)u9lic official1 nor a 1)u9lic fi'ure,1 .hich is .h, the defamator, im)utations a'ainst him had nothin' to do .ith his tas( of or'ani7in' the FNC/-. :ew Cor* )imes v. S"llivan .as decided 9, the G. S. Su)reme Court in the 895Ds at the hei'ht of the 9lood, riotin' in the "merican South o2er racial se're'ation. -he then Cit, Commissioner /. E. Sulli2an of *ont'omer,, "la9ama, sued Ne. Mor( -imes for )u9lishin' a )aid )olitical ad2ertisement es)ousin' racial e=ualit, and descri9in' )olice atrocities committed a'ainst students inside a colle'e cam)us. "s commissioner ha2in' char'e o2er )olice actions Sulli2an felt that he .as sufficientl, identified in the ad as the )er)etrator of the outra'e@ conse=uentl,, he sued Ne. Mor( -imes on the 9asis of .hat he 9elie2ed .ere li9elous utterances a'ainst him. -he G. S. Su)reme Court s)ea(in' throu'h *r. #ustice Cilliam #. Erennan #r. ruled a'ainst Sulli2an holdin' that honest criticisms on the conduct of )u9lic officials and )u9lic fi'ures are insulated from li9el +ud'ments. -he 'uarantees of freedom of s)eech and )ress )rohi9it a )u9lic official or )u9lic fi'ure from reco2erin' dama'es for a defamator, falsehood relatin' to his official conduct unless he )ro2es that the statement .as made .ith actual malice, i.e., .ith (no.led'e that it .as false or .ith rec(less disre'ard of .hether it .as false or not. -he raison d@ tre for the Ne. Mor( -imes doctrine .as that to re=uire critics of official conduct to 'uarantee the truth of all their factual assertions on )ain of li9el +ud'ments .ould lead to self-censorshi), since .ould 9e critics .ould 9e deterred from, 2oicin' out their criticisms e2en if such .ere 9elie2ed to 9e true, or .ere in fact true, 9ecause of dou9t .hether it could 9e )ro2ed or 9ecause of fear of the e>)ense of ha2in' to )ro2e it. 28 In the )resent case, .e deem )ri2ate res)ondent a )u9lic fi'ure .ithin the )ur2ie. of the Ne. Mor( -imes rulin'. "t an, rate, .e ha2e also defined 1)u9lic fi'ure1 in ,&ers #rod"ction #t&. +td. v. !ap"long 29 as ; . . . . a )erson .ho, 9, his accom)lishments, fame, mode of li2in', or 9, ado)tin' a )rofession or callin' .hich 'i2es the )u9lic a le'itimate interest in his doin's, his affairs and his character, has 9ecome a 1)u9lic )ersona'e.1 ?e is, in other .ords, a cele9rit,. &92iousl, to 9e included in this cate'or, are those .ho ha2e achie2ed some de'ree of re)utation 9, a))earin' 9efore the )u9lic, as in the case of an actor, a )rofessional 9ase9all )la,er, a )u'ilist, or an, other entertainer. -he list is, ho.e2er, 9roader than this. It includes )u9lic officers, famous in2entors and e>)lorers, .ar heroes and e2en ordinar, soldiers, infant )rodi',, and no less a )ersona'e than the Freat E>alted uler of the lod'e. It includes, in short, an,one .ho has arri2ed at a )osition .here the )u9lic attention is focused u)on him as a )erson. -he FNC/- .as air underta(in' infused .ith )u9lic interest. It .as )romoted as a +oint )ro+ect of the 'o2ernment and the )ri2ate sector, and or'ani7ed 9, to) 'o2ernment officials and )rominent 9usinessmen. For this reason, it attracted media milea'e and dre. )u9lic attention not onl, to the conference itself 9ut to the )ersonalities 9ehind as .ell. "s its E>ecuti2e Director and s)o(esman, )ri2ate res)ondent conse=uentl, assumed the status of a )u9lic fi'ure. Eut e2en assumin' ex-gratia arg"menti that )ri2ate res)ondent, des)ite the )osition he occu)ied in the FNC/-, .ould not =ualif, as a )u9lic fi'ure, it does not necessaril, follo. that he could not 2alidl, 9e the su9+ect of a )u9lic comment e2en if he .as not a )u9lic official or at least a )u9lic fi'ure, for he could 9e, as lon' as he .as in2ol2ed in a )u9lic issue. If a matter is a su9+ect of )u9lic or 'eneral interest, it cannot suddenl, 9ecame less so merel, 9ecause a )ri2ate indi2idual is in2ol2ed or 9ecause in some sense the indi2idual did not 2oluntaril, choose to 9ecome in2ol2ed. -he )u9lic:s )rimar, interest is in the e2ent@ the )u9lic focus is on the conduct of the )artici)ant and the content, effect and si'nificance of the conduct, not the )artici)ant:s )rior anon,mit, or notoriet,. 3/

-here is no den,in' that the =uestioned articles dealt .ith matters of )u9lic interest. " readin' of the im)utations of )etitioner Eor+al a'ainst res)ondent Cenceslao sho.s that all these necessaril, 9ore u)on the latter:s official conduct and his moral and mental fitness as E>ecuti2e Director of the FNC/-. -he nature and functions of his )osition .hich included solicitation of funds, dissemination of information a9out the FNC/- in order to 'enerate interest in the conference, and the mana'ement and coordination of the 2arious acti2ities of the conference demanded from him utmost honest,, inte'rit, and com)etence. -hese are matters a9out .hich the )u9lic has the ri'ht to 9e informed, ta(in' into account the 2er, )u9lic character of the conference itself. Concededl,, )etitioner Eor+al ma, ha2e 'one o2er9oard in the lan'ua'e em)lo,ed descri9in' the 1or'ani7er of the conference.1 &ne is tem)ted to .onder if it .as 9, some mischie2ous 'am9it that he .ould also dare test the limits of the 1.ild 9lue ,onder1 of free s)eech in this +urisdiction. Eut no matter ho. intem)erate or de)recator, the utterances a))ear to 9e, the )ri2ile'e is not to 9e defeated nor rendered in"tile for, as succinctl, e>)ressed 9, *r. #ustice Erennan in :ew Cor* )imes v. S"llivan, 1ADBe9ate on )u9lic issues should 9e uninhi9ited, ro9ust and .ide o)en, and that it ma, .ell include 2ehement, caustic and sometimes un)leasantl, shar) attac(s on the 'o2ernment and )u9lic officials. 31 -he Court of "))eals concluded that since malice is al.a,s )resumed in the )u9lication of defamator, matters in the a9sence of )roof to the contrar,, the =uestion of )ri2ile'e is immaterial. Ce re+ect this )ostulate. Chile, 'enerall,, malice can 9e )resumed from defamator, .ords, the )ri2ile'ed character of a communication destro,s the )resum)tion of malice. 32 -he on"s of )ro2in' actual malice then lies on )laintiff, )ri2ate res)ondent Cenceslao herein. ?e must 9rin' home to the defendant, )etitioner Eor+al herein, the e>istence of malice as the true moti2e of his conduct. 33 *alice connotes ill .ill or s)ite and s)ea(s not in res)onse to dut, 9ut merel, to in+ure the re)utation of the )erson defamed, and im)lies an intention to do ulterior and un+ustifia9le harm. 3. *alice is 9ad faith or 9ad moti2e. 35 It is the essence of the crime of li9el. 30 In the milieu o9tainin', can it 9e reasona9l, inferred that in .ritin' and )u9lishin' the articles in =uestion )etitioner Eor+al acted .ith maliceK $rimaril,, )ri2ate res)ondent failed to su9stantiate 9, )re)onderant e2idence that )etitioner .as animated 9, a desire to inflict "n$"stifia%le harm on his re)utation, or that the articles .ere .ritten and )u9lished witho"t good motives or $"stifia%le ends. &n the other hand, .e find )etitioner Eor+al to ha2e acted in 'ood faith. *o2ed 9, a sense of ci2ic dut, and )rodded 9, his res)onsi9ilit, as a ne.s)a)erman, he )roceeded to e>)ose and denounce .hat he )ercei2ed to 9e a )u9lic dece)tion. Surel,, .e cannot 9e'rud'e him for that. E2er, citi7en has the ri'ht to en+o, a 'ood name and re)utation, 9ut .e do not consider that )etitioner Eor+al has 2iolated that ri'ht in this case nor a9used his )ress freedom. Furthermore, to 9e considered malicious, the li9elous statements must 9e sho.n to ha2e 9een .ritten or )u9lished .ith the (no.led'e that the, are false or in rec(less disre'ard of .hether the, are false or not. 37 1 ec(less disre'ard of .hat is false or not1 means that the defendant entertains serious dou9t as to the truth of the )u9lication, 38 or that he )ossesses a hi'h de'ree of a.areness of their )ro9a9le falsit,. 39 -he articles su9+ect of the instant case can hardl, 9e said to ha2e 9een .ritten .ith (no.led'e that these are false or in rec(less disre'ard of .hat is false or not. -his is not to sa, ho.e2er that the 2er, serious alle'ations of )etitioner Eor+al assumed 9, )ri2ate res)ondent to 9e directed a'ainst him are true. Eut .e ne2ertheless find these at least to ha2e 9een 9ased on reasona9le 'rounds formed after the columnist conducted se2eral )ersonal inter2ie.s and after considerin' the 2aried documentar, e2idence )ro2ided him 9, his sources. -hus, the follo.in' are su))orted 9, documentar, e2idence0 3a6 that )ri2ate res)ondent re=uested Floria *aca)a'al-"rro,o, then head of the Farments and -e>tile E>)ort Eoard 3F-EE6, to e>)edite the )rocessin' and release of the im)ort a))ro2al and certificate of a2aila9ilit, of a 'arment firm in e>chan'e for the monetar, contri9ution of #uliano /im, .hich necessitated a re)l, from the office of Floria

49

*aca)a'al-"rro,o e>)lainin' the )rocedure of the F-EE in )rocessin' a))lications and clarif,in' that all a))licants .ere treated e=uall,@ ./ 396 that "ntonio $eri=uet .as desi'nated Chairman of the E>ecuti2e Committee of the FNC/not.ithstandin' that he had )re2iousl, declined the offer@ .1 and, 3c6 that des)ite the fact that then $resident "=uino and her Secretar, of -rans)ortation ainerio e,es declined the in2itation to 9e 'uest s)ea(ers in the conference, their names .ere still included in the, )rintout of the FNC/-. .2 "dded to these are the admissions of )ri2ate res)ondent that0 3a6 he assisted #uliano /im in his a))lication for a =uota allocation .ith the F-EE in e>chan'e for monetar, contri9utions to the FNC/-@ .3 396 he included the name of then Secretar, of -rans)ortation ainerio e,es in the )romotional materials of the conference not.ithstandin' the latter:s refusal to lend his name to and )artici)ate in the FNC/-@ .. and, 3c6 he used different letterheads and tele)hone num9ers. .5 E2en assumin' that the contents of the articles are false, mere error, inaccurac, or e2en falsit, alone does not )ro2e actual malice. Errors or misstatements are ine2ita9le in an, scheme of trul, free e>)ression and de9ate. Consistent .ith 'ood faith and reasona9le care, the )ress should not 9e held to account, to a )oint of su))ression, for honest mista(es or im)erfections in the choice of lan'ua'e. -here must 9e some room for misstatement of fact as .ell as for mis+ud'ment. &nl, 9, 'i2in' them much lee.a, and tolerance can the, coura'eousl, and effecti2el, function as critical a'encies in our democrac,. .0 In 6"lletin #"%lishing !orp. v. :oel.7 .e held " ne.s)a)er es)eciall, one national in reach and co2era'e, should 9e free to re)ort on e2ents and de2elo)ments in .hich the )u9lic has a le'itimate interest .ith minimum fear of 9ein' hauled to court 9, one 'rou) or another on criminal or ci2il char'es for li9el, so lon' as the ne.s)a)er res)ects and (ee)s .ithin the standards of moralit, and ci2ilit, )re2ailin' .ithin the 'eneral communit,. -o a2oid the self-censorshi) that .ould necessaril, accom)an, strict lia9ilit, for erroneous statements, rules 'o2ernin' lia9ilit, for in+ur, to re)utation are re=uired to allo. an ade=uate mar'in of error 9, )rotectin' some inaccuracies. It is for the same reason that the Ne. Mor( -imes doctrine re=uires that lia9ilit, for defamation of a )u9lic official or )u9lic fi'ure ma, not 9e im)osed in the a9sence of )roof of 1actual malice1 on the )art of the )erson ma(in' the li9elous statement. "t an, rate, it ma, 9e salutar, for )ri2ate res)ondent to )onder u)on the ad2ice of *r. #ustice *alcolm e>)ressed in 9.S. v. 6"stos, .8 that 1the interest of societ, and the maintenance of 'ood 'o2ernment demand a full discussion of )u9lic affairs. Com)lete li9ert, to comment on the conduct of )u9lic men is a scal)el in the case of free s)eech. -he shar) incision of its )ro9e relie2es the a9scesses of officialdom. *en in )u9lic life ma, suffer under a hostile and un+ust accusation@ the .ound ma, 9e assua'ed 9, the 9alm of a clear conscience. " )u9lic official must not 9e too thin-s(inned .ith reference to comments u)on his official acts.1 -he fore'oin' dis)osition renders the second and se2enth assi'ned errors moot and academic, hence, .e find no necessit, to )ass u)on them. Ce must ho.e2er ta(e this o))ortunit, to li(e.ise remind media )ractitioners of the hi'h ethical standards attached to and demanded 9, their no9le )rofession. -he dan'er of an un9ridled irrational e>ercise of the ri'ht of free s)eech and )ress, that is, in utter contem)t of the ri'hts of others and in .illful disre'ard of the cum9rous res)onsi9ilities inherent in it, is the e2entual self-destruction of the ri'ht and the re'ression of human societ, into a 2erita9le ?o99esian state of nature .here life is short, nast, and 9rutish. -herefore, to reco'ni7e that there can 9e no a9solute 1unrestraint1 in s)eech is to trul, com)rehend the =uintessence of freedom in the mar(et)lace of social thou'ht and action, 'enuine freedom 9ein' that .hich is limned 9, the freedom of others. If there is freedom of the )ress, ou'ht there not also 9e freedom from the )ressK It is in this sense that self-re'ulation as distin'uished from self-censorshi) 9ecomes the ideal mean for, as *r. #ustice Fran(furter has .arned, 1ACBithout . . . a li2el, sense of res)onsi9ilit,, a free )ress ma, readil, 9ecome a )o.erful instrument of in+ustice.1 .9

/est .e 9e misconstrued, this is not to diminish nor constrict that s)ace in .hich e>)ression freel, flourishes and o)erates. For .e ha2e al.a,s stron'l, maintained, as .e do no., that freedom of e>)ression is man:s 9irthri'ht -constitutionall, )rotected and 'uaranteed, and that it has 9ecome the sin'ular role of the )ress to act as its 1defensor fidei1 in a democratic societ, such as ours. Eut it is also .orth (ee)in' in mind that the )ress is the ser2ant, not the master, of the citi7enr,, and its freedom does not carr, .ith it an restricted huntin' license to )re, on the ordinar, citi7en. 5/ &n )etitioners: counterclaim for dama'es, .e find the e2idence too mea'er to sustain an, a.ard. Indeed, )ri2ate res)ondent cannot 9e said to ha2e instituted the )resent suit in a9use of the le'al )rocesses and .ith hostilit, to the )ress@ or that he acted maliciousl,, .antonl,, o))ressi2el,, fraudulentl, and for the sole )ur)ose of harassin' )etitioners, there9, entitlin' the latter to dama'es. &n the contrar,, )ri2ate res)ondent acted .ithin his ri'hts to )rotect his honor from .hat he )ercei2ed to 9e malicious im)utations a'ainst him. $roof and moti2e that the institution of the action .as )rom)ted 9, a sinister desi'n to 2e> and humiliate a )erson must 9e clearl, and )re)onderantl, esta9lished to entitle the 2ictim to dama'es. -he la. could not ha2e meant to im)ose a )enalt, on the ri'ht to liti'ate, nor should counsel:s fees 9e a.arded e2er, time a )art, .ins a suit. 51 For, concludin' .ith the .isdom in Darren v. #"lit.er #"%lishing !o. 52 B E2er, man has a ri'ht to discuss matters of )u9lic interest. " cler',man .ith his floc(, an admiral .ith his fleet, a 'eneral .ith his arm,, a +ud'e .ith his +ur,@ .e are, all of us, the su9+ect of )u9lic discussion. -he 2ie. of our court has 9een thus stated0 1It is onl, in des)otisms that one must s)ea( s"% rosa, or in .his)ers, .ith 9ated 9reath, around the corner, or in the dar( on a su9+ect touchin' the common .elfare. It is the 9ri'htest +e.el in the cro.n of the la. to s)ea( and maintain the 'olden mean 9et.een defamation, on one hand, and a health, and ro9ust ri'ht of free )u9lic discussion, on the other. C?E EF& E, the )etition is F "N-ED. -he Decision of the Court of "))eals of <5 *arch 8995 and its esolution of 8< Se)tem9er 8995 den,in' reconsideration are, E!E SED and SE- "SIDE, and the com)laint for dama'es a'ainst )etitioners is DIS*ISSED. $etitioners: counterclaim for dama'es is li(e.ise DIS*ISSED for lac( of merit. No costs.1wpS& & DE ED. G.R. No. L-.5/31 "ctober 21, 1991 NANER$C" D. -AN&"-, petitioner, v . &!E C"4R& "# A**EAL-, re pon(ent . #ERNAN, C.J.:p $etition for re2ie. of the decision of the Court of "))eal )romul'ated on "u'ust <5, 8975 .hich affirmed the +ud'ment of the then Court of First Instance of i7al, Eranch !III 3$asi'6 con2ictin' Nanerico D. Santos of the crime of li9el and sentencin' him to )a, a fine of $5,DDD.DD .ith su9sidiar, im)risonment in case of insol2enc,, to indemnif, the )ri2ate offended )arties Carlos *oran Sison and /uis F. Sison in the amount of $5D,DDD.DD 9, .a, of actual, conse=uential and e>em)lar, dama'es and costs. 1 -he instant )etition raises the ultimate issue of .hether or not the )u9lication of a com)laint filed .ith the Securities and E>chan'e Commission 9efore an, +udicial action is ta(en thereon is )ri2ile'ed as a re)ort of a +udicial )roceedin'. &n Fe9ruar, <4, 897D, )etitioner Nanerico D. Santos as a columnist of the then 0anila -ail& 6"lletin .rote and )u9lished in his .ee(l, column an article entitled 1Char'es "'ainst C*S Stoc( Ero(era'e, Inc.1 .hich article .as =uoted ver%atim from an un2erified com)laint filed .ith the Securities and E>chan'e Commission on Fe9ruar, 84,897D 9, osario Sison Sande+as and her dau'hters char'in' C*S Stoc( Ero(era'e Inc., )articularl, its 9oard chairman and controllin' stoc(holder Carlos *oran Sison and its )resident-'eneral mana'er /uis F. Sison, of en'a'in' in fraudulent )ractices in the stoc( mar(et. &n the 2er, da, that the ne.s item a))eared, Carlos *oran Sison sou'ht a meetin' .ith )etitioner Santos so that he could su9mit to the columnist his re)l, .hich he .anted )u9lished 1the 2er, ne>t da,1 and in the same column. -he, met at a9out 5085 in the e2enin' at the "ndres-Soriano E>ecuti2e Center in *a(ati, i7al .here

49

)etitioner )romised Sison that he .ould ha2e the re)l, )u9lished, not on the ne>t da,, 9ut in the Fe9ruar, <5, 897D issue of the 0anila -ail& 6"lletin 9ecause 1 it .as alread, )ast the deadline for the ne>t da,:s issue.1 -he re)l, .as not )u9lished on Fe9ruar, <5, 897D as )etitioner had )romised and so Carlos *oran Sison called )etitioner 9, )hone to tell him not to )u9lish the re)l, an,more as it .ould onl, re(indle the tal(s. Sison also informed )etitioner that he .ould 9e sued for li9el, to .hich statement )etitioner retorted0 1Cell, sue me for li9el.1 2 "9out a .ee( later .hen Carlos *oran Sison chanced u)on )etitioner at the ?otel Intercontinental lo99,, the latter as(ed Sison0 1Chen .ill ,ou sue meK1 $etitioner recei2ed his ans.er on *arch 4,897D .hen the a))ro)riate com)laint for li9el .as lod'ed a'ainst him 9, Carlos *oran Sison and /uis F. Sison 9efore the &ffice of the $ro2incial Fiscal of i7al. Char'e to'ether .ith )etitioner .ere *ariano E. Juimson, #r., ?ans *. *en7i, *.*. de los e,es, Feli> F. Fon7ales and Een odri'ue7, also of the 0anila -ail& 6"lletin. Su9se=uentl,, the corres)ondin' information .as filed 9efore the Court of First Instance of i7al 3$asi'6 on No2em9er 85, 897D. 3 It is interestin' to note that a fe. .ee(s follo.in' the )u9lication of the com)laint, Santos: .ee(l, column .as sto))ed, ostensi9l, to cut do.n on o2erhead e>)enses 9rou'ht a9out 9, the ado)tion of the floatin' rate in forei'n e>chan'e .. &n #anuar, <5, 8978, u)on motion of the trial fiscal and .ith the conformit, of the offended )arties, the lo.er court dismissed the case a'ainst all the accused, .ith the e>ce)tion of )etitioner Nanerico D. Santos. In due time, the trial court rendered its +ud'ment of con2iction. In affirmin' the decision, res)ondent "))ellate Court declared0 -he article in =uestion is not a )ri2ile'ed communication. "t the time the com)laint filed .ith the Securities and E>chan'e Commission .as )u9lished in the column of the accused there .as as ,et no )roceedin' at .hich 9oth )arties had an o))ortunit, to 9e )resent and to 9e heard. 3Earreto 2s. $hili))ine $u9lishin' Co., 4D $hil. 886. $u9lishin' an article 9ased u)on a com)laint filed in a Court of First Instance 9efore an, +udicial action is ta(en thereon is not )ri2ile'ed as a re)ort of a +udicial )roceedin'. 3Choa -e( ?ee 2s. $hili))ine $u9lishin' Co., 44 $hil, 4476. -he article in =uestion is li9elous. It im)utes a crime to the )ri2ate offended )arties, that of :.illful 2iolation of the )ro2isions of the Securities "ct and the im)lementin' ules and e'ulations issued 9, the commission:.hich is )enali7ed 9, im)risonment or fine or 9oth and said )u9lished article of the accused im)utes to the )ri2ate offended )arties, as stoc(9ro(ers, fraudulent acts and ille'al )urchasesOsales and mani)ulations of securities to the )re+udice of their customers and the 'eneral in2estin' )u9lic, .hich acts actuall, caused the dishonor, discredit or contem)t of the )ri2ate offended )arties. 3"nne> 1D1, 'ollo, )). 5-76. -he case is no. 9efore us for resolution. -he a))lica9le )ro2ision of la. is "rticle 454 of the e2ised $enal Code .hich states as follo.s0 "rt. 454. 'eq"irement for p"%licit&. ; E2er, defamator, im)utation is )resumed to 9e malicious, e2en if it 9e true, if no 'ood intention and +ustifia9le moti2e for ma(in' it is sho.n, e>ce)t in the follo.in' cases0 8. " )ri2ate communication made 9, an, )erson to another in the )erformance of an, le'al, moral or social dut,@ and <. " fair and true re)ort, made in 'ood faith, .ithout an, comments or remar(s, of an, +udicial, le'islati2e or other official )roceedin's .hich are of confidential nature, or of

an, statement, re)ort or s)eech deli2ered in said )roceedin's, or of an, other act )erformed 9, )u9lic officers in the e>ercise of their functions. Fenerall,, malice is )resumed 3malice in la.6 in e2er, defamator, im)utation. -his )resum)tion, ho.e2er, does not arise if the communication is )ri2ile'ed under "rticle 454. $ara'ra)hs 8 and < of "rticle 454 refer to =ualifiedl, )ri2ile'ed communications. 5 -he character of the )ri2ile'e is a matter of defense .hich ma, 9e lost 9, )ositi2e )roof of e>)ress malice. In other .ords, the onus of )ro2in' actual malice is )laced on the )laintiff .ho must then con2ince the court that the offender .as )rom)ted 9, malice or ill .ill. &nce this is accom)lished, the defense of )ri2ile'e is una2ailin'. -hus, under "rticle 45< of the e2ised $enal Code, it is )ro2ided that0 "rt. 45<. +i%elo"s remar*s. ; /i9elous remar(s or comments connected .ith the matter )ri2ile'ed under the )ro2isions of article 454, if made with malice, shall not e>em)t the author nor the editor or mana'in' editor of a ne.s)a)er from criminal lia9ilit,. 3Em)hasis su))lied6 $etitioner no. insists that the )u9lished article is )ri2ile'ed, 9ein' a fair and true re)ort of a +udicial )roceedin', .ithout comments or remar(s, and therefore not )unisha9le. ?e maintains that the alle'ed li9elous ne.s re)ort .hich came out in the 0anila -ail& 6"lletin .as merel, lifted from a com)laint .ord for .ord, e>ce)t for the last innocuous )ara'ra)h .hich he added to the effect that 13i6n2estors and Sison:s fello. 9ro(ers are ea'erl, a.aitin' de2elo)ments on these char'es1. *oreo2er, he contends that the cited rulin's in the cases of 6arreto vs. #hilippine #"%lishing !o. ;3 #hil. EE and !hoa )e* 7ee vs. #hilippine #"%lishing !o. 44 $hil. 447, are no lon'er 2alid. $etitioner:s ar'uments are .ell-ta(en. It must 9e recalled that in holdin' )etitioner lia9le for li9el, 9oth the trial court and the "))ellate Court a))lied the doctrine esta9lished in the aforementioned 8985-8985 cases. Eriefl,0 "n ans.er to a com)laint filed in court, containin' li9elous matter, is not )ri2ile'ed so as to e>em)t a ne.s)a)er from )rosecution under the /i9el "ct for a )u9lication thereof, no action ha2in' 9een ta(en 9, the court thereon. 3Earretto 2s. $hili))ine $u9lishin' Co., s"pra6. $u9lishin' an article 9ased u)on a com)laint filed in a Court of First Instance 9efore an, +udicial action. is ta(en thereon is not )ri2ile'ed as a re)ort of a +udicial )roceedin'. 3Choa -e( ?ee 2s. $hili))ine $u9lishin' Co., s"pra?. -he Court, throu'h #ustice *oreland, 'a2e the rationale0 -he foundation of the ri'ht of the )u9lic to (no. .hat is 'oin' on in the courts is not the fact that the )u9lic, or a )ortion of it, is curious, or that .hat 'oes on in the court is ne.s, or .ould 9e interestin', or .ould furnish to)ics of con2ersation@ 9ut is sim)l, that it has a ri'ht to (no. .hether a )u9lic officer is )ro)erl, )erformin' his dut,. In other .ords, the ri'ht of the )u9lic to 9e informed of the )roceedin's in court is not founded in the desire or necessit, of )eo)le to (no. a9out the doin's of others, 9ut in the necessit, of (no.in' .hether its ser2ant, the +ud'e, is )ro)erl, )erformin' his dut,. &nl, clear )ro2isions of la. can +ustif, a ne.s)a)er, or an indi2idual, in s)readin' 9aseless char'es of fraud or corru)tion made 9, one man a'ainst another, .here2er such char'es ma, 9e found. -he fact that such char'es are contained in a )a)er filed in court 'i2es no inherent ri'ht to an indi2idual to )eddle its contents from door to door or s)read them 9roadcast@ and a ne.s)a)er has no more )ri2ile'es than an indi2idual. Eet.een the ne.s)a)er and the indi2idual there is no difference of ri'ht. -he real difference 9et.een them lies in the a9ilit, of the one to s)read the )u9lication more =uic(l,, more e>tensi2el,, and more thorou'hl, than the other. Gnless, therefore,

49

the statute )lainl, confers that ri'ht, the )u9lication of such char'es is actiona9le unless +ustified. . . . It is 'enerall, a'reed that the )ri2ile'e, the ri'ht to )u9lish .ithout lia9ilit, for dama'es, does not e>tend to mere )leadin's filed in court, as, for e>am)le, 9ills in e=uit,, u)on .hich there has 9een no action. 3Cited cases6. -he reason for this rule is thus stated in $ar( 2 Detroit Free $ress Co.0 -here is no rule of la. .hich authori7es an, 9ut the )arties interested to handle the files or )u9lish the contents of their matters in liti'ation. -he )arties, and none 9ut the )arties, control them. &ne of the reasons .h, )arties are )ri2ile'ed from suit for accusations made in their )leadin's is that the )leadin's are addressed to courts .here the facts can 9e fairl, tried, and to no other readers. If )leadin's and the documents can 9e )u9lished to the .orld 9, an, one .ho 'ets access to them, no more effectual .a, of doin' malicious mischief .ith im)unit, could 9e de2ised than fillin' )a)ers containin' false and scurrilous char'es, and 'ettin' these )rinted ne.s. . . . 3Earreto 2s. $hili))ine $u9lishin' Co., s"pra, )). 9<-94, 8D5-8D56. ?o.e2er, it .ould seem that the )assa'e of time has .or(ed to )etitioner:s 'reat ad2anta'e. In 8975, the doctrine so fer2entl, and elo=uentl, es)oused 9, #ustice *oreland in the Earreto case .as o2erturned 9, this Court throu'h #ustice Es'uerra in !"enco vs !"enco, No. /-<955D, *arch 48, 8975 7D SC " <8<, <44-<45. -hus0 -he reason for the rule that )leadin's in +udicial )roceedin's are considered )ri2ile'ed is not onl, 9ecause said )leadin's ha2e 9ecome )art of )u9lic record o)en to the )u9lic to scrutini7e, 9ut also due to the undenia9le fact that said )leadin's are )resumed to contain alle'ations and assertions la.ful and le'al in nature, a))ro)riate to the dis)osition of issues 2entilated 9efore the courts for the )ro)er administration of +ustice and, therefore, of 'eneral )u9lic concern. *oreo2er, )leadin's are )resumed to contain alle'ations su9stantiall, true 9ecause the, can 9e su))orted 9, e2idence )resented in 'ood faith, the contents of .hich .ould 9e under the scrutin, of courts, and therefore, su9+ect to 9e )ur'ed of all im)ro)rieties and ille'al statements contained therein. Ce are firml, con2inced that the correct rule on the matter should 9e that a fair and true re)ort of a com)laint filed in court .ithout remar(s nor comments e2en 9efore an ans.er is filed or a decision )romul'ated should 9e co2ered 9, the )ri2ile'e. In 0an"el vs. #ano s"pra, the Court, s)ea(in' throu'h #ustice Cru7, cate'oricall, stated that the )u9lication of a com)laint, 9ein' a true and fair re)ort of a +udicial )roceedin', made in 'ood faith and .ithout comments or remar(s, is )ri2ile'ed and comes under Item < of "rticle 454. It is no lon'er correct to state that "rticle 454 is not a))lica9le 9ecause the )u9lished com)laint as filed .ould not 9, itself constitute a +udicial )roceedin', as the issues ha2e not as ,et 9een +oined. -hat doctrine esta9lished in the Earretto and Choa -e( ?ee cases is no lon'er controllin' and has 9een su)erseded 9, the Cuenco case. *oreo2er, it could also 9e ar'ued that the com)laint, 9, itself, is a )u9lic record and ma, 9e )u9lished as such under ule 845, Section < of the ules of Court unless the court directs other.ise in the interest of moralit, or decenc,. Ce no. come to the all-im)ortant consideration of .hether the )rosecution, in an effort to remo2e the )rotection of )ri2ile'e, .as a9le to esta9lish that the columnist char'ed .ith li9el .as in fact moti2ated 9, malice. It is )lainl, e2ident from a readin' of the )u9lished article itself that it is 9ut a faithful re)roduction of a )leadin' filed 9efore a q"asi-$"dicial 9od,. -here are no em9ellishments, .ild im)utations, distortions or defamator, comments calculated to dama'e the re)utation of the offended )arties and e>)ose them to )u9lic contem)t. Chat )etitioner has done .as to sim)l, furnish the readers .ith the information that a com)laint

has 9een filed a'ainst a 9ro(era'e firm. -hen he )roceeded to re)roduce that )leadin' ver%atim in his column. No. this is decidel, )art and )arcel of )etitioner:s +o9 as a columnist .hose 19eat1 ha))ens to 9e the stoc( mar(et. ?e is o9li'ated to (ee) the )u9lic a9reast of the current ne.s in that )articular field. &n this crucial )oint, the Court is inclined to resol2e all dou9ts in fa2or of )etitioner and declare that there is no li9el. It ma, 9e .ell for us to (ee) in mind that the rule on )ri2ile'ed communications in defamation cases de2elo)ed 9ecause 1)u9lic )olic,, the .elfare of societ, and the orderl, administration of +ustice1 ha2e demanded )rotection for )u9lic o)inion. -herefore, the, should not 9e su9+ected to microsco)ic e>amination to disco2er 'rounds of malice and falsehood. Such e>cessi2e scrutin, .ould defeat the )rotection .hich the la. thro.s o2er )ri2ile'ed communications. 0 -he contro2ersial )u9lication 9ein' a fair and true re)ort of a +udicial )roceedin' and made .ithout malice, .e find the author entitled to the )rotection and immunit, of the rule on )ri2ile'ed matters under "rticle 454 3<6. It follo.s that he cannot 9e held criminall, lia9le for li9el. C?E EF& E, the con2iction of )etitioner Nanerico D. Santos is SE- "SIDE and he is here9, "CJGI--ED of the crime of li9el. No costs. S& & DE ED.

G.R. No. 1353/0 J'n1'r3 28, 2//3 M)R- *4,L$CA&$"N-, $NC., MAR- C. LAC"N-A:, M:LA C. AG4JA 'n( AG4-&$N" G. ,$NEGA-, JR.,petitioner , v . $-LAM$C DAC;A! C"4NC$L "# &!E *!$L$**$NE-, $NC., A,D4LRA!MAN R.&. L$N+AG, $,RA!$M #.*. ARC$LLA, A,D4L RA-!$D DE G4+MAN, AL-#ARED DA -$L)A 'n( $,RA!$M ,.A. J4N$", re pon(ent . ,ELL"-$LL", J.5

I ma& "tterl& detest what &o" write %"t I shall fight to the death to ma*e it possi%le for &o" to contin"e writing it. ; Voltaire !&/-"I E:S $&N-IFIC"/ !E SE 9estirs once a'ain the 9asic li9erties to free s)eech and free )ress ; li9erties that 9elon' as .ell, if not more, to those .ho =uestion, .ho do not conform, .ho differ. For the ultimate 'ood .hich .e all stri2e to achie2e for oursel2es and our )osterit, can 9etter 9e reached 9, a free e>chan'e of ideas, .here the 9est test of truth is the )o.er of the thou'ht to 'et itself acce)ted in the com)etition of the free mar(et ; not +ust the ideas .e desire, 9ut includin' those thou'hts .e des)ise. 8 IS/"*IC D":C"? C&GNCI/ &F -?E $?I/I$$INES, INC., a local federation of more than se2ent, 37D6 *uslim reli'ious or'ani7ations, and indi2idual *uslims "EDG/ "?*"N .-. /IN%"F, IE "?I* F.$. " CI//", "EDG/ "S?ID DE FG%*"N, "/-F" ED D" SI/!" and IE "?I* E.". #GNI&, filed in the e'ional -rial Court of *anila a com)laint for dama'es in their o.n 9ehalf and as a class suit in 9ehalf of the *uslim mem9ers nation.ide a'ainst *! S $GE/IC"-I&NS, INC., *" S C. /"C&NS"M, *M/" C. "FG#" and "FGS-IN& F. EINEF"S, # ., arisin' from an article )u9lished in the 8 "u'ust 899< issue of Eul'ar, a dail, ta9loid. -he article reads0 1,+,0 6, :I:COK :a ang mga %a%o& at *ahit anong "ri ng ha&op sa 0indanao a& hindi *ina*ain ng mga 0"slim K #ara sa *anila ang mga ito a& isang sagradong %aga&. 7indi nila ito *ailangang *ainin *ahit na sila pa a& mag"tom at mawalan ng "lam sa t"wing sila a& *a*ain. Binagawa nila itong -i&os at

49

sinasam%a pa nila ito sa t"wing araw ng *anilang pangingilin lal"ng-lalo na sa araw na tinatawag nilang @'amadan@.1 -he com)laint alle'ed that the li9elous statement .as insultin' and dama'in' to the *uslims@ that these .ords alludin' to the )i' as the Fod of the *uslims .as not onl, )u9lished out of sheer i'norance 9ut .ith intent to hurt the feelin's, cast insult and dis)ara'e the *uslims and Islam, as a reli'ion in this countr,, in 2iolation of la., )u9lic )olic,, 'ood morals and human relations@ that on account of these li9elous .ords 6"lgar insulted not onl, the *uslims in the $hili))ines 9ut the entire *uslim .orld, es)eciall, e2er, *uslim indi2idual in non-*uslim countries. *! S $GE/IC"-I&NS, INC., and "FGS-IN& F. EINEF"S, # ., in their defense, contended that the article did not mention res)ondents as the o9+ect of the article and therefore .ere not entitled to dama'es@ and, that the article .as merel, an e>)ression of 9elief or o)inion and .as )u9lished .ithout malice nor intention to cause dama'e, )re+udice or in+ur, to *uslims. < &n 4D #une 8995 the trial court dismissed the com)laint holdin' that the )laintiffs failed to esta9lish their cause of action since the )ersons alle'edl, defamed 9, the article .ere not s)ecificall, identified ; It must 9e noted that the )ersons alle'edl, defamed, the herein )laintiffs, .ere not identified .ith s)ecificit,. -he su9+ect article .as directed at the *uslims .ithout mentionin' or identif,in' the herein )laintiffs > > >. It is thus a))arent that the alle'ed li9elous article refers to the lar'er collecti2it, of *uslims for .hich the readers of the li9el could not readil, identif, the )ersonalities of the )ersons defamed. ?ence, it is difficult for an indi2idual *uslim mem9er to )ro2e that the defamator, remar(s a))l, to him. -he e2idence )resented in this case failed to con2ince this court that, indeed, the defamator, remar(s reall, a))lied to the herein )laintiffs. 4 &n <7 "u'ust 8998 the Court of "))eals re2ersed the decision of the trial court. It o)ined that it .as 1clear from the dis)uted article that the defamation .as directed to all adherents of the Islamic faith. It stated that )i's .ere sacred and idoli7ed as 'od 9, mem9ers of the *uslim reli'ion. -his li9elous im)utation undenia9l, a))lied to the )laintiff-a))ellants .ho are *uslims sharin' the same reli'ious 9eliefs.1 It added that the suit for dama'es .as a 1class suit1 and that IS/"*IC D":C"? C&GNCI/ &F -?E $?I/I$$INES, INC.:s reli'ious status as a *uslim um9rella or'ani7ation 'a2e it the re=uisite )ersonalit, to sue and )rotect the interests of all *uslims.4 ?ence, the instant )etition for re2ie. assailin' the findin's of the a))ellate court 3a6 on the e>istence of the elements of li9el, 396 the ri'ht of res)ondents to institute the class suit, and, 3c6 the lia9ilit, of )etitioners for moral dama'es, e>em)lar, dama'es, attorne,:s fees and costs of suit. Defamation, .hich includes li9el and slander, means the offense of in+urin' a )erson:s character, fame or re)utation throu'h false and malicious statements.5 It is that .hich tends to in+ure re)utation or to diminish the esteem, res)ect, 'ood .ill or confidence in the )laintiff or to e>cite dero'ator, feelin's or o)inions a9out the )laintiff.5 It is the )u9lication of an,thin' .hich is in+urious to the 'ood name or re)utation of another or tends to 9rin' him into disre)ute.7 Defamation is an in2asion of a relational interest since it in2ol2es the o)inion .hich others in the communit, ma, ha2e, or tend to ha2e, of the )laintiff. 8 It must 9e stressed that .ords .hich are merel, insultin' are not actiona9le as li9el or slander )er se, and mere .ords of 'eneral a9use ho.e2er o))ro9rious, ill-natured, or 2e>atious, .hether .ritten or s)o(en, do not constitute a 9asis for an action for defamation in the a9sence of an alle'ation for s)ecial dama'es. 9 -he fact that the lan'ua'e is offensi2e to the )laintiff does not ma(e it actiona9le 9, itself. 8D Declarations made a9out a lar'e class of )eo)le cannot 9e inter)reted to ad2ert to an identified or identifia9le indi2idual. "9sent circumstances s)ecificall, )ointin' or alludin' to a )articular mem9er of a class, no mem9er of such class has a ri'ht of action88 .ithout at all im)airin' the e=uall, demandin' ri'ht of free s)eech and e>)ression, as .ell as of the )ress, under the 6ill of 'ights.8< -hus, in :ewswee* Inc. v.

Intermediate ,ppellate !o"rt,84 .e dismissed a com)laint for li9el a'ainst :ewswee* Inc., on the 'round that )ri2ate res)ondents failed to state a cause of action since the, made no alle'ation in the com)laint that an,thin' contained in the article com)lained of s)ecificall, referred to an, of them. $ri2ate res)ondents, incor)orated associations of su'arcane )lanters in Ne'ros &ccidental claimin' to ha2e 8,5DD mem9ers and se2eral indi2idual mem9ers, filed a class action suit for dama'es in 9ehalf of all su'arcane )lanters in Ne'ros &ccidental. -he com)laint filed in the Court of First Instance of Eacolod Cit, alle'ed that Ne.s.ee(, Inc., committed li9el a'ainst them 9, the )u9lication of the article 1Island of Fear1 in its .ee(l, ne.sma'a7ine alle'edl, de)ictin' Ne'ros $ro2ince as a )lace dominated 9, .ealth, lando.ners and su'ar )lanters .ho not onl, e>)loited the im)o2erished and under)aid su'arcane .or(ers 9ut also 9rutali7ed and (illed them .ith im)unit,. $ri2ate res)ondents alle'ed that the article sho.ed a deli9erate and malicious use of falsehood, slanted )resentation andOor misre)resentation of facts intended to )ut the su'arcane )lanters in a 9ad li'ht, e>)ose them to )u9lic ridicule, discredit and humiliation in the $hili))ines and a9road, and ma(e them the o9+ects of hatred, contem)t and hostilit, of their a'ricultural .or(ers and of the )u9lic in 'eneral. Ce ratiocinated ; > > > .here the defamation is alle'ed to ha2e 9een directed at a 'rou) or class, it is essential that the statement must 9e so s.ee)in' or all-em9racin' as to a))l, to e2er, indi2idual in that 'rou) or class, or sufficientl, s)ecific so that each indi2idual in the class or 'rou) can )ro2e that the defamator, statement s)ecificall, )ointed to him, so that he can 9rin' the action se)aratel,, if need 9e > > > > -he case at 9ar is not a class suit. It is not a case .here one or more ma, sue for the 9enefit of all, or .here the re)resentation of class interest affected 9, the +ud'ment or decree is indis)ensa9le to ma(e each mem9er of the class an actual )art,. Ce ha2e here a case .here each of the )laintiffs has a se)arate and distinct re)utation in the communit,. -he, do not ha2e a common or 'eneral interest in the su9+ect matter of the contro2ers,. In the )resent case, there .as no fairl, identifia9le )erson .ho .as alle'edl, in+ured 9, the 6"lgar article. Since the )ersons alle'edl, defamed could not 9e identifia9le, )ri2ate res)ondents ha2e no indi2idual causes of action@ hence, the, cannot sue for a class alle'edl, dis)ara'ed. $ri2ate res)ondents must ha2e a cause of action in common .ith the class to .hich the, 9elon' to in order for the case to )ros)er. "n indi2idual *uslim has a re)utation that is )ersonal, se)arate and distinct in the communit,. Each *uslim, as )art of the lar'er *uslim communit, in the $hili))ines of o2er fi2e 356 million )eo)le, 9elon's to a different trade and )rofession@ each has a 2ar,in' interest and a di2er'ent )olitical and reli'ious 2ie. ; some ma, 9e conser2ati2e, others li9eral. " *uslim ma, find the article dishonora9le, e2en 9las)hemous@ others ma, find it as an o))ortunit, to stren'then their faith and educate the non-9elie2ers and the 1infidels.1 -here is no in+ur, to the re)utation of the indi2idual *uslims .ho constitute this communit, that can 'i2e rise to an action for 'rou) li9el. Each re)utation is )ersonal in character to e2er, )erson. -o'ether, the *uslims do not ha2e a sin'le common re)utation that .ill 'i2e them a common or 'eneral interest in the su9+ect matter of the contro2ers,. In ,rcand v. )he 5vening !all #"%lishing !ompan&,84 the Gnited States Court of "))eals held that one 'uidin' )rinci)le of 'rou) li9el is that defamation of a large gro"p does not give rise to a ca"se of action on the part of an individ"al "nless it can %e shown that he is the target of the defamator& matter . -he rule on li9el has 9een restricti2e. In an "merican case,85 a )erson had alle'edl, committed li9el a'ainst all )ersons of the #e.ish reli'ion. -he Court held that there could 9e no li9el a'ainst an e>tensi2e communit, in common la.. In an En'lish case, .here li9el consisted of alle'ations of immoralit, in a Catholic nunner,, the Court considered that if the li9el .ere on the .hole oman Catholic Church 'enerall,, then the defendant must 9e a9sol2ed.85 Cith re'ard to the lar'est sectors in societ,, includin' reli'ious 'rou)s, it ma, 9e 'enerall, concluded that no criminal action at the 9ehest of the state, or ci2il action on 9ehalf of the indi2idual, .ill lie. In another case, the )laintiffs claimed that all *uslims, num9erin' more than 5DD million, .ere defamed 9, the airin' of a national tele2ision 9roadcast of a film de)ictin' the )u9lic e>ecution of a Saudi "ra9ian )rincess accused of adulter,, and alle'in' that such film .as 1insultin' and defamator,1 to the Islamic

49

reli'ion.87 -he Gnited States District Court of the Northern District of California concluded that the )laintiffs: )ra,er for R<D Eillion in dama'es arisin' from 1an international cons)irac, to insult, ridicule, discredit and a9use follo.ers of Islam throu'hout the .orld, "ra9s and the Qin'dom of Saudi "ra9ia1 9ordered on the 1fri2olous,1 rulin' that the )laintiffs had failed to demonstrate an actiona9le claim for defamation. -he California Court stressed that the aim of the la. on defamation .as to protect individ"als@ a 'rou) ma, 9e sufficientl, lar'e that a statement concernin' it could not defame indi2idual 'rou) mem9ers. 88 $hili) Citten9er', in his 9oo( 1-angero"s DordsF , B"ide to the +aw of +i%el,189 discusses the ina))ro)riateness of an, action for tortious li9el in2ol2in' lar'e 'rou)s, and )ro2ides a succinct illustration0 -here are 'rou)in's .hich ma, 9e finite enou'h so that a descri)tion of the 9od, is a descri)tion of the mem9ers. ?ere the )ro9lem is merel, one of e2aluation. Is the descri)tion of the mem9er im)licit in the descri)tion of the 9od,, or is there a )ossi9ilit, that a descri)tion of the 9od, ma, consist of a 2ariet, of )ersons, those included .ithin the char'e, and those e>cluded from itK " 'eneral char'e that the la.,ers in the cit, are sh,sters .ould o92iousl, not 9e a char'e that all of the la.,ers .ere sh,sters. " char'e that the la.,ers in a local )oint in a 'reat cit,, such as -imes S=uare in Ne. Mor( Cit,, .ere sh,sters .ould o92iousl, not include all of the la.,ers .ho )racticed in that district@ 9ut a statement that all of the la.,ers .ho )racticed in a )articular 9uildin' in that district .ere sh,sters .ould 9e a s)ecific char'e, so that an, la.,er ha2in' an office .ithin that 9uildin' could sue. If the 'rou) is a 2er, lar'e one, then the alle'ed li9elous statement is considered to ha2e no a))lication to an,one in )articular, since one mi'ht as .ell defame all man(ind. Not onl, does the 'rou) as such ha2e no action@ the )laintiff does not esta9lish an, )ersonal reference to himself. <D "t )resent, modern societal 'rou)s are 9oth numerous and com)le>. -he same )rinci)le follo.s .ith these 'rou)s0 as the si7e of these 'rou)s increases, the chances for mem9ers of such 'rou)s to reco2er dama'es on tortious li9el 9ecome elusi2e. -his )rinci)le is said to em9race t.o 3<6 im)ortant )u9lic )olicies0 first, .here the 'rou) referred to is lar'e, the courts )resume that no reasona9le reader .ould ta(e the statements as so literall, a))l,in' to each indi2idual mem9er@ and second, the limitation on lia9ilit, .ould satisfactoril, safe'uard freedom of s)eech and e>)ression, as .ell as of the )ress, effectin' a sound com)romise 9et.een the conflictin' fundamental interests in2ol2ed in li9el cases.<8 In the instant case, the *uslim communit, is too 2ast as to readil, ascertain .ho amon' the *uslims .ere )articularl, defamed. -he si7e of the 'rou) renders the reference as indeterminate and 'eneric as a similar attac( on Catholics, $rotestants, Euddhists or *ormons .ould do. -he .ord 1*uslim1 is descri)ti2e of those .ho are 9elie2ers of Islam, a reli'ion di2ided into 2ar,in' sects, such as the Sunnites, the Shiites, the Qhari+ites, the Sufis and others 9ased u)on )olitical and theolo'ical distinctions. 1*uslim1 is a name .hich descri9es onl, a 'eneral se'ment of the $hili))ine )o)ulation, com)risin' a hetero'eneous 9od, .hose construction is not so .ell defined as to render it im)ossi9le for an, re)resentati2e identification. -he Christian reli'ion in the $hili))ines is li(e.ise di2ided into different sects0 Catholic, Ea)tist, E)isco)alian, $res9,terian, /utheran, and other 'rou)s the essence of .hich ma, lie in an ins)ired charlatan, .hose tem)le ma, 9e a corner house in the frin'es of the countr,side. "s .ith the Christian reli'ion, so it is .ith other reli'ions that re)resent the nation:s culturall, di2erse )eo)le and minister to each one:s s)iritual needs. -he *uslim )o)ulation ma, 9e di2ided into smaller 'rou)s .ith 2ar,in' a'enda, from the )ra,erful conser2ati2e to the )assionatel, radical. -hese di2isions in the *uslim )o)ulation ma, still 9e too lar'e and am9i'uous to )ro2ide a reasona9le inference to an, )ersonalit, .ho can 9rin' a case in an action for li9el. -he fore'oin' are in essence the same 2ie. scholarl, e>)ressed 9, *r. #ustice e,nato S. $uno in the course of the deli9erations in this case. Ce e>tensi2el, re)roduce hereunder his com)rehensi2e and )enetratin' discussion on 'rou) li9el ;

Defamation is made u) of the t.in torts of li9el and slander ; the one 9ein', in 'eneral, .ritten, .hile the other in 'eneral is oral. In either form, defamation is an in2asion of the interest in re)utation and 'ood name. -his is a 1relational interest1 since it in2ol2es the o)inion others in the communit, ma, ha2e, or tend to ha2e of the )laintiff. -he la. of defamation )rotects the interest in re)utation ; the interest in ac=uirin', retainin' and en+o,in' one:s re)utation as 'ood as one:s character and conduct .arrant. -he mere fact that the )laintiff:s feelin's and sensi9ilities ha2e 9een offended is not enou'h to create a cause of action for defamation. Defamation re=uires that somethin' 9e communicated to a third )erson that ma, affect the o)inion others ma, ha2e of the )laintiff. -he un)ri2ile'ed communication must 9e sho.n of a statement that .ould tend to hurt )laintiff:s re)utation, to im)air )laintiff:s standin' in the communit,. "lthou'h the 'ist of an action for defamation is an in+ur, to re)utation, the focus of a defamation action is u)on the alle'edl, defamator, statement itself and its )redicta9le effect u)on third )ersons. " statement is ordinaril, considered defamator, if it 1tendAsB to e>)ose one to )u9lic hatred, shame, o9lo=u,, contumel,, odium, contem)t, ridicule, a2ersion, ostracism, de'radation or dis'race> > >.1 -he estatement of -orts defines a defamator, statement as one that 1tends to so harm the re)utation of another as to lo.er him in the estimation of the communit, or to deter third )ersons from associatin' or dealin' .ith him.1 Conse=uentl, as a )rere=uisite to reco2er,, it is necessar, for the )laintiff to )ro2e as )art of his prima faciecase that the defendant 386 )u9lished a statement that .as 3<6 defamator, 346 of and concernin' the )laintiff. -he rule in li9el is that the action must 9e 9rou'ht 9, the )erson a'ainst .hom the defamator, char'e has 9een made. In the "merican +urisdiction, no action lies 9, a third )erson for dama'es suffered 9, reason of defamation of another )erson, e2en thou'h the )laintiff suffers some in+ur, therefrom. For reco2er, in defamation cases, it is necessar, that the )u9lication 9e 1of and concernin' the )laintiff.1 E2en .hen a )u9lication ma, 9e clearl, defamator, as to some9od,, if the .ords ha2e no )ersonal a))lication to the )laintiff, the, are not actiona9le 9, him. If no one is identified, there can 9e no li9el 9ecause no one:s re)utation has 9een in+ured > > > > In fine, in order for one to maintain an action for an alle'ed defamator, statement, it must a))ear that the )laintiff is the )erson .ith reference to .hom the statement .as made. -his )rinci)le is of 2ital im)ortance in cases .here a 'rou) or class is defamed since, usuall,, the lar'er the collecti2e, the more difficult it is for an indi2idual mem9er to sho. that he .as the )erson at .hom the defamation .as directed. If the defamator, statements .ere directed at a small, restricted 'rou) of )ersons, the, a))lied to an, mem9er of the 'rou), and an indi2idual mem9er could maintain an action for defamation. Chen the defamator, lan'ua'e .as used to.ard a small 'rou) or class, includin' e2er, mem9er, it has 9een held that the defamator, lan'ua'e referred to each mem9er so that each could maintain an action. -his small 'rou) or class ma, 9e a +ur,, )ersons en'a'ed in certain 9usinesses, )rofessions or em)lo,ments, a restricted su9di2ision of a )articular class, a societ,, a foot9all team, a famil,, small 'rou)s of union officials, a 9oard of )u9lic officers, or en'ineers of a )articular com)an,. In contrast, if defamator, .ords are used 9roadl, in res)ect to a lar'e class or 'rou) of )ersons, and there is nothin' that )oints, or 9, )ro)er collo=uium or innuendo can 9e made to a))l,, to a )articular mem9er of the class or 'rou), no mem9er has a ri'ht of action for li9el or slander. Chere the defamator, matter had no s)ecial, )ersonal a))lication and .as so 'eneral that no indi2idual dama'es could 9e )resumed, and .here the class referred to .as so numerous that 'reat 2e>ation and o))ression mi'ht 'ro. out of the multi)licit, of suits, no )ri2ate action could 9e

49

maintained. -his rule has 9een a))lied to defamator, )u9lications concernin' 'rou)s or classes of )ersons en'a'ed in a )articular 9usiness, )rofession or em)lo,ment, directed at associations or 'rou)s of association officials, and to those directed at miscellaneous 'rou)s or classes of )ersons. Distin'uishin' a small 'rou) ; .hich if defamed entitles all its mem9ers to sue from a lar'e 'rou) ; .hich if defamed entitles no one to sue ; is not al.a,s so sim)le. Some authorities ha2e noted that in cases )ermittin' reco2er,, the 'rou) 'enerall, has t.ent, fi2e 3<56 or fe.er mem9ers. ?o.e2er, there is usuall, no articulated limit on si7e. Suits ha2e 9een )ermitted 9, mem9ers of fairl, lar'e 'rou)s .hen some distin'uishin' characteristic of the indi2idual or 'rou) increases the li(elihood that the statement could 9e inter)reted to a))l, indi2iduall,. For e>am)le, a sin'le )la,er on the 5D to 7D man &(lahoma Gni2ersit, foot9all team .as )ermitted to sue .hen a .riter accused the entire team of ta(in' am)hetamines to 1ho) u)1 its )erformance@ the indi2idual .as a full9ac(, i.e., a si'nificant )osition on the team and had )la,ed in all 9ut t.o of the team:s 'ames. " )rime consideration, therefore, is the )u9lic )erce)tion of the si7e of the 'rou) and .hether a statement .ill 9e inter)reted to refer to e2er, mem9er. -he more or'ani7ed and cohesi2e a 'rou), the easier it is to tar all its mem9ers .ith the same 9rush and the more li(el, a court .ill )ermit a suit from an indi2idual e2en if the 'rou) includes more than t.ent, fi2e 3<56 mem9ers. "t some )oint, ho.e2er, increasin' si7e ma, 9e seen to dilute the harm to indi2iduals and an, resultin' in+ur, .ill fall 9eneath the threshold for a 2ia9le la.suit. > > > > -here are man, other 'rou)in's of men than those that are contained .ithin the fore'oin' 'rou) classifications. -here are all the reli'ions of the .orld, there are all the )olitical and ideolo'ical 9eliefs@ there are the man, colors of the human race. Frou) defamation has 9een a fertile and dan'erous .ea)on of attac( on 2arious racial, reli'ious and )olitical minorities. Some states, therefore, ha2e )assed statutes to )re2ent concerted efforts to harass minorit, 'rou)s in the Gnited States 9, ma(in' it a crime to circulate insidious rumors a'ainst racial and reli'ious 'rou)s. -hus far, an, ci2il remed, for such 9roadside defamation has 9een lac(in'. -here ha2e 9een numerous attem)ts 9, indi2idual mem9ers to see( redress in the courts for li9el on these 'rou)s, 9ut 2er, fe. ha2e succeeded 9ecause it felt that the 'rou)s are too lar'e and )oorl, defined to su))ort a findin' that the )laintiff .as sin'led out for )ersonal attac( > > > > 3citations omitted6. &ur conclusion therefore is that the statements )u9lished 9, )etitioners in the instant case did not s)ecificall, identif, nor refer to an, )articular indi2iduals .ho .ere )ur)ortedl, the su9+ect of the alle'ed li9elous )u9lication. es)ondents can scarcel, claim to ha2in' 9een sin'led out for social censure )ointedl, resultin' in dama'es. " contrar, 2ie. is e>)ressed that .hat is in2ol2ed in the )resent case is an intentional tortious act causin' mental distress and not an action for li9el. -hat o)inion in2o(es !haplins*& v. :ew 7ampshire<< .here the G.S. Su)reme Court held that .ords hea)in' e>treme )rofanit,, intended merel, to incite hostilit,, hatred or 2iolence, ha2e no social 2alue and do not en+o, constitutional )rotection@ and 6ea"harnais v. Illinois<4 .here it .as also ruled that hate s)eech .hich deni'rates a 'rou) of )ersons identified 9, their reli'ion, race or ethnic ori'in defames that 'rou) and the la. ma, 2alidl, )rohi9it such s)eech on the same 'round as defamation of an indi2idual. Ce do not a'ree to the contrar, 2ie. articulated in the immediatel, )recedin' )ara'ra)h. $rimaril,, an 1emotional distress1 tort action is )ersonal in nature, i.e., it is a ci2il action filed 9, an individ"al<4 to assua'e the in+uries to his emotional tran=uilit, due to )ersonal attac(s on his character. It has no a))lication in the instant case since no )articular indi2idual .as identified in the dis)uted article of 6"lgar. "lso, the )ur)orted dama'e caused 9, the article, assumin' there .as an,, falls under the )rinci)le of relational harm ; .hich

includes harm to social relationshi)s in the communit, in the form of defamation@ as distin'uished from the )rinci)le of reactive harm ; .hich includes in+uries to indi2idual emotional tran=uilit, in the form of an infliction of emotional distress. In their com)laint, res)ondents clearl, asserted an alle'ed harm to the standin' of *uslims in the communit,, es)eciall, to their acti2ities in )ro)a'atin' their faith in *etro *anila and in other non-*uslim communities in the countr,.<5 It is thus 9e,ond ca2il that the )resent case falls .ithin the a))lication of the relational harm )rinci)le of tort actions for defamation, rather than the reactive harm principle on .hich the conce)t of emotional distress )ro)erl, 9elon's. *oreo2er, under the Second 'estatement of the +aw, to reco2er for the intentional infliction of emotional distress the )laintiff must sho. that0 3a6 -he conduct of the defendant .as intentional or in rec(less disre'ard of the )laintiff@ 396 -he conduct .as e>treme and outra'eous@ 3c6 -here .as a causal connection 9et.een the defendant:s conduct and the )laintiff:s mental distress@ and, 3d6 -he )laintiff:s mental distress .as e>treme and se2ere.<5 1E>treme and outra'eous conduct1 means conduct that is so outra'eous in character, and so e>treme in de'ree, as to 'o 9e,ond all )ossi9le 9ounds of decenc,, and to 9e re'arded as atrocious, and utterl, intolera9le in ci2ili7ed societ,. -he defendant:s actions must ha2e 9een so terrif,in' as naturall, to humiliate, em9arrass or fri'hten the )laintiff.<7 Fenerall,, conduct .ill 9e found to 9e actiona9le .here the recitation of the facts to an a2era'e mem9er of the communit, .ould arouse his resentment a'ainst the actor, and lead him or her to e>claim, 1&utra'eousS1 as his or her reaction.<8 1Emotional distress1 means an, hi'hl, un)leasant mental reaction such as e>treme 'rief, shame, humiliation, em9arrassment, an'er, disa))ointment, .orr,, nausea, mental sufferin' and an'uish, shoc(, fri'ht, horror, and cha'rin.<9 1Se2ere emotional distress,1 in some +urisdictions, refers to an, t,)e of se2ere and disa9lin' emotional or mental condition .hich ma, 9e 'enerall, reco'ni7ed and dia'nosed 9, )rofessionals trained to do so, includin' )osttraumatic stress disorder, neurosis, )s,chosis, chronic de)ression, or )ho9ia. 4D -he )laintiff is re=uired to sho., amon' other thin's, that he or she has suffered emotional distress so se2ere that no reasona9le )erson could 9e e>)ected to endure it@ severit& of the distress is an element of the ca"se of action not simpl& a matter of damages.48 "n, )art, see(in' reco2er, for mental an'uish must )ro2e more than mere .orr,, an>iet,, 2e>ation, em9arrassment, or an'er. /ia9ilit, does not arise from mere insults, indi'nities, threats, anno,ances, )ett, e>)ressions, or other tri2ialities. In determinin' .hether the tort of outra'e had 9een committed, a )laintiff is necessaril, e>)ected and re=uired to 9e hardened to a certain amount of criticism, rou'h lan'ua'e, and to occasional acts and .ords that are definitel, inconsiderate and un(ind@ the mere fact that the actor (no.s that the other .ill re'ard the conduct as insultin', or .ill ha2e his feelin's hurt, is not enou'h. 4< 7"stler 0aga.ine v. (alwell44 illustrates the test case of a ci2il action for dama'es on intentional infliction of emotional distress. " )arod, a))eared in ?ustler ma'a7ine featurin' the "merican fundamentalist )reacher and e2an'elist e2erend #err, Fal.ell de)ictin' him in an ine9riated state ha2in' an incestuous, se>ual liaison .ith his mother in an outhouse. Fal.ell sued ?ustler and its )u9lisher /arr, Fl,nt for dama'es. -he Gnited States District Court for the Cestern District of !ir'inia ruled that the )arod, .as not li9elous, 9ecause no reasona9le reader .ould ha2e understood it as a factual assertion that Fal.ell en'a'ed in the act descri9ed. -he +ur,, ho.e2er, a.arded R<DD,DDD in dama'es on a se)arate count of 1intentional infliction of emotional distress,1 a cause of action that did not re=uire a false statement of fact to 9e made. -he Gnited States Su)reme Court in a unanimous decision o2erturned the +ur, 2erdict of the !ir'inia Court and held that 'everend (alwell ma& not recover for intentional infliction of emotional distress . It .as ar'ued that the material mi'ht 9e deemed outra'eous and ma, ha2e 9een intended to cause se2ere emotional distress, 9ut these circumstances .ere not sufficient to o2ercome the free s)eech ri'hts 'uaranteed under the First "mendment of the Gnited States Constitution. Sim)l, stated, an intentional tort causin' emotional distress must necessaril, 'i2e .a, to the fundamental ri'ht to free s)eech. It must 9e o9ser2ed that althou'h Fal.ell .as re'arded 9, the G.S. ?i'h Court as a 1)u9lic fi'ure,1 he .as anindivid"al partic"larl& singled o"t or identified in the )arod, a))earin' on ?ustler ma'a7ine. "lso, the

49

emotional distress alle'edl, suffered 9, e2erend Fal.ell in2ol2ed a reacti2e interest ; an emotional res)onse to the )arod, .hich su))osedl, in+ured his )s,cholo'ical .ell-9ein'. !eril,, our )osition is clear that the conduct of )etitioners .as not e>treme or outra'eous. Neither .as the emotional distress alle'edl, suffered 9, res)ondents so se2ere that no reasona9le )erson could 9e e>)ected to endure it. -here is no e2idence on record that )oints to that result. $rofessor Cilliam $rosser, 2ie.s tort actions on intentional infliction of emotional distress in this manner 44 ; -here is 2irtuall, unanimous a'reement that such ordinar, defendants are not lia9le for mere insult, indi'nit,, anno,ance, or e2en threats, .here the case is lac(in' in other circumstances of a''ra2ation. -he reasons are not far to see(. &ur manners, and .ith them our la., ha2e not ,et )ro'ressed to the )oint .here .e are a9le to afford a remed, in the form of tort dama'es for all intended mental distur9ance. /ia9ilit, of course cannot 9e e>tended to e2er, tri2ial indi'nit, > > > > -he )laintiff must necessaril, 9e e>)ected and re=uired to 9e hardened to a certain amount of rou'h lan'ua'e, and to acts that are definitel, inconsiderate and un(ind > > > -he )laintiff cannot reco2er merel, 9ecause of hurt feelin's. $rofessor Cal2ert *a'ruder reinforces $rosser .ith this succinct o9ser2ation, vi.045 -here is no occasion for the la. to inter2ene in e2er, case .here someone:s feelin's are hurt. -here must still 9e freedom to e>)ress an unflatterin' o)inion, and some safet, 2al2e must 9e left throu'h .hich irasci9le tem)ers ma, 9lo. off relati2el, harmless steam. -hus, it is e2ident that e2en "merican courts are reluctant to ado)t a rule of reco2er, for emotional harm that .ould 1o)en u) a .ide 2ista of liti'ation in the field of 9ad manners,1 an area in .hich a 1tou'henin' of the mental hide1 .as thou'ht to 9e a more a))ro)riate remed,. 45 $erha)s of 'reater concern .ere the =uestions of causation, )roof, and the a9ilit, to accuratel, assess dama'es for emotional harm, each of .hich continues to concern courts toda,.47 In this connection, the doctrines in !haplins*& and 6ea"harnais had lar'el, 9een su)erseded 9, su9se=uent First "mendment doctrines. Eac( in sim)ler times in the histor, of free e>)ression the Su)reme Court a))eared to es)ouse a theor,, (no.n as the )wo-!lass )heor&, that treated certain t,)es of e>)ression as ta9oo forms of s)eech, 9eneath the di'nit, of the First "mendment. -he most cele9rated statement of this 2ie. .as e>)ressed in!haplins*&0 -here are certain .ell-defined and narro.l, limited classes of s)eech, the )re2ention and )unishment of .hich ha2e ne2er 9een thou'ht to raise an, Constitutional )ro9lem. -hese include the le.d and o9scene, the )rofane, the li9elous, and the insultin' or 1fi'htin'1 .ords ; those .hich 9, their 2er, utterance inflict in+ur, or tend to incite an immediate 9reach of the )eace. It has 9een .ell o9ser2ed that such utterances are no essential )art of an, e>)osition of ideas, and are of such sli'ht social 2alue as a ste) to truth that an, 9enefit that ma, 9e deri2ed from them is clearl, out.ei'hed 9, the social interest in order and moralit,. -oda,, ho.e2er, the theor, is no lon'er 2ia9le@ modern First "mendment )rinci)les ha2e )assed it 9,. "merican courts no lon'er acce)t the 2ie. that s)eech ma, 9e )roscri9ed merel, 9ecause it is 1le.d,1 1)rofane,1 1insultin'1 or other.ise 2ul'ar or offensi2e. 48 !ohen v. !alifornia 49 is illustrati2e0 $aul o9ert Cohen .ore a +ac(et 9earin' the .ords 1Fuc( the Draft1 in a /os "n'eles courthouse in ")ril 8958, .hich caused his e2entual arrest. Cohen .as con2icted for 2iolatin' a California statute )rohi9itin' an, )erson from 1distur9Ain'B the )eace > > > 9, offensi2e conduct.1 -he G.S. Su)reme Court conceded that Cohen:s e>)leti2e contained in his +ac(et .as 12ul'ar,1 9ut it concluded that his s)eech .as nonetheless )rotected 9, the ri'ht to free s)eech. It .as neither considered an 1incitement1 to ille'al action nor 1o9scenit,.1 It did not constitute insultin' or 1fi'htin'1 .ords for it had not 9een directed at a )erson .ho .as li(el, to retaliate or at someone .ho could not a2oid the messa'e. In other .ords, no one .as )resent in the /os "n'eles courthouse .ho .ould ha2e

re'arded Cohen:s s)eech as a direct )ersonal insult, nor .as there an, dan'er of reacti2e 2iolence a'ainst him. :o specific individ"al was targeted in the allegedl& defamator& words printed on !ohen@s $ac*et . -he con2iction could onl, 9e +ustified 9, California:s desire to e>ercise the 9road )o.er in )reser2in' the cleanliness of discourse in the )u9lic s)here, .hich the G.S. Su)reme Court refused to 'rant to the State, holdin' that no o9+ecti2e distinctions can 9e made 9et.een 2ul'ar and non2ul'ar s)eech, and that the emoti2e elements of s)eech are +ust as essential in the e>ercise of this ri'ht as the )urel, co'niti2e. "s *r. #ustice ?arlan so elo=uentl, .rote0 1A&Bne man:s 2ul'arit, is another man:s l,ric > > > .ords are often chosen as much for their emoti2e as their co'niti2e force.14D Cith !ohen, the G.S. Su)reme Court finall, laid the Constitutional foundation for +udicial )rotection of )ro2ocati2e and )otentiall, offensi2e s)eech. Similarl,, li9elous s)eech is no lon'er outside the First "mendment )rotection. &nl, one small )iece of the )wo-!lass )heor& in !haplins*& sur2i2es ; G.S. courts continue to treat 1o9scene1 s)eech as not .ithin the )rotection of the First "mendment at all. Cith res)ect to the 1fi'htin' .ords1 doctrine, .hile it remains ali2e it .as modified 9, the current ri'orous clear and )resent dan'er test. 48 -hus, in !ohen the G.S. Su)reme Court in a))l,in' the test held that there .as no sho.in' that Cohen:s +ac(et 9earin' the .ords 1Fuc( the Draft1 had threatened to )ro2o(e imminent 2iolence@ and that )rotectin' the sensi9ilities of onloo(ers .as not sufficientl, com)ellin' interest to restrain Cohen:s s)eech. 6ea"harnais, .hich closel, follo.ed the !haplins*& doctrine, suffered the same fate as !haplins*&. Indeed, .hen6ea"harnais .as decided in 895<, the -.o-Class -heor, .as still flourishin'. Chile concededl, the G.S. ?i'h -ri9unal did not formall, a9andon 6ea"harnais, the seminal shifts in G.S. constitutional +uris)rudence su9stantiall, undercut 6ea"harnais and seriousl, undermined .hat is left of its 2italit, as a )recedent. "mon' the cases that dealt a crushin' im)act on 6ea"harnais and rendered it almost certainl, a dead letter case la. are 6randen%"rg v. Ohio,4< and, a'ain, !ohen v. !alifornia.44 -hese decisions reco'ni7e a much narro.er set of )ermissi9le 'rounds for restrictin' s)eech than did 6ea"harnais.44 In 6randen%"rg, a))ellant .ho .as a leader of the Qu Qlu> Qlan .as con2icted under the &hio Criminal S,ndicalism Statute for ad2ocatin' the necessit,, dut, and )ro)riet, of crime, sa9ota'e, 2iolence, or unla.ful methods of terrorism as a means of accom)lishin' industrial or )olitical reforms@ and for 2oluntaril, assem9lin' .ith a 'rou) formed to teach or ad2ocate the doctrines of criminal s,ndicalism. "))ellant challen'ed the statute and .as sustained 9, the G.S. Su)reme Court, holdin' that the ad2ocac, of ille'al action 9ecomes )unisha9le onl, if s"ch advocac& is directed to inciting or prod"cing imminent lawless action and is li*el& to incite or prod"ce s"ch action.45 E>ce)t in unusual instances, 6randen%"rg )rotects the ad2ocac, of la.lessness as lon' as such s)eech is not translated into action. -he im)ortance of the 6randen%"rg rulin' cannot 9e o2erem)hasi7ed. $rof. Smolla affirmed that 16randen%"rgmust 9e understood as o2errulin' 6ea"harnais and eliminatin' the )ossi9ilit, of treatin' 'rou) li9el under the same First "mendment standards as indi2idual li9el.1 45 It ma, .ell 9e considered as one of the l,nch)ins of the modern doctrine of free s)eech, .hich see(s to 'i2e s)ecial )rotection to )oliticall, rele2ant s)eech. In an, case, res)ondents: lac( of cause of action cannot 9e cured 9, the filin' of a class suit. "s correctl, )ointed out 9, *r. #ustice #ose C. !itu' durin' the deli9erations, 1an element of a class suit is the ade=uac, of re)resentation. In determinin' the =uestion of fair and ade=uate re)resentation of mem9ers of a class, the court must consider 3a6 .hether the interest of the named )art, is coe>tensi2e .ith the interest of the other mem9ers of the class@ 396 the )ro)ortion of those made )arties as it so 9ears to the total mem9ershi) of the class@ and, 3c6 an, other factor 9earin' on the a9ilit, of the named )art, to s)ea( for the rest of the class. 47 -he rules re=uire that courts must ma(e sure that the )ersons inter2enin' should 9e sufficientl, numerous to full, )rotect the interests of all concerned. In the )resent contro2ers,, Islamic Da:.ah Council of the $hili))ines, Inc., see(s in effect to assert the interests not onl, of the *uslims in the $hili))ines 9ut of the .hole *uslim .orld as .ell. $ri2ate res)ondents o92iousl, lac( the sufficienc, of num9ers to re)resent such

49

a 'lo9al 'rou)@ neither ha2e the, 9een a9le to demonstrate the identit, of their interests .ith those the, see( to re)resent. Gnless it can 9e sho.n that there can 9e a safe 'uarant, that those a9sent .ill 9e ade=uatel, re)resented 9, those )resent, a class suit, 'i2en its ma'nitude in this instance, .ould 9e una2ailin'.1 48 /i(e.ise on the matter of dama'es, .e a'ree that 1moral dama'es ma, 9e reco2ered onl, if the )laintiff is a9le to satisfactoril, )ro2e the e>istence of the factual 9asis for the dama'es and its causal connection .ith the acts com)lained of,49 and so it must 9e, as moral dama'es althou'h inca)a9le of )ecuniar, estimation are desi'ned not to im)ose a )enalt, 9ut to com)ensate for in+ur, sustained and actual dama'es suffered.5D E>em)lar, dama'es, on the other hand, ma, onl, 9e a.arded if claimant is a9le to esta9lish his ri'ht to moral, tem)erate, li=uidated or com)ensator, dama'es.58 Gnfortunatel,, neither of the re=uirements to sustain an a.ard for either of these dama'es .ould a))ear to ha2e 9een ade=uatel, esta9lished 9, res)ondents.1 In a )luralistic societ, li(e the $hili))ines .here misinformation a9out another indi2idual:s reli'ion is as common)lace as self-a))ointed critics of 'o2ernment, it .ould 9e more a))ro)riate to res)ect the fair criticism of reli'ious )rinci)les, includin' those .hich ma, 9e outra'eousl, a))allin', immensel, erroneous, or those couched as fairl, informati2e comments. -he 'reater dan'er in our societ, is the )ossi9ilit, that it ma, encoura'e the fre=uenc, of suits amon' reli'ious fundamentalists, .hether Christian, *uslim, ?indu, Euddhist, #e.ish, or others. -his .ould unnecessaril, ma(e the ci2il courts a 9attle'round to assert their s)iritual ideas, and ad2ance their res)ecti2e reli'ious a'enda. It need not 9e stressed that this Court has no )o.er to determine .hich is )ro)er reli'ious conduct or 9elief@ neither does it ha2e the authorit, to rule on the merits of one reli'ion o2er another, nor declare .hich 9elief to u)hold or cast asunder, for the 2alidit, of reli'ious 9eliefs or 2alues are outside the s)here of the +udiciar,. Such matters are 9etter left for the reli'ious authorities to address .hat is ri'htfull, .ithin their doctrine and realm of influence. Courts must 9e 2ie.)oint-neutral .hen it comes to reli'ious matters if onl, to affirm the neutralit, )rinci)le of free s)eech ri'hts under modern +uris)rudence .here 1AaBll ideas are treated e=ual in the e,es of the First "mendment ; e2en those ideas that are uni2ersall, condemned and run counter to constitutional )rinci)les.15< Gnder the ri'ht to free s)eech, 1there is no such thin' as a false idea. ?o.e2er )ernicious an o)inion ma, seem, .e de)end for its correction not on the conscience of +ud'es and +uries 9ut on the com)etition of other ideas.154 -en&ing certiorari and affirmin' the a))ellate court decision .ould surel, create a chillin' effect on the constitutional 'uarantees of freedom of s)eech, of e>)ression, and of the )ress. C?E EF& E, the )etition is F "N-ED. -he assailed Decision of the Court of "))eals dated <7 "u'ust 8998 is E!E SED and SE- "SIDE, and the Decision of the -C-Er. 4, *anila, dismissin' the com)laint for lac( of merit, is EINS-"-ED and "FFI *ED. No )ronouncement as to costs. S& & DE ED. -avide /r. ! ./ . #"no G"is"m%ing Cnares-Santiago Sandoval-B"tierre. !orona and !alle$o Sr. // . concur. 0endo.a / . in the result. <it"g / . see concurrin' o)inion. #angani%an / . +oins the dissentin' o)inion of #ustice ".-. Car)io. !arpio / . see dissentin' o)inion. ,"stria-0artine. / . see dissentin' o)inion. !arpio-0orales / . +oins the dissentin' o)inion of #ustice ".-. Car)io. ,.c"na / . +oins the dissentin' o)inion of #ustice "ustria-*artine7. -ep'r'te "pinion )$&4G, J ., concurrin'0 -he innate ri'ht of a )erson to an unim)aired re)utation and 'ood name is no less a constitutional im)erati2e than that .hich )rotects his life, li9ert, or )ro)ert,. -hus, the la. im)oses u)on him .ho attac(s another:s

re)utation, 9, slanderous .ords or li9elous )u9lication, a lia9ilit, to ma(e com)ensation for the in+ur, done and the dama'es sustained.8 $ri2ate res)ondent Islamic Da:.ah Council of the $hili))ines, Inc., a federation of more than 7D *uslim reli'ious or'ani7ations in the countr,, and the other named res)ondents all claim, .ith understanda9le indi'nation, that the, ha2e 9een defamed 9, an item )u9lished 9, )etitioners in 6"lgar, a ta9loid, circulated in the *etro *anila area. -he article reads0 1"/"* E" NINM&K 1Na an' m'a 9a9o, at (ahit anon' uri n' ha,o) sa *indanao a, hindi (ina(ain n' m'a *uslimK 1$ara sa (anila an' m'a ito a, isan' sa'radon' 9a'a,. ?indi nila ito (ailan'an' (ainin (ahit na sila )a a, ma'utom at ma.alan n' ulam sa tu.in' sila a, (a(ain. Fina'a.a nila iton' Di,os at sinasam9a )a nila ito sa tu.in' ara. n' (anilan' )an'in'ilin lalun'-lalo na sa ara. na tinata.a' nilan' : amadan:.1 $ri2ate res)ondents, for themsel2es and in 9ehalf of all *uslims, filed the com)laint 9efore the trial court a'ainst )etitioners, alle'in' that the )u9lished article .as defamator, and an insult to res)ondents. -he trial court dismissed the com)laint. &n a))eal, the Court of "))eals re2ersed the decision of the lo.er court and ordered )etitioners to )a, dama'es to )ri2ate res)ondents. "''rie2ed, )etitioners are no. 9efore the Court to assail the findin's of the Court of "))eals on the e>istence of the elements of li9el, the ri'ht of res)ondents to institute the class suit, and the lia9ilit, of )etitioners for moral dama'es, e>em)lar, dama'es, attorne,:s fees and costs of suit. -he )resent contro2ers, stems from a ci2il action for dama'es and not from a criminal com)laint. -he Ci2il Code reco'ni7es the )ossi9ilit, of such a ci2il action either )ursuant to "rticle <5, )ara'ra)h 346, to the effect that althou'h it ma, not constitute a criminal offense, 12e>in' or humiliatin' another on account of his reli'ious 9eliefs, lo.l, station in life, )lace of 9irth, )h,sical defect, or other )ersonal condition,1 can 'i2e rise to a cause of action for dama'es, or consonantl, .ith "rticle 44 .hich )ro2ides that in case of defamation, a ci2il com)laint for dama'es, entirel, se)arate and distinct from the criminal case, ma, 9e 9rou'ht 9, the in+ured )art,. Eoth ci2il actions are 9ased on tort lia9ilit, under common la. and re=uire the )laintiff to esta9lish that he has suffered )ersonal dama'e or in+ur, as a direct conse=uence of the defendant:s .ron'ful conduct. In fine, it must 9e sho.n that the act com)lained of is 2e>atious or defamator, of, and as it )ertains to, the claimant, there9, humiliatin' or 9esmirchin' the latter:s di'nit, and honor. Defined in sim)le terms, 2e>ation is an act of anno,ance or irritation that causes distress or a'itation. < Earl, "merican cases ha2e refused all remed, for mental in+ur,, such as one caused 9, 2e>ation, 9ecause of the difficult, of )roof or of measurement of dama'es.4 In com)arati2el, recent times, ho.e2er, the infliction of mental distress as a 9asis for an inde)endent tort action has 9een reco'ni7ed. It is said that 1one .ho 9, e>treme and outra'eous conduct intentionall, or rec(lessl, causes se2ere emotional distress to another is su9+ect to lia9ilit, for such emotional distress.1 4 Ne2ertheless, it has also 9een often held that )ett, insult or indi'nit, lac(s, from its 2er, nature, an, con2incin' assurance that the asserted emotional or mental distress is 'enuine, or that if 'enuine it is serious.5 "ccordin'l,, it is 'enerall, declared that there can 9e no reco2er, for insults,5 indi'nities or threats7.hich are considered to amount to nothin' more than mere anno,ances or hurt feelin's.8 "t all e2ents, it .ould 9e essential to )ro2e that )ersonal dama'e is directl, suffered 9, the )laintiff on account of the .ron'ful act of the defendant. " (indred conce)t, al9eit of 'reater de'ree of )er2ersit,, defamation, 9roadl, defined, is an attac( on the re)utation of another, the un)ri2ile'ed )u9lication of false statements .hich naturall, and )ro>imatel, result in in+ur, to another.9 It is that .hich tends to diminish the esteem, res)ect, 'ood.ill or confidence in .hich a )erson is held, or to e>cite ad2erse, dero'ator, or un)leasant feelin's or o)inions a'ainst him. 8D Defamation is an in2asion of a 1relational interest1 since it in2ol2es the o)inion .hich others in the communit, ma, ha2e,

49

or tend to ha2e, of the )laintiff. 88 -he e2ised $enal Code, althou'h not the )rimar, 'o2ernin' la. in this instance, )ro2ides an instructi2e definition of li9el as 9ein' a form of defamation expressed in writing print pict"res or signs,8< to .it0 1" li9el is a )u9lic and malicious im)utation of a crime, or 2ice or defect, real or ima'inar,, or an, act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance tendin' to cause the dishonor, discredit, or contem)t of a natural or +uridical )erson, or to 9lac(en the memor, of one .ho is dead.1 84 Chile ar'ua9l,, the article su9+ect of the com)laint could 9e characteri7ed as 2e>atious or defamator, and as im)artin' an erroneous inter)retation of a *uslim )ractice that tends to ridicule the Islamic faith, it is, ho.e2er, im)ersonal on its face, its lan'ua'e not 9ein' directed at an, )articular )erson 9ut to a lar'e se'ment of societ,. In order that defamator, .ords can 9e actiona9le in court, it is essential that the, are )ersonal to the )art, mali'ned, an ascertained or ascertaina9le individ"al.84 It is onl, then that )laintiff:s emotions andOor re)utation can 9e said to ha2e 9een in+ured@ thus, the )laintiff, to reco2er, must sho. that he or she is the )erson to .hom the statements are directed.85 Declarations made a9out a lar'e class of )eo)le cannot 9e inter)reted to ad2ert to an identified or identifia9le indi2idual. "9sent circumstances s)ecificall, )ointin' or alludin' to a )articular mem9er of a class, no mem9er of such class has a ri'ht of action 85 .ithout at all im)airin' the e=uall, demandin' ri'ht of free s)eech and e>)ression, as .ell as of the )ress, under the 9ill of ri'hts.87 If an article, for instance, states that 1+ud'es in the $hili))ines are corru)t,1 such a 'eneral condemnation cannot reasona9l, 9e inter)reted to 9e )ointin' to each +ud'e or to a certain +ud'e in the $hili))ines. -hus, no )articular ma'istrate can claim to ha2e 9een dis'raced or to ha2e sustained an im)aired re)utation 9ecause of that article. If, on the other hand, the article )roclaims that 1$"dges in 0etro 0anila are corr"pt,1 such statement of dero'ator, conduct no. refers to a relati2el, narro. 'rou) that mi'ht ,et .arrant its loo(in' into in an a))ro)riate suit. "nd if the article accuses the 1/"stices of the S"preme !o"rt1 of corru)tion, then there is a s)ecific dero'ator, statement a9out a definite num9er of no more than fifteen )ersons. #uris)rudence .ould a))ear to su''est that in cases )ermittin' reco2er,, the 'rou) 'enerall, has <5 or fe.er mem9ers.88 Chen statements concern 'rou)s .ith lar'er com)osition, the indi2idual mem9ers of that 'rou) .ould 9e hard)ut to sho. that the statements are 1of and concernin' them.1 89 "lthou'h no )recise limits can 9e set as to the si7e of a 'rou) or class that .ould 9e sufficientl, small, increasin' si7e, at some )oint, .ould 9e seen to dilute the harm to indi2iduals and an, resultin' in+ur, .ould fall 9eneath the threshold for a 2ia9le la.suit.<D -his )rinci)le is said to em9race t.o im)ortant )u9lic )olicies0 86 .here the 'rou) referred to is lar'e, the courts )resume that no reasona9le reader .ould ta(e the statements as so literall, a))l,in' to each indi2idual mem9er@ and <6 the limitation on lia9ilit, .ould satisfactoril, safe'uard freedom of s)eech and e>)ression, as .ell as of )ress, effectin' a sound com)romise 9et.een the conflictin' fundamental interests in2ol2ed in li9el cases.<8 -hus, no reco2er, .as allo.ed .here the remar(s com)lained of had 9een made a9out corres)ondence schools, one school suin'@<< or .here there .as im)utation of criminalit, to a union, one mem9er suin'@ <4 or .here an attac( .as made on Catholic cler',men, one cler',man suin'. <4 In :ewswee* Inc. vs. Intermediate ,ppellate !o"rt,<5 this Court dismissed a class suit for scurrilous remar(s filed 9, four incor)orated associations of su'ar )lanters in Ne'ros &ccidental in 9ehalf of all su'ar )lanters in that )ro2ince, a'ainst Ne.s.ee(, Inc., on the 'round, amon' other thin's, that the )laintiffs .ere not sufficientl, ascri9ed to in the article )u9lished 9, the defendant. "nd so also it .as in an older case, <5 .here the Court ratiocinated that an article directed at a class or 'rou) of )ersons in 9road lan'ua'e .ould not 9e actiona9le 9, indi2iduals com)osin' the class or 'rou) unless the statements .ere s.ee)in' 9ut, e2en then, it .ould 9e hi'hl, )ro9a9le, said the Court, that no action could lie 1.here the 9od, is com)osed of so lar'e a num9er of )ersons that common sense .ould tell those to .hom the )u9lication .as made that there .as room for )ersons connected .ith the 9od, to )ursue an u)ri'ht and la. a9idin' course and that it .ould 9e unreasona9le and a9surd to condemn all 9ecause of the actions of a )art.1 In the )resent case, the su9+ect article relates to the entire *uslim )o)ulation and not +ust to the Islamic Da:.ah Council of the $hili))ines or to an, of the indi2idual res)ondents. -here is no direct reference or allusion to the federation or an, of its mem9ers, or to an, of the indi2idual com)lainants. es)ondents

scarcel, can claim ha2in' 9een sin'led out for social censure )ointedl, resultin' in dama'es. Islamic Da:.ah Council of the $hili))ines, Inc., itself, much li(e an, other artificial 9ein' or +uridical entit,, ha2in' e>istence onl, in le'al contem)lation, .ould 9e de2oid of an, such real feelin' or emotion as ordinaril, these terms are understood,<7 and it cannot ha2e that (ind of re)utation that an indi2idual has that could allo. it to sue for dama'es 9ased on im)in'ed )ersonal re)utation.<8 C?E EF& E, I 2ote to F "N- the )etition and to SE- "SIDE the assailed decision of the Court of "))eals, EINS-"-INF there9, the order of dismissal rendered 9, the e'ional -rial Court. Di entin6 "pinion CAR*$", J ., dissentin'0 I dissent not 9ecause the ne.s)a)er article in =uestion is li9elous, 9ut 9ecause it constitutes an intentional tortious act causin' mental distress to those .hom )ri2ate res)ondent Islamic Da:.ah Council of the $hili))ines@ Inc. re)resents. 8. :at"re of ,ctionF :ot a +i%el %"t a )ort !ase $ri2ate res)ondents filed this class suit under "rticles 89, <D, <8 and <5 of the Ci2il Code. "ccordin'l,, )ri2ate res)ondents stated their case as follo.s0 1Statement of !ase -he Ci2il Code of the $hili))ines )ro2ides0 :E2er, )erson must, in the e>ercise of his ri'hts and in the )erformance of his duties, act .ith +ustice, 'i2e e2er,one his due and o9ser2e honest, and 'ood faith.: A"rt. 89B :E2er, )erson .ho, contrar, to la., .illfull, or ne'li'entl, causes dama'e to another, shall indemnif, the latter for the same.: A"rt. <DB :"n, )erson .ho .illfull, causes loss or in+ur, to another in a manner that is contrar, to morals, 'ood customs or )u9lic )olic, shall com)ensate the latter for the dama'e.: A"rt. <8B :E2er, )erson shall res)ect the di'nit,, )ersonalit,, )ri2ac, and )eace of mind of his nei'h9or and other )ersons. -he follo.in' and similar acts, thou'h the, ma, not constitute a criminal offense, shall )roduce a cause of action for dama'es, )re2ention and other relief0 386 $r,in' into the )ri2ac, of another:s residence@ 3<6 *eddlin' .ith or distur9in' the )ri2ate life or famil, relation of another@ 346 Intri'uin' to cause another to 9e alienated from his friends@ 346 !e>in' or humiliatin' another on account of his reli'ious 9elief, lo.l, station in life, )lace of 9irth, )h,sical defect, or other )ersonal condition.: A"rt. <5B It is on account of the fore'oin' )ro2isions of our Ci2il Code that )laintiffs 9rou'ht to the court :a =uo: a ci2il case for dama'es on account of a )u9lished article at the editorial section of the defendant ne.s)a)er > > >.18

49

$etitioners ac(no.led'e that )ri2ate res)ondents: )rinci)al cause of action is 9ased on tortious conduct .hen )etitioners state in their $etition that 1A)Blaintiffs rel, hea2il, on "rticle <5 of the Ci2il Code )articularl, )ar. 4 thereof.1 $etitioners, ho.e2er, assert that the ne.s)a)er article in =uestion has not caused mental an'uish, .ounded feelin's, moral shoc(, social humiliation or similar in+ur, to )ri2ate res)ondents. < Clearl,, the instant case is not a9out li9el .hich re=uires the identification of the )laintiff in the li9elous statement. If this .ere a li9el case under "rticle 4D4 of the Ci2il Code, .hich authori7es a se)arate ci2il action to reco2er ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from a criminal offense, I .ould a'ree that the instant case could not )ros)er for .ant of identification of the )ri2ate res)ondents as the li9eled )ersons. Eut )ri2ate res)ondents do not anchor their action on "rticle 4D of the Ci2il Code. $ri2ate res)ondents insist that this case is )rinci)all, a9out tortious conduct under "rticle <5 of the Ci2il Code. Gnli(e the action in "rticle 4D of the Ci2il Code .hich must arise from a 1criminal offense,1 the action under "rticle <5 1ma, not constitute a criminal offense.1 "rticle <5, ado)ted from "merican +uris)rudence, co2ers se2eral (inds of intentional torts. $ara'ra)h 4 of "rticle <5, .hich refers to acts humiliatin' another for his reli'ious 9eliefs, is em9raced in the tort (no.n as intentional infliction of mental or emotional distress. -his case must 9e decided on the issue of .hether there .as such tortious conduct, and not .hether there .as defamation that satisfied the elements of the crime of li9el. II. )he )ortio"s ,ct in G"estion -he ne.s)a)er article in =uestion )u9lished 9, )etitioners states as follo.s0

In their a))eal to the Court of "))eals, )ri2ate res)ondents assailed the trial court for 1 deciding the case as a li%el case rather than a case for damages for violation of ,rticles 12 43 41 and 4H of the !ivil !ode .1 -he Court of "))eals re2ersed the decision of the trial court not on the 9asis of "rticles 89, <D, <8 and <5, 9ut on the 'round that the ne.s)a)er article .as li9elous. -hus, the Court of "))eals held0 1It is clear from the dis)uted article that the defamation .as directed at all adherents of the Islamic faith. It stated that )i's .ere sacred and idoli7ed as 'od 9, mem9ers of the *uslim reli'ion. -his li9elous im)utation undenia9l, a))lied to the )laintiffs-a))ellants .ho are *uslims sharin' the same reli'ious 9eliefs.1 -hus, 9oth the trial and a))ellate courts found the ne.s)a)er article in =uestion insultin' and humiliatin' to *uslims, causin' .ounded feelin's and mental an'uish to 9elie2ers of Islam. -his is a findin' of fact that the Court is dut, 9ound to res)ect.5 -his findin' of fact esta9lishes that )etitioners ha2e inflicted on )ri2ate res)ondents an intentional .ron'ful act ; humiliatin' )ersons 9ecause of their reli'ious 9eliefs. /i(e the trial and a))ellate courts, .e find the ne.s)a)er article in =uestion dri))in' .ith e>treme )rofanit,, 'rossl, offensi2e and manifestl, outra'eous, and de2oid of an, social 2alue. -he article e2identl, incites reli'ious hatred, discrimination and hostilit, a'ainst *uslims. $ri2ate res)ondents ha2e certainl, suffered humiliation and mental distress 9ecause of their reli'ious 9eliefs. -he onl, =uestion is .hether the .ron'ful act committed 9, )etitioners, .hich does not constitute the crime of li9el, is a case of damnum a9s=ue in+uria or an actiona9le tort under )ara'ra)h 4, "rticle <5 of the Ci2il Code. III. Dh& ,rticle 4H of the !ivil !ode was 5nacted

1"/"* E" NINM&K -he Code Commission e>)lained the inclusion of "rticle <5 in the Ci2il Code in this .ise0 Na an' m'a 9a9o, at (ahit anon' uri n' ha,o) sa *indanao a, hindi (ina(ain n' m'a *uslimK $ara sa (anila an' m'a ito a, isan' sa'radon' 9a'a,. ?indi nila ito (ailan'an' (ainin (ahit na sila )a a, ma'utom at ma.alan n' ulam sa tu.in' sila (a(ain. Fina'a.a nila iton' Di,os at sinasam9a )a nila ito sa tu.in' ara. n' (anilan' )an'in'ilin lalun'-lalo na sa ara. na tinata.a' nilan' : amadan:.1 $ri2ate res)ondents claim that the ne.s)a)er article, .hich asserts that 0"slims worship the pig as their god, .as )u9lished .ith intent to humiliate and dis)ara'e *uslims and cast insult on Islam as a reli'ion in this countr,. -he )u9lication is not onl, 'rossl, false, 9ut is also the com)lete o))osite of .hat *uslims hold dear in their reli'ion. -he trial court found that the ne.s)a)er article clearl, im)utes a dis'raceful act on *uslims. ?o.e2er, the trial court ruled that the article .as not li9elous 9ecause the article did not identif, or name the )laintiffs. Declared the trial court0 1-here is no dou9t that the su9+ect article contains an im)utation of a discredita9le 4 act .hen it )ortra,ed the *uslims to 9e .orshi))in' the )i' as their 'od. /i(e.ise, there is no dou9t that the su9+ect article .as )u9lished, the ne.s)a)er :Eul'ar: containin' the same ha2in' 9een circulated in *etro *anila and in other )arts of the countr,. -he defendants did not dis)ute these facts > > > ?o.e2er, > > > identit, of the )erson is not )resent. It must 9e noted that the )ersons alle'edl, defamed, the herein )laintiffs .ere not identified .ith s)ecificit,. -he su9+ect article .as directed at the *uslims .ithout mentionin' or identif,in' the herein )laintiffs. > > > >.1 1)he present laws criminal or civil do not adeq"atel& cope with interferences and vexations mentioned in ,rticle 4H. -he )ri2ac, of one:s home is an in2iola9le ri'ht. Met the la.s in force do not s=uarel, and effecti2el, )rotect this ri'ht. -he acts referred to in No. < are multifarious, and ,et man, of them are not .ithin the )ur2ie. of the la. in force. "lienation of the affection of another:s .ife or hus9and, unless it constituted adulter, or concu9ina'e, is not condemned 9, the la., much as it ma, shoc( societ,. -here are numerous acts, short of criminal "nfaithf"lness, .here9, the hus9and or the .ife 9rea(s the marital 2o.s, thus causin' untold moral sufferin' to the other s)ouse. Ch, should not these acts 9e the su9+ect matter of a ci2il action for dama'esK In "merican la., the, are. "'ain, there is meddlin' of so-called friends .ho )oison the mind of one or more mem9ers of the famil, a'ainst the other mem9ers. In this manner man, a ha)), famil, is 9ro(en u) or estran'ed. Ch, should not the la. tr, to sto) this 9, creatin' a ci2il action for dama'esK &f the same nature is that class of acts s)ecified in No. 40 intri'uin' to cause another to 9e alienated from his friends. No less serious are the acts mentioned in No. 40 2e>in', or humiliatin' another on account of his reli'ious 9eliefs, lo.l, station in life, )lace of 9irth, )h,sical defect or other )ersonal condition. -he )enal la.s a'ainst defamation and un+ust 2e>ation are 'larin'l, inade=uate. 'eligio"s freedom does not a"thori.e an&one to heap o%loq"& and disrep"te "pon another %& reason of the latter@s religion.

49

Not a fe. of the rich )eo)le treat the )oor .ith contem)t 9ecause of the latter:s lo.l, station in life. )o a certain extent this is inevita%le from the nat"re of the social ma*e-"p %"t there o"ght to %e a limit somewhere even when the penal laws against defamation and "n$"st vexation are not transgressed. In a democrac,, such a limit must 9e esta9lished. -he courts .ill reco'ni7e it in each case. Social e=ualit, is not sou'ht 9, the le'al )ro2ision under consideration, 9ut due re'ard for decenc, and )ro)riet,. $lace of 9irth, of )h,sical defect and other )ersonal conditions are too often the )rete>t of humiliation cast u)on other )ersons. S"ch tampering with h"man personalit& even tho"gh the penal laws are not violated sho"ld %e the ca"se of civil action . -he article under stud, denounces 1similar acts1 .hich could readil, 9e named, for the, occur .ith un)leasant fre=uenc,.15 3Em)hasis su))lied6 -he intent of the Code Commission is =uite clear0 "rticle <5 s)ecificall, a))lies to intentional acts which fall short of %eing criminal offenses. "rticle <4 itself e>)ressl, refers to tortious conduct .hich 1ma, not constitute criminal offenses.1 -he )ur)ose is )recisel, to fill a 'a) or lac"na in the la. .here a )erson .ho suffers in+ur, 9ecause of a .ron'ful act not constitutin' a crime is left .ithout an, redress. Gnder "rticle <5, the )erson res)onsi9le for such act 9ecomes lia9le for 1dama'es, )re2ention and other relief.1 In short, to )reser2e )eace and harmon, in the famil, and in the communit,, "rticle <5 see(s to eliminate cases of damn"m a%sq"e in$"ria in human relations. Conse=uentl,, the elements that =ualif, the same acts as criminal offenses do not a))l, in determinin' res)onsi9ilit, for tortious conduct under "rticle <5. Chere the tortious act humiliatin' another 9ecause of his reli'ious 9eliefs is )u9lished in a ne.s)a)er, the elements of the crime of li9el need not 9e satisfied 9efore the a''rie2ed )erson can reco2er dama'es under "rticle <5. In intentional tort under "rticle <5, the offensi2e statements ma, not e2en 9e )u9lished or 9roadcasted 9ut merel, hurled privatel& at the offended )art,. In intentional infliction of mental distress, the 'ra2amen of the tort is not the in+ur, to )laintiff:s re)utation, 9ut the harm to )laintiff:s mental and emotional state. In li9el, the 'ist of the action is the in+ur, to )laintiff:s re)utation. e)utation is the communit,:s o)inion of .hat a )erson is. 7 In intentional infliction of mental distress, the o)inion of the communit, is immaterial to the e>istence of the action althou'h the court can consider it in a.ardin' dama'es. Chat is material is the distur9ance on the-mental or emotional state of the )laintiff .ho is entitled to )eace of mind. -he offensi2e act or statement need not identif, s)ecificall, the )laintiff as the o9+ect of the humiliation. Chat is im)ortant is that the )laintiff actuall, suffers mental or emotional distress 9ecause he sa. the act or read the statement and it alludes to an identifia9le 'rou) to .hich he clearl, 9elon's. If one of the )etitioners, .ithout s)ecificall, namin' )ri2ate res)ondents, hurled the same statement in )ri2ate se)aratel, to each of the )ri2ate res)ondents, the act .ould 9e actiona9le under "rticle <5 9ecause it .ould cause mental distress to each )ri2ate res)ondent. -he fact that the statement .as made )u9licl, in fact ma(es matters .orse 9ecause the mental or emotional distress caused on )ri2ate res)ondents .ould e2en 9e a''ra2ated 9, the )u9licit,. -his merel, illustrates that the re=uirements of li9el ha2e no a))lication in intentional torts under "rticle <5 .here the im)ression of the )u9lic is immaterial .hile the im)act on the mind or emotion of the offended )art, is all-im)ortant. -hat is .h, in "merican +uris)rudence the tort of intentional infliction of mental or emotional distress is com)letel, se)arate and distinct 8 from the t.in torts of li9el and slander.9 -he ma+orit, o)inion, ho.e2er, cites the G.S. Su)reme Court decision in 7"stler 0aga.ine v. (alwell8D as authorit, that a )erson 1ma, not reco2er for intentional infliction of emotional distress arisin' from a )u9lication unless the )u9lication contained a false statement of fact that .as made .ith actual malice, that is, .ith a (no.led'e of falsit, or rec(less disre'ard for the truth.1 -he ma+orit, o)inion:s reliance on 7"stler is mis)laced. -he doctrine in 7"stlera))lies onl, to )u9lic fi'ures, and the G.S. Su)reme Court found that

1res)ondent Fal.ell is a @p"%lic fig"re: for )ur)oses of First "mendment la..1 -he G.S. Su)reme Court held in 7"stler that ; 1Ce conclude that p"%lic fig"res and p"%lic officials ma, not reco2er for the tort of intentional infliction of emotional distress 9, reason of )u9lication such as the one here at issue .ithout :a sho.in' in addition that the )u9lication contains a false statement of fact .hich .as made .ith :actual malice,: i.e., .ith (no.led'e that the statement .as false or .ith rec(less disre'ard as to .hether or not it .as true. > > >.1 3Em)hasis su))lied6 E2identl,, 7"stler allo.s reco2er, for intentional infliction of emotional distress if the a''rie2ed )art, is a )ri2ate )erson and not a )u9lic fi'ure e2en if there is no sho.in' that the false statement .as made .ith actual malice. In the instant case, )ri2ate res)ondents are not )u9lic fi'ures or )u9lic officials 9ut ordinar, )ri2ate indi2iduals re)resented 9, )ri2ate res)ondent Islamic Da:.ah Council of the $hili))ines, Inc. I!. !onstit"tional B"arantee of @("ll 'espect for 7"man 'ights@ -he 8987 Constitution )ro2ides that =ItJhe State val"es the dignit& of ever& h"man person and g"arantees f"ll respect for h"man rights.188 -he Constitution created a Commission on ?uman i'hts .ith the function, amon' others, to 1I0Jonitor the #hilippine Bovernment@s compliance with international treat& o%ligations on h"man rights.18< -he framers of the Constitution made it clear that the term 1human ri'hts1 as used in the Constitution referred to the ci2il and )olitical ri'hts em9odied in the International Co2enant on Ci2il and $olitical i'hts84 to .hich the $hili))ines is a si'nator,. -his is clear from the follo.in' e>chan'e in the deli9erations of the Constitutional Commission0 1* . F" CI"0 Eut it does not mean that .e .ill refer to each and e2er, s)ecific article therein, 9ut onl, to those that )ertain to the ci2il and )oliticall, related, as .e understand it in this Commission on ?uman i'hts. * . FGINF&N"0 *adam $resident, I am not clear as to the distinction 9et.een social and ci2il ri'hts. * . F" CI"0 -here are t.o international co2enants0 the International Co2enant 3on6 Ci2il and $olitical i'hts and the International Co2enant on Economic, Social and Cultural i'hts. -he second co2enant contains all the different ri'hts ; the ri'hts of la9or to or'ani7e, the ri'ht to education, housin', shelter, etcetera. * . FGINF&N"0 So .e are +ust limitin' at the moment the sense of the committee to those the Fentleman has s)ecified. * . F" CI"0 Ces to civil and political rights. * . FGINF&N"0 -han( ,ou.184 3Em)hasis su))lied6 "rticle <D 3<6 of the International Co2enant on Ci2il and $olitical i'hts )ro2ides that 1 IaJn& advocac& of x x xreligio"s hatred that constit"tes incitement to discrimination hostilit& or violence shall %e prohi%ited %& law .1 -he ?uman i'hts Committee created under the Co2enant, in its 8984 Nineteenth Session, re)orted to mem9er states that0 18. > > > In 2ie. of the nature of article <D, States )arties are o9li'ed to ado)t the necessar, le'islati2e measures )rohi9itin' the actions referred to therein. ?o.e2er, the re)orts ha2e sho.n that in some States such actions are neither )rohi9ited 9, la. nor are a))ro)riate efforts intended or made to )rohi9it them. Further, man, re)orts failed to 'i2e sufficient information concernin' the rele2ant national le'islation and )ractice.

49

<. > > > For article <D to 9ecome full, effecti2e there ou'ht to 9e a la. ma(in' it clear that )ro)a'anda and ad2ocac, as descri9ed therein are contrar, to )u9lic )olic, and )ro2idin' for an a))ro)riate sanction in case of 2iolation. > > > .1 85 -he Co2enant, 9ein' an international treat, to .hich the $hili))ines is a si'nator,, is )art of the countr,:s munici)al la..85 -he Co2enant carries 'reat .ei'ht in the inter)retation of the sco)e and meanin' of the term 1human ri'hts1 as used in the Constitution. Gn=uestiona9l,, the framers of the Constitution intentionall, referred to the ci2il and )olitical ri'hts em9raced in the Co2enant in descri9in' the term 1human ri'hts.1 -he Constitution e2en mandates the inde)endent Commission on ?uman i'hts to monitor the com)liance of the $hili))ine Fo2ernment, .hich includes the +udiciar,, .ith its treat, o9li'ations under the Co2enant. $ara'ra)h 4, "rticle <5 of the Ci2il Code ma(es civill& lia9le an, )erson .ho humiliates another 9ecause of his reli'ious 9eliefs. -his is +ust a soft )rohi9ition of ad2ocac, of reli'ious hatred that incites discrimination, hostilit, or 2iolence, the act the Co2enant see(s to cur9 and .hich the $hili))ine Fo2ernment has underta(en to declare unla.ful. &ther countries that si'ned the Co2enant ha2e criminali.ed the acts )rohi9ited under the Co2enant. Since our ratification of the Co2enant in 8985, the $hili))ines has not enacted an, s)ecial le'islation to enforce the )ro2isions of the Co2enant, on the 'round that e>istin' la.s are ade=uate to meet the re=uirements of the Co2enant. -here is no other la., e>ce)t )ara'ra)h 4, "rticle <5 of the Ci2il Code, that can )ro2ide a sanction a'ainst intentional conduct, fallin' short of a criminal act, ad2ocatin' reli'ious hatred that incites hostilit, 9et.een *uslims and Christians in this countr,. If .e are to com)l, in 'ood faith .ith our treat, o9li'ations under the Co2enant, as the Constitution e>)ressl, mandates the $hili))ine Fo2ernment, .e must 'i2e redress under "rticle <5 to the outra'eous )rofanit, suffered 9, )ri2ate res)ondents. &ur Constitution ado)ts the 'enerall, acce)ted )rinci)les of international la. as )art of the la. of the land. #acta s"nt servanda ; e2er, treat, in force 9inds the )arties .ho must com)l, .ith the treat, in 'ood faith87 ; is one such )rinci)le. -hus, if .e refuse to a))l, "rticle <5 to the instant case, then .e admit that .e ha2e no la. to enforce the Co2enant. In effect, .e admit non-com)liance .ith the Co2enant. -he Su)reme Court of Canada, in inter)retin' Canada:s o9li'ation under the Co2enant, e>)lained in '. v. Keegstra088 1C.E. .D. 3Con2ention on the Elimination of "ll Forms of acial Discrimination6 and I.C.C.$. . 3International Co2enant on Ci2il and $olitical i'hts6 demonstrate that the )rohi9ition of hate )romotin' e>)ression is considered to 9e not onl, com)ati9le .ith a si'nator, nation:s 'uarantee of human ri'hts, 9ut is as .ell an o9li'ator, as)ect of this 'uarantee. Decisions under the Euro)ean Con2ention for the $rotection of ?uman i'hts and Fundamental Freedoms are also of aid in illustratin' the tenor of the international communit,:s a))roach to hate )ro)a'anda and free e>)ression. -his is not to den, that findin' the correct 9alance 9et.een )rohi9itin' hate )ro)a'anda and ensurin' freedom of e>)ression has 9een a source of de9ate internationall, 3see, e.g., Nathan /erner, -he G.N. Con2ention on the Elimination of "ll Forms of acial Discrimination 3898D6, at )). 44-546. Eut des)ite de9ate Canada, alon' .ith other mem9ers of the international communit,, has indicated a commitment to )rohi9itin' hate )ro)a'anda, and in m, o)inion this court must ha2e re'ard to that commitment in in2esti'atin' the nature of the 'o2ernment o9+ecti2e 9ehind s. 4893<6 of the Criminal Code. -hat the international communit, has collecti2el, acted to condemn hate )ro)a'anda, and to o9li'e State $arties to C.E. .D. and I.C.C.$. . to )rohi9it such e>)ression, thus em)hasi7es the im)ortance of the o9+ecti2e 9ehind s. 4893<6 and the )rinci)les of e=ualit, and the inherent di'nit, of all )ersons that infuse 9oth international human ri'hts and the Charter.1 "s a si'nator, to the Co2enant, the $hili))ines is, li(e, Canada, o9li'ated under international la. and the 8987 Constitution to )rotect the inherent di'nit, and human ri'hts of all its citi7ens. !. (reedom of 5xpression and #rofane 9tterances

-he 9latant )rofanit, contained in the ne.s)a)er article in =uestion is not the s)eech that is )rotected 9, the constitutional 'uarantee of freedom of e>)ression. Cords that hea) e>treme )rofanit,, intended merel, to incite hostilit,, hatred or 2iolence, ha2e no social 2alue and do not en+o, constitutional )rotection. "s e>)lained 9, the Gnited States Su)reme Court in the landmar( case of !haplins*& v. :ew 7ampshire089 1"llo.in' the 9roadest sco)e to the lan'ua'e and )ur)ose of the Fourteenth "mendment, it is .ell understood that the ri'ht of free s)eech is not a9solute at all times and under all circumstances. )here are certain well-defined and narrowl& limited classes of speech the prevention and p"nishment of which has never %een tho"ght to raise an& !onstit"tional pro%lem. )hese incl"de the lewd and o%scene the profane the li%elo"s and the ins"lting or @fighting@ words L those which %& their ver& "tterance inflict in$"r& or tend to incite an immediate %reach of the peace. It has 9een .ell o9ser2ed that such utterances are no essential )art of an, e>)osition of ideas, and are of such sli'ht social 2alue as a ste) to truth that an, 9enefit that ma, 9e deri2ed from them is clearl, out.ei'hed 9, the social interest in order and moralit,. esort to e)ithets or )ersonal a9use is not in an, )ro)er sense communication of information or o)inion safe'uarded 9, the Constitution, and its )unishment as a criminal act .ould raise no =uestion under that instrument.1 3Em)hasis su))lied6 !haplins*& e>)ressl, includes profane "tterances as 9elon'in' to the narro.l, limited classes of s)eech that arenot constitutionall, )rotected. $rofane utterances, li(e assertin' that *uslims .orshi) the )i' as their Fod, ha2e no social 2alue meritin' constitutional )rotection. Elac(:s /a. Dictionar, 35th Ed.6 defines the .ords 1)rofane1 and 1)rofanit,1 as follo.s0 1#rofane. Irre2erence to.ard Fod or hol, thin's. Critin', s)ea(in', or actin', in manifest or im)lied contem)t of sacred thin's. -o.n of -orrin'ton 2. -a,lor, 59 C,o. 8D9, 847 $.<d 5<8, 5<4@ Duncan 2. G.S., C.C.". &r., 48 F.<d 8<8, 844. -hat .hich has not 9een consecrated.1 1#rofanit&. Irre2erence to.ards sacred thin's@ )articularl,, an irre2erent and 9las)hemous use of the name of Fod. !ul'ar, irre2erent, or coarse lan'ua'e. It is a federal offense to utter an o9scene, indecent, or )rofane lan'ua'e on radio. 88 G.S.C.". T 8454. See also &9scenit,.1 -he ma+orit, o)inion states that the doctrine in !haplins*& 1had lar'el, 9een su)erseded 9, su9se=uent First "mendment doctrines.1 -he ma+orit, o)inion then cites the 8978 case of !ohen v. !alifornia <D as an 1illustrati2e1 case that 1"merican courts no lon'er acce)t the 2ie. that s)eech ma, 9e )roscri9ed merel, 9ecause it is :le.d,: :)rofane,: :insultin': or other.ise 2ul'ar or offensi2e.1 ?o.e2er, 7"stler 0aga.ine v. (alwell,<8 a 8988 case .hich the ma+orit, o)inion also cites, clearl, e>)lains the state of "merican la. on this matter, thus0 1"dmittedl,, these oft-re)eated First "mendment )rinci)les, li(e other )rinci)les, are su9+ect to limitations. Ce reco'ni7ed in #acifica (o"ndation that s)eech that is :2ul'ar, offensi2e, and shoc(in': is :not entitled to a9solute constitutional )rotection under all circumstances.: In !haplins*& v. :ew 7ampshire, .e held that that a State could la.full, )unish an indi2idual for the use of insultin' :fi'htin' .ords: ; those .hich 9, their 2er, utterance inflict in+ur, or tend to incite an immediate 9reach of the )eace.: -hese limitations are 9ut reco'nition of the o9ser2ation in -"n 8 6radstreet Inc. v. Breenmoss 6"ilders Inc. 47< G.S. 749 389856 that this Court has :lon' reco'ni7ed that not all s)eech is of e=ual First "mendment im)ortance.: > > > .1 Aother citations omittedB > > >.1 Indeed, .hile democratic societies maintain a dee) commitment to the )rinci)le that de9ate on )u9lic issues should 9e uninhi9ited, ro9ust and .ide o)en, this free de9ate has ne2er 9een meant to include li9elous, o9scene or )rofane utterances a'ainst )ri2ate indi2iduals. << Clearl,, the ne.s)a)er article in =uestion, dri))in' .ith e>treme )rofanit,, does not en+o, the )rotection of the constitutional 'uarantee of freedom of s)eech.

49

!I. !o"rt@s -"t& and #ower to 5nforce !onstit"tional 'ights -he 8987 Constitution has conferred on the Court the )o.er to =IpJrom"lgate r"les concerning the protection and enforcement of constit"tional rights.1 -his is an inno2ation in the 8987 Constitution to insure, in the .ords of former Chief #ustice o9erto . Conce)cion, one of the framers of the Constitution, that 1the )rotection and enforcement of these constitutional ri'hts is somethin' that the courts ha2e to consider in the e>ercise of their +udicial )o.er.<4 -his )ro2ision stresses that constitutional ri'hts, .hether found in the Eill of i'hts or in other )ro2isions of the Constitution li(e in the Declaration of $rinci)les and State $olicies, are 1not merel, declarator, 9ut are also enforcea9le.1<4 &ne such ri'ht, the enforcement and )rotection of .hich is e>)ressl, 'uaranteed 9, the State under the Constitution, is the ri'ht to 1full res)ect for human ri'hts.1 -he trial and a))ellate courts ha2e found that )ri2ate res)ondents: reli'ious 9eliefs and )ractices ha2e 9een t.isted, ridiculed and 2ilified 9, )etitioners. -his is a clear 2iolation of the human ri'hts of )ri2ate res)ondents under the Constitution and the International Co2enant on Ci2il and $olitical i'hts. It no. 9ecomes the dut, of the Court, as the 'uardian of the fundamental ri'hts of the )eo)le, to e>ercise its )o.er to )rotect and enforce the constitutional ri'hts of )ri2ate res)ondents. -he Court, )ursuant to its rule ma(in' )o.er, can re=uire that in actions li(e the instant case, the )laintiffs must 9rin' a class suit. -his .ill a2oid multi)licit, of suits considerin' the numerous )otential )laintiffs all o2er the countr,. " +ud'ment in a class suit, .hether fa2ora9le or unfa2ora9le to the class, is 9indin' under the res $"dicata)rinci)le on all mem9ers of the class .hether or not the, .ere 9efore the court. <5 -his rule .ill address the fear that cases .ill s.am) the courts all o2er the countr, if )rofanities a'ainst reli'ious 'rou)s are made actiona9le under "rticle <5. !II. )he Special !irc"mstance of 0"slim Secession in the So"th /imitations on freedom of e>)ression ha2e al.a,s 9een rooted on s)ecial circumstances confrontin' a societ, in its historical de2elo)ment. In the 895Ds, faced .ith risin' racial tension in "merican societ,, the G.S Su)reme Court ruled in 6ea"harnais v. Illinois<5 that hate s)eech .hich deni'rates a 'rou) of )ersons defined 9, their reli'ion, race or ethnic ori'in defames that 'rou) and the la. ma, 2alidl, )rohi9it such s)eech on the same 'round as defamation of an indi2idual. -his .as the onl, time that the G.S. Su)reme Court u)held 'rou) li9el, and since then, there has 9een a consistent retreat from this doctrine as 9lac(s and other ethnic 'rou)s 9ecame more assimilated into the mainstream of "merican societ,. Eeauharnais e>)ressl, ac(no.led'ed that race riots and massi2e immi'ration of unassimilated ethnic 'rou)s +ustified the le'islature in 1)unishin' > > > li9els directed at desi'nated collecti2es and fla'rantl, disseminated.1 -he ma+orit, o)inion states also that 6ea"harnais has 9een su)erseded 9, 6randen%"rg v. Ohio.1<7 -he ma+orit, o)inion e>)lains that 6randen%"rg, a 8959 decision, ruled that 1ad2ocac, of ille'al action 9ecomes )unisha9le onl, if such ad2ocac, is directed to incitin' or )roducin' imminent la.less action and is li(el, to incite or )roduce such action.1 Chile 6ea"harnais has 9een a))arentl, .ea(ened 9, su9se=uent decisions of the G.S. Su)reme Court, it .as not o2erturned in 6randen%"rg .hich did not e2en cite or mention 6ea"harnais. Chat 6randen%"rgo2erturned .as Dhitne& v. !alifornia ,<8 thus ; 1"ccordin'l,, .e are here confronted .ith a statute .hich, 9, its o.n .ords and as a))lied, )ur)orts to )unish mere ad2ocac, and to for9id, on )ain of criminal )unishment, assem9l, .ith others merel, to ad2ocate the descri9ed t,)e of action. Such a statute falls .ithin the condemnation of the First and Fourteenth "mendments. )he contrar& teaching of Dhitne& v. !alifornia s"pra cannot %e s"pported and that decision is therefore overr"led .1 3Em)hasis su))lied6 In an, e2ent, 6randen%"rg in2ol2ed the constitutionalit, of a criminal statute .hich sou'ht to )unish the mere ad2ocac, of 2iolence as a means to accom)lish industrial or )olitical reform. -his is distinctl, different from

the instant case, .hich in2ol2es )rofane utterances that ha2e lon' 9een reco'ni7ed as de2oid of social 2alue and outside the )ur2ie. of constitutionall, )rotected s)eech. <9 In 899D, the Canadian Su)reme Court, in '. v. Keegstra,4D u)held a la. criminali7in' hate s)eech toward an& section of the p"%lic distin'uished 9, color, race, reli'ion or ethnic ori'in. -he Canadian Su)reme Court re+ected the clear and )resent dan'er test of the G.S. Su)reme Court, statin' that it did not address the )s,cholo'ical trauma hate )ro)a'anda causes and the su9tle and incremental .a, hate )ro)a'anda .or(s. -he Canadian Su)reme Court found the G.S. Su)reme Court:s 6ea"harnais decision more reflecti2e of Canadian 2alues rather than later G.S. decisions that .ea(ened 6ea"harnais. -he Canadian Su)reme Court handed do.n Keegstra at a time .hen Canada .as 9ecomin' a multi-racial societ, follo.in' the influ> of immi'rants of different color, ethnic ori'in and reli'ion. -he follo.in' )assa'es in Keegstra are instructi2e0 1" m,riad of sources ; 9oth +udicial and academic ; offer re2ie.s of First "mendment +uris)rudence as it )ertains to hate )ro)a'anda. Central to most discussions is the 895< case of 6ea"harnais v. Illinois, .here the Su)reme Court of the Gnited States u)held as constitutional a criminal statute for9iddin' certain t,)es of 'rou) defamation. -hou'h ne2er o2erruled, 6ea"harnais a))ears to ha2e 9een .ea(ened 9, later )ronouncements of the Su)reme Court 3see, e.g. Barrison v. +o"isiana, 479 G.S. 54 389546@ ,shton v. Kent"c*&, 484 G.S. 895 389556@ :ew Cor* )imes !o. v. S"llivan, 475 G.S. <54 89546@ 6randen%"rg v. Ohio, 495 G.S. 444 389596@ and !ohen v. !alifornia, 4D4 G.S. 85 3897866. -he trend reflected in man, of these )ronouncements is to )rotect offensi2e, )u9lic in2ecti2e as lon' as the s)ea(er has not (no.in'l, lied and there e>ists no clear and )resent dan'er of 2iolence or insurrection. >>> >>> >>> -he =uestion that concerns us in this a))eal is not, of course, .hat the la. is or should 9e in the Gnited States. Eut it is im)ortant to 9e e>)licit as to the reasons .h, or .h, not "merican +uris)rudence ma, 9e useful in the s. 8 anal,sis of s. 4893<6 of the Criminal Code. In the Gnited States, a collection of fundamental ri'hts has 9een constitutionall, )rotected for o2er <DD ,ears. -he resultin' )ractical and theoretical e>)erience is immense, and should not 9e o2erloo(ed 9, Canadian courts. &n the other hand, .e must e>amine "merican constitutional la. .ith a critical e,e, and in this res)ect /a Forest #. has noted in '. v. 'ahe&, 389876 8 S.C. . 588 at 5490 :Chile it is natural and e2en desira9le for Canadian courts to refer to "merican constitutional +uris)rudence in see(in' to elucidate the meanin' of Charter 'uarantees that ha2e counter)arts in the Gnited States Constitution, the, should 9e .ar, of dra.in' too read, a )arallel 9et.een constitutions 9orn to different countries in different a'es and in 2er, different circumstances. . .: Canada and the Gnited States are not ali(e in e2er, .a,, nor ha2e the documents entrenchin' human ri'hts in our t.o countries arisen in the same conte>t. It is onl, common sense to reco'ni7e that, +ust as similarities .ill +ustif, 9orro.in' from the "merican e>)erience, differences ma, re=uire that Canada:s constitutional 2ision de)art from that endorsed in the Gnited States.1 3&ther citations omitted6 >>> First, it is not entirel, clear that 6ea"harnais must conflict .ith e>istin' First "mendment doctrine. Credi9le ar'uments ha2e 9een made that later Su)reme Court cases do not necessaril, erode its le'itimac, 3see, e.'., Qenneth /asson, 1 acial Defamation as Free S)eech0 "9usin' the First "mendment1 389856, 87 Colum. ?uman i'hts /. e2. 886. Indeed, there e>ists a 'ro.in' 9od, of academic .ritin' in the Gnited States .hich e2inces a stron'er focus u)on the .a, in .hich hate )ro)a'anda can undermine the 2er, 2alues .hich free s)eech is said to )rotect. -his 9od, of .ritin' is rece)ti2e to the idea that, .ere the issue addressed from this ne. )ers)ecti2e, First "mendment doctrine mi'ht 9e a9le to accommodate statutes )rohi9itin' hate )ro)a'anda 3see, e.'., ichard Del'ado, 1Cords -hat Cound0 " -ort "ction for acial Insults, E)ithets, and NameCallin'1 3898<6, 87 ?ar2. C. .-C./. /a. e2. 844@ Ir2in' ?oro.it7, 1S(o(ie, the "C/G and the Endurance of Democratic -heor,1 389796, 44 /a. N Contem). $ro9. 4<8@ /asson, o). cit., at )).

49

<DU4D@ *ari *atsuda, 1$u9lic es)onse to acist S)eech0 Considerin' the !ictim:s Stor,,1 389896, 87 *ich. /. e2. <4<D, at ). <448@ 1-oe v. 9niversit& of 0ichigan0 First "mendment ; acist and Se>ist E>)ression on Cam)us ; Court Stri(es Do.n Gni2ersit, /imits on ?ate S)eech1 3899D6, 8D4 ?ar2. /. e2. 84976.1 In decidin' Keegstra, the Canadian Su)reme Court also relied on Canada:s treat, o9li'ations under the Gnited Nations International Co2enant on Ci2il and $olitical i'hts .hich re=uires si'nator, states to )rohi9it an, 1ad2ocac, of > > > reli'ious hatred that constitutes incitement to discrimination, hostilit, or 2iolence.1 Durin' the ne'otiations of the Co2enant, the Gnited States o9+ected to this )ro2ision on free s)eech 'rounds. Chen it finall, ratified the Co2enant, the Gnited States made a reser2ation re+ectin' this )ro2ision insofar as it conflicts .ith G.S. constitutional )rotections.48 -he Co2enant o)ened for ratification on Decem9er 89, 8955 and entered into force on *arch <4, 8975. -he $hili))ines ratified the Co2enant in 8985 .ithout an, reser2ation, +ust li(e Canada. -he 8987 Constitution of the $hili))ines e2en created a Commission on ?uman i'hts to 1A*Bonitor the $hili))ine Fo2ernment:s com)liance .ith international treat, o9li'ations on human ri'hts.1 &92iousl,, Canada and the $hili))ines are ali(e in their o9li'ations under the Co2enant, 9ut the Gnited States is differentl, situated.4< In our countr,, there has 9een a lon' festerin' and 9lood, *uslim secessionist mo2ement in the South, fueled not onl, 9, )o2ert, 9ut also 9, the )al)a9le feelin' amon' *uslims that the Christian ma+orit, is not treatin' *uslims fairl,. $ri2ate res)ondents in the instant case, des)ite the outra'eous )rofanit, hurled at them 9, )etitioners, chose not to +oin their secessionist 9rethren in the armed stru''le 9ut instead decided to )etition our courts for le'al redress of their 'rie2ance. -he, could ha2e easil, retaliated 9, flin'in' their o.n 9las)hemous in2ecti2es a'ainst the Christian reli'ion. -he, did not, reali7in' )erha)s that ans.erin' )rofanit, .ith more )rofanit, .ould mean ans.erin' hatred .ith more hatred, further di2idin' rather than unif,in' the Fili)ino nation. #ust last No2em9er of <DD<, a Christian ne.s)a)er in Ni'eria .here the *iss Corld contest .as 9ein' held o)ined that the $ro)het *ohammed .ould ha2e a))ro2ed of the 9eaut, contest. -he ne.s)a)er stated0 1Chat .ould *ohammed thin(K In all honest,, he .ould ha2e )ro9a9l, chosen a .ife from one of them.1 -hese .ords )ro2o(ed 9lood, riotin' in Ni'eria amon' *uslims .ho felt insulted 9, the article. ?undreds died in the reli'ious riots. Met the offensi2e article in the Ni'erian ne.s)a)er )ales in com)arison to the utterl, )rofane ne.s)a)er article in the instant case. Indeed, )ri2ate res)ondent Islamic Da:.ah Council of the $hili))ines, a federation of more than 7D *uslim reli'ious or'ani7ations in the $hili))ines, deser2es commendation for 9rin'in' this case 9efore our courts for a )eaceful and le'al resolution of the issue. $ri2ate res)ondents ha2e )laced their trust and faith in our courts, (no.in' and insistin' that the, are entitled to a +ust remed, under )ara'ra)h 4, "rticle <5 of the Ci2il Code. It is time to 9reathe life to this lon' dormant )ro2ision of the Ci2il Code, to 'i2e e2en +ust a to*en redress to reli'ious minorities .ho suffer mental and emotional distress from mindless )rofanit, committed 9, irres)onsi9le )ersons 9elon'in' to the reli'ious ma+orit,. In the )rocess .e .ill contri9ute in a2oidin' a further clea2a'e in the fa9ric of our nation, and demonstrate to our *uslim 9rothers that their 'rie2ances can 9e redressed under the rule of la.. -he instant case does not e2en call for a re-e>amination of the clear and )resent dan'er test .hich .e ha2e ado)ted in this +urisdiction in determinin' the constitutionalit, of le'islation that im)in'es on ci2il li9erties.44 E2en under the clear and )resent dan'er test, )rofane utterances are not constitutionall, )rotected at least .ith res)ect to )rofanities directed a'ainst )ri2ate indi2iduals. -he s)ecial circumstance in2ol2in' the *uslim secessionist mo2ement in the South should ma(e us more sensiti2e to the 'rie2ances of our *uslim 9rothers .ho continue to ha2e faith in the rule of la. in this countr,. Since the )eace of mind of )ri2ate res)ondents has 9een 2iolated 9, the )u9lication of the )rofane article in =uestion, "rticle <5 of the Ci2il Code mandates that the tortious conduct 1shall )roduce a cause of action for dama'es, )re2ention and other relief.1 "rticle <<89 of the same Code )ro2ides that 1A*Boral dama'es ma, 9e reco2ered in > > > actions referred to in "rticles <8, <5 > > > .1 $ri2ate res)ondents are entitled to moral dama'es 9ecause, as dul, esta9lished 9, the testimonies of )rominent *uslims, 44 )ri2ate res)ondents

suffered emotional distress .hich .as e2identl, the )ro>imate result of the )etitioners: .ron'ful )u9lication of the article in =uestion.45 !II. !oncl"sion "lmost thirt, ,ears a'o, I had occasion to .rite a9out "rticle <5 in this .ise0 1"t the time "rticle <5 .as lifted 9, the Code Commission from "merican +uris)rudence, man, of the ri'hts em9odied therein .ere not ,et .idel, acce)ted 9, "merican courts, and in fact e2en no. at least one, the ri'ht to )ri2ac,, is still stru''lin' to 'ain reco'nition in some states. Chile .e ha2e 9een =uic( to lea)fro' "merican state decisions in reco'ni7in' such ri'hts, .e ha2e, ho.e2er, 9een )ainfull, slo. in 'al2ani7in' the same in actual cases. -o date "rticle <5 stands almost as a mere decorati2e )ro2ision in our statutes@ 9ut it ma, 9e harnessed fruitfull, an,time.1 45 No. is the time to a))l, this )ro2ision of la. since the instant case falls clearl, .ithin )ara'ra)h 4 of "rticle <5. "))l,in' "rticle <5 .ill not undermine freedom of s)eech since the )rofane )u9lication in =uestion 9elon's to the class of s)eech that clearl, does not en+o, constitutional )rotection. "))l,in' "rticle <5 demonstrates 'ood faith com)liance .ith our treat, o9li'ations under the International Co2enant on Ci2il and $olitical i'hts. "))l,in' "rticle <5 im)lements the constitutional )olic, that the 1State 2alues the di'nit, of e2er, human )erson and 'uarantees full res)ect for human ri'hts.1 "))l,in' "rticle <5 constitutes com)liance 9, the Court of its constitutional dut, to )rotect and enforce constitutional ri'hts. "))l,in' "rticle <5 .ill hel) 9ind the .ounds that mindless )rofanities inflict on reli'ious minorities in 2iolation of their human ri'hts. "ccordin'l,, I 2ote to dismiss the )etition and affirm the a.ard 9, the Court of "))eals of $5D,DDD.DD moral dama'es, $8D,DDD.DD e>em)lar, dama'es, and $8D,DDD.DD attorne,:s fees to res)ondent Islamic Da:.ah Council of the $hili))ines, Inc. 9ased on )ara'ra)h 4, "rticle <5 of the Ci2il Code. Di entin6 "pinion A4-&R$A-MAR&$NE+, J., dissentin'0 I 2ote to affirm the assailed decision of the Court of "))eals .ith certain modifications. For a )ro)er )ers)ecti2e of the issues in2ol2ed in the )resent )etition, it must 9e em)hasi7ed that the )ortion of the su9+ect article .hich alludes to the *uslims as not eatin' )or( 9ecause it is dirt, is not the 9one of contention of res)ondents, 9ecause admittedl,, the *uslims ma, eat )or( if dri2en 9, necessit,, as e>)ressed in the Juran, to .it0 1"llah has for9idden ,ou onl, .hat dies of itself and %lood and the flesh of swine and that o2er .hich an, other 3name6 than 3that of6 "llah has 9een in2o(ed. -hen, .hoe2er is dri2en 9, necessit,, not desirin', nor e>ceedin' the limit, no sin is u)on him.1 8 -he focal )oint of )ri2ate res)ondents: claim for dama'es is the insult hea)ed u)on them 9ecause of the malicious )u9lication that the *uslims .orshi) the )i' as their Fod .hich is a9solutel, contrar, to their 9asic 9elief as *uslims that there is onl, one Fod the, call "llah, and, that the 'reatest sin in Islam is to .orshi) thin's or )ersons other than "llah. < $etitioners are lia9le for dama'es 9oth under "rticles 44 and <5346 of the Ci2il Code. -he instances that can 9e 9rou'ht under "rticle <5 ma, also 9e su9+ect to an action for defamation under "rticle 44. In such a case, the action 9rou'ht under "rticle <5 is an alternati2e remed,, and the )laintiff can )roceed u)on either theor,, or 9oth, althou'h he can ha2e 9ut one reco2er, for a sin'le instance of )u9licit,. 4 "rticle 44 of the Ci2il Code )ro2ides0

49

1"rticle 44. In cases of defamation, fraud and )h,sical in+uries, a ci2il action for dama'es, entirel, se)arate and distinct from the criminal action, ma, 9e 9rou'ht 9, the in+ured )art,. Such ci2il action shall )roceed inde)endentl, of the criminal )rosecution, and shall re=uire onl, a )re)onderance of e2idence.1 35mphasis s"pplied6 Necessaril,, "rticle 454 of the e2ised $enal Code comes into )la,. In the )resent ci2il case, it is necessar, that res)ondents are a9le to esta9lish 9, )re)onderance of e2idence the follo.in' elements of defamation0 18. -hat there must 9e an imp"tation of a crime, or of a vice or defect real or imaginar& or an& act omission condition stat"s or circ"mstance. 1<. -hat the imp"tation must 9e made )u9licl,. 14. -hat it must 9e malicio"s. 14. -hat the im)utation must 9e directed at a natural or +uridical person, or one .ho is dead. 15. -hat the im)utation must tend to cause the dishonor, discredit or contem)t of the )erson defamed.14 "n alle'ation is considered defamator, if it ascri9es to a )erson the commission of a crime, the )ossession of a 2ice or defect, real or ima'inar,, or an, act, omission, condition, status or circ"mstance which tends to dishonor or discredit or p"t him in contempt, or .hich tends to 9lac(en the memor, of one .ho is dead.5 ,s a general r"le words written or printed are li%elo"s per se if the& tend to expose a person to p"%lic hatred contempt ridic"le aversion or disgrace ind"ce an evil opinion of him in the minds of right thin*ing persons and deprive him of their friendl& interco"rse in societ& regardless of whether the& act"all& prod"ce s"ch res"lts.5&ther.ise stated@ .ords )u9lished are li9elous if the, discredit )laintiff in the minds of an, considera9le and res)ecta9le class in the communit,, ta(in' into consideration the emotions, )re+udices, and intolerance of man(ind.7 It has 9een held that it is not necessar, that the )u9lished statements ma(e all or e2en a ma+orit, of those .ho read them thin( an, less of the )erson defamed, 9ut it is enou'h if a noticea9le )art of those .ho do read the statements are made to hate, des)ise, scorn or 9e contem)tuous of the )erson concernin' .hom the false statements are )u9lished.8 -hus, in order to 9e li9elous per se, the defamator, .ords must 9e of such a nature that the court can )resume as a matter of la. that the, .ill tend to dis'race and de'rade the )erson or hold him u) to )u9lic hatred, contem)t, ridicule or cause him to 9e shunned and a2oided@ in other .ords, the, must reflect on his inte'rit,, his character, and his 'ood name and standin' in the communit,, and tend to e>)ose him to )u9lic hatred, contem)t, or dis'race.9 -he im)utation must 9e one .hich tends to affect )laintiff in a class of societ, .hose standard of o)inion the court can reco'ni7e.8D It is not sufficient, standin' alone, that the lan'ua'e is un)leasant and anno,s or ir(s )laintiff, and su9+ects him to +ests or 9anter, so as to affect his feelin's. 88 In the )resent case, it is e2ident that the su9+ect article attri9utes a discredita9le or dishonora9le act or condition to all *uslims in 'eneral, a derision of the reli'ious 9eliefs of the *uslims and of the o9+ecti2es of res)ondent Council to herald the truth a9out Islam, in )articular. -he )ortion of the assailed article .hich declares that the *uslims .orshi) the )i's as Fod is o9no>iousl, contrar, to the 9asic 9elief of the *uslims. -hus, the article is not onl, an im)utation of irreli'ious conduct 9ut also a do.nri'ht misre)resentation of the reli'ious 9eliefs of *uslims. It has %een held that scandalo"s matter is not necessar& to ma*e a li%elM it is eno"gh if the defendant ind"ces an ill opinion to %e held of the plaintiff or to ma*e him contempti%le or ridic"lo"sM 8< or that the imp"tation tends to ca"se dishonor discredit or contempt of the offended part& .84

$etitioners: stance that the article 1"lam Ea Nin,oK1 is 9ut an e>)ression of 9elief or o)inion does not +ustif, said )u9lication. It cannot 9e considered as a mere information 9ein' disseminated. $etitioners: defense that the article itself .as merel, a contri9ution of a reader, or that the .riter .as solicitin' o)inion from the readers, does not hold .ater, since the article did not in an, .a, refer to such circumstance. !eril,, the article, read as a .hole .ith the other )ara'ra)hs, calls the attention of the readers to a statement of fact, not fiction, and that the .riter s)ea(s .ith authorit, on the su9+ect matter. Eul'ar in fact )rides itself as 9ein' the 1$aha,a'an N' Qatotohanan1. Si'nificantl,, lia9ilit, for li9el does not de)end on the intention of the defamer, 9ut on the fact of the defamation.84In matters of li9el, the =uestion is not .hat the .riter of an alle'ed li9el means, 9ut .hat is the meanin' of the .ords he has used.85 -he meanin' of the .riter is =uite immaterial. -he =uestion is, not .hat the .riter meant, 9ut .hat he con2e,ed to those .ho heard or read. 85 In other .ords, it is not the intention of the s)ea(er or .riter, or the understandin' of the )laintiff or of an, )articular hearer or reader, 9, .hich the actiona9le =ualit, of the .ords is to 9e determined. It is the meanin' that the .ords in fact con2e,ed, rather than the effect .hich the lan'ua'e com)lained of .as fairl, calculated to )roduce and .ould naturall, )roduce on the minds of )ersons of reasona9le understandin', discretion, and candor, ta(in' into consideration accom)an,in' e>)lanations and surroundin' circumstances .hich .ere (no.n to the hearer or reader. -he alle'ed defamator, statement should 9e construed not onl, as to the e>)ression used 9ut also .ith res)ect to the .hole sco)e and a))arent o9+ect of the .riter. 87 Cant of intention to 2ilif, does not render an o9+ectiona9le )u9lication an, the less a li9el and a )u9lication is not e>cused 9, the )u9lisher:s i'norance that it contains li9elous matter. 88 -he state of mind of the )erson .ho )u9lishes a li9el is immaterial in determinin' lia9ilit,. -he la. loo(s at the tendenc, and conse=uences of the )u9lication rather than the moti2e or intention of the .riter or )u9lisher. 89 It does not si'nif, .hat the moti2e of the )erson )u9lishin' the li9el .as, or .hether he intended it to ha2e a li9elous meanin' or not.<D -he defendant ma, not ha2e intended to in+ure the )laintiff:s re)utation at all and he ma, ha2e )u9lished the .ords 9, mista(e or inad2ertence,<8 or in +est, or .ithout intendin' to refer, or (no.in' that he .as referrin', to the )laintiff, or an, e>istin' )erson, or a'ain he ma, ha2e 9een actuated 9, the 9est moti2es in )u9lishin' the .ords, 9ut such facts .ill usuall, afford the defendant no defense, thou'h the, ma, 9e ur'ed in miti'ation of dama'es.<< -ested .ith the fore'oin' )rinci)les of la., there is no dou9t that the article in =uestion is defamator, under "rticle 44 of the Ci2il Code. If the im)utation is defamator,, <4 the Court has held that malice is )resumed and the 9urden of o2ercomin' the )resum)tion of malice 9, mere )re)onderance of e2idence rested on the )etitioners. " careful e>amination of the records of the case does not re2eal an, co'ent reason that .ould set aside the )resum)tion of malice. In fact, there is con2incin' e2idence that the )u9lication of the assailed article .as malicious, as more e>tensi2el, discussed in the latter )ortion of herein o)inion. Furthermore, there is no sho.in' that the instant case falls under an, of the e>ce)tions )ro2ided for in "rticle 454 of the e2ised $enal Code, to .it0 1"rt. 454. 'eq"irement of p"%licit& . ; E2er, defamator, im)utation is )resumed to 9e malicious, e2en if it 9e true, if no 'ood intention and +ustifia9le moti2e for ma(in' it is sho.n, e>ce)t in the follo.in' cases0 18. " )ri2ate communication made 9, an, )erson to another in the )erformance of an, le'al, moral or social dut,@ and 1<. " fair and true re)ort, made in 'ood faith, .ithout an, comments or remar(s, of an, +udicial, le'islati2e or other official )roceedin's .hich are not of confidential nature, or of an, statement,

49

re)ort or s)eech deli2ered in said )roceedin's, or of an, other act )erformed 9, )u9lic officers in the e>ercise of their functions.1 Conse=uentl,, there is no com)ellin' reason to disre'ard the findin's of the Court of "))eals that no e2idence .as )resented to o2ercome said )resum)tion of malice. &n the matter of )u9lication, there is no dis)ute that the same is )resent, as the su9+ect article .as admittedl, )u9lished in the ne.s)a)er 1Eul'ar1 .hich .as circulated in *etro *anila and in other )arts of the countr,. It must 9e em)hasi7ed that not onl, did 9oth the trial court and the a))ellate court find that the su9+ect article .as )u9lished, the, also held that the su9+ect article contains an im)utation of a discredita9le act .hen it )ortra,ed the *uslims to 9e .orshi))in' the )i' as their 'od. Eut the trial court and the a))ellate court differed as to the )resence of the element of the identit, of the )ersons defamed. Chile the trial court held that the li9elous article does not identif, the )ersonalities of the )ersons defamed and therefore res)ondents had no cause of action, the Court of "))eals ruled that the *uslims .ere the defamed )ersons and res)ondent IDC$ has the re=uisite )ersonalit, to sue for dama'es. -he a))ellate court is ri'ht. S)ecific identit, of the )erson defamed means that the third )erson .ho read or learned a9out the li9elous article must (no. that it referred to the )laintiff. <4 In order to maintain a li9el suit, it is essential that the 2ictim is identifia9le althou'h it is not necessar, that he 9e named@ it is li(e.ise not sufficient that the offended )art, reco'ni7ed himself as the )erson attac(ed or defamed, 9ut it must 9e sho.n that at least a third )erson could identif, him as the o9+ect of the li9elous )u9lication. <5 It cannot 9e refuted that the o92ious 2ictims in the article in =uestion are s)ecificall, identified ; the *uslims. -he )rinci)le laid do.n in :ewswee* Inc. vs. Intermediate ,ppellate !o"rt,<5 that 1.here the defamation is alle'ed to ha2e 9een directed at a 'rou) or class, it is essential that the statement m"st %e so sweeping or all-em%racing as to appl& to ever& individ"al in that class or gro"p , or sufficientl, s)ecific so that each indi2idual in that class or 'rou) can )ro2e that the defamator, statement s)ecificall, )ointed to him, so that he can 9rin' the action se)aratel,, if need 9e,1 o92iousl, a))lies to the )resent case. Certainl,, the defamator, im)utation contained in the su9+ect article is a s.ee)in' statement affectin' a common or 'eneral interest of all *uslims, that is, their reli'ious 9elief in "llah as the one and onl, Fod. -he )u9lication .as directed a'ainst all *uslims .ithout e>ce)tions and it is not necessar, to name each one of them as the, could onl, ha2e one cause of action .hich is the dama'e suffered 9, them caused 9, the insult inflicted on their 9asic reli'ious tenets. "ll )remises considered, )etitioners are indeed lia9le for dama'es under "rticle 44 of the Ci2il Code. Si'nificantl,, the res)ondents 9rou'ht to the attention of the Court of "))eals the failure of the trial court to a))reciate "rticle <5346 of the Ci2il Code, 9ut the a))ellate court sim)l, del2ed e>clusi2el, on the a))lica9ilit, of li9el and the e>istence of its elements. &rdinaril,, the Court ma, onl, )ass u)on errors assi'ned.<7 ?o.e2er, this rule is not .ithout e>ce)tions. -he Court has ruled that an a))ellate court is accorded a 9road discretionar, )o.er to consider errors not assi'ned, in2ol2in', amon' others, 386 matters not assi'ned as errors on a))eal 9ut consideration of .hich is necessar, in arri2in' at a +ust decision and com)lete resolution of the case or to ser2e the interests of +ustice or to a2oid dis)ensin' )iecemeal +ustice@ 3<6 matters not s)ecificall, assi'ned as errors on a))eal 9ut raised in the trial court and are matters of record ha2in' some 9earin' on the issue su9mitted .hich the )arties failed to raise or .hich the lo.er court i'nored@ and 346 matters not assi'ned as errors on a))eal 9ut u)on .hich the determination of a =uestion )ro)erl, assi'ned, is de)endent. <8 E2identl,, all three e>ce)tions a))l, to the )resent case.

Necessaril,, the Court has to d.ell on the a))lica9ilit, of "rticle <5 346 of the Ci2il Code in su))ort of res)ondents: claim for dama'es. Eefore )roceedin' an, further, a distinction must first 9e made 9et.een a cause of action 9ased on li9el or defamation, .hether in a criminal or ci2il case, and one 9ased on "rticle <5. In li9el, the 'ra2amen of the claim is re)utational harm@ .hereas, under "rticle <5, it can 9e the em9arrassment, emotional harm or mental distress caused u)on a )erson.<9 In li9el cases, its four 346 constituti2e elements, to .it0 3a6 defamator, im)utation@ 396 malice@ 3c6 )u9lication@ and 3d6 identifia9ilit, of the 2ictim, 4D must 9e esta9lished, 9, mere )re)onderance of e2idence in a ci2il case .hich herein )etitioners ha2e done in the )resent case. Said elements, ho.e2er, are not essential in a cause of action 9ased on tort under "rticle <5, .herein one is lia9le for )ersonal in+ur,, .hether administered intentionall,, .antonl, or 9, ne'li'ence. 48 $ersonal in+ur, herein refers not onl, to re)utation 9ut also encom)asses character, conduct, manner, and ha9its of a )erson. 4< "merican -ort /a., on the 9asis of .hich, $hili))ine -ort /a. .as )atterned, has reco'ni7ed that if the )laintiff is sho.n to ha2e suffered a .ron', the mere )aucit, of cases or a9sence of an, )recedent does not constitute sufficient reason for refusin' relief if a sound )rinci)le of la. can 9e found .hich 'o2erns, or .hich 9, analo', ou'ht to 'o2ern.44 -he fact that a case is no2el does not o)erate to defeat reco2er,, if it can 9e 9rou'ht .ithin the 'eneral rules of la. a))lica9le to torts. 44 Neither is the fact that a tort action does not fit into a nicel, defined or esta9lished 1cu99,hole1 of the la. has 9een said not to .arrant, in itself, the denial of relief to one .ho is in+ured.45 -hus, to i'nore the a))lication of the )ro)er )ro2ision of la. in the instant case .ould 9e an a9dication of the +udiciar,:s )rimordial o9+ecti2e, .hich is, the +ust resolution of dis)utes. "rticle <5 is an inte'ral )art of the Cha)ter in the Ci2il Code on human relations, 1desi'ned to indicate certain norms that s)rin' from the fountain of 'ood conscience. -hese 'uides for human conduct should run as 'olden threads throu'h societ,, to the end that la. ma, a))roach its su)reme ideal, .hich is the s.a, and dominance of +ustice.145 "rticle <5, .hich enhances and )reser2es human di'nit, and )ersonalit,, )ro2ides0 1"rticle <5. E2er, )erson shall res)ect the di'nit,, )ersonalit,, )ri2ac, and )eace of mind of his nei'h9ors and other )ersons. -he follo.in' and similar acts, thou'h the, ma, not constitute a criminal offense, shall )roduce a cause of action for dama'es, )re2ention and other relief. 1386 $r,in' into the )ri2ac, of another:s residence@ 13<6 *eddlin' .ith or distur9in' the )ri2ate life or famil, relations of another@ 1346 Intri'uin' to cause another to 9e alienated from his friends@ 1346 <exing or h"miliating another on acco"nt of his religio"s %eliefs lowl& station in life place of %irth ph&sical defect or other personal condition .1 35mphasis s"pplied6 -he raison d@tre for the fore'oin' statutor, )ro2ision, as stated 9, the Code Commission in its e)ort, is .orth settin' forth 2er9atim0 1)he sacredness of h"man personalit& is a concomitant of ever& plan for h"man amelioration. )he to"chstone of ever& s&stem of laws of the c"lt"re and civili.ation of ever& co"ntr& is how far it dignifies man. If in le'islation, inade=uate re'ard is o9ser2ed for human life and safet,@ if the la.s do not sufficientl, forestall human sufferin', or do not tr, effecti2el, to cur9 those factors or influences that .ound the no9lest sentiments@ if the stat"tes ins"fficientl& protect persons from %eing "n$"stl& h"miliated, in short, if human )ersonalit, is not )ro)erl, e>alted ; then the la.s are indeed defecti2e. Sad to sa,, such is to some 1de'ree the )resent state of le'islation in the $hili))ines. -o remed, this 'ra2e fault in the la.s is one of the )rinci)al aims of the $ro+ect of Ci2il Code. Instances .ill no. 9e s)ecified.

49

1)he present laws criminal and civil do not adeq"atel& cope with the interferences and vexations mentioned in ,rticle 4H.147 3Em)hasis su))lied6 -hus, "rticle <5 )ro2ides a''rie2ed indi2iduals .ith a le'al remed, a'ainst 2iolations of human )ersonalit,, e2en thou'h such do not amount to 2iolations of )enal la.s. Social e=ualit, is not sou'ht, 9ut sim)l, due re'ard for decenc, and )ro)riet,.48 "mon' the ri'hts co2ered 9, "rticle <5 are0 3a6 )ersonal di'nit,, 396 )ersonal securit,@ 3c6 famil, relations, 3d6 social intercourse, 3e6 )ri2ac, and 3f6 )eace of mind.49 ?o.e2er, it has 9een held that the 2iolations mentioned in the "rticle <5 are not e>clusi2e 9ut are merel, e>am)les and do not )reclude other similar acts. 4D -hus, distur9in' or offensi2e utterances, such as threats, false statements, or insultin', humiliatin', scandalous, or a9usi2e lan'ua'e,48 ma, 'i2e rise to an action in tort .here such lan'ua'e causes mental or emotional distur9ance, as in this case, or 9odil, in+ur, or illness resultin' therefrom. 4< $ara'ra)h 4 of "rticle <5 .hich ma(es one lia9le for 2e>in' or humiliatin' another on account of his reli'ious 9eliefs finds )ro)er a))lication in the case at 9ar. -he Code Commission stressed in no uncertain terms that reli'ious freedom does not authori7e an,one to hea) o9lo=u, and disre)ute u)on another 9, reason of the latter:s reli'ion.44 In su))ort of res)ondents: claim for dama'es, $rofessor "9dul afih Sa,ed,, Dean of the Institute of Islamic "ffairs of the Gni2ersit, of the $hili))ines, testified in this .ise0 1CI-NESS0 1"0 First, I understood that this ta9loid is the 2oice of (atotohanan 9ut re'ardin' this article it is not :(atotohanan:. -o the *uslim it is a 9las)hem,. It is an a9use and desecration and 9elief of the *uslims and the *uslims are commanded 9, Fod to .orshi) no other than ?im. So ho. could the )u9lisher )u9lish that the *uslims are .orshi))in' )i's, that *uslims in his mind do not eat animals .hile the, are also eatin' slau'htered chic(en, co. and cara9ao and other non)rohi9ited animals. So to the *uslims this is an insult, not onl, to the *uslims in *indanao 9ut to the .hole *uslim communit,. -his is a 9las)hem, to the *uslims. 1J "s a *uslim, $rofessor Sa,ed,, ho. do ,ou feel a9out this articleK

utterl, malicious, in the same de'ree as the failure of the rest of the )etitioners 3e>ce)t Eine'as, #r.6 47 to 2erif, the truthfulness of the su9+ect article, for .hich the, should 9e held lia9le for dama'es. -he freedom of e>)ression and the ri'ht of s)eech and of the )ress are, to 9e sure, amon' the most 7ealousl, )rotected ri'hts in the Constitution. Eut the constitutional ri'ht of freedom of e>)ression ma, not 9e a2ailed of to 9roadcast lies or half-truths nor ma, it 9e used to insult others, for such .ould 9e contrar, to the )lain mandate of the Ci2il Code for each )erson 1to res)ect the di'nit,, )ersonalit,, )ri2ac, and )eace of mind of his nei'h9ors and other )ersons.1 )he freedom of speech does not req"ire a $o"rnalist to g"arantee the tr"th of what he sa&s or p"%lishes %"t it does prohi%it p"%lishing or circ"lating statements in rec*less disregard witho"t an& %ona fide effort to ascertain the tr"th thereof.48 E, causin' the assailed article to 9e )u9lished in rec(less disre'ard of the truth thereof, )etitioners )u9lisher *! S, Editor-in-Chief *ars C. /aconsa,, "ssistant Editor and .riter *,la C. "'u+a 3*,la -a9ora6 e>hi9ited utter irres)onsi9ilit, and acted contrar, to the Code of Ethics ado)ted 9, the +ournalism )rofession in the $hili))ines, for .hich the, deser2e condemnation. -he assailed article has falsel, )ortra,ed all *uslims as .orshi))ers of )i' or s.ine and thus, )er2erted their reli'ious 9eliefs and demeaned the *uslims as a se'ment of human societ,. It 9elittled the *uslims 9, in2ertin' the relati2e im)ortance of their reli'ious 9eliefs and )ractice, there9, dis'racin' the ideals and as)irations of the *uslim )eo)le. Such amounts to a 2iolation of their )ersonal di'nit, and )eace of mind, .hich are the 2er, ri'hts affirmed 9, "rticle <5. $etitioner Eine'as should 9e a9sol2ed from lia9ilit,. It is not refuted that the )rinci)al function of )etitioner Eine'as, #r., as Circulation *ana'er of Eul'ar, .as to su)er2ise the deli2er, and the distri9ution of the )a)er, monitor the accounts of the a'ents and schedule the circulation )ersonnel. It is li(e.ise unre9utted that )etitioner Eine'as, #r. .as ne2er consulted on .hat articles are to 9e )u9lished@ that he had no authorit, to decide .hether or not a certain )u9lication of Eul'ar shall 9e circulated@ and that his onl, dut, .as to distri9ute the issue after its )rintin'. 49 "s such, his dut, 9ein' ministerial in character, )etitioner Eine'as, #r., should ha2e 9een e>onerated from lia9ilit,. No., do )laintiffs-res)ondents IDC$ and its officers ha2e the re=uisite )ersonalit, to institute the suitK -he ans.er is in the affirmati2e. es)ondents IDC$ and its officers ha2e the re=uisite )ersonalit, to institute the suit inasmuch as the action is )ro)erl, a class suit. -he conce)t of a 1true1 class suit has 9een elucidated u)on in e0 e=uest of the ?eirs of the $assen'ers of DoIa #a. N3 th"sF =Dhat ma*es a sit"ation a proper case for a class s"it is the circ"mstance that there is onl& one right or ca"se of action pertaining or %elonging in common to man& persons not separatel& or severall& to distinct individ"als . :-he :true: class action, .hich is the in2ention of e=uit,, is one .hich in2ol2es the enforcement of a ri'ht .hich is +oint, common, or secondar, or deri2ati2e. > > 3It6 is a suit .herein, 9ut for the class action de2ice, the +oinder of all interested )arties .ould 9e essential. :" :true class action: ; as distin'uished from the so-called h,9rid and the s)urious class action in G.S. Federal $ractice ; :in2ol2es )rinci)les of com)ulsor, +oinder, since > > 3.ere it not6 for the numerosit, of the class mem9ers all should > > 39e6 9efore the court. Included .ithin the true class suit > > 3are6 the shareholders: deri2ati2e suit and a class action 9, or a'ainst an unincor)orated association > >. " +ud'ment in a true class suit, .hether fa2ora9le or unfa2ora9le to the class, is 9indin' under res +udicata )rinci)les u)on all the mem9ers of the class, .hether or not the, .ere 9efore the court. It is the nondi2isi9le nature of the ri'ht sued on .hich determines 9oth the mem9ershi) of the class and the res +udicata effect of the final determination of the ri'ht.:

1" I feel insulted and I feel that the 9eliefs of the *uslims are o2er a9used 9, the )u9lisher and it is a defamation and desecration on the reli'ion of the Islam. 1J Chat is the conce)t of Fod insofar as the reli'ion of Islam is concernedK

1" -he conce)t of Fod is that Fod is the onl, Fod, ?e .as not 9e'otten and ?e is to 9e .orshi))ed and no other to 9e .orshi))ed aside from him, ?e has no 9e'innin' and has no end, ?e is the creator of all creatures and ?e should 9e honored 9, all creatures.1 44 Clearl, therefrom, the assailed article is 2e>atious and humiliatin' to *uslims as the, adore onl, one Fod, the, call "llah. *uslims are called *uslims 9ecause the, sincerel, 9elie2e in the Juran and the ?adith 3the Sa,in' and the Conduct of the $ro)het6. It cannot 9e o2er-stressed that *uslims do not eat )or( 9ecause it is for9idden in the Juran for 9ein' unclean not 9ecause the, hold )i's as sacred and .orshi) them@ and that to the *uslims, the 'reatest sin in Islam is to .orshi) )ersons or thin's other than "llah. 45 $etitioner *,la C. "'u+a, .ho testified as *,la -a9ora, admitted in o)en court that she0 .rote the su9+ect article@ .as a 'raduate of 1*ass Com1@ 9ased the said article on her inter)retation of .hat she recalled she had read in eader:s Di'est .hile she .as still in hi'h school@ and did not 2erif, if .hat she recalled .as true45 . Such shoc(in' irres)onsi9le attitude on her )art .ho at that time .as an "ssistant Editor of Eul'ar is

49

1-he o9+ect of the suit is to o9tain relief for or a'ainst numerous )ersons as a 'rou) or as an inte'ral entit,, and not as se)arate, distinct indi2iduals .hose ri'hts or lia9ilities are se)arate from and inde)endent of those affectin' the others.1 3Em)hasis su))lied6 In order that a class suit ma, )ros)er, Section 8<, ule 4 of the ules of Court re=uires the concurrence of three 346 essential elements, namel,0 386 that the su9+ect matter of the contro2ers, is one of common or 'eneral interest to man, )ersons@ 3<6 that the )arties are so numerous that it is im)ractica9le to 9rin' them all 9efore the court@ and 346 that the action 9e maintained 9, )arties .ho .ill fairl, and ade=uatel, re)resent the class. Gnder the first re=uisite, the )erson .ho sues must ha2e an interest in the contro2ers,, common .ith those for .hom he sues, and there must 9e that unit, of interest 9et.een him and all such other )ersons .hich .ould entitle them to maintain the action if suit .as 9rou'ht 9, them +ointl,. 58 "s to .hat constitutes common interest in the su9+ect matter of the contro2ers, has 9een e>)lained in S"lo ng 6a&an Inc. vs. ,raneta Inc.,5< thus0 1-he interest that .ill allo. )arties to +oin in a 9ill of com)laint, or that .ill ena9le the court to dis)ense .ith the )resence of all the )arties, .hen numerous, e>ce)t a determinate num9er, is not onl, an interest in the =uestion, 9ut one in common in the s"%$ect matter of the s"it x x x a comm"nit& of interest growing o"t of the nat"re and condition of the right in disp"te @ for, althou'h there ma, not 9e an, )ri2it, 9et.een the numerous )arties, there is a common title out of .hich the =uestion arises, and .hich lies at the foundation of the )roceedin's > > > AhereB the onl, matter in common amon' the )laintiffs, or 9et.een them and the defendants, is an interest in the =uestion in2ol2ed, .hich alone cannot la, a foundation for the +oinder of )arties. -here is scarcel, a suit at la., or in e=uit,, .hich settles a )rinci)le or a))lies a )rinci)le to a 'i2en state of facts or in .hich a 'eneral statute is inter)reted, that does not in2ol2e a =uestion in .hich other )arties are interested > > >.1 It has further 9een held that in order to maintain a class action there must 9e an ascertaina9le class as .ell as a communit, of interest amon' the mem9ers of that class in =uestions of la. and fact in2ol2ed. 54 -he class must 9e co'ni7a9le and mana'ea9le, and must 9e defined at the outset of the action. -here must 9e a co'ni7a9le class 9e,ond the 'eneral strains .hich can 9e concei2ed to create a class of an, su)erficiall, resem9lin' )arties, 9ut it is not necessar, that the e>act num9er com)risin' the class 9e s)ecified or that the mem9ers 9e identified.54 -he first element is )resent in this case. -he class s)o(en of in the assailed article that se're'ates them from the other mem9ers of the 'eneral )o)ulace is the *uslim )eo)le, and their common interest, undou9tedl,, is their reli'ious 9elief in adorin' "llah as the one and onl, Fod and that the 'reatest sin is to .orshi) )ersons or thin's other than "llah. -he article is an outra'eous misre)resentation, inflictin' star( insult on the reli'ious 9eliefs of the *uslims. Concernin' the second element, i.e., numerosit, of )arties ; one must 9ear in mind that the )ur)ose. of the rule )ermittin' class actions is to furnish a mode of o9tainin' a com)lete determination of the ri'hts of the )arties in such cases, .hen the num9er is so 'reat as to )reclude in2ol2ement 9, actual ser2ice. In this class of cases, one is allo.ed to sue for all as a matter of con2enience in the administration of +ustice. " class action is )articularl, )ro)er in an action .herein the )ersons are so multitudinous as 2e>atiousl, to )rolon' and )ro9a9l, alto'ether )re2ent a full hearin'.55 #udicial notice ma, 9e ta(en of the fact that *uslims in this countr, com)rise a lot of the )o)ulation, thus, it is hi'hl, im)ractical to ma(e them all )arties or 9rin' them all 9efore the court. It is 9e,ond contradiction that the *uslims affected 9, the assailed article are multitudinous, and therefore, the second element is )resent in the instant case.

Cith re'ards to the third element, that the action 9e maintained 9, one .ho fairl, and ade=uatel, re)resents the class, it is essential that the relief sou'ht must 9e 9eneficial to the class mem9ers, the )art, must re)resent the entire class asserted, and 9e a mem9er of the class he claims to re)resent, in addition to ha2in' an interest in the contro2ers, common .ith those for .hom he sues. 55 For ade=uate re)resentation, it is sufficient that there are )ersons 9efore the court .ho ha2e the same interest as the a9sent )ersons and are e=uall, certain to 9rin' for.ard the entire merits of the =uestion and thus 'i2e such interest effecti2e )rotection.57 It has also 9een held that .hether the class mem9ers are ade=uatel, re)resented 9, the named )laintiffs de)ends on the =ualit, of re)resentation rather than on the num9er of re)resentati2e )arties as com)ared .ith the total mem9ershi) of the class.58 -hus, e2en one mem9er of a lar'e class can )ro2ide the (ind of re)resentation for all that is contem)lated 9, the class suit. 59 es)ondent IDC$, as a reli'ious or'ani7ation, 9ein' a federation or um9rella or'ani7ation of more than se2ent, 37D6 *uslim reli'ious or'ani7ations in the $hili))ines, and its officers .ho are indi2idual res)ondents as .ell, carr, the re=uisite )ersonalit, to file a case for dama'es in 9ehalf of all *uslims. Gne=ui2ocall,, the, )ro)erl, re)resent the *uslims .ho are similarl, situated and affected 9, the assailed article. es)ondent officers of IDC$ namel,, "9dulrahman .-. /in7a', I9rahim F. $. "rcilla, "9dul ashid De Fu7man, and I9rahim E. ". #unio, as .ell as their .itness, $rofessor "9dul afih Sa,ed,, not onl, testified on ho. the assailed article emotionall,, as .ell as )s,cholo'icall,, affected each of them, 9ut also as to ho. the said article recei2ed the condemnation and contem)t of other *uslims, further e2idenced 9, the letter dated Se)tem9er <8, 899< from thirt,-one 3486 students of the Islamic Gni2ersit, *adinah "l-*u(arramah, Q.S.".,5D and the seethin' letter of one "9dil -. "rafat of South Cota9ato )ro2ince, dated Se)tem9er <9, 899<.58 *oreo2er, an officer ma, sue in his o.n 9ehalf if the defamation affects him as .ell as the cor)oration 5< , or .here the defamation a'ainst the officer has a direct relation to the cor)oration:s trade or 9usiness and it causes in+ur,54. -hus, .ithout a shred of dou9t, res)ondents IDC$ and the indi2idual res)ondents, and all *uslims the, re)resent, ha2e interest so identical that the moti2e and inducement to )rotect and )reser2e ma, 9e assumed to 9e the same in each.54 E, institutin' the suit, the res)ondents necessaril, re)resent all *uslims. 55 Gnder "rticle <<87 of the Ci2il Code, moral dama'es .hich include )h,sical sufferin', mental an'uish, fri'ht, serious an>iet,, 9esmirched re)utation, .ounded feelin's, moral shoc(, social humiliation, and similar in+ur,, althou'h inca)a9le of )ecuniar, com)utation, ma, 9e reco2ered for acts and actions 9ased on "rticle <5. 55 Indi2idual *uslim )laintiffs-res)ondents, "9dulrahman .-. /in7a', I9rahim F. $. "rcilla, "9dul ashid De Fu7man, and I9rahim E. ". #unio, as .ell as their .itness, $rofessor "9dul afih Sa,ed,, as )ro)er re)resentati2es of the class action testified on the des)air, mental an'uish, social humiliation and inferior feelin' e>)erienced 9, the *uslims as a result of the 2e>atious article. 57 -hus, the a.ard of moral dama'es is +ustified. -he a.ard of e>em)lar, dama'es and attorne,:s fees is li(e.ise .arranted and the amount is in accordance .ith "rticles <<<958 and <<D859 of the Ci2il Code. ?o.e2er, dama'es a.arded to indi2idual res)ondents should 9e deleted inasmuch as the instant case is considered as a class suit and the, merel, acted as officers and mem9ers of the )rinci)al )laintiff-res)ondent IDC$. &ne last )oint. -here should 9e no room for a))rehension on future liti'ations relatin' to the assailed article in 2ie. of the fact that the instant suit is a class suit. In a class suit, each mem9er of the class for .hose 9enefit the action is 9rou'ht is a )art, )laintiff@ the )ersons re)resented are =uasi )arties or )arties 9, re)resentation. " suit 9rou'ht in 9ehalf of others in a class 'i2es the court +urisdiction of the .hole su9+ect

49

matter, and of all the )arties, such that the +ud'ment .ill 9e 9indin' on all )ersons 9elon'in' to the class re)resented.7D In other words a $"dgment in a class action concl"des "pon all mem%ers of the class whether formall& $oined as parties or not. 78 )he class action has precl"sive effect against one who was not named representative of the class as long as he was a mem%er of the class which was a part& to the $"dgment .7< -hus, in the case at 9ar, the *uslims, .ho are )arties re)resented 9, res)ondent IDC$ and its officers, are there9, )recluded from institutin' se)arate or indi2idual suits for dama'es a'ainst *! S $u9lications, Inc., et al., as the, are 9ound 9, the +ud'ment in this class action, .hich amounts to res $"dicata. In the li'ht of all the fore'oin', I am constrained to dissent from the ma+orit, o)inion.

-he issue to 9e resol2ed is .hether or not the res)ondent Court acted .ith 'ra2e a9use of discretion or in e>cess of its +urisdiction in re+ectin' the a))earance of a )ri2ate )rosecutor. -he res)ondents ma(e ca)ital of the fact that Eatas $am9ansa El'. << )unishes the act of (no.in'l, issuin' .orthless chec(s as an offense a'ainst )u9lic order. "s such, it is ar'ued that it is the State and the )u9lic that are the )rinci)al com)lainants and, therefore, no ci2il indemnit, is )ro2ided for 9, Eatas $am9ansa El'. << for .hich a )ri2ate )art, or )rosecutor ma, inter2ene. &n the other hand, the )etitioner, rel,in' on the le'al a>iom that 1E2er, man criminall, lia9le is also ci2ill, lia9le,1 contends that indemnit, ma, 9e reco2ered from the offender re'ardless of .hether or not Eatas $am9ansa El'. << so )ro2ides. " careful stud, of the conce)t of ci2il lia9ilit, allo.s a solution to the issue in the case at 9ar.

G.R. No. 78911-25 December 11, 1987 C!ARM$NA ,. ,ANAL, petitioner, v . &!E !"N. &"MA- ). &ADE", JR., *re i(in6 J1(6e, R&C-?1e@on Cit3, ,r'nc< 1/5 'n( Ro 'rio C2'1(i're pon(ent . G4&$ERRE+, JR., J.: -his is a )etition for certiorari to re2ie. and set aside the orders of the res)ondent e'ional -rial Court, Eranch 8D5, Jue7on Cit, dated 386 8 #anuar, 8987 .hich re+ected the a))earance of "tt,. Nicolito /. Eustos as )ri2ate )rosecutor in Criminal Cases Nos. J-4D9D9 to J-4D984 .here res)ondent osario Claudio is the accused for 2iolation of Eatas $am9ansa El'. <<@ and 3<6 48 *arch 8987 .hich denied the )etitioner:s motion for reconsideration of the order dated 8 #anuar, 8987@ and for mandamus to allo. "tt,. Eustos to enter his a))earance as )ri2ate )rosecutor in the aforestated criminal cases. It a))ears that fifteen 3856 se)arate informations for 2iolation of Eatas $am9ansa El'. << or the Eouncin' Chec(s /a., doc(eted as Criminal Cases Nos. 4D9D9-4D984, .ere filed a'ainst res)ondent Claudio 9efore the e'ional -rial Court of Jue7on Cit, and ori'inall, assi'ned to Eranch 84. -he )residin' +ud'e of Eranch 84 inhi9ited himself .hen res)ondent Claudio, throu'h counsel, filed a )etition for recuse dated *a, 89,8985. -he cases .ere re-raffled and conse=uentl, assi'ned on #une <5, 8985 to Eranch 8D5 .hich .as then )resided o2er 9, #ud'e #ohnico F. Ser=uina Durin' these )roceedin's, res)ondent Claudio .as finall, arrai'ned on No2em9er <D, 8985 .here she )leaded not 'uilt, to the char'es. $re-trial .as then set on #anuar, 8, 8987. In the meantime #ud'e -omas !. -adeo, #r. re)laced #ud'e Ser=uina as )residin' +ud'e of Eranch 8D5. &n #anuar, 8, 8987, the res)ondent court issued an order re+ectin' the a))earance of "tt,. Nicolito /. Eustos as )ri2ate )rosecutor on the 'round that the char'e is for the 2iolation of Eatas $am9ansa El'. << .hich does not )ro2ide for an, ci2il lia9ilit, or indemnit, and hence, 1it is not a crime a'ainst )ro)ert, 9ut )u9lic order.1 -he )etitioner, throu'h counsel filed a motion for reconsideration of the order dated 8 #anuar, 8987 on *arch 8D, 8987. es)ondent Claudio filed her o))osition to the motion for reconsideration on *arch <5, 8987. In an order dated 48 *arch 8987, the res)ondent court denied )etitioner:s motion for reconsideration. ?ence, this )etition =uestionin' the orders of the res)ondent Court.

Fenerall,, the 9asis of ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from crime is the fundamental )ostulate of our la. that 1E2er, man criminall, lia9le is also ci2ill, lia9le1 3"rt. 8DD, -he e2ised $enal Code6. Gnderl,in' this le'al )rinci)le is the traditional theor, that .hen a )erson commits a crime he offends t.o entities namel, 3 86 the societ, in .hich he li2es in or the )olitical entit, called the State .hose la. he had 2iolated@ and 3<6 the indi2idual mem9er of that societ, .hose )erson, ri'ht, honor, chastit, or )ro)ert, .as actuall, or directl, in+ured or dama'ed 9, the same )unisha9le act or omission. ?o.e2er, this rather 9road and 'eneral )ro2ision is amon' the most com)le> and contro2ersial to)ics in criminal )rocedure. It can 9e misleadin' in its im)lications es)eciall, .here the same act or omission ma, 9e treated as a crime in one instance and as a tort in another or .here the la. allo.s a se)arate ci2il action to )roceed inde)endentl, of the course of the criminal )rosecution .ith .hich it is intimatel, intert.ined. *an, le'al scholars treat as a misconce)tion or fallac, the 'enerall, acce)ted notion that, the ci2il lia9ilit, actuall, arises from the crime .hen, in the ultimate anal,sis, it does not. Chile an act or omission is felonious 9ecause it is )unisha9le 9, la., it 'i2es rise to ci2il lia9ilit, not so much 9ecause it is a crime 9ut 9ecause it caused dama'e to another. !ie.in' thin's )ra'maticall,, .e can readil, see that .hat 'i2es rise to the ci2il lia9ilit, is reall, the o9li'ation and the moral dut, of e2er,one to re)air or ma(e .hole the dama'e caused to another 9, reason of his o.n act or omission, done intentionall, or ne'li'entl,, .hether or not the same 9e )unisha9le 9, la.. In other .ords, criminal lia9ilit, .ill 'i2e rise to ci2il lia9ilit, onl, if the same felonious act or omission results in dama'e or in+ur, to another and is the direct and )ro>imate cause thereof. Dama'e or in+ur, to another is e2identl, the foundation of the ci2il action. Such is not the case in criminal actions for, to 9e criminall, lia9le, it is enou'h that the act or omission com)lained of is )unisha9le, re'ardless of .hether or not it also causes material dama'e to another. 3See San'co, $hili))ine /a. on -orts and Dama'es, 8978, e2ised Edition, )). <45-<476. "rticle <D of the Ne. Ci2il Code )ro2ides0 E2er, )erson .ho, contrar, to la., .ilfull, or ne'li'entl, causes dama'e to another, shall indemnif, the latter for the same. e'ardless, therefore, of .hether or not a s)ecial la. so )ro2ides, indemnification of the offended )art, ma, 9e had on account of the dama'e, loss or in+ur, directl, suffered as a conse=uence of the .ron'ful act of another. -he indemnit, .hich a )erson is sentenced to )a, forms an inte'ral )art of the )enalt, im)osed 9, la. for the commission of a crime 3Juemel 2. Court of "))eals, << SC " 44, citin' Ea'tas 2. Director of $risons, 84 $hil. 59<6. E2er, crime 'i2es rise to a )enal or criminal action for the )unishment of the 'uilt, )art,, and also to ci2il action for the restitution of the thin', re)air of the dama'e, and indemnification for the losses. 3Gnited States 2. Eernardo, 89 $hil. <556. Indeed one cannot disre'ard the )ri2ate )art, in the case at 9ar .ho suffered the offenses committed a'ainst her. Not onl, the State 9ut the )etitioner too is entitled to relief as a mem9er of the )u9lic .hich the la. see(s to )rotect. She .as assured that the chec(s .ere 'ood .hen she )arted .ith mone,, )ro)ert, or ser2ices. She suffered .ith the State .hen the chec(s 9ounced.

49

In +o.ano v. 7on. 0artine. 3F. . No. 54489, Decem9er 88, 89856 and the cases consolidated there.ith, .e held that 1-he effects of a .orthless chec( transcend the )ri2ate interests of the )arties directl, in2ol2ed in the transaction and touch the interests of the communit, at lar'e.1 Met, .e too reco'ni7ed the .ron' done to the )ri2ate )art, defrauded .hen .e stated therein that 1-he mischief it creates is not onl& a wrong to the pa&ee or the holder, 9ut also an in+ur, to the )u9lic.1 Ci2il lia9ilit, to the offended )ri2ate )art, cannot thus 9e denied, -he )a,ee of the chec( is entitled to recei2e the )a,ment of mone, for .hich the .orthless chec( .as issued. ?a2in' 9een caused the dama'e, she is entitled to recom)ense. Surel,, it could not ha2e 9een the intendment of the framers of Eatas $am9ansa Ei'. << to lea2e the offended )ri2ate )art, defrauded and em)t,- handed 9, e>cludin' the ci2il lia9ilit, of the offender, 'i2in' her onl, the remed,, .hich in man, cases results in a $,rrhic 2ictor,, of ha2in' to file a se)arate ci2il suit. -o do so, ma, lea2e the offended )art, una9le to reco2er e2en the face 2alue of the chec( due her, there9, un+ustl, enrichin' the errant dra.er at the e>)ense of the )a,ee. -he )rotection .hich the la. see(s to )ro2ide .ould, therefore, 9e 9rou'ht to nau'ht. -he )etitioner:s inter2ention in the )rosecution of Criminal Cases 4D9D9 to 4D984 is +ustified not onl, for the )rotection of her interests 9ut also in the interest of the s)eed, and ine>)ensi2e administration of +ustice mandated 9, the Constitution 3Section 85, "rticle III, Eill of i'hts, Constitution of 89876. " se)arate ci2il action for the )ur)ose .ould onl, )ro2e to 9e costl,, 9urdensome, and time-consumin' for 9oth )arties and further dela, the final dis)osition of the case. -his multi)licit, of suits must 9e a2oided. Chere )etitioner:s ri'hts ma, 9e fulI, ad+udicated in the )roceedin's 9efore the trial court, resort t o a se)arate action to reco2er ci2il lia9ilit, is clearl, un.arranted. C?E EF& E the )etition is here9, F "N-ED. -he res)ondent court is ordered to )ermit the inter2ention of a )ri2ate )rosecutor in 9ehalf of )etitioner Charmina E. Eanal, in the )rosecution of the ci2il as)ect of Criminasl Cases Nos. 4D9D9 to 4D984. -he tem)orar, restrainin' order issued 9, this court a =uo for further )roceedin's. -his decision is immediatel, e>ecutor,. S& & DE ED. G.R. No. 119/03 J'n1'r3 27, 1997 J"-E G. GARC$A, petitioner, v . C"4R& "# A**EAL-, *E"*LE "# &!E *!$L$**$NE- 'n( ADELA &E"D"RA *. -AN&"-, re pon(ent . DA)$DE, JR., J.: -he issue here is .hether the Court of "))eals committed re2ersi9le error in affirmin' the trial court:s order 'rantin' the motion to =uash the information for 9i'am, 9ased on )rescri)tion. &n <8 "u'ust 8998, )etitioner #ose F. Farcia filed .ith the 3Jue7on Cit, $rosecutor:s &ffice an 1"ffida2it of Com)laint1 1 char'in' his .ife, )ri2ate res)ondent "dela -eodora $. Santos alias 1Delia Santos,1 .ith Ei'am,, !iolation of C.". No. 84<, as amended 9, .". No. 5D85, and Falsification of $u9lic Documents. ?o.e2er, in his letter of 8D &cto9er 8998 to "ssistant Cit, $rosecutor Feor'e F. Ca9anilla, the )etitioner informed the latter that he .ould limit his action to 9i'am,. 2 "fter a))ro)riate )roceedin's, "ssistant $rosecutor Ca9anilla filed on 8 #anuar, 899< .ith the e'ional -rial Court 3 -C6 of 3Jue7on Cit, an information, 3 dated 85 No2em9er 8998, char'in' the )ri2ate res)ondent .ith Ei'am, alle'edl, committed as follo.s0 -hat on or 9efore the <nd da, of Fe9ruar,, 8957, in Jue7on Cit,, $hili))ines, and .ithin the +urisdiction of this ?onora9le Court, the a9o2e-named accused, 9ein' )re2iousl, united in la.ful marria'e .ith EMN"/D& JGI &C", and .ithout the said marria'e ha2in' 9een dissol2ed, 3or 9efore the a9sent s)ouse has 9een declared )resum)ti2el, dead 9, a +ud'ment rendered in the )ro)er )roceedin's6, did then and there .ilfull,, unla.full, and feloniousl, contract a second marria'e .ith #&SE F.

F" CI", .hich marria'e has AsicB disco2ered in 8989, to the dama'e and )re+udice of the said offended )art, in such amount as ma, 9e a.arded under the )ro2isions of the Ci2il Code. C&N- " M -& /"C. -he information .as doc(eted as Criminal Case No. J-9<-<7<7< and assi'ned to Eranch 84 of the said court. &n < *arch 899<, the )ri2ate res)ondent filed a *otion to Juash alle'in' )rescri)tion of the offense as 'round therefor. She contended that 9, the )etitioner:s admissions in his testimon, 'i2en on <4 #anuar, 8998 in Ci2il Case No. 9D-5<74D, entitled 1#ose F. Farcia 2. Delia S. Farcia,1 and in his com)laint filed .ith the Ci2il Ser2ice Commission 3CSC6 on 85 &cto9er 8998, the )etitioner disco2ered the commission of the offense as earl, as 8974. $ursuant then to "rticle 98 of the e2ised $enal Code 3 $C6, . the )eriod of )rescri)tion of the offense started to run therefrom. -hus, since 9i'am, .as )unisha9le 9, prision ma&or, 5 an afflicti2e )enalt, 0 .hich )rescri9ed in fifteen ,ears )ursuant to "rticle 9< of the $C, then the offense char'ed )rescri9ed in 8989, or fifteen ,ears after its disco2er, 9, the )etitioner. -he )ri2ate res)ondent =uoted 7 the )etitioner:s testimon, in Ci2il Case No. 9D-5<74D as follo.s0 J No, no, +ust ans.er. Chat did ,ou learn from her 3Eu'enia6 a9out the )ri2ate res)ondentK " -hat she has 9een married )re2iousl, in case I don:t (no. it. Eut she said she has 9een )re2iousl, married, in fact I sa. her hus9and ; e,, a fe. da,s a'o and the, said, 1 6a*a mag*asama pa silang m"li.1>>> >>> >>> ":I-M. E!"NFE/IS-"0 J Chen did Eu'enia . Ealin'it told AsicB that )ri2ate res)ondent .as alread, married to another manK " -hat .as .hen I told her that .e are Se)aratin' no.. I told her in ta'alo', 1 na maghihiwala& na *ami ni -elia nga&on.= =,ng "nang tanong ni&a sa a*in =si 'e& %a ang dahilan = ang alam *o po 'e& ang dating %o&friend ni&a *a&a ang sa%i *o =hindi po 0ario ang pangaOan = napa%agsa* po si&a sa "p"an sa%i ni&a =hindi na nag%ago.= J Chen .as that .hen ,ou came to (no. from Eu'enia Ealin'it, the +udicial 'uardian, that )ri2ate res)ondent .as alread, married to another man .hen she married ,ouK " -hat .as .hen the affair .as ha))enin' and I found out. J Chat ,earK " 8974. 8 -he )ortion of the com)laint filed on 85 &cto9er 8998 9efore the CSC .hich the )ri2ate res)ondent alluded to, reads as follo.s0 5. "t the time the res)ondent married the herein com)lainant she ne2er informed him that she .as )re2iousl, married to a certain EMN"/D& JGI &C"1 on Decem9er 8, 8958 .herein she used the name of 1"DE/" S"N-&S1 .hich .as )art of her true name 1"DE/" -E&D& " $. S"N-&S1 as )er her 'enuine Ea)tismal Certificate issued 9, the $arish of San Fuillermo, Eacolor, $am)an'a, a co), of the said Ea)tismal Certificate is hereto attached as "NNEH 1D1@ 7. -hese facts .ere disco2ered onl, 9, the herein com)lainant in the ,ear 8974 .here the, se)arated from each other 9ecause of her illicit relations .ith se2eral men continued use of her alias name 1DE/I"1, .ithout )ro)er authorit, from the Courts@

49

and committin' a series of fraudulent acts@ her )re2ious marria'e to a certain 1 e,naldo Juiroca1 is e2idenced 9, a certification issued 9, the /ocal Ci2il e'istrar of *anila, a co), of .hich is hereto attached as "NNEH 1F1, 9 In its <9 #une 899< order, 1/ the trial court 'ranted the motion to =uash and dismissed the criminal case, rulin' in this .ise0 -his court 9elie2es that since the )enalt, )rescri9ed under "rticle 449 of the e2ised $enal Code for the offense of 9i'am, is prision ma&or, .hich is classified as an afflicti2e )enalt, under "rticle <5 of the same Code, then said offense should )rescri9e in fifteen 3856 ,ears as )ro2ided in "rticle 9< of the Code. -he com)lainant ha2in' disco2ered the first marria'e of the accused to one e,naldo Juiroca in 8974 .hen he .as informed of it 9, one Eu'enia Ealin'it, the offense char'ed has alread, )rescri9ed .hen the information .as filed in this case on No2em9er 85, 8998. -he ar'ument )resented 9, the )rosecution that i .as difficult for the com)lainant to o9tain e2idence of the alle'ed first marria'e, hence, the )rescri)ti2e )eriod should 9e counted from the time the e2idence .as secured .ill not hold .ater. "rticle 98 of the e2ised $enal Code s)ecificall, )ro2ides, thus0 1-he )eriod of )rescri)tion shall commence to run from the da, on .hich the crime is disco2ered. . . .1 it did not state 1on the da, sufficient e2idence .as 'athered,1 thus this Court cannot chan'e the re=uirements of the la.. -he )etitioner mo2ed for reconsideration of the a9o2e order on <5 "u'ust 899<, 11 to .hich he filed 1numerous1 su))lements thereto, focusin' on the )ri2ate res)ondent:s man, tri)s a9road .hich the )etitioner claimed sus)ended the runnin' of the )rescri)ti2e )eriod. -hese tri)s .ere enumerated in the certification 12 issued 9, "ssociate Commissioner amon *. *orales of the Eureau of Immi'ration 3EID6, .hich reads as follo.s0 -his is to certif, that the name F" CI"ODE/I"OS. a))ears in the Eureau:s files of "rri2als and De)artures as ha2in' the follo.in' tra2el records0 De)arted for ?QF on D5OD4O77 a9oard $ "rri2ed from ?QF on D7OD<O77 a9oard $" "rri2ed from SMD on D7OD9O77 a9oard $ "rri2ed from FG* on D5O84O8D a9oard $" "rri2ed from *E/ on D7O87O88 a9oard $ "rri2ed from -M& on D5O<DO84 a9oard $" De)arted for ?QF on D9O<<O84 a9oard $ "rri2ed from SIN on D9O<8O84 a9oard $ De)arted for -M& on D4O4DO84 a9oard $" "rri2ed from SF& on D7OD4O84 a9oard $" De)arted for -M& on 88O89O84 a9oard $" De)arted for -M& on D8OD5O85 a9oard $" De)arted for -M& on 88O8 7O85 a9oard G" "rri2ed from /"H on 8<O8<O87 a9oard G" De)arted for /"H on 88O4DO87 a9oard G" De)arted for C?I on 88O84O88 a9oard G" -he trial court disallo.ed reconsideration of its <9 #une 899< order, findin' 1no ur'ent or +ustifia9le reason to distur9 or set AitB aside.1 "s to the so+ourns a9road of the )ri2ate res)ondent

as sho.n in the certification, the trial court held that the same 1is not that (ind of a9sence from the $hili))ines .hich .ill interru)t the )eriod of )rescri)tion of the offense char'ed. . .1 13 -he )etitioner then a))ealed to the Court of "))eals .hich doc(eted the a))eal as C"-F. . C No. 844<4. ?e contended therein that0 3a6 the trial court erred in =uashin' the information on the 'round of )rescri)tion@ and 396 the counsel for the accused .as 9arred from filin' the motion to =uash the information a'ainst the accused. 1. "s to the first, the )etitioner ar'ued that 9i'am, .as a )u9lic offense, hence 1the offended )art, is not the first or second 3innocent6 s)ouse 9ut the State .hose la.O)olic, .as trans'ressed.1 ?e tried to distin'uish 9i'am, from )ri2ate offenses such as adulter, or concu9ina'e 1.here the )ri2ate com)lainant is necessaril& the offended )art,,1 thus, the )rescri)ti2e )eriod for the former should commence from the da, the State, 9ein' the offended )art,, disco2ered the offense, .hich in this case .as on <8 "u'ust 8998 .hen the )etitioner filed his com)laint 9efore the $rosecutor:s &ffice. -he )etitioner added that the 1interchan'in' use1 in "rticle 98 of the $C of the terms 1offended )art,,1 1authorities,1 and 1their a'ents1 su))orts his 2ie. that the State is the offended )art, in )u9lic offenses. "dditionall,, the )etitioner referred to the 'eneral rule stated in #eople v. ,lagao 15 1that in resol2in' the motion to =uash a criminal com)laint or informationA,B the facts alle'ed in the com)laint or information should 9e ta(en as the, are.1 -he information in this case mentioned that the 9i'am, .as disco2ered in 8989. ?e admitted, ho.e2er, that this rule admits of e>ce)tions, such as .hen the 'round for the motion to =uash is )rescri)tion of the offense, as )ro2ided in Section 4 of the old ule 887 of the ules of Criminal $rocedure. Nonetheless, he ad2anced the 2ie. that this e>ce)tion is no lon'er a2aila9le 9ecause of the im)lied re)eal of Section 4, as the amended ule 887 no lon'er contains a similar )ro2ision under the rule on motions to =uash@ and that 'rantin' there .as no re)eal, the )ri2ate res)ondent failed to introduce e2idence to 1su))ort her factual a2erment in her motion to =uash,1 .hich is re=uired 9, ule 887. ?e further asserted that the factual 9ases of the motion to =uash, vi.., the )etitioner:s testimon, in Ci2il Case No. 9D-5<74D and his com)laint filed .ith the CSC are not conclusi2e 9ecause the testimon, is hearsa, e2idence, hence inadmissi9le, .hile the com)laint is 2a'ue, )articularl, the follo.in' )ortion =uoted 9, the )ri2ate res)ondent0 7. -hese facts .here disco2ered onl, 9, the herein com)lainant in the ,ear 8974 .hen the, se)arated from each other 9ecause of her illicit relations .ith se2eral men continued use of her alias name 1DE/I"1, .ithout )ro)er authorit, from the Courts@ and committin' a series of fraudulent acts@ her )re2ious marria'e to a certain 1 e,naldo Juiroca1 is e2idenced 9, a certification issued 9, the /ocal Ci2il e'istrar of *anila, a co), of .hich is hereto attached a "NNEH 1F1@ -he )etitioner alle'ed that the )hrase 1-hese facts1 in said )ara'ra)h 7 does not clearl, refer to his disco2er, of the )ri2ate res)ondent:s first marria'e. *oreo2er, he dou9ted .hether the term 1disco2ered1 in the said )ara'ra)h .as used in the sense contem)lated 9, la.. "t 9est, the )etitioner theori7ed, the disco2er, onl, referred to the 1initial, unconfirmed and unin2esti'ated ra., hearsa, information1 .hich he recei2ed from Ealin'it. Finall,, the )etitioner reiterated that the )rescri)ti2e )eriod .as interru)ted se2eral times 9, the )ri2ate res)ondent:s numerous tri)s a9road. "s re'ards his second contention, the )etitioner ar'ued that the counsel for the )ri2ate res)ondent had alread, stated that he re)resented onl, Delia S. Farcia and not "dela -eodora $. Santos. Conse=uentl,, the )ri2ate res)ondent:s counsel could not as( for the =uashal of the information in fa2or of "dela -eodora $. Santos alias Delia Santos. -he )etitioner o)ined that the counsel for the )ri2ate res)ondent should ha2e sou'ht a dismissal of the case in fa2or of Delia Farcia alone. -he Court of "))eals 'a2e credence to the )ri2ate res)ondent:s e2idence and concluded that the )etitioner disco2ered the )ri2ate res)ondent:s first marria'e in 8974. Since the information in this case .as filed in court onl, on 8 #anuar, 899<, or ei'hteen ,ears after the disco2er, of the offense, then the 85-,ear )rescri)ti2e )eriod had certainl, la)sed. 10 It further held that the =uashal of an information 9ased on )rescri)tion of the

49

offense could 9e in2o(ed 9efore or after arrai'nment and e2en on a))eal, 17 for under "rticle 89356 of the $C, the criminal lia9ilit, of a )erson is 1totall, e>tin'uishAedB: 9, the )rescri)tion of the crime, .hich is a mode of e>tin'uishin' criminal lia9ilit,.1 -hus, )rescri)tion is not deemed .ai2ed e2en if not )leaded as a defense. 18 Gndaunted, the )etitioner is no. 9efore us on a )etition for re2ie. on certiorari to annul and set aside the decision of the Court of "))eals and to com)el the res)ondent court to remand the case to the trial court for further )roceedin's. ?e su9mits the follo.in' assi'nment of errors0 I. EIF"*M IS " $GE/IC &FFENSE, C&NSEJGEN-/M, $ ESC I$-I&N S?&G/D ?"!E EEEN C&GN-ED F &* -?E -I*E -?E S-"-E DISC&!E ED I-S C&**ISSI&N@ " *&-I&N -& JG"S? C"NN&- "/S& F& EEM&ND C?"- IS S-"-ED IN -?E INF& *"-I&N@ EM -?E*SE/!ES, -?E F"C-G"/ E"SES &F -?E *&-I&N -& JG"S? " E N&- "/S& C&NC/GSI!E@ "SSG*INF -?E $ ESC I$-I!E $E I&D S-" -ED IN 8974, S"ID $E I&D ?&CE!E C"S IN-E G$-ED SE!E "/ -I*ES.

(no.n, and if there is no 9etter .a, of identif,in' him, he must 9e descri9ed under a fictitious name. *ore s)ecificall,, it is reasona9le to assume that the offended )art, in the commission of a crime, )u9lic or )ri2ate, is the )art, to .hom the offender is ci2ill, lia9le, in li'ht of "rticle 8DD of the $C, .hich e>)ressl, )ro2ides that AeB2er, )erson criminall, lia9le for a felon, is also ci2ill, lia9le.1 2/ In2aria9l, then, the )ri2ate indi2idual to .hom the offender is ci2ill, lia9le is the offended )art,. -his conclusion is stren'thened 9, Section 8, ule 888 of the ules of Court .hich reads0 Sec. 8. Instit"tion of criminal and civil actions. ; Chen a criminal action is instituted, the ci2il action for the reco2er, of ci2il lia9ilit, is im)liedl, instituted .ith a criminal action, unless the offended )art, .ai2es the ci2il action, reser2es his ri'ht to institute it se)aratel,, or institutes the ci2il action )rior to the criminal action. Such ci2il action includes reco2er, of indemnit, under the e2ised $enal Code, and dama'es under "rticles 4<, 44, 44 and <875 of the Ci2il Code of the $hili))ines arisin' from the same act or omission of the accused. . . . It is settled that in 9i'am,, 9oth the first and the second s)ouses ma, 9e the offended )arties de)endin' on the circumstances. 21 -he )etitioner e2en admits that he is the offended )art, in Criminal Case No. 3J-9<-<7<7<. -he information therein, 22 .hich he co)ied in full in the )etition in this case, descri9es him as the 1offended )art,1 .ho suffered 1dama'e and )re+udice . . . in such amount as ma, 9e a.arded under the )ro2isions of the Ci2il Code.1 23 -he distinction he made 9et.een )u9lic crimes and )ri2ate crimes relates not to the disco2er, of the crimes, 9ut to their )rosecution. "rticles 444 and 45D of the $C, in relation to Section 5, ule 88D of the ules of Court, are clear on this matter. II. -he )etitioner:s contention that a motion to =uash cannot 'o 9e,ond the information in Criminal Case No. J-9<-<7<7< .hich states that the crime .as disco2ered in 8989, is )al)a9l, unmeritorious. E2en #eople v. ,laga, 2..hich he cites, mentions the e>ce)tions to the rule as )ro2ided in )ara'ra)hs 3f6 and 3h6 of Section <, and Sections 4 and 5 of the old ule 887, vi.., 3a6 e>tinction of criminal lia9ilit,, and 396 dou9le +eo)ard,. ?is additional claim that the e>ce)tion of e>tinction can no lon'er 9e raised due to the im)lied re)eal of the former Section 4, 25 ule 887 of the ules of Court occasioned 9, its non-re)roduction after its re2ision, is e=uall, .ithout merit. No re)eal, e>)ress or im)lied, of the said Section 4 e2er too( )lace. Chile there is no )ro2ision in the ne. ule 887 that )rescri9es the contents of a motion to =uash 9ased on e>tinction of criminal lia9ilit,, Section < thereof enca)suli7es the former Sections 4, 4, and 5 of the old ule 887. -he said Section < reads as follo.s0 Sec. <. (oms and contents. ; -he motion to =uash shall 9e in .ritin' si'ned 9, the accused or his counsel. It shall specif& distinctl& the fact"al and legal gro"nds therefor and the court shall consider no 'rounds other than those stated therein, e>ce)t lac( of +urisdiction o2er the offense char'ed. 34a, 4a, 5a6. 3underscorin' su))lied for em)hasis6 It is clear from this Section that a motion to =uash ma, 9e 9ased on fact"al and legal gro"nds, and since e>tinction of criminal lia9ilit, and dou9le +eo)ard, are retained as amon' the gro"nds for a motion to =uash in Section 4 of the ne. ule 887, it necessaril, follo.s that facts outside the information itself ma, 9e introduced to 'ro2e such 'rounds. "s a matter of fact, in=uir, into such facts ma, 9e allo.ed .here the 'round in2o(ed

II.

III.

I!.

Ce notice that e>ce)t for the first t.o )a'es of the )etition, the deletion of a fe. )ara'ra)hs, the su9stitution of the term 1)etitioner1 for 1a))ellant,1 and the deletion of the contention on the: counsel for the )ri2ate res)ondent 9ein' 9arred from filin' a motion to =uash, the herein )etition is a re)roduction of the "))ellant:s Erief filed 9, the )etitioner .ith the Court of "))eals. !eril, then, the instant )etition is a rehash of an old tale. ?o.e2er, the Court of "))eals failed to sufficientl, address se2eral issues raised 9, the )etitioner, most )ro9a9l, )rom)tin' him to see( redress from this Court. Ce resol2ed to 'i2e due course to the )etition and re=uired the )arties to su9mit their res)ecti2e memoranda. -he &ffice of the Solicitor Feneral .as the last to su9mit a *emorandum for the )u9lic res)ondent. Eoth the )ri2ate and )u9lic res)ondents as( for the dismissal of this )etition and the affirmance of the challen'ed decision. $etitioner:s )osition is untena9le. Denial then of this )etition is all it merits. Ce shall ta(e u) the assi'ned errors in seriatim. I. It is true that 9i'am, is a )u9lic offense. Eut, it is entirel, incorrect to state, as the )etitioner does, that onl, the State is the offended )art, in such case, as .ell as in other )u9lic offenses, and, therefore@ onl, the State:s disco2er, of the crime could effecti2el, commence the runnin' of the )eriod of )rescri)tion therefor. "rticle 98 of the $C )ro2ides that 1AtBhe )eriod of )rescri)tion shall commence to run from the da, on .hich the crime is disco2ered 9, the offended )art,, the authorities, or their a'ents. . . .1 -his rule ma(es no distinction 9et.een a )u9lic crime and a )ri2ate crime. In 9oth cases then, the disco2er, ma, 9e 9, the 1offended )art,, the authorities, or their a'ents.1 "rticle 98 does not define the term 1offended )art,.1 Ce find its definition in Section 8<, ule 88D of the ules of Court as 1the )erson a'ainst .hom or a'ainst .hose )ro)ert,, the offense .as committed. 19 -he said Section reads as follo.s0 Sec. 8<. :ame of the offended part&. ; " com)laint or information must state the name and surname of the )erson a'ainst .hom or a'ainst .hose )ro)ert, the offense .as committed, or an, a))ellation or nic(name 9, .hich such )erson has 9een or is

49

is that the alle'ations in the information do not constitute the offense char'ed. -hus, in #eople v. -e la 'osa, 20 this Court stated0 "s a 'eneral )ro)osition, a motion to =uash on the 'round that the alle'ations of the information do not constitute the offense char'ed, or an, offense for that matter, should 9e resol2ed on the 9asis alone of said alle'ations .hose truth and 2eracit, are h,)otheticall, admitted. ?o.e2er, as held in the case of $eo)le 2s. Na2arro, 75 $hil. 585, additional facts not alle'ed in the information, 9ut admitted or not denied 9, the )rosecution ma, 9e in2o(ed in su))ort of the motion to =uash. Former Chief +ustice *oran su))orts this theor,. 27 In Criminal Case No. 9<-<7<7<, the trial court, .ithout o9+ection on the )art of the )rosecution, allo.ed the )ri2ate res)ondent to offer e2idence in su))ort of her claim that the crime had )rescri9ed. Conse=uentl,, the trial court, u)on indu9ita9le )roof of )rescri)tion, correctl, 'ranted the motion to =uash. It .ould ha2e 9een, to =uote De la osa, 1)ure technicalit, for the court to close its e,es to Athe fact of )rescri)tion6 and still 'i2e due course to the )rosecution of the case1 ; a technicalit, .hich .ould ha2e meant loss of 2alua9le time of the court and the )arties. "s noted 9, Dr. Fortunato Fu)it, #r., consultant of the ules of Court e2ision Committee, the afore=uoted Section < of the ne. ule 887 on 1factual and le'al 'rounds1 of a motion to =uash is 9ased on the De la osa case. 28 III. -he )etitioner li(e.ise claims that the factual 9ases of the )ri2ate res)ondent:s motion to =uash are inconclusi2e. -he )etitioner cannot 9e allo.ed to diso.n statements he made under oath and in o)en court .hen it ser2es his )ur)ose. -his is a contem)ti9le )ractice .hich can onl, mislead the courts and there9, contri9ute to in+ustice. Eesides, he ne2er denied ha2in' 'i2en the )ertinent testimon,. ?e did, ho.e2er, term it 2a'ue in that it .as not clear .hether the )rior marria'e .hich Eu'enia Ealin'it disclosed to him .as that entered into 9, the )ri2ate res)ondent .ith e,naldo Juiroca. It is immaterial to .hom the )ri2ate res)ondent .as first married@ .hat is rele2ant in this case is that the )etitioner .as informed of a )rior marria'e contracted 9, the )ri2ate res)ondent. Neither ma, the )etitioner 9e heard to cast dou9t on the meanin' of his statements in his s.orn com)laint filed 9efore the CSC. Ce find no hint of 2a'ueness in them. In an, e2ent, he has not denied that he in fact disco2ered in 8974 that the )ri2ate res)ondent had 9een )re2iousl, married. Finall,, the )etitioner dra.s our attention to the )ri2ate res)ondent:s se2eral tri)s a9road as enumerated in the certification of the Eureau of Immi'ration, and cites the second )ara'ra)h of "rticle 98 of the $C, vi..0 1AtBhe term of )rescri)tion shall not run .hen the offender is a9sent from the $hili))ine "rchi)ela'o.1 Ce a'ree .ith the Court of "))eals that these tri)s a9road did not constitute the 1a9sence1 contem)lated in "rticle 98. -hese tri)s .ere 9rief, and in e2er, case the )ri2ate res)ondent returned to the $hili))ines. Eesides, these .ere made lon' after the )etitioner disco2ered the offense and. e2en if the a''re'ate num9er of da,s of these tri)s are considered, still the information .as filed .ell 9e,ond the )rescri)ti2e )eriod. C?E EF& E, the instant )etition is DENIED for lac( of merit and the challen'ed decision of 84 Fe9ruar, 8995 of the Court of "))eals in C"-F. . C No. 844<4 is "FFI *ED. Costs a'ainst the )etitioner. S& & DE ED.

" )edica9 dri2er and his )assen'er .ere attac(ed .ithout )ro2ocation 9, t.o men .ho hac(ed them to death and later thre. their 9odies o2er the 9rid'e .ith the hel) of another )erson. In2esti'ation that same ni'ht disclosed the )artici)ation of the herein a))ellants, .ho .ere su9se=uentl, accused of murder in t.o informations alle'in' that the, committed the offenses in cons)irac, .ith each other and .ith treacher, and a9use of su)erior stren'th. "fter the +oint trial, #ud'e $edro S. Es)ina of the e'ional -rial Court of $alo, /e,te, findin' the )resence of treacher, 9ut no cons)irac,, con2icted Elademir De2aras as )rinci)al and $a9lo De2aras as accessor, in the murder of Efren !er7osa, and onilo Caise( for the murder of Feli> !er7osa. 1 "ll three ha2e a))ealed on the 'rounds that the trial court erred a6 in con2ictin' them of murder instead of homicide@ and 96 in not holdin' that uel "nimos should also ha2e 9een char'ed and con2icted as an accessor, li(e a))ellant $a9lo De2aras. -he )rinci)al .itness for the )rosecution .as aul "nimos, .ho claimed to ha2e .itnessed the (illin' of the t.o 2ictims. ?e said that on #ul, 8D, 899D, at a9out 7 o:cloc( in the e2enin', the three a))ellants .ere drin(in' t"%a.ith him in the house of $a9lo De2aras and that thereafter the, +oined him on his tour of dut, as %anta&-%a&an. -he, had 9een ma(in' the rounds in the to.n for a9out four hours .hen, .hile at the Da'uitan 9rid'e, the, sa. a 7i'7a''in' )edica9 a))roach. Chen the )edica9 .as half.a, across the 9rid'e, Elademir De2aras, .ho .as carr,in' a lon' 9olo (no.n as a 1sansi9ar,1 suddenl, attac(ed Efren !er7osa, the )edica9 dri2er. Efren fell from his seat 9ut Elademir continued hac(in' him .ith the 9olo, hittin' him in the head and nec(. "t a9ut the same time, onilo Caise(, .ho also carr,in' a lon' 9olo, attac(ed Feli> !er7osa, the )assen'er, .ho tried to )arr, the 9lo.s .ith his arms as he 'ot out of the 2ehicle. ?e fell, sta''ered and ran 9ut .as o2erta(en 9, onilo, .ho continued stri(in' the hel)less old man in the head, nec(, chest and shoulders. 2 onilo said that he .as 9arel, 5 meters a.a, from the assailants and .as so shoc(ed at .hat had ha))ened that he could 9arel, mo2e or sa, an,thin'. $a9lo De2aras also did not )artici)ate in the 9rutal sla,in' 9ut later hel)ed his cousin Elademir thro. Efren:s 9od, o2er the 9rid'e into the ri2er 9elo.. 3 onilo himself .as ordered to hel) thro. the 9od, of Feli> and, althou'h he initiall, hesitated, had to com)l, in the end 9ecause he .as threatened .ith death if he refused to o9e,. . -he a9andoned )edica9 .as found 9, Dorin' /eaIo, .ho re)orted this, curiousl, enou'h, to the accused. -o'ether, the, .ent to see 9aran'a, ca)tain Eeni'no -adeno, .ho immediatel, .ent to the 9rid'e and thereafter, sus)ectin' foul )la,, notified the )olice. $at. omulo $erido .ent to in2esti'ate .ith se2eral )olicemen. Chen he noticed 9lood on the 9ac( of uel:s shirt, he forth.ith too( uel into custod, for =uestionin'. Durin' .hich the sus)ect re2ealed .hat had ha))ened earlier and im)licated the three a))ellants. 5 -he 9od, of Feli> .as found the follo.in' mornin' under the 9rid'e. -he 9od, of Efren .as found a9out three hours later near the seashore. -he auto)s, re2ealed that Feli> had sustained t.ent, .ounds and nine .ounds had 9een inflicted in Efren. "ll three accused denied )artici)ation in the (illin's. Elademir s.ore that he .as alone in his house at the time of the incident 9ut on cross-e>amination admitted he .as .ith the t.o accused. 0 onilo confirmed that he .as then in his house .ith Elademir and $a9lo. 7 $a9lo maintained that he .as .ith his mother that e2enin' 9ut chan'ed his testimon, .hen confronted .ith onilo:s statement, .hich affirmed to 9e true. 8 "fter assessin' the e2idence of )arties, the trial court decided in fa2or of the )rosecution, re+ectin' the ali9is and denials of the accused for 9ein' inconsistent and incredi9le. Elademir De2aras and Caise( .ere 9oth sentenced to recl"sion perpet"a and each .as ordered to )a, ci2il indemnit, in the amount of $5D,DDD.DD to the heirs of their res)ecti2e 2ictims. $a9lo De2aras .as con2icted as an accessor, in the murder of Efren !er7osa and sentenced to an indeterminate )enalt, of 5 ,ears, 8 month and 88 da,s to 8 ,ears and <D da,s.

G.R. No . 1//938-39 December 15, 1993 *E"*LE "# &!E *!$L$**$NE-, p2'inti99-'ppe22ee, v . ,LADEM$R DE)ARA-, *A,L" DE)ARA- 'n( R"N$L" CA$-E8, 'cc1 e(-'ppe22'nt . CR4+, J.:

49

Ce defer to the factual findin's of the trial court, there 9ein' no sho.in' that the, .ere reached ar9itraril, or .ithout 9asis. -he e2aluation of the credi9ilit, of the .itnesses is 9etter made 9, the +ud'e )residin' at the trial rather than 9, the a))ellate court 9ecause of the former:s o))ortunit, to o9ser2e the de)ortment of the .itnesses and to ascertain therefrom .hether the, are narratin' the truth or falsif,in' it. *oreo2er, the assi'nment of errors is in effect an admission 9, the a))ellants of their )artici)ation in the (illin's of the t.o 2ictims. "s .e see it, their a))eal is onl, an attem)t to reduce their )enalties. -he first error assi'ned 9, the a))ellants is untena9le 9ecause the e2idence of record clearl, sho.s that Elademir and onilo suddenl, attac(ed their unarmed 2ictims .ith 9olos, there9, insurin' the commission of the offense .ithout ris( themsel2es arisin' from the defense the 2ictims mi'ht ma(e. 9 ,levosia =ualified the crime to murder. -he (illin's .ould ha2e 9een homicide onl, .ithout the attendance of treacher,, .hich is one of the =ualif,in' circumstances mentioned in "rticle <48 of the e2ised $enal Code. -he second assi'ned error must also 9e dismissed. -he determination of the )ersons to 9e )rosecuted on the 9asis of the e2idence a'ainst them rests )rimaril, .ith the )rosecutor, .ho is 2ested .ith =uasi-+udicial discretion in the dischar'e of this function. 1/ Ce ha2e held that, as an e>ce)tion, the )rosecutor can 9e com)elled 9,mandam"s if he a9uses this discretion and refuses to include a )erson as a co-accused a'ainst .hom there a))ears to 9e at least prima facie. 11 ?o.e2er, this e>traordinar, .rit is a2aila9le onl, if the )etitioner sho.s that he has first e>hausted all remedies in the ordinar, course of la., such as a motion filed .ith the trial court for the indictment of the )erson or )ersons e>cluded 9, the )rosecutor. 12 It does not a))ear that such a motion .as filed 9, the a))ellants in the case at 9ar. Ce a'ree that there .as no cons)irac, 9et.een the a))ellants to +ustif, their common con2iction for 9oth murders. -here is no e2idence that Elademir and onilo had earlier come to an a'reement to (ill the !er7osas@ on the contrar,, it .ould a))ear that the, had acted on im)ulse, inde)endentl, of an, common )lan. -he trial court .as correct in findin' Elademir 'uilt, of the murder onl, of Efren !er7osa and onilo 'uilt, of the murder onl, of Feli> !er7osa instead of holdin' them e=uall, lia9le for 9oth murders. "n accessor, is defined as one .ho, ha2in' (no.led'e of the commission of the crime, and .ithout ha2in' )artici)ated therein, either as )rinci)al or an accom)lice, ta(es )art su9se=uent to its commission 9, concealin' or destro,in' the 9od, of the crime, or the effects or instruments thereof in order to )re2ent its disco2er,. 13 For ha2in' assisted in thro.in' Efren:s dead 9od, into the ri2er, $a9lo De2aras .as correctl, held 'uilt, as an accessor,. "rticle 54 of the e2ised $enal Code )ro2ides that 1the )enalt, lo.er 9, t.o de'rees than that )rescri9ed 9, la. for the consummated felon, shall 9e im)osed u)on the accessories to the commission of a consummated felon,.1 Since the )rescri9ed )enalt, for murder is recl"sion temporal in its ma>imum )eriod to death, 1. the )enalt, t.o de'rees lo.er to 9e im)osed on $a9lo De2aras as accessor, is prision correccional in its ma>imum )eriod toprision ma&or in its medium )eriod. "))l,in' the Indeterminate Sentence /a., after notin' that no miti'atin' or a''ra2atin' circumstance attended his )artici)ation in the crime, .e further reduce the )enalt, of $a9lo De2aras to four ,ears and t.o months of prision correccional as minimum, to ei'ht ,ears of prision ma&or as ma>imum. If 9oth Eladimir De2aras and $a9lo De2aras had 9een con2icted as )rinci)als, the, .ould ha2e 9een solidaril, lia9le for the ci2il indemnit, to the heirs of Efren !erso7a. Eut inasmuch as $a9lo De2aras .as con2icted onl, as an accessor,, he and Elademir De2aras shall 9e directl, lia9le onl, for their res)ecti2e shares in the a.ard of $5D,DDD.DD, and su9sidiaril, lia9le for the other:s share. -he follo.in' articles of the e2ised $enal Code are a))lica9le0 "rt. 8D9. Share of each person civill& lia%le . ; If there are t.o or more )ersons ci2ill, lia9le for a felon,, the courts shall determine the amount for .hich each must res)ond.

"rt. 88D. Several and s"%sidiar& lia%ilit& of principals accomplices and accessories of a felon& ;#reference in pa&ment. ; Not.ithstandin' the )ro2isions of the ne>t )recedin' article, the )rinci)als, accom)lices and accessories, each .ithin their res)ecti2e class, shall 9e lia9le se2erall, 3in solid"m6 amon' themsel2es for their =uotas, and su9sidiaril, for those of the other )ersons lia9le. -he su9sidiar, lia9ilit, shall 9e enforced, first a'ainst the )ro)ert, of the )rinci)als@ ne>t a'ainst that of accom)lices, and lastl, a'ainst that of the accessories. Chene2er the lia9ilit, in solid"m or the su9sidiar, lia9ilit, has 9een enforced, the )erson 9, .hom )a,ment has 9een made shall ha2e the ri'ht of action a'ainst the others for the amount of their res)ecti2e shares. In the e>ercise of our discretion, .e here9, re=uire Elademir De2aras, as )rinci)al, to indemnif, the heirs of Efren !er7osa in the amount of $4D,DDD.DD and $a9lo De2aras, as accessor,, to )a, the amount of $8D,DDD.DD, )ro2ided that each shall 9e su9sidiaril, lia9le for the other:s share in case of the latter:s insol2enc,. -he Court can onl, .onder at .hat mi'ht ha2e mo2ed Elademir and onilo to suddenl, attac( their unsus)ectin' 2ictims .hen, .hile )atrollin' the to.n as its su))osed )rotectors, the, turned )redators instead and (illed t.o defenseless )ersons. From %anta&-%a&an, the, turned %anta&-sala*a& in an incom)rehensi9le ram)a'e that needlessl, .asted t.o innocent li2es. Cas it the li=uor in their 9rain that ur'ed them to (ill, or .as it sim)le, ine>)lica9le .ic(ednessK -he ans.er lies in the dar( recesses of their minds, and of their )rison cells. C?E EF& E, the decision of the trial court is "FFI *ED, 9ut .ith modification. -he )enalt, of recl"sion perpet"afor 9oth Eladimir De2aras and onilo Caise(, and the ci2il indemnit, of $5D,DDD.DD to 9e )aid 9, Caise( to the heirs of Feli> !er7osa, are maintained. Eut the indeterminate )enalt, to 9e im)osed on $a9lo De2aras shall 9e four ,ears and t.o months of prision correccional, as minimum, to ei'ht ,ears of prision ma&or, as ma>imum, and that of the ci2il indemnit, of $5D,DDD.DD due the heirs of Feli> !er7osa, $4D,DDD.DD shall 9e )aid 9, Elademir De2aras and $8D,DDD.DD 9, $a9lo De2aras, )ro2ided that each shall 9e lia9le for the other:s share in case of insol2enc,. Costs a'ainst the a))ellants. S& & DE ED.

G.R. No. 0059 -eptember 1, 1911 &!E 4N$&ED -&A&E-, p2'inti99-'ppe22ee, v . ,AGGA:, JR., (e9en('nt-'ppe22'nt. &"RRE-, J.: -his is an a))eal 9, the defendant from the +ud'ment rendered on ")ril <8, 898D, .here9, he .as declared e>em)t from criminal lia9ilit, 9ut .as o9li'ed to indemnif, the heirs if the murdered .oman, Eil-liin'an, in the sum of $8,DDD, to )a, the costs in the case and to 9e confined in an institution for the insane until further order of the court. "9out the 4th of &cto9er, 89D9, se2eral )ersons .ere assem9led in the defendant:s house in the to.nshi) of $enarru9ia, "9ra, $ro2ince of Ilocos Sur, for the )ur)ose of holdin' a son' ser2ice called 19uni1 accordin' to the -in'uian custom, .hen he, the non-Christian Ea''a,, .ithout )ro2ocation suddenl, attac(ed the .oman Eil-liin'an .ith a 9olo, inflictin' a serious .ound on her head from .hich she e>)ired immediatel,@ and .ith the same 9olo he li(e .ise inflicted 2arious .ounds on the .omen named Cala9a,an, "'uen', Juisama,, Cala)ini, and on his o.n mother, named Dioalan. For this reason the )ro2incial fiscal filed a com)laint in the court of Ilocos Sur, dated Fe9ruar, 85, char'in' the non-Christian Ea''a,, +r., .ith murder, 9ecause of the 2iolent death of the .oman Eil-liin'an. -his cause .as instituted se)aratel, from the other, No. 88D9, for lesiones. "fter trial and )roof that the defendant .as

49

sufferin' from mental a9erration, the +ud'e on ")ril <8 rendered the +ud'ment cited a9o2e, .hereu)on the defendant:s counsel a))ealed to this court. E, another .ritin' of #une <7, the same counsel as(ed for immediate sus)ension of e>ecution of the +ud'ment, 9ecause it had 9een a))ealed and had not 9ecome final. ?e also re=uested annulment of the sale at )u9lic auction of the )ro)ert, attached 9, the sheriff or his de)ut, under order of the court, for ma(in' indemnification .ith the defendant:s )ro)ert, in accordance .ith said +ud'ment, as the attachment had 9een e>ecuted u)on the )ro)ert, of the non-Christian .oman named Dioalan and of other )ersons, and not u)on that of the defendant. In o))osition thereto, the )ro2incial fiscal on the 4Dth of the same month re=uested in .ritin' that the a))eal from this +ud'ment filed 9, the counsel for the defense 9e not admitted or carried for.ard, re)resentin' that it .as out of order as ha2in' 9een su9mitted 9e,ond the limit@ for the 2er, da, said +ud'ment .as rendered, ")ril <8, 898D, the accused:s counsel, Sotero Serrano, .as 2er9all, notified thereof, and it is therefore untrue that he .as notified onl, on #une 87 of said ,ear, on .hich date he read and e>amined the case and .ithout the cler(:s (no.led'e si'ned the same, ma(in' it a))ear that he .as notified on that date, #une 87, .hat he had (no.n since ")ril <8 of the +ud'ment, of .hich the +ud'e had 2er9all, informed him, althou'h the latter did not then ha2e him si'n it. In re)l, to this motion of the )ro2incial fiscal, the defense re=uested that the a))eal filed 9e admitted and carried for .ard, re)resentin' that, .hen the court 2er9all, announced his decision to defendant:s counsel, the +ud'ment had not ,et 9een entered, and therefore neither the defendant nor his counsel could 9e notified thereof in le'al form until said date, #une 87. $assin' u)on this motion on "u'ust <, 898D, the court declared said a))eal out of order and dismissed it@ and, furthermore, denied the )etition for sus)ension of +ud'ment, as said +ud'ment had 9ecome final. -hereu)on, counsel for the defendant resorted to this court .ith a )etition )ra,in' that a .rit 9e issued directin' said +ud'e, Chanco, to admit the a))eal and for.ard it, at the same time annullin' all action ta(en for e>ecution of the +ud'ments rendered in the causes for murder and for lesiones. "fter consideration thereof, the "ttorne,-Feneral, on 9ehalf of said +ud'e and of the )ro2incial fiscal, re=uested that this remed, 9e declared out of order, as the issuance of such .rit a'ainst the +ud'e of the Court of First Instance of Ilocos Sur, and much more a'ainst the )ro2incial fiscal, .as not in accordance .ith la.@ 9ut this court 9, order of No2em9er 85 sa. fit to declare said remed, of mandam"s to 9e in order and issued a .ritten order directin' the +ud'e of the Court of First Instance to immediatel, admit the a))eal filed in these t.o causes and to for.ard all the records to this hi'her court. "t the same time he .as instructed to refrain a9solutel, from e>ecutin' said +ud'ments or causin' them to 9e e>ecuted .hile said a))eals .ere )endin', a )rohi9ition that .as e>tended to the )ro2incial sheriff, his a'ents and re)resentati2es, until further order from this court. G)on notification of the fore'oin' and in com)liance there.ith, the +ud'e 9, order of No2em9er << admitted the a))eal filed 9, counsel for the defense 9oth in the cause for murder and in that for lesiones. -he =uestion raised on the a))eal filed in this case 9, counsel for the insane defendant, Ea''a,, +r., is solel, .hether he, not.ithstandin' that he .as held e>em)t from criminal lia9ilit,, has ne2ertheless incurred ci2il lia9ilit,, .ith o9li'ation to indemnif, the heirs of the murdered .oman and to )a, the costs. "rticle 87 of the $enal Code states0 E2er, )erson criminall, lia9le for a crime or misdemeanor is also ci2ill, lia9le. "rticle 88 of the same code sa,s0 -he e>em)tion from criminal lia9ilit, declared in Nos. 8, <, 4, 7, and 8D of article 8 does not include e>em)tion from ci2il lia9ilit,, .hich shall 9e enforced, su9+ect to the follo.in'0 386 In cases 8, <, and 4, the )ersons .ho are ci2ill, lia9le for acts committed 9, a lunatic or im9ecile, or a )erson under 9 ,ears of a'e, or o2er this a'e and under 85, .ho has not acted .ith

the e>ercise of +ud'ment, are those .ho ha2e them under their authorit,, le'al 'uardianshi) or )o.er, unless the, )ro2e that there .as no 9lame or ne'li'ence on their )art. Should there 9e no )erson ha2in' them under his authorit,, le'al 'uardian, or )o.er, if such )erson 9e insol2ent, the said lunatics, im9eciles, or minors shall ans.er .ith their o.n )ro)ert,, e>ce)tin' that )art .hich is e>em)ted for their su))ort in accordance .ith the ci2il la.. -rue it is that ci2il lia9ilit, accom)anies criminal lia9ilit,, 9ecause e2er, )erson lia9le criminall, for a crime or misdemeanor is also lia9le for re)aration of dama'e and for indemnification of the harm done, 9ut there ma, 9e ci2il lia9ilit, 9ecause of acts ordinaril, )unisha9le, althou'h the la. has declared their )er)etrators e>em)t from criminal lia9ilit,. Such is the case of a lunatic or insane )erson .ho, in s)ite of his irres)onsi9ilit, on account of the de)lora9le condition of his deran'ed mind, is still reasona9l, and +ustl, lia9le .ith his )ro)ert, for the conse=uences of his acts, e2en thou'h the, 9e )erformed un.ittin'l,, for the reason that his fello.s ou'ht not to suffer for the disastrous results of his harmful acts more than is necessar,, in s)ite of his unfortunate condition. /a. and societ, are under o9li'ation to )rotect him durin' his illness and so .hen he is declared to 9e lia9le .ith his )ro)ert, for re)aration and indemnification, he is still entitled to the 9enefit of .hat is necessar, for his decent maintenance, 9ut this )rotection does not e>clude lia9ilit, for dama'e caused to those .ho ma, ha2e the misfortune to suffer the conse=uences of his acts. "ccordin' to the la., the )ersons in the first )lace lia9le. are those .ho ha2e the insane )art, under their care or 'uardianshi), unless the, )ro2e that there .as no 9lame or ne'li'ence on their )art@ 9ut if the demented )erson or im9ecile lac( a 'uardian or some )erson char'ed .ith his care, if the latter 9e insol2ent, then his o.n )ro)ert, must meet the ci2il lia9ilit, of indemnif,in' or re)airin' the dama'e done, and for this reason +ud'es and courts in renderin' +ud'ment in a criminal cause )rosecuted a'ainst an insane or demented )erson, e2en .hen the, hold the accused e>em)t from criminal lia9ilit,, must fi> the ci2il lia9ilit, of the )ersons char'ed .ith .atchin' o2er and carin' for him or the lia9ilit, of the demented )erson him self .ith his )ro)ert, for re)aration of the dama'e and indemnification for the harm done, unless the offended )art, or the heirs of the )erson murdered e>)ressl, renounce such re)aration or indemnification. -herefore, the +ud'ment a))ealed from 9ein' in accordance .ith la., affirmation thereof is )ro)er, and it is here9, affirmed, .ith costs a'ainst the a))ellant. G.R. No. 1/2//7 -eptember 2, 199. *E"*LE "# &!E *!$L$**$NE-, p2'inti99-'ppe22ee, v . R"GEL$" ,A:"&A- 3 C"RD")A, 'cc1 e('ppe22'nt. R"MER", J.: In Criminal Case No. C-4<87 filed 9efore Eranch 85, -C o>as Cit,, o'elio Ea,otas , Cordo2a .as char'ed .ith a)e and e2entuall, con2icted thereof on #une 89, 8998 in a decision )enned 9, #ud'e *anuel E. "uta+a,. $endin' a))eal of his con2iction, Ea,otas died on Fe9ruar, 4, 899< at the National Eili9id ?os)ital due to cardio res)irator, arrest secondar, to he)atic ence)halo)ath, secondar, to hi)ato carcinoma 'astric malin'erin'. Conse=uentl,, the Su)reme Court in its esolution of *a, <D, 899< dismissed the criminal as)ect of the a))eal. ?o.e2er, it re=uired the Solicitor Feneral to file its comment .ith re'ard to Ea,otas: ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from his commission of the offense char'ed. In his comment, the Solicitor Feneral e>)ressed his 2ie. that the death of accused-a))ellant did not e>tin'uish his ci2il lia9ilit, as a result of his commission of the offense char'ed. -he Solicitor Feneral, rel,in' on the case of#eople v. Senda&diego 1 insists that the a))eal should still 9e resol2ed for the )ur)ose of re2ie.in' his con2iction 9, the lo.er court on .hich the ci2il lia9ilit, is 9ased. Counsel for the accused-a))ellant, on the other hand, o))osed the 2ie. of the Solicitor Feneral ar'uin' that the death of the accused .hile +ud'ment of con2iction is )endin' a))eal e>tin'uishes 9oth his criminal and ci2il )enalties. In su))ort of his )osition, said counsel in2o(ed the rulin' of the Court of "))eals in #eople

49

v. !astillo and Ocfemia 2 .hich held that the ci2il o9li'ation in a criminal case ta(es root in the criminal lia9ilit, and, therefore, ci2il lia9ilit, is e>tin'uished if accused should die 9efore final +ud'ment is rendered. Ce are thus confronted .ith a sin'le issue0 Does death of the accused )endin' a))eal of his con2iction e>tin'uish his ci2il lia9ilit,K In the aforementioned case of #eople v. !astillo, this issue .as settled in the affirmati2e. -his same issue )osed therein .as )hrased thus0 Does the death of "lfredo Castillo affect 9oth his criminal res)onsi9ilit, and his ci2il lia9ilit, as a conse=uence of the alle'ed crimeK It resol2ed this issue thru the follo.in' dis=uisition0 "rticle 89 of the e2ised $enal Code is the controllin' statute. It reads, in )art0 "rt. 89. 7ow criminal lia%ilit& is totall& exting"ished. ; Criminal lia9ilit, is totall, e>tin'uished0 8. E, the death of the con2ict, as to the )ersonal )enalties@ and as to the )ecuniar, )enalties lia9ilit, therefor is e>tin'uished onl, .hen the death of the offender occurs 9efore final +ud'ment@ Cith reference to Castillo:s criminal lia9ilit,, there is no =uestion. -he la. is )lain. Statutor, construction is unnecessar,. Said lia9ilit, is e>tin'uished. -he ci2il lia9ilit,, ho.e2er, )oses a )ro9lem. Such lia9ilit, is e>tin'uished onl, .hen the death of the offender occurs 9efore final +ud'ment. Saddled u)on us is the tas( of ascertainin' the le'al im)ort of the term 1final +ud'ment.1 Is it final +ud'ment as contradistin'uished from an interlocutor, orderK &r, is it a +ud'ment .hich is final and e>ecutor,K Ce 'o to the 'enesis of the la.. -he le'al )rece)t contained in "rticle 89 of the e2ised $enal Code heretofore transcri9ed is lifted from "rticle 84< of the S)anish El Codi'o $enal de 887D .hich, in )art, recites0 /a res)onsa9ilidad )enal se e>tin'ue. 8. $or la muerte del reo en cuanto a las )enas )ersonales siem)re, , res)ecto a las )ecuniarias, solo cuando a su fallecimiento no hu9iere recaido sentencia firme.>>> -he code of 887D . . . it .ill 9e o9ser2ed em)lo,s the term 1 sentencia firme.1 Chat is 1sentencia firme1 under the old statuteK HH!III Enciclo)edia #uridica Es)aIola, ). 474, furnishes the read, ans.er0 It sa,s0 SEN-ENCI" FI *E. /a sentencia =ue ad=uiere la fuer7a de las definiti2as )or no ha9erse utili7ado )or las )artes liti'antes recurso al'uno contra ella dentro de los terminos , )la7os le'ales concedidos al efecto. 1Sentencia firme1 reall, should 9e understood as one .hich is definite. Eecause, it is onl, .hen +ud'ment is such that, as *edina , *aranon )uts it, the crime is confirmed ; 1en condena determinada@1 or, in the .ords of Froi7ard, the 'uilt of the accused 9ecomes ; 1una 2erdad le'al.1 $rior thereto, should the accused die, accordin' to !iada, 1no ha, le'almente, en tal caso, ni reo, ni delito, ni res)onsa9ilidad criminal de nin'una clase.1 "nd, as #ud'e Qa)unan .ell e>)lained, .hen a defendant dies 9efore +ud'ment 9ecomes e>ecutor,, 1there cannot 9e an, determination 9, final +ud'ment .hether or not the felon, u)on .hich the ci2il action mi'ht arise e>ists,1 for the sim)le reason that 1there is no )art, defendant.1 3I Qa)unan, e2ised $enal Code, "nnotated, ). 4<8.

Senator Francisco holds the same 2ie.. Francisco, e2ised $enal Code, Eoo( &ne, <nd ed., )). 859-85D6 -he le'al im)ort of the term 1final +ud'ment1 is similarl, reflected in the e2ised $enal Code. "rticles 7< and 78 of that le'al 9od, mention the term 1final +ud'ment1 in the sense that it is alread, enforcea9le. -his also 9rin's to mind Section 7, ule 885 of the ules of Court .hich states that a +ud'ment in a criminal case 9ecomes final 1after the la)se of the )eriod for )erfectin' an a))eal or .hen the sentence has 9een )artiall, or totall, satisfied or ser2ed, or the defendant has e>)ressl, .ai2ed in .ritin' his ri'ht to a))eal.1 E, fair intendment, the le'al )rece)ts and o)inions here collected funnel do.n to one )ositi2e conclusion0 -he term final +ud'ment em)lo,ed in the e2ised $enal Code means +ud'ment 9e,ond recall. eall,, as lon' as a +ud'ment has not 9ecome e>ecutor,, it cannot 9e truthfull, said that defendant is definitel, 'uilt, of the felon, char'ed a'ainst him. Not that the meanin' thus 'i2en to final +ud'ment is .ithout reason. For .here, as in this case, the ri'ht to institute a se)arate ci2il action is not reser2ed, the decision to 9e rendered must, of necessit,, co2er 19oth the criminal and the ci2il as)ects of the case.1 #eople vs. C"sico 3No2em9er 9, 894<6, < &.F., No. 8DD, ). 954. See also0 #eople vs. 0oll, 58 $hil., 5<5, 544@ (rancisco, Criminal $rocedure, 8958 ed., !ol. I, )). <44, <45. Correctl,, #ud'e Qa)unan o9ser2ed that as 1the ci2il action is 9ased solel, on the felon, committed and of .hich the offender mi'ht 9e found 'uilt,, the death of the offender e>tin'uishes the ci2il lia9ilit,.1 I Qa)unan, e2ised $enal Code, "nnotated, s"pra. ?ere is the situation o9tainin' in the )resent case0 Castillo:s criminal lia9ilit, is out. ?is ci2il lia9ilit, is sou'ht to 9e enforced 9, reason of that criminal lia9ilit,. Eut then, if .e dismiss, as .e must, the criminal action and let the ci2il as)ect remain, .e .ill 9e faced .ith the anomalous situation .here9, .e .ill 9e called u)on to clam) ci2il lia9ilit, in a case .here the source thereof ; criminal lia9ilit, ; does not e>ist. "nd, as .as .ell stated in 6a"tista et al. vs. 5strella et al., C"-F. . No. 89<<5- , Se)tem9er 8, 8958, 1no )art, can 9e found and held criminall, lia9le in a ci2il suit,1 .hich solel, .ould remain if .e are to di2orce it from the criminal )roceedin'.1 -his rulin' of the Court of "))eals in the !astillo case 3 .as ado)ted 9, the Su)reme Court in the cases of#eople of the #hilippines v. 6onifacio ,lison et al., . #eople of the #hilippines v. /aime /ose et al. 5 and #eople of the #hilippines v. Satorre 0 9, dismissin' the a))eal in 2ie. of the death of the accused )endin' a))eal of said cases. "s held 9, then Su)reme Court #ustice Fernando in the ,lison case0 -he death of accused-a))ellant Eonifacio "lison ha2in' 9een esta9lished, and considerin' that there is as ,et no final +ud'ment in 2ie. of the )endenc, of the a))eal, the criminal and ci2il lia9ilit, of the said accused-a))ellant "lison .as e>tin'uished 9, his death 3"rt. 89, e2ised $enal Code@ e,es: Criminal /a., 8978 e2. Ed., ). 787, citin' $eo)le 2. Castillo and &femia C."., 55 &.F. 4D456@ conse=uentl,, the case a'ainst him should 9e dismissed. &n the other hand, this Court in the su9se=uent cases of 6"enavent"ra 6elamala v. 0arcelino #olinar 7 and+am%erto )orri$os v. )he 7onora%le !o"rt of ,ppeals 8 ruled differentl,. In the former, the issue decided 9, this court .as0 Chether the ci2il lia9ilit, of one accused of )h,sical in+uries .ho died 9efore final +ud'ment is e>tin'uished 9, his demise to the e>tent of 9arrin' an, claim therefore a'ainst his estate. It .as the contention of the administrator-a))ellant therein that the death of the accused )rior to final +ud'ment e>tin'uished all criminal and ci2il lia9ilities resultin' from the offense, in 2ie. of "rticle 89, )ara'ra)h 8 of the e2ised $enal Code. ?o.e2er, this court ruled therein0

49

Ce see no merit in the )lea that the ci2il lia9ilit, has 9een e>tin'uished, in 2ie. of the )ro2isions of the Ci2il Code of the $hili))ines of 895D 3 e). "ct No. 4856 that 9ecame o)erati2e ei'hteen ,ears after the re2ised $enal Code. "s )ointed out 9, the Court 9elo., "rticle 44 of the Ci2il Code esta9lishes a ci2il action for dama'es on account of )h,sical in+uries, entirel, separate and distinct from the criminal action. "rt. 44. In cases of defamation, fraud, and )h,sical in+uries, a ci2il action for dama'es, entirel, se)arate and distinct from the criminal action, ma, 9e 9rou'ht 9, the in+ured )art,. Such ci2il action shall )roceed inde)endentl, of the criminal )rosecution, and shall re=uire onl, a )re)onderance of e2idence. "ssumin' that for lac( of e>)ress reser2ation, Eelamala:s ci2il action for dama'es .as to 9e considered instituted to'ether .ith the criminal action still, since 9oth )roceedin's .ere terminated .ithout final ad+udication, the ci2il action of the offended )art, under "rticle 44 ma, ,et 9e enforced se)aratel,. In )orri$os, the Su)reme Court held that0 It should 9e stressed that the e>tinction of ci2il lia9ilit, follo.s the e>tinction of the criminal lia9ilit, under "rticle 89, onl, .hen the ci2il lia9ilit, arises from the criminal act as its onl, 9asis. Stated differentl,, .here the ci2il lia9ilit, does not e>ist inde)endentl, of the criminal res)onsi9ilit,, the e>tinction of the latter 9, death, ipso facto e>tin'uishes the former, provided, of course, that death su)er2enes 9efore final +ud'ment. -he said )rinci)le does not a))l, in instant case .herein the ci2il lia9ilit, s)rin's neither solel, nor ori'inall, from the crime itself 9ut from a ci2il contract of )urchase and sale. >>> >>> >>> In the a9o2e case, the court .as con2inced that the ci2il lia9ilit, of the accused .ho .as char'ed .ith estafa could li(e.ise trace its 'enesis to "rticles 89, <D and <8 of the Ci2il Code since said accused had s.indled the first and second 2endees of the )ro)ert, su9+ect matter of the contract of sale. It therefore concluded0 1Conse=uentl,, .hile the death of the accused herein e>tin'uished his criminal lia9ilit, includin' fine, his ci2il lia9ilit, 9ased on the la.s of human relations remains.1 -hus it allo.ed the a))eal to )roceed .ith res)ect to the ci2il lia9ilit, of the accused, not.ithstandin' the e>tinction of his criminal lia9ilit, due to his death )endin' a))eal of his con2iction. -o further +ustif, its decision to allo. the ci2il lia9ilit, to sur2i2e, the court relied on the follo.in' ratiocination0 Since Section <8, ule 4 of the ules of Court 9 re=uires the dismissal of all mone, claims a'ainst the defendant .hose death occurred )rior to the final +ud'ment of the Court of First Instance 3CFI6, then it can 9e inferred that actions for reco2er, of mone, ma, continue to 9e heard on a))eal, .hen the death of the defendant su)er2enes after the CFI had rendered its +ud'ment. In such case, e>)lained this tri9unal, 1the name of the offended )art, shall 9e included in the title of the case as )laintiff-a))ellee and the le'al re)resentati2e or the heirs of the deceased-accused should 9e su9stituted as defendants-a))ellants.1 It is, thus, e2ident that as +uris)rudence e2ol2ed from Castillo to -orri+os, the rule esta9lished .as that the sur2i2al of the ci2il lia9ilit, de)ends on .hether the same can 9e )redicated on sources of o9li'ations other than delict. Stated differentl,, the claim for ci2il lia9ilit, is also e>tin'uished to'ether .ith the criminal action if it .ere solel, 9ased thereon, i.e., ci2il lia9ilit, ex delicto. ?o.e2er, the Su)reme Court in #eople v. Senda&diego et al. 1/ de)arted from this lon'-esta9lished )rinci)le of la.. In this case, accused Senda,die'o .as char'ed .ith and con2icted 9, the lo.er court of mal2ersation thru falsification of )u9lic documents. Senda,die'o:s death su)er2ened durin' the )endenc, of the a))eal of his con2iction.

-his court in an un)recedented mo2e resol2ed to dismiss Senda,die'o:s a))eal 9ut onl, to the e>tent of his criminal lia9ilit,. ?is ci2il lia9ilit, .as allo.ed to sur2i2e althou'h it .as clear that such claim thereon .as e>clusi2el, de)endent on the criminal action alread, e>tin'uished. -he le'al im)ort of such decision .as for the court to continue e>ercisin' a))ellate +urisdiction o2er the entire a))eal, )assin' u)on the correctness of Senda,die'o:s con2iction des)ite dismissal of the criminal action, for the )ur)ose of determinin' if he is ci2ill, lia9le. In doin' so, this Court issued a esolution of #ul, 8, 8977 statin' thus0 -he claim of com)lainant $ro2ince of $an'asinan for the ci2il lia9ilit, sur2i2ed Senda,die'o 9ecause his death occurred after final +ud'ment .as rendered 9, the Court of First Instance of $an'asinan, .hich con2icted him of three com)le> crimes of mal2ersation throu'h falsification and ordered him to indemnif, the $ro2ince in the total sum of $58,D48.<4 3should 9e $57,D48.<46. -he ci2il action for the ci2il lia9ilit, is deemed im)liedl, instituted .ith the criminal action in the a9sence of e>)ress .ai2er or its reser2ation in a se)arate action 3Sec. 8, ule 888 of the ules of Court6. -he ci2il action for the ci2il lia9ilit, is se)arate and distinct from the criminal action 3$eo)le and *anuel 2s. Coloma, 8D5 $hil. 8<87@ oa 2s. De la Cru7, 8D7 $hil. 86. Chen the action is for the reco2er, of mone, and the defendant dies 9efore final +ud'ment in the Court of First Instance, it shall 9e dismissed to 9e )rosecuted in the manner es)eciall, )ro2ided in ule 87 of the ules of Court 3Sec. <8, ule 4 of the ules of Court6. -he im)lication is that, if the defendant dies after a mone, +ud'ment had 9een rendered a'ainst him 9, the Court of First Instance, the action sur2i2es him. It ma, 9e continued on a))eal 3-orri+os 2s. Court of "))eals, /-4D445, &cto9er <4, 8975@ 57 SC " 4946. -he accounta9le )u9lic officer ma, still 9e ci2ill, lia9le for the funds im)ro)erl, dis9ursed althou'h he has no criminal lia9ilit, 3G.S. 2s. El2ina, <4 $hil. <4D@ $hili))ine National Ean( 2s. -u'a9, 55 $hil. 5846. In 2ie. of the fore'oin', not.ithstandin' the dismissal of the a))eal of the deceased Senda,die'o insofar as his criminal lia9ilit, is concerned, the Court esol2ed to continue e>ercisin' a))ellate +urisdiction o2er his )ossi9le ci2il lia9ilit, for the mone, claims of the $ro2ince of $an'asinan arisin' from the alle'ed criminal acts com)lained of, as if no criminal case had 9een instituted a'ainst him, thus ma(in' a))lica9le, in determinin' his ci2il lia9ilit,, "rticle 4D of the Ci2il Code . . . and, for that )ur)ose, his counsel is directed to inform this Court .ithin ten 38D6 da,s of the names and addresses of the decedent:s heirs or .hether or not his estate is under administration and has a dul, a))ointed +udicial administrator. Said heirs or administrator .ill 9e su9stituted for the deceased insofar as the ci2il action for the ci2il lia9ilit, is concerned 3Secs. 85 and 87, ule 4, ules of Court6. Succeedin' cases 11 raisin' the identical issue ha2e maintained adherence to our rulin' in Senda&diego@ in other .ords, the, .ere a reaffirmance of our a9andonment of the settled rule that a ci2il lia9ilit, solel, anchored on the criminal 3ci2il lia9ilit, ex delicto6 is e>tin'uished u)on dismissal of the entire a))eal due to the demise of the accused. Eut .as it +udicious to ha2e a9andoned this old rulin'K " re-e>amination of our decision in Senda&diego im)els us to re2ert to the old rulin'.

49

-o restate our resolution of #ul, 8, 8977 in Senda&diego0 -he resolution of the ci2il action im)liedl, instituted in the criminal action can )roceed irres)ecti2e of the latter:s e>tinction due to death of the accused )endin' a))eal of his con2iction, )ursuant to "rticle 4D of the Ci2il Code and Section <8, ule 4 of the e2ised ules of Court. "rticle 4D of the Ci2il Code )ro2ides0 Chen a se)arate ci2il action is 9rou'ht to demand ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from a criminal offense, and no criminal )roceedin's are instituted durin' the )endenc, of the ci2il case, a )re)onderance of e2idence shall li(e.ise 9e sufficient to )ro2e the act com)lained of. Clearl,, the te>t of "rticle 4D could not )ossi9l, lend su))ort to the rulin' in Senda&diego. No.here in its te>t is there a 'rant of authorit, to continue e>ercisin' a))ellate +urisdiction o2er the accused:s ci2il lia9ilit, ex delicto.hen his death su)er2enes durin' a))eal. Chat "rticle 4D reco'ni7es is an alternati2e and se)arate ci2il action .hich ma, 9e 9rou'ht to demand ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from a criminal offense inde)endentl, of an, criminal action. In the e2ent that no criminal )roceedin's are instituted durin' the )endenc, of said ci2il case, the =uantum of e2idence needed to )ro2e the criminal act .ill ha2e to 9e that .hich is com)ati9le .ith ci2il lia9ilit, and that is, )re)onderance of e2idence and not )roof of 'uilt 9e,ond reasona9le dou9t. Citin' or in2o(in' "rticle 4D to +ustif, the sur2i2al of the ci2il action des)ite e>tinction of the criminal .ould in effect merel, 9e' the =uestion of .hether ci2il lia9ilit, ex delicto sur2i2es u)on e>tinction of the criminal action due to death of the accused durin' a))eal of his con2iction. -his is 9ecause .hether asserted in the criminal action or in a se)arate ci2il action, ci2il lia9ilit, ex delicto is e>tin'uished 9, the death of the accused .hile his con2iction is on a))eal. "rticle 89 of the e2ised $enal Code is clear on this matter0 "rt. 89. 7ow criminal lia%ilit& is totall& exting"ished. ; Criminal lia9ilit, is totall, e>tin'uished0 8. E, the death of the con2ict, as to the )ersonal )enalties@ and as to )ecuniar, )enalties, lia9ilit, therefor is e>tin'uished onl, .hen the death of the offender occurs 9efore final +ud'ment@ >>> >>> >>> ?o.e2er, the rulin' in Senda&diego de2iated from the e>)ressed intent of "rticle 89. It allo.ed claims for ci2il lia9ilit, ex delicto to sur2i2e 9, ipso facto treatin' the ci2il action im)liedl, instituted .ith the criminal, as one filed under "rticle 4D, as thou'h no criminal )roceedin's had 9een filed 9ut merel, a se)arate ci2il action. -his had the effect of con2ertin' such claims from one .hich is de)endent on the outcome of the criminal action to an entirel, ne. and se)arate one, the )rosecution of .hich does not e2en necessitate the filin' of criminal )roceedin's. 12&ne .ould 9e hard )ut to )in)oint the statutor, authorit, for such a transformation. It is to 9e 9orne in mind that in reco2erin' ci2il lia9ilit, ex delicto, the same has )erforce to 9e determined in the criminal action, rooted as it is in the court:s )ronouncement of the 'uilt or innocence of the accused. -his is 9ut to render fealt, to the intendment of "rticle 8DD of the e2ised $enal Code .hich )ro2ides that 1e2er, )erson criminall, lia9le for a felon, is also ci2ill, lia9le.1 In such cases, e>tinction of the criminal action due to death of the accused )endin' a))eal ine2ita9l, si'nifies the concomitant e>tinction of the ci2il lia9ilit,. 0ors Omnia Solvi. Death dissol2es all thin's. In sum, in )ursuin' reco2er, of ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from crime, the final determination of the criminal lia9ilit, is a condition )recedent to the )rosecution of the ci2il action, such that .hen the criminal action is e>tin'uished 9, the demise of accused-a))ellant )endin' a))eal thereof, said ci2il action cannot sur2i2e. -he claim for ci2il lia9ilit, s)rin's out of and is de)endent u)on facts .hich, if true, .ould constitute a crime. Such ci2il lia9ilit, is an ine2ita9le conse=uence of the criminal lia9ilit, and is to 9e declared and enforced in the criminal )roceedin'. -his is to 9e distin'uished from that .hich is contem)lated under "rticle 4D of the Ci2il Code .hich refers to the institution of a se)arate ci2il action that does not dra. its life from a criminal )roceedin'. -he Senda,die'o resolution of #ul, 8, 8977, ho.e2er, failed to ta(e note of this fundamental distinction .hen it allo.ed the sur2i2al of the ci2il action for the reco2er, of ci2il lia9ilit, ex delicto 9, treatin' the same as a se)arate ci2il action referred to under "rticle 4D. Surel,, it .ill ta(e more than +ust a summar, +udicial )ronouncement to authori7e the con2ersion of said ci2il action to an inde)endent one such as that contem)lated under "rticle 4D.

Ironicall, ho.e2er, the main decision in Senda,die'o did not a))l, "rticle 4D, the resolution of #ul, 8, 8977 not.ithstandin'. -hus, it .as held in the main decision0 Senda,die'o:s a))eal .ill 9e resol2ed onl, for the )ur)ose of sho.in' his criminal lia9ilit, .hich is the 9asis of the ci2il lia9ilit, for .hich his estate .ould 9e lia9le. 13 In other .ords, the Court, in resol2in' the issue of his ci2il lia9ilit,, concomitantl, made a determination on .hether Senda,die'o, on the 9asis of e2idenced adduced, .as indeed 'uilt, 9e,ond reasona9le dou9t of committin' the offense char'ed. -hus, it u)held Senda,die'o:s con2iction and )ronounced the same as the so"rce of his ci2il lia9ilit,. Conse=uentl,, althou'h "rticle 4D .as not a))lied in the final determination of Senda,die'o:s ci2il lia9ilit,, there .as a reo)enin' of the criminal action alread, e>tin'uished .hich ser2ed as 9asis for Senda,die'o:s ci2il lia9ilit,. Ce reiterate0 G)on death of the accused )endin' a))eal of his con2iction, the criminal action is e>tin'uished inasmuch as there is no lon'er a defendant to stand as the accused@ the ci2il action instituted therein for reco2er, of ci2il lia9ilit, ex delicto is ipso facto e>tin'uished, 'rounded as it is on the criminal. Section <8, ule 4 of the ules of Court .as also in2o(ed to ser2e as another 9asis for the Senda&diegoresolution of #ul, 8, 8977. In citin' Sec. <8, ule 4 of the ules of Court, the Court made the inference that ci2il actions of the t,)e in2ol2ed in Senda&diego consist of mone, claims, the reco2er, of .hich ma, 9e continued on a))eal if defendant dies )endin' a))eal of his con2iction 9, holdin' his estate lia9le therefor. ?ence, the Court:s conclusion0 1Chen the action is for the reco2er, of mone,1 1and the defendant dies 9efore final +ud'ment in the court of First Instance, it shall 9e dismissed to 9e )rosecuted in the manner es)eciall, )ro2ided1 in ule 87 of the ules of Court 3Sec. <8, ule 4 of the ules of Court6. -he im)lication is that, if the defendant dies after a mone, +ud'ment had 9een rendered a'ainst him 9, the Court of First Instance, the action sur2i2es him. It ma, 9e continued on a))eal. Sadl,, reliance on this )ro2ision of la. is mis)laced. From the stand)oint of )rocedural la., this course ta(en inSenda&diego cannot 9e sanctioned. "s correctl, o9ser2ed 9, #ustice e'alado0 >>> >>> >>> I do not, ho.e2er, a'ree .ith the +ustification ad2anced in 9oth )orri$os and Senda&diego .hich, rel,in' on the )ro2isions of Section <8, ule 4 of the ules of Court, dre. the strained im)lication therefrom that .here the ci2il lia9ilit, instituted to'ether .ith the criminal lia9ilities had alread, )assed 9e,ond the +ud'ment of the then Court of First Instance 3no. the e'ional -rial Court6, the Court of "))eals can continue to e>ercise a))ellate +urisdiction thereo2er des)ite the e>tin'uishment of the com)onent criminal lia9ilit, of the deceased. -his )ronouncement, .hich has 9een follo.ed in the Court:s +ud'ments su9se=uent and consonant to )orri$os and Senda&diego, should 9e set aside and a9andoned as 9ein' clearl, erroneous and un+ustifia9le. Said Section <8 of ule 4 is a rule of ci2il )rocedure in ordinar, ci2il actions. -here is neither authorit, nor +ustification for its a))lication in criminal )rocedure to ci2il actions instituted to'ether .ith and as )art of criminal actions. Nor is there an, authorit, in la. for the summar, con2ersion from the latter cate'or, of an ordinar, ci2il action u)on the death of the offender. . . . *oreo2er, the ci2il action im)liedl, instituted in a criminal )roceedin' for reco2er, of ci2il lia9ilit, ex delicto can hardl, 9e cate'ori7ed as an ordinar, mone, claim such as that referred to in Sec. <8, ule 4 enforcea9le 9efore the estate of the deceased accused.

49

&rdinar, mone, claims referred to in Section <8, ule 4 must 9e 2ie.ed in li'ht of the )ro2isions of Section 5, ule 85 in2ol2in' claims a'ainst the estate, .hich in Senda&diego .as held lia9le for Senda,die'o:s ci2il lia9ilit,. 1Chat are contem)lated in Section <8 of ule 4, in relation to Section 5 of ule 85, 1. are contractual mone, claims .hile the claims in2ol2ed in ci2il lia9ilit, ex delicto ma, include e2en the restitution of )ersonal or real )ro)ert,.1 15Section 5, ule 85 )ro2ides an e>clusi2e enumeration of .hat claims ma, 9e filed a'ainst the estate. -hese are0 funeral e>)enses, e>)enses for the last illness, +ud'ments for mone, and claim arisin' from contracts, e>)ressed or im)lied. It is clear that mone, claims arisin' from delict do not form )art of this e>clusi2e enumeration. ?ence, there could 9e no le'al 9asis in 386 treatin' a ci2il action ex delicto as an ordinar, contractual mone, claim referred to in Section <8, ule 4 of the ules of Court and 3<6 allo.in' it to sur2i2e 9, filin' a claim therefor 9efore the estate of the deceased accused. ather, it should 9e e>tin'uished u)on e>tinction of the criminal action en'endered 9, the death of the accused )endin' finalit, of his con2iction. "ccordin'l,, .e rule0 if the )ri2ate offended )art,, u)on e>tinction of the ci2il lia9ilit, ex delicto desires to reco2er dama'es from the same act or omission complained of he must su9+ect to Section 8, ule 888 10 38985 ules on Criminal $rocedure as amended6 file a se)arate ci2il action, this time )redicated not on the felon, )re2iousl, char'ed 9ut on other sources of o9li'ation. -he source of o9li'ation u)on .hich the se)arate ci2il action is )remised determines a'ainst .hom the same shall 9e enforced. If the same act or omission com)lained of also arises from q"asi-delict or ma,, 9, )ro2ision of la., result in an in+ur, to )erson or )ro)ert, 3real or )ersonal6, the se)arate ci2il action must 9e filed a'ainst the e>ecutor or administrator 17 of the estate of the accused )ursuant to Sec. 8, ule 87 of the ules of Court0 Sec. 8. ,ctions which ma& and which ma& not %e %ro"ght against exec"tor or administrator. ; No action u)on a claim for the reco2er, of mone, or de9t or interest thereon shall 9e commenced a'ainst the e>ecutor or administrator@ 9ut actions to reco2er real or )ersonal )ro)ert,, or an interest therein, from the estate, or to enforce a lien thereon, and actions to recover damages for an in$"r& to person or propert& real or personal ma, 9e commenced a'ainst him. -his is in consonance .ith our rulin' in Eelamala 18 .here .e held that, in reco2erin' dama'es for in+ur, to )ersons thru an inde)endent ci2il action 9ased on "rticle 44 of the Ci2il Code, the same must 9e filed a'ainst the e>ecutor or administrator of the estate of deceased accused and not a'ainst the estate under Sec. 5, ule 85 9ecause this rule e>)licitl, limits the claim to those for funeral e>)enses, e>)enses for the last sic(ness of the decedent, +ud'ment for mone, and claims arisin' from contract, e>)ress or im)lied. Contractual mone, claims, .e stressed, refers onl, to p"rel& personal o%ligations other than those .hich ha2e their source in delict or tort. Con2ersel,, if the same act or omission com)lained of also arises from contract, the se)arate ci2il action must 9e filed a'ainst the estate of the accused, )ursuant to Sec. 5, ule 85 of the ules of Court. From this len'th, dis=uisition, .e summari7e our rulin' herein0 8. Death of the accused )endin' a))eal of his con2iction e>tin'uishes his criminal lia9ilit, as .ell as the ci2il lia9ilit, 9ased solel, thereon. "s o)ined 9, #ustice e'alado, in this re'ard, 1the death of the accused )rior to final +ud'ment terminates his criminal lia9ilit, and onl& the ci2il lia9ilit, directl& arisin' from and 9ased solel, on the offense committed, i.e., ci2il lia9ilit, ex delicto in senso strictiore.1 <. Corollaril,, the claim for ci2il lia9ilit, sur2i2es not.ithstandin' the death of accused, if the same ma, also 9e )redicated on a source of o9li'ation other than delict. 19 "rticle 8857 of the Ci2il Code enumerates these other sources of o9li'ation from .hich the ci2il lia9ilit, ma, arise as a result of the same act or omission0 a6 /a.@ 96 Contracts@ c6 Juasi-contracts d6 . . .@ e6 Juasi-delicts.

4. Chere the ci2il lia9ilit, sur2i2es, as e>)lained in Num9er < a9o2e, an action for reco2er, therefor ma, 9e )ursued 9ut onl, 9, .a, of filin' a se)arate ci2il action and su9+ect to Section 8, ule 888 of the 8985 ules on Criminal $rocedure as amended. -his se)arate ci2il action ma, 9e enforced either a'ainst the e>ecutorOadministrator or the estate of the accused, de)endin' on the source of o9li'ation u)on .hich the same is 9ased as e>)lained a9o2e. 4. Finall,, the )ri2ate offended )art, need not fear a forfeiture of his ri'ht to file this se)arate ci2il action 9, )rescri)tion, in cases .here durin' the )rosecution of the criminal action and )rior to its e>tinction, the )ri2ate-offended )art, instituted to'ether there.ith the ci2il action. In such case, the statute of limitations on the ci2il lia9ilit, is deemed interru)ted durin' the )endenc, of the criminal case, conforma9l, .ith )ro2isions of "rticle 885521 of the Ci2il Code, that should there9, a2oid an, a))rehension on a )ossi9le )ri2ation of ri'ht 9, )rescri)tion.22 "))l,in' this set of rules to the case at 9ench, .e hold that the death of a))ellant Ea,otas e>tin'uished his criminal lia9ilit, and the ci2il lia9ilit, 9ased solel, on the act com)lained of, i.e., ra)e. Conse=uentl,, the a))eal is here9, dismissed .ithout =ualification. C?E EF& E, the a))eal of the late o'elio Ea,otas is DIS*ISSED .ith costs de oficio. S& & DE ED. G.R. No. 1.77/3 Apri2 1., 2//. *!$L$**$NE RA,,$& ,4- L$NE-, $NC., petitioner, v . *E"*LE "# &!E *!$L$**$NE-, re pon(ent. *ANGAN$,AN, J.5 Chen the accused-em)lo,ee a9sconds or +um)s 9ail, the +ud'ment meted out 9ecomes final and e>ecutor,. -he em)lo,er cannot defeat the finalit, of the +ud'ment 9, filin' a notice of a))eal on its o.n 9ehalf in the 'uise of as(in' for a re2ie. of its su9sidiar, ci2il lia9ilit,. Eoth the )rimar, ci2il lia9ilit, of the accusedem)lo,ee and the su9sidiar, ci2il lia9ilit, of the em)lo,er are carried in one sin'le decision that has 9ecome final and e>ecutor,. &<e C' e Eefore this Court is a $etition for e2ie.8 under ule 45 of the ules of Court, assailin' the *arch <9, <DDD< and the *arch <7, <DD84 esolutions of the Court of "))eals 3C"6 in C"-F C! No. 5949D. $etitionerVs a))eal from the +ud'ment of the e'ional -rial Court 3 -C6 of San Fernando, /a Gnion in Criminal Case No. <545 .as dismissed in the first esolution as follo.s0 1C?E EF& E, for all the fore'oin', the motion to dismiss is GRAN&ED and the a))eal is orderedD$-M$--ED.14 -he second esolution denied )etitionerVs *otion for econsideration. 5 &<e #'ct -he facts of the case are summari7ed 9, the C" in this .ise0 1&n #ul, <7, 8994, accused ANa)oleon oman , *acadan'dan'B .as found 'uilt, and con2icted of the crime of rec(less im)rudence resultin' to tri)le homicide, multi)le )h,sical in+uries and dama'e to )ro)ert, and .as sentenced to suffer the )enalt, of four 346 ,ears, nine 396 months and ele2en 3886 da,s to si> 356 ,ears, and to )a, dama'es as follo.s0 Wa. to )a, the heirs of #GS-IN& -& ES the sum of $5D,DDD.DD as indemnit, for his death, )lus the sum of $<5,484.DD, for funeral e>)enses, his unearned income for one

49

,ear at $<,5DD.DD a month,$5D,DDD.DD as indemnit, for the su))ort of enato -orres, and the further sum of $4DD,DDD.DD as moral dama'es@ W9. to the heirs of ES- E//" !E/E &, the sum of $5D,DDD.DD as indemnit, for her death, the sum of$<47,4<4.75 for funeral e>)enses, her unearned income for three ,ears at $45,DDD.DD )er annum, and the further sum of $8,DDD,DDD.DD as moral dama'es and $<DD,DDD.DD as attorne,Vs feesA@B Wc. to the heirs of /& N" "NC?E-", the sum of $5D,DDD.DD as indemnit, for her death, the sum of$<<,848.DD as funeral e>)enses, the sum of $<D,544.94 as medical e>)enses and her loss of income for 4D ,ears at $8,DDD.DD )er month, and the further sum of $8DD,DDD.DD for moral dama'es@ Wd. to *"G EEN E ENN"N, the sum of $<<9,554.DD as hos)ital e>)enses, doctorVs fees of$87D,DDD.DD for the ortho)edic sur'eon, $<<,5DD.DD for the AnBeurolo'ist, an additional indemnit, AofB at least $85D,DDD.DD to co2er future correction of deformit, of her lim9s, and moral dama'es in the amount of $8,DDD,DDD.DD@ We. to &SIE E"/"#&, the sum of $4,558.45 as medical e>)enses, $<,DDD.DD as loss of income, and$<5,DDD.DD as moral dama'es@ Wf. to -E ESI-" -"*&ND&NF, the sum of $89,8DD.47 as medical e>)enses, $8DD.DD for loss of income, and $<5,DDD.DD as moral dama'es@ W'. to #G/I"N" -"E-"E, the amount of $58D.88 as medical e>)enses, $4,5DD.DD as actual dama'es and her loss earnin's of $8,4DD.DD as .ell as moral dama'es in the amount of $8D,DDD.DD@ Wh. to *IFGE/ " JGI-&/", the sum of $8<,474.8< as hos)ital e>)enses, $84,54D.DD as doctorVs fees, $8,DDD.DD for medicines and $5D,DDD.DD as moral dama'es@ Wi. to C/" I-" C"E"NE"N, the sum of $855.DD for medical e>)enses, $87.DD for medicines,$8,78D.DD as actual dama'es and $5,DDD.DD as moral dama'es@ W+. to *" I"N& C"E"NE"N, the sum of $8,495.DD for hos)ital 9ills, $5DD.DD for medicine, $<,8DD.DD as actual dama'es, $8,<DD.DD for loss of income and $5,DDD.DD as moral dama'es@ W(. to /a Gnion Electric Com)an, as the re'istered o.ner of the -o,ota ?i-"ce !an, the amount of$<5D,DDD.DD as actual dama'es for the cost of the totall, .rec(ed 2ehicle@ to the o.ner of the +ee)ne,, the amount of $<<,598.48 as actual dama'es@V 1-he court further ruled that A)etitionerB, in the e2ent of the insol2enc, of accused, shall 9e lia9le for the ci2il lia9ilities of the accused. E2identl,, the +ud'ment a'ainst accused had 9ecome final and e>ecutor,. 1"dmittedl,, accused had +um)ed 9ail and remained at-lar'e. It is .orth mentionAin'B that Section 8, ule 8<4 of the ules of Court authori7es the dismissal of a))eal .hen a))ellant +um)s 9ail. Counsel for accused, also admittedl, hired and )ro2ided 9, A)etitionerB, filed a notice of a))eal .hich .as denied 9, the trial court. Ce affirmed the denial of the notice of a))eal filed in 9ehalf of accused.

1Simultaneousl,, on "u'ust 5, 8994, A)etitionerB filed its notice of a))eal from the +ud'ment of the trial court. &n ")ril <9, 8997, the trial court 'a2e due course to A)etitionerVsB notice of a))eal. &n Decem9er 8, 8998, A)etitionerB filed its 9rief. &n Decem9er 9, 8998, the &ffice of the Solicitor Feneral recei2ed AaB co), of A)etitionerVsB 9rief. &n #anuar, 8, 8999, the &SF mo2ed to 9e e>cused from filin' Ares)ondentsVB 9rief on the 'round that the &SFVs authorit, to re)resent $eo)le is confined to criminal cases on a))eal. -he motion .as ho.e2er denied )er &ur resolution of *a, 48, 8999. &n *arch <, 8999, Ares)ondentBO)ri2ate )rosecutor filed the instant motion to dismiss.15 3Citations omitted6 R12in6 o9 t<e Co1rt o9 Appe'2 -he C" ruled that the institution of a criminal case im)lied the institution also of the ci2il action arisin' from the offense. -hus, once determined in the criminal case a'ainst the accused-em)lo,ee, the em)lo,erVs su9sidiar, ci2il lia9ilit, as set forth in "rticle 8D4 of the e2ised $enal Code 9ecomes conclusi2e and enforcea9le. -he a))ellate court further held that to allo. an em)lo,er to dis)ute inde)endentl, the ci2il lia9ilit, fi>ed in the criminal case a'ainst the accused-em)lo,ee .ould 9e to amend, nullif, or defeat a final +ud'ment. Since the notice of a))eal filed 9, the accused had alread, 9een dismissed 9, the C", then the +ud'ment of con2iction and the a.ard of ci2il lia9ilit, 9ecame final and e>ecutor,. Included in the ci2il lia9ilit, of the accused .as the em)lo,erVs su9sidiar, lia9ilit,. ?ence, this $etition.7 &<e $ 1e $etitioner states the issues of this case as follo.s0 1". Chether or not an em)lo,er, .ho dutifull, )artici)ated in the defense of its accused-em)lo,ee, ma, a))eal the +ud'ment of con2iction inde)endentl, of the accused. 1E. Chether or not the doctrines of ,lvare. v. !o"rt of ,ppeals 3858 SC " 576 and C"sa& v. ,dil 3854 SC " 4946 a))l, to the instant case.1 8 -here is reall, onl, one issue. Item E a9o2e is merel, an ad+unct to Item ". &<e Co1rtC R12in6 -he $etition has no merit. M'in $ 1e5 Propriety of Appeal by the Employer $ointin' out that it had seasona9l, filed a notice of a))eal from the -C Decision, )etitioner contends that the +ud'ment of con2iction a'ainst the accused-em)lo,ee has not attained finalit,. -he former insists that its a))eal sta,ed the finalit,, not.ithstandin' the fact that the latter had +um)ed 9ail. In effect, )etitioner ar'ues that its a))eal ta(es the )lace of that of the accused-em)lo,ee. Ce are not )ersuaded. Appeals in Criminal Cases

49

Section 8 of ule 8<< of the <DDD e2ised ules of Criminal $rocedure states thus0 1"n, )art, ma, a))eal from a +ud'ment or final order, unless the accused .ill 9e )laced in dou9le +eo)ard,.1 Clearl,, 9oth the accused and the )rosecution ma, a))eal a criminal case, 9ut the 'o2ernment ma, do so onl, if the accused .ould not there9, 9e )laced in dou9le +eo)ard,. 9 Furthermore, the )rosecution cannot a))eal on the 'round that the accused should ha2e 9een 'i2en a more se2ere )enalt,. 8D &n the other hand, the offended )arties ma, also a))eal the +ud'ment .ith res)ect to their ri'ht to ci2il lia9ilit,. If the accused has the ri'ht to a))eal the +ud'ment of con2iction, the offended )arties should ha2e the same ri'ht to a))eal as much of the +ud'ment as is )re+udicial to them.88 Appeal by the Accused Who Jumps Bail Cell-esta9lished in our +urisdiction is the )rinci)le that the a))ellate court ma,, u)on motion or mot" proprio, dismiss an a))eal durin' its )endenc, if the accused +um)s 9ail. -he second )ara'ra)h of Section 8 of ule 8<4 of the <DDD e2ised ules of Criminal $rocedure )ro2ides0 1-he Court of "))eals ma, also, u)on motion of the a))ellee or mot" proprio, dismiss the a))eal if the a))ellant esca)es from )rison or confinement, +um)s 9ail or flees to a forei'n countr, durin' the )endenc, of the a))eal.18< -his rule is 9ased on the rationale that a))ellants lose their standin' in court .hen the, a9scond. Gnless the, surrender or su9mit to the courtVs +urisdiction, the, are deemed to ha2e .ai2ed their ri'ht to see( +udicial relief.84 *oreo2er, this doctrine a))lies not onl, to the accused .ho +um)s 9ail durin' the a))eal, 9ut also to one .ho does so durin' the trial. #ustice Floren7 D. e'alado succinctl, e>)lains the )rinci)le in this .ise0 1> > >. Chen, as in this case, the accused esca)ed after his arrai'nment and durin' the trial, 9ut the trial in a%sentia )roceeded resultin' in the )romul'ation of a +ud'ment a'ainst him and his counsel a))ealed, since he nonetheless remained at lar'e his a))eal must 9e dismissed 9, analo', .ith the aforesaid )ro2ision of this ule A ule 8<4, T8 of the ules on Criminal $rocedureB. > > >184 -he accused cannot 9e accorded the ri'ht to a))eal unless the, 2oluntaril, su9mit to the +urisdiction of the court or are other.ise arrested .ithin 85 da,s from notice of the +ud'ment a'ainst them. 85 Chile at lar'e, the, cannot see( relief from the court, as the, are deemed to ha2e .ai2ed the a))eal. 85 Finality of a Decision in a Criminal Case "s to .hen a +ud'ment of con2iction attains finalit, is e>)lained in Section 7 of ule 8<D of the <DDD ules of Criminal $rocedure, .hich .e =uote0 1" +ud'ment of con2iction ma,, u)on motion of the accused, 9e modified or set aside 9efore it 9ecomes final or 9efore a))eal is )erfected. E>ce)t .here the death )enalt, is im)osed, a +ud'ment 9ecomes final after the la)se of the )eriod for )erfectin' an a))eal, or .hen the sentence has 9een )artiall, or totall, satisfied or ser2ed, or .hen the accused has .ai2ed in .ritin' his ri'ht to a))eal, or has a))lied for )ro9ation.1 In the case 9efore us, the accused-em)lo,ee has esca)ed and refused to surrender to the )ro)er authorities@ thus, he is deemed to ha2e a9andoned his a))eal. Conse=uentl,, the +ud'ment a'ainst him has 9ecome final and e>ecutor,.87

iability of an Employer in a Findin! of "uilt "rticle 8D< of the e2ised $enal Code states the su9sidiar, ci2il lia9ilities of inn(ee)ers, as follo.s0 1In default of the )ersons criminall, lia9le, inn(ee)ers, ta2ern(ee)ers, and an, other )ersons or cor)orations shall 9e ci2ill, lia9le for crimes committed in their esta9lishments, in all cases .here a 2iolation of munici)al ordinances or some 'eneral or s)ecial )olice re'ulation shall ha2e 9een committed 9, them or their em)lo,ees. 1Inn(ee)ers are also su9sidiar, lia9le for restitution of 'oods ta(en 9, ro99er, or theft .ithin their houses from 'uests lod'in' therein, or for )a,ment of the 2alue thereof, )ro2ided that such 'uests shall ha2e notified in ad2ance the inn(ee)er himself, or the )erson re)resentin' him, of the de)osit of such 'oods .ithin the inn@ and shall furthermore ha2e follo.ed the directions .hich such inn(ee)er or his re)resentati2e ma, ha2e 'i2en them .ith res)ect to the care and 2i'ilance o2er such 'oods. No lia9ilit, shall attach in case of ro99er, .ith 2iolence a'ainst or intimidation of )ersons unless committed 9, the inn(ee)erVs em)lo,ees.1 *oreo2er, the fore'oin' su9sidiar, lia9ilit, a))lies to em)lo,ers, accordin' to "rticle 8D4 .hich reads0 1-he su9sidiar, lia9ilit, esta9lished in the ne>t )recedin' article shall also a))l, to em)lo,ers, teachers, )ersons, and cor)orations en'a'ed in an, (ind of industr, for felonies committed 9, their ser2ants, )u)ils, .or(men, a))rentices, or em)lo,ees in the dischar'e of their duties.1 ?a2in' laid all these 9asic rules and )rinci)les, .e no. address the main issue raised 9, )etitioner. Ci#il iability Deemed $nstituted in the Criminal Prosecution "t the outset, .e must e>)lain that the <DDD ules of Criminal $rocedure has clarified .hat ci2il actions are deemed instituted in a criminal )rosecution. Section 8 of ule 888 of the current ules of Criminal $rocedure )ro2ides0 1Chen a criminal action is instituted, the ci2il action for the reco2er, of ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from the offense char'ed shall 9e deemed instituted .ith the criminal action unless the offended )art, .ai2es the ci2il action, reser2es the ri'ht to institute it se)aratel, or institutes the ci2il action )rior to the criminal action. 1> > &nl, the ci2il lia9ilit, of the accused arisin' from the crime char'ed is deemed im)liedl, instituted in a criminal action@ that is, unless the offended )art, .ai2es the ci2il action, reser2es the ri'ht to institute it se)aratel,, or institutes it )rior to the criminal action.88 ?ence, the su9sidiar, ci2il lia9ilit, of the em)lo,er under "rticle 8D4 of the e2ised $enal Code ma, 9e enforced 9, e>ecution on the 9asis of the +ud'ment of con2iction meted out to the em)lo,ee.89 It is clear that the <DDD ules deleted the re=uirement of reser2in' inde)endent ci2il actions and allo.ed these to )roceed se)aratel, from criminal actions. -hus, the ci2il actions referred to in "rticles 4<,<D 44,<8 44<< and <875<4 of the Ci2il Code shall remain 1se)arate, distinct and inde)endent1 of an, criminal )rosecution 9ased on the same act. ?ere are some direct conse=uences of such re2ision and omission0 8. -he ri'ht to 9rin' the fore'oin' actions 9ased on the Ci2il Code need not 9e reser2ed in the criminal )rosecution, since the, are not deemed included therein. <. -he institution or the .ai2er of the ri'ht to file a se)arate ci2il action arisin' from the crime char'ed does not e>tin'uish the ri'ht to 9rin' such action.

49

4. -he onl, limitation is that the offended )art, cannot reco2er more than once for the same act or omission.<4 Chat is deemed instituted in e2er, criminal )rosecution is the ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from the crime or delict )er se 3ci2il lia9ilit, ex delicto6, 9ut not those lia9ilities arisin' from =uasi-delicts, contracts or =uasi-contracts. In fact, e2en if a ci2il action is filed se)aratel,, the ex delicto ci2il lia9ilit, in the criminal )rosecution remains, and the offended )art, ma, -- su9+ect to the control of the )rosecutor -- still inter2ene in the criminal action, in order to )rotect the remainin' ci2il interest therein.<5 -his discussion is com)letel, in accord .ith the e2ised $enal Code, .hich states that 1AeB2er, )erson criminall, lia9le for a felon, is also ci2ill, lia9le.1 <5 $etitioner ar'ues that, as an em)lo,er, it is considered a )art, to the criminal case and is conclusi2el, 9ound 9, the outcome thereof. Conse=uentl,, )etitioner must 9e accorded the ri'ht to )ursue the case to its lo'ical conclusion -- includin' the a))eal. -he ar'ument has no merit. Gndis)utedl,, )etitioner is not a direct )art, to the criminal case, .hich .as filed solel, a'ainst Na)oleon *. oman, its em)lo,ee. In its *emorandum, )etitioner cited a com)rehensi2e list of cases dealin' .ith the su9sidiar, lia9ilit, of em)lo,ers. -hereafter, it noted that none can 9e a))lied to it, 9ecause 1in all thAoBse cases, the accusedVs em)lo,er did not inter)ose an a))eal.1<7 Indeed, )etitioner cannot cite an, sin'le case in .hich the em)lo,er a))ealed, )recisel, 9ecause an a))eal in such circumstances is not )ossi9le. -he cases dealin' .ith the su9sidiar, lia9ilit, of em)lo,ers uniforml, declare that, strictl, s)ea(in', the, are not )arties to the criminal cases instituted a'ainst their em)lo,ees.<8 "lthou'h in su9stance and in effect, the, ha2e an interest therein, this fact should 9e 2ie.ed in the li'ht of their su9sidiar, lia9ilit,. Chile the, ma, assist their em)lo,ees to the e>tent of su))l,in' the latterVs la.,ers, as in the )resent case, the former cannot act inde)endentl, on their o.n 9ehalf, 9ut can onl, defend the accused. Wai#er of Constitutional %afe!uard A!ainst Double Jeopardy $etitionerVs a))eal o92iousl, aims to ha2e the accused-em)lo,ee a9sol2ed of his criminal res)onsi9ilit, and the +ud'ment re2ie.ed as a .hole. -hese intentions are a))arent from its "))ellantVs Erief <9 filed .ith the C" and from its $etition4D 9efore us, 9oth of .hich claim that the trial courtVs findin' of 'uilt 1is not su))orted 9, com)etent e2idence.148 "n a))eal from the sentence of the trial court im)lies a .ai2er of the constitutional safe'uard a'ainst dou9le +eo)ard, and thro.s the .hole case o)en to a re2ie. 9, the a))ellate court. -he latter is then called u)on to render +ud'ment as la. and +ustice dictate, .hether fa2ora9le or unfa2ora9le to the a))ellant. 4< -his is the ris( in2ol2ed .hen the accused decides to a))eal a sentence of con2iction. 44 Indeed, a))ellate courts ha2e the )o.er to re2erse, affirm or modif, the +ud'ment of the lo.er court and to increase or reduce the )enalt, it im)osed.44 If the )resent a))eal is 'i2en course, the .hole case a'ainst the accused-em)lo,ee 9ecomes o)en to re2ie.. It thus follo.s that a )enalt, hi'her than that .hich has alread, 9een im)osed 9, the trial court ma, 9e meted out to him. $etitionerVs a))eal .ould thus 2iolate his ri'ht a'ainst dou9le +eo)ard,, since the +ud'ment a'ainst him could 9ecome su9+ect to modification .ithout his consent. Ce are not in a )osition to second-'uess the reason .h, the accused effecti2el, .ai2ed his ri'ht to a))eal 9, +um)in' 9ail. It is clear, thou'h, that )etitioner ma, not a))eal .ithout 2iolatin' his ri'ht a'ainst dou9le +eo)ard,.

Effect of Abscondin! on the Appeal Process *oreo2er, .ithin the meanin' of the )rinci)les 'o2ernin' the )re2ailin' criminal )rocedure, the accused im)liedl, .ithdre. his a))eal 9, +um)in' 9ail and there9, made the +ud'ment of the court 9elo. final.45 ?a2in' 9een a fu'iti2e from +ustice for a lon' )eriod of time, he is deemed to ha2e .ai2ed his ri'ht to a))eal. -hus, his con2iction is no. final and e>ecutor,. -he Court in #eople v. ,ng Bioc45 ruled0 1-here are certain fundamental ri'hts .hich cannot 9e .ai2ed e2en 9, the accused himself, 9ut the ri'ht of a))eal is not one of them. -his ri'ht is 'ranted solel, for the 9enefit of the accused. ?e ma, a2ail of it or not, as he )leases. ?e ma, .ai2e it either e>)ressl, or 9, im)lication. Chen the accused flees after the case has 9een su9mitted to the court for decision, he .ill 9e deemed to ha2e .ai2ed his ri'ht to a))eal from the +ud'ment rendered a'ainst him. > > >.1 47 E, fleein', the herein accused e>hi9ited contem)t of the authorit, of the court and )laced himself in a )osition to s)eculate on his chances for a re2ersal. In the )rocess, he (e)t himself out of the reach of +ustice, 9ut ho)ed to render the +ud'ment nu'ator, at his o)tion. 48 Such conduct is intolera9le and does not in2ite lenienc, on the )art of the a))ellate court.49 Conse=uentl,, the +ud'ment a'ainst an a))ellant .ho esca)es and .ho refuses to surrender to the )ro)er authorities 9ecomes final and e>ecutor,.4D -hus far, .e ha2e clarified that )etitioner has no ri'ht to a))eal the criminal case a'ainst the accusedem)lo,ee@ that 9, +um)in' 9ail, he has .ai2ed his ri'ht to a))eal@ and that the +ud'ment in the criminal case a'ainst him is no. final. %ubsidiary iability &pon Finality of Jud!ment "s a matter of la., the su9sidiar, lia9ilit, of )etitioner no. accrues. $etitioner ar'ues that the rulin's of this Court in 0iranda v. 0alate Barage 8 )axica% Inc.,48 ,lvare. v. !,4< and C"sa& v. ,dil44 do not a))l, to the )resent case, 9ecause it has follo.ed the CourtVs directi2e to the em)lo,ers in these cases to ta(e )art in the criminal cases a'ainst their em)lo,ees. E, )artici)atin' in the defense of its em)lo,ee, herein )etitioner tries to shield itself from the undis)uted rulin's laid do.n in these leadin' cases. Such )osturin' is untena9le. In dissectin' these cases on su9sidiar, lia9ilit,, )etitioner lost trac( of the most 9asic tenet the, ha2e laid do.n -- that an em)lo,erVs lia9ilit, in a findin' of 'uilt a'ainst its accused-em)lo,ee is su9sidiar,. Gnder "rticle 8D4 of the e2ised $enal Code, em)lo,ers are su9sidiaril, lia9le for the ad+udicated ci2il lia9ilities of their em)lo,ees in the e2ent of the latterVs insol2enc,.44 -he )ro2isions of the e2ised $enal Code on su9sidiar, lia9ilit, -- "rticles 8D< and 8D4 -- are deemed .ritten into the +ud'ments in the cases to .hich the, are a))lica9le.45 -hus, in the dis)ositi2e )ortion of its decision, the trial court need not e>)ressl, )ronounce the su9sidiar, lia9ilit, of the em)lo,er. In the a9sence of an, collusion 9et.een the accused-em)lo,ee and the offended )art,, the +ud'ment of con2iction should 9ind the )erson .ho is su9sidiaril, lia9le. 45 In effect and im)lication, the sti'ma of a criminal con2iction sur)asses mere ci2il lia9ilit,.47 -o allo. em)lo,ers to dis)ute the ci2il lia9ilit, fi>ed in a criminal case .ould ena9le them to amend, nullif, or defeat a final +ud'ment rendered 9, a com)etent court.48 E, the same to(en, to allo. them to a))eal the final criminal con2iction of their em)lo,ees .ithout the latterVs consent .ould also result in im)ro)erl, amendin', nullif,in' or defeatin' the +ud'ment.

49

-he decision con2ictin' an em)lo,ee in a criminal case is 9indin' and conclusi2e u)on the em)lo,er not onl, .ith re'ard to the formerVs ci2il lia9ilit,, 9ut also .ith re'ard to its amount. -he lia9ilit, of an em)lo,er cannot 9e se)arated from that of the em)lo,ee.49 Eefore the em)lo,ersV su9sidiar, lia9ilit, is e>acted, ho.e2er, there must 9e ade=uate e2idence esta9lishin' that 386 the, are indeed the em)lo,ers of the con2icted em)lo,ees@ 3<6 that the former are en'a'ed in some (ind of industr,@ 346 that the crime .as committed 9, the em)lo,ees in the dischar'e of their duties@ and 346 that the e>ecution a'ainst the latter has not 9een satisfied due to insol2enc,. 5D -he resolution of these issues need not 9e done in a se)arate ci2il action. Eut the determination must 9e 9ased on the e2idence that the offended )art, and the em)lo,er ma, full, and freel, )resent. Such determination ma, 9e done in the same criminal action in .hich the em)lo,eeVs lia9ilit,, criminal and ci2il, has 9een )ronounced@58and in a hearin' set for that )recise )ur)ose, .ith due notice to the em)lo,er, as )art of the )roceedin's for the e>ecution of the +ud'ment. #ust 9ecause the )resent )etitioner )artici)ated in the defense of its accused-em)lo,ee does not mean that its lia9ilit, has transformed its nature@ its lia9ilit, remains su9sidiar,. Neither .ill its )artici)ation erase its su9sidiar, lia9ilit,. -he fact remains that since the accused-em)lo,eeVs con2iction has attained finalit,, then the su9sidiar, lia9ilit, of the em)lo,er ipso facto attaches. "ccordin' to the ar'ument of )etitioner, fairness dictates that .hile the finalit, of con2iction could 9e the )ro)er sanction to 9e im)osed u)on the accused for +um)in' 9ail, the same sanction should not affect it. In effect, )etitioner-em)lo,er s)lits this case into t.o0 first for itself@ and second for its accused-em)lo,ee. -he untena9ilit, of this ar'ument is clearl, e2ident. -here is onl, one criminal case a'ainst the accusedem)lo,ee. " findin' of 'uilt has 9oth criminal and ci2il as)ects. It is the hei'ht of a9surdit, for this sin'le case to 9e final as to the accused .ho +um)ed 9ail, 9ut not as to an entit, .hose lia9ilit, is de)endent u)on the con2iction of the former. -he su9sidiar, lia9ilit, of )etitioner is incidental to and de)endent on the )ecuniar, ci2il lia9ilit, of the accused-em)lo,ee. Since the ci2il lia9ilit, of the latter has 9ecome final and enforcea9le 9, reason of his fli'ht, then the formerVs su9sidiar, ci2il lia9ilit, has also 9ecome immediatel, enforcea9le. es)ondent is correct in ar'uin' that the conce)t of su9sidiar, lia9ilit, is hi'hl, contin'ent on the im)osition of the )rimar, ci2il lia9ilit,. 'o Depri#ation of Due Process "s to the ar'ument that )etitioner .as de)ri2ed of due )rocess, .e reiterate that .hat is sou'ht to 9e enforced is the su9sidiar, ci2il lia9ilit, incident to and de)endent u)on the em)lo,eeVs criminal ne'li'ence. In other .ords, the em)lo,er 9ecomes ipso facto su9sidiaril, lia9le u)on the con2iction of the em)lo,ee and u)on )roof of the latterVs insol2enc,, in the same .a, that ac=uittal .i)es out not onl, his )rimar, ci2il lia9ilit,, 9ut also his em)lo,erVs su9sidiar, lia9ilit, for his criminal ne'li'ence. 5< It should 9e stressed that the ri'ht to a))eal is neither a natural ri'ht nor a )art of due )rocess. 54 It is merel, a )rocedural remed, of statutor, ori'in, a remed, that ma, 9e e>ercised onl, in the manner )rescri9ed 9, the )ro2isions of la. authori7in' such e>ercise.54 ?ence, the le'al re=uirements must 9e strictl, com)lied .ith. 55 It .ould 9e incorrect to consider the re=uirements of the rules on a))eal as merel, harmless and tri2ial technicalities that can 9e discarded.55 Indeed, de2iations from the rules cannot 9e tolerated.57 In these times .hen court doc(ets are clo''ed .ith numerous liti'ations, such rules ha2e to 9e follo.ed 9, )arties .ith 'reater fidelit,, so as to facilitate the orderl, dis)osition of those cases.58

"fter a +ud'ment has 9ecome final, 2ested ri'hts are ac=uired 9, the .innin' )art,. If the )ro)er losin' )art, has the ri'ht to file an a))eal .ithin the )rescri9ed )eriod, then the former has the correlati2e ri'ht to en+o, the finalit, of the resolution of the case.59 In fact, )etitioner admits that 9, hel)in' the accused-em)lo,ee, it )artici)ated in the )roceedin's 9efore the -C@ thus, it cannot 9e said that the em)lo,er .as de)ri2ed of due )rocess. It mi'ht ha2e lost its ri'ht to a))eal, 9ut it .as not denied its da, in court. 5D In fact, it can 9e said that 9, +um)in' 9ail, the accusedem)lo,ee, not the court, de)ri2ed )etitioner of the ri'ht to a))eal. "ll told, .hat is left to 9e done is to e>ecute the -C Decision a'ainst the accused. It should 9e clear that onl, after )roof of his insol2enc, ma, the su9sidiar, lia9ilit, of )etitioner 9e enforced. It has 9een sufficientl, )ro2en that there e>ists an em)lo,er-em)lo,ee relationshi)@ that the em)lo,er is en'a'ed in some (ind of industr,@ and that the em)lo,ee has 9een ad+ud'ed 'uilt, of the .ron'ful act and found to ha2e committed the offense in the dischar'e of his duties. -he )roof is clear from the admissions of )etitioner that 1AoBn <5 "u'ust 899D, while on its reg"lar trip from +aoag to 0anila a passenger %"s owned %& petitioner %eing then operated %& petitionerPs driver Na)oleon oman, fig"red in an accident in San /"an +a 9nion > > >.158 Neither does )etitioner dis)ute that there .as alread, a findin' of 'uilt a'ainst the accused .hile he .as in the dischar'e of his duties. C?E EF& E, the $etition is here9, DEN$ED, and the assailed esolutions A##$RMED. Costs a'ainst )etitioner. S& & DE ED. G.R. No. 129/29 Apri2 3, 2/// RA#AEL RE:E- &R4C8$NG C"R*"RA&$"N, petitioner, v . *E"*LE "# &!E *!$L$**$NE- 'n( R"-AR$" *. D: =9or <er e29 'n( on be<'29 o9 t<e minor M'ri' L1i ', #r'nci E(D'r(, #r'nci M'rA 'n( #r'nci R'9'e2, '22 1rn'me( D3>, re pon(ent . *ARD", J.: -he case is an a))eal 2ia certiorari from the amended decision 8 of the Court of "))eals< affirmin' the decision and su))lemental decision of the trial court, 4 as follo.s0 IN !IEC &F -?E F& EF&INF, +ud'ment is here9, rendered dismissin' the a))eals inter)osed 9, 9oth accused and e,es -ruc(in' Cor)oration and affirmin' the Decision and Su))lemental Decision dated #une 5, 899< and &cto9er <5, 899< res)ecti2el,. S& & DE ED. 4 -he facts are as follo.s0 &n &cto9er 8D, 8989, $ro2incial $rosecutor $atricio -. Durian of Isa9ela filed .ith the e'ional -rial Court, Isa9ela, Eranch 89, Caua,an an amended information char'in' omeo Dunca , de -umol .ith rec(less im)rudence resultin' in dou9le homicide and dama'e to )ro)ert,, readin' as follo.s0 -hat on or a9out the <Dth da, of #une, 8989, in the *unici)alit, of Caua,an, $ro2ince of Isa9ela, $hili))ines, and .ithin the +urisdiction of this ?onora9le Court, the said accused 9ein' the dri2er and )erson-in-char'e of a -railer -ruc( -ractor 9earin' $late No. N<"-857 re'istered in the name of afael e,es -ruc(in' Cor)oration, .ith a load of <,DDD cases of em)t, 9ottles of 9eer 'rande, .illfull,, unla.full, and feloniousl, dro2e and o)erated the same .hile alon' the National ?i'h.a, of Earan'a, -a'aran, in said *unici)alit,, in a ne'li'ent, careless and im)rudent manner, .ithout due re'ard to traffic la.s, rules and ordinances and .ithout ta(in' the necessar, )recautions to )re2ent in+uries to )ersons and dama'e to )ro)ert,, causin' 9, such ne'li'ence, carelessness and im)rudence the said trailer truc( to hit and 9um) a Nissan $ic(-u) 9earin' $late No. EEF957 dri2en 9, Feliciano Ealcita and Francisco D,, #r., X $ac=uin', due to irre2ersi9le shoc(, internal and e>ternal hemorrha'e and multi)le in+uries, o)en .ounds, a9rasions, and further causin' dama'es to the heirs of Feliciano Ealcita in the amount of $8DD,DDD.DD and to the death

49

of Francisco D,, #r.@ X $ac=uin' and dama'es to his Nissan $ic(-G) 9earin' $late No. EEF-957 in the total amount of $<,DDD,DDD.DD. C&N- " M -& /"C. Caua,an, Isa9ela, &cto9er 8D, 8989. 3S'd.6 F"GS-& C. C"E"N-"C -hird "ssistant $ro2incial $rosecutor G)on arrai'nment on &cto9er <4, 8989, the accused entered a )lea of not 'uilt,. &n the same occasion, the offended )arties 3 osario $. D, and minor children and "n'elina *. Ealcita and minor son $aolo6 made a reser2ation to file a se)arate ci2il action a'ainst the accused arisin' from the offense char'ed. 5 &n No2em9er <9, 8989, the offended )arties actuall, filed .ith the e'ional -rial Court, Isa9ela, Eranch 89, Caua,an a com)laint a'ainst )etitioner afael e,es -ruc(in' Cor)oration, as em)lo,er of dri2er omeo Dunca , de -umol, 9ased onq"asi delict. -he )etitioner settled the claim of the heirs of Feliciano Ealcita 3the dri2er of the other 2ehicle in2ol2ed in the accident6. -he )ri2ate res)ondents o)ted to )ursue the criminal action 9ut did not .ithdra. the ci2il case q"asi ex delicto the, filed a'ainst )etitioner. &n Decem9er 85, 8989, )ri2ate res)ondents .ithdre. the reser2ation to file a se)arate ci2il action a'ainst the accused and manifested that the, .ould )rosecute the ci2il as)ect ex delicto in the criminal action.5 ?o.e2er, the, did not .ithdra. the se)arate ci2il action 9ased on q"asi delict a'ainst )etitioner as em)lo,er arisin' from the same act or omission of the accused dri2er.7 G)on a'reement of the )arties, the trial court consolidated 9oth criminal and ci2il cases and conducted a +oint trial of the same. -he facts, as found 9, the trial court, .hich a))ear to 9e undis)uted, are as follo.s0 -he defendant afael e,es -ruc(in' Cor)oration is a domestic cor)oration en'a'ed in the 9usiness of trans)ortin' 9eer )roducts for the San *i'uel Cor)oration 3S*C for Short6 from the latter:s San Fernando, $am)an'a )lant to its 2arious sales outlets in /u7on. "mon' its fleets of 2ehicles for hire is the .hite truc( trailer descri9ed a9o2e dri2en 9, omeo Dunca , -umol, a dul, licensed dri2er. "side from the Cor)oration:s memorandum to all its dri2ers and hel)ers to )h,sicall, ins)ect their 2ehicles 9efore each tri) 3E>h. 85, )ars. 4 N 56, the S*C:s -raffic In2esti'ator-Ins)ector certified the road.orthiness of this Chite -ruc( trailer )rior to #une <D, 8989 3E>h. 876. In addition to a )rofessional dri2er:s license, it also conducts a ri'id e>amination of all dri2er a))licants 9efore the, are hired. In the earl, mornin' of #une <D, 8989, the Chite -ruc( dri2en 9, Dunca left -u'ue'arao, Ca'a,an 9ound to San Fernando, $am)an'a loaded .ith <,DDD cases of em)t, 9eer 1Frande1 9ottles. Seated at the front ri'ht seat 9eside him .as Ferdinand Domin'o, his truc( hel)er 31)ahinante1 in $ili)ino6. "t around 40DD o:cloc( that same mornin' .hile the truc( .as descendin' at a sli'ht do.n'rade alon' the national road at -a'aran, Caua,an, Isa9ela, it a))roached a dama'ed )ortion of the road co2erin' the full .idth of the truc(:s ri'ht lane 'oin' south and a9out si> meters in len'th. -hese made the surface of the road une2en 9ecause the )otholes .ere a9out fi2e to si> inches dee). -he left lane )arallel to this dama'ed )ortion is smooth. "s narrated 9, Ferdinand Domin'o, 9efore a))roachin' the )otholes, he and Dunca sa. the Nissan .ith its headli'hts on comin' from the o))osite direction. -he, used to e2ade this dama'ed road 9, ta(in' the left lance 9ut at that )articular moment, 9ecause of the incomin' 2ehicle, the, had to run o2er it. -his caused the truc( to 9ounce .ildl,. Dunca lost control of the .heels and the truc( s.er2ed to the left in2adin' the lane of the Nissan. "s a result, Dunca:s 2ehicle rammed the incomin' Nissan dra''in' it to the left shoulder of the road and clim9ed a rid'e a9o2e said shoulder .here it finall, sto))ed. 3see E>h. "-5, ). 8, record6. -he Nissan .as se2erel, dama'ed 3E>hs. "-7, "-8, "-9 and "-84, )). 9-88 record6, and its t.o )assen'ers, namel,0 Feliciano Ealcita and Francisco D,, #r. died instantl, 3E>h. "-896 from e>ternal and internal hemorrha'e and multi)le fractures 3)). 85 and 85, record6.

For the funeral e>)enses of Francisco D,, #r. her .ido. s)ent $558,45D.DD 3E>h. I-46. "t the time of his death he .as 45 ,ears old. ?e .as the $resident and Chairman of the Eoard of the D,namic Cood $roducts and De2elo)ment Cor)oration 3DC$C6, a .ood )rocessin' esta9lishment, from .hich he .as recei2in' an income of $8D,DDD.DD a month. 3E>h. D6. In the "rticles of Incor)oration of the DC$C, the s)ouses Francisco D,, #r. and osario $ere7 D, a))ear to 9e stoc(holders of 8D,DDD shares each .ith )ar 2alue of $8DD.DD )er share out of its outstandin' and su9scri9ed ca)ital stoc( of 5D,DDD shares 2alued at $5,DDD,DDD.DD 3E>hs. Q-8 N 8D-E6. Gnder its 8988 Income -a> eturns 3E>h. #6 the DC$C had a ta>a9le net income of $78,499.4D 3E>h. #6. Francisco D,, #r. .as a /a Salle Gni2ersit, 'raduate in Eusiness "dministration, )ast )resident of the $asa, #a,cees, National -reasurer and $resident of the $hili))ine #a,cees in 8978 and 8975, res)ecti2el,, and Corld !ice-$resident of #a,cees International in 8979. ?e .as also the reci)ient of numerous a.ards as a ci2ic leader 3E>h. C6. ?is children .ere all stud,in' in )resti'ious schools and s)ent a9out $88D,DDD.DD for their education in 8988 alone 3E>h. ?-46. "s stated earlier, the )laintiffs: )rocurement of a .rit of attachment of the )ro)erties of the Cor)oration .as declared ille'al 9, the Court of "))eals. It .as sho.n that on Decem9er <5, 8989, De)ut, Sheriff Ed'ardo %a9at of the -C at San Fernando, $am)an'a, attached si> units of -ruc( -ractors and trailers of the Cor)oration at its 'ara'e at San Fernando, $am)an'a. -hese 2ehicles .ere (e)t under $C 'uard 9, the )laintiffs in said 'ara'e thus )re2entin' the Cor)oration to o)erate them. ?o.e2er, on Decem9er <8, 8989, the Court of "))eals dissol2ed the .rit 3). 4D, record6 and on Decem9er <9, 8989, said Sheriff re)orted to this Court that the attached 2ehicles .ere ta(en 9, the defendant:s re)resentati2e, *elita *ana)il 3E>h. &, ). 48, record6. -he defendant:s 'eneral *ana'er declared that it lost $<8,DDD.DD )er da, for the non-o)eration of the si> units durin' their attachment 3). 48, t.s.n., Nati2idad C. Ea9aran, )roceedin's on Decem9er 8D, 899D6.8 &n #une 5, 899<, the trial court rendered a +oint decision, the dis)ositi2e )ortion of .hich reads as follo.s0 C?E EF& E, in 2ie. of the fore'oin' considerations +ud'ment is here9, rendered0 8. Findin' the accused omeo Dunca , de -umol 'uilt, 9e,ond reasona9le dou9t of the crime of Dou9le ?omicide throu'h ec(less Im)rudence .ith 2iolation of the *otor !ehicle /a. 3 e). "ct No. 48456, and a))reciatin' in his fa2or the miti'atin' circumstance of 2oluntar, surrender .ithout an, a''ra2atin' circumstance to offset the same, the Court here9, sentences him to suffer t.o 3<6 indeterminate )enalties of four months and one da, of arresto ma&or as minimum to three ,ears, si> months and t.ent, da,s as ma>imum@ to indemnif, the ?eirs of Francisco D,. #r. in the amount of $4,DDD,DDD.DD as com)ensator, dama'es, $8,DDD,DDD.DD as moral dama'es, and $8,D4D,DDD.DD as funeral e>)enses@ <. &rderin' the )laintiff in Ci2il Case No. Er. 89-4<4 to )a, the defendant therein actual dama'es in the amount of $84,DDD.DD@ and 4. &rderin' the dismissal of the com)laint in Ci2il Case No. Er. 89-4<4. No )ronouncement as to costs. S& & DE ED. Caua,an, Isa9ela, #une 5, 899<. 3S'd.6 " -E*I& . "/I!I" e'ional -rial #ud'e9 &n Se)tem9er 4, 899<, )etitioner and the accused filed a notice of a))eal from the +oint decision. 8D

49

&n the other hand, )ri2ate res)ondents mo2ed for amendment of the dis)ositi2e )ortion of the +oint decision so as to hold )etitioner su9sidiaril, lia9le for the dama'es a.arded to the )ri2ate res)ondents in the e2ent of insol2enc, of the accused. 88 &n &cto9er <5, 899<, the trial court rendered a su))lemental decision amendin' the dis)ositi2e )ortion 9, insertin' an additional )ara'ra)h readin' as follo.s0 <0" ; &rderin' the defendant e,es -ruc(in' Cor)oration su9sidiaril, lia9le for all the dama'es a.arded to the heirs of Francisco D,, #r., in the e2ent of insol2enc, of the accused 9ut deductin' therefrom the dama'es of $84,DDD.DD a.arded to said defendant in the ne>t )recedin' )ara'ra)h@ and . . . 8< &n No2em9er 8<, 899<, )etitioner filed .ith the trial court a su))lemental notice of a))eal from the su))lemental decision. 84 Durin' the )endenc, of the a))eal, the accused +um)ed 9ail and fled to a forei'n countr,. E, resolution dated Decem9er <9, 8994, the Court of "))eals dismissed the a))eal of the accused in the criminal case. 84 &n #anuar, 5, 8997, the Court of "))eals rendered an amended decision affirmin' that of the trial court, as set out in the o)enin' )ara'ra)h of this decision. 85 &n #anuar, 48, 8997, )etitioner filed a motion for reconsideration of the amended decision. 85 &n ")ril <8, 8997, the Court of "))eals denied )etitioner:s motion for reconsideration for lac( of merit 87 ?ence, this )etition for re2ie.. 88 &n #ul, <8, 8997, the Court re=uired res)ondents to comment on the )etition .ithin ten 38D6 da,s from notice. 89 &n #anuar, <7, 8998, the Solicitor Feneral filed his comment. <D &n ")ril 84, 8998, the Court 'ranted lea2e to )etitioner to file a re)l, and noted the re)l, it filed on *arch 88, 8998. <8 Ce no. resol2e to 'i2e due course to the )etition and decide the case. $etitioner raises three 346 'rounds for allo.ance of the )etition, .hich, ho.e2er, 9oil do.n to t.o 3<6 9asic issues, namel,0 8. *a, )etitioner as o.ner of the truc( in2ol2ed in the accident 9e held su9sidiaril, lia9le for the dama'es a.arded to the offended )arties in the criminal action a'ainst the truc( dri2er des)ite the filin' of a se)arate ci2il action 9, the offended )arties a'ainst the em)lo,er of the truc( dri2erK <. *a, the Court a.ard dama'es to the offended )arties in the criminal case des)ite the filin' of a ci2il action a'ainst the em)lo,er of the truc( dri2er@ and in amounts e>ceedin' that alle'ed in the information for rec(less im)rudence resultin' in homicide and dama'e to )ro)ert,K << Ce 'rant the )etition, resol2in' under the circumstances pro hac vice to remand the cases to the trial court for determination of the ci2il lia9ilit, of )etitioner as em)lo,er of the accused dri2er in the ci2il action q"asi ex delictore-o)ened for the )ur)ose. In ne'li'ence cases, the a''rie2ed )art, has the choice 9et.een 386 an action to enforce ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from crime under "rticle 8DD of the e2ised $enal Code@ and 3<6 a se)arate action for q"asi delict under

"rticle <875 of the Ci2il Code of the $hili))ines. &nce the choice is made, the in+ured )art, can not a2ail himself of an, other remed, 9ecause he ma, not reco2er dama'es t.ice for the same ne'li'ent act or omission of the accused. <4-his is the rule a'ainst dou9le reco2er,.1wphi1.nt In other .ords, 1the same act or omission can create t.o (inds of lia9ilit, on the )art of the offender, that is, ci2il lia9ilit, ex delicto, and ci2il lia9ilit, q"asi delicto1 either of .hich 1ma, 9e enforced a'ainst the cul)rit, su9+ect to the ca2eat under "rticle <877 of the Ci2il Code that the offended )art, can not reco2er dama'es under 9oth t,)es of lia9ilit,.1 <4 In the instant case, the offended )arties elected to file a se)arate ci2il action for dama'es a'ainst )etitioner as em)lo,er of the accused, 9ased on q"asi delict, under "rticle <875 of the Ci2il Code of the $hili))ines. $ri2ate res)ondents sued )etitioner afael e,es -ruc(in' Cor)oration, as the em)lo,er of the accused, to 9e 2icariousl, lia9le for the fault or ne'li'ence of the latter. Gnder the la., this 2icarious lia9ilit, of the em)lo,er is founded on at least t.o s)ecific )ro2isions of la.. -he first is e>)ressed in "rticle <875 in relation to "rticle <88D of the Ci2il Code, .hich .ould allo. an action )redicated on q"asi-delict to 9e instituted 9, the in+ured )art, a'ainst the em)lo,er for an act or omission of the em)lo,ee and .ould necessitate onl, a )re)onderance of e2idence to )re2ail. ?ere, the lia9ilit, of the em)lo,er for the ne'li'ent conduct of the su9ordinate is direct and )rimar,, su9+ect to the defense of due dili'ence in the selection and su)er2ision of the em)lo,ee. -he enforcement of the +ud'ment a'ainst the em)lo,er in an action 9ased on "rticle <875 does not re=uire the em)lo,ee to 9e insol2ent since the nature of the lia9ilit, of the em)lo,er .ith that of the em)lo,ee, the t.o 9ein' statutoril, considered +oint tortfeasors, is solidar,. <5 -he second, )redicated on "rticle 8D4 of the e2ised $enal Code, )ro2ides that an em)lo,er ma, 9e held su9sidiaril, ci2ill, lia9le for a felon, committed 9, his em)lo,ee in the dischar'e of his dut,. -his lia9ilit, attaches .hen the em)lo,ee is con2icted of a crime done in the )erformance of his .or( and is found to 9e insol2ent that renders him una9le to )ro)erl, res)ond to the ci2il lia9ilit, ad+ud'ed. <5 "s re'ards the first issue, the ans.er is in the ne'ati2e. afael e,es -ruc(in' Cor)oration, as em)lo,er of the accused .ho has 9een ad+ud'ed 'uilt, in the criminal case for rec(less im)rudence, can not 9e held su9sidiaril, lia9le 9ecause of the filin' of the se)arate ci2il action 9ased on q"asi delict a'ainst it. In 2ie. of the reser2ation to file, and the su9se=uent filin' of the ci2il action for reco2er, of ci2il lia9ilit,, the same .as not instituted .ith the criminal action. Such se)arate ci2il action .as for reco2er, of dama'es under "rticle <875 of the Ci2il Code, arisin' from the same act or omission of the accused. <7 $ursuant to the )ro2ision of ule 888, Section 8, )ara'ra)h 4 of the 8985 ules of Criminal $rocedure, .hen )ri2ate res)ondents, as com)lainants in the criminal action, reser2ed the ri'ht to file the se)arate ci2il action, the, .ai2ed other a2aila9le ci2il actions )redicated on the same act or omission of the accused-dri2er. Such ci2il action includes the reco2er, of indemnit, under the e2ised $enal Code, and dama'es under "rticles 4<, 44, and 44 of the Ci2il Code of the $hili))ines arisin' from the same act or omission of the accused. <8 -he intention of )ri2ate res)ondents to )roceed )rimaril, and directl, a'ainst )etitioner as em)lo,er of accused truc( dri2er 9ecame clearer .hen the, did not as( for the dismissal of the ci2il action a'ainst the latter 9ased onq"asi delict. Conse=uentl,, the Court of "))eals and the trial court erred in holdin' the accused ci2ill, lia9le, and )etitioner-em)lo,er of the accused su9sidiaril, lia9le for dama'es arisin' from crime 3 ex delicto6 in the criminal action as the offended )arties in fact filed a se)arate ci2il action a'ainst the em)lo,er 9ased on q"asi delict resultin' in the .ai2er of the ci2il action ex delicto. It mi'ht 9e ar'ued that )ri2ate res)ondents as com)lainants in the criminal case .ithdre. the reser2ation to file a ci2il action a'ainst the dri2er 3accused6 and manifested that the, .ould )ursue the ci2il lia9ilit, of the dri2er in the criminal action. ?o.e2er, the .ithdra.al is ineffecti2e to re2erse the effect of the reser2ation earlier made 9ecause )ri2ate res)ondents did not .ithdra. the ci2il action a'ainst )etitioner 9ased on q"asi delict. In such a case, the )ro2ision of ule 888, Section 8, )ara'ra)h 4 of the 8985 ules on Criminal

49

$rocedure is clear that the reser2ation to file or the filin' of a se)arate ci2il action results in a .ai2er of other a2aila9le ci2il actions arisin' from the same act or omission of the accused. ule 888, Section 8, )ara'ra)h < enumerated .hat are the ci2il actions deemed .ai2ed u)on such reser2ation or filin', and one of .hich is the ci2il indemnit, under the e2ised $enal Code. ule 888, Section 8, )ara'ra)h 4 of the 8985 ules on Criminal $rocedure s)ecificall, )ro2ides0 " .ai2er of an, of the ci2il actions e>tin'uishes the others. -he institution of, or the reser2ation of the ri'ht to file, an, of said ci2il actions se)aratel, .ai2es the others. -he rationale 9ehind this rule is the a2oidance of multi)le suits 9et.een the same liti'ants arisin' out of the same act or omission of the offender. -he restricti2e )hraseolo', of the section under consideration is meant to co2er all (inds of ci2il actions, re'ardless of their source in la., )ro2ided that the action has for its 9asis the same act or omission of the offender. <9 ?o.e2er, )etitioner as defendant in the se)arate ci2il action for dama'es filed a'ainst it, 9ased on q"asi delict, ma, 9e held lia9le thereon. -hus, the trial court 'rie2ousl, erred in dismissin' )laintiff:s ci2il com)laint. "nd the Court of "))eals erred in affirmin' the trial court:s decision. Gnfortunatel, )ri2ate res)ondents did not a))eal from such dismissal and could not 9e 'ranted affirmati2e relief. 4D -he Court, ho.e2er, in e>ce)tional cases has rela>ed the rules 1in order to )romote their o9+ecti2es and assist the )arties in o9tainin' +ust, s)eed,, and ine>)ensi2e determination of e2er, action or )roceedin'1 48 or e>em)ted 1a )articular case from the o)eration of the rules.1 4< In2o(in' this )rinci)le, .e rule that the trial court erred in a.ardin' ci2il dama'es in the criminal case and in dismissin' the ci2il action. "))arentl, satisfied .ith such a.ard, )ri2ate res)ondent did not a))eal from the dismissal of the ci2il case. ?o.e2er, )etitioner did a))eal. ?ence, this case should 9e remanded to the trial court so that it ma, render decision in the ci2il case a.ardin' dama'es as ma, 9e .arranted 9, the e2idence. 44 Cith re'ard to the second issue, the a.ard of dama'es in the criminal case .as im)ro)er 9ecause the ci2il action for the reco2er, of ci2il lia9ilit, .as .ai2ed in the criminal action 9, the filin' of a se)arate ci2il action a'ainst the em)lo,er. "s enunciated in 'amos vs. Bonong, 44 1ci2il indemnit, is not )art of the )enalt, for the crime committed.1 -he onl, issue 9rou'ht 9efore the trial court in the criminal action is .hether accused omeo Dunca , de -umol is 'uilt, of rec(less im)rudence resultin' in homicide and dama'e to )ro)ert,. -he action for reco2er, of ci2il lia9ilit, is not included therein, 9ut is co2ered 9, the se)arate ci2il action filed a'ainst the )etitioner as em)lo,er of the accused truc(-dri2er. In this case, accused-dri2er +um)ed 9ail )endin' his a))eal from his con2iction. -hus, the +ud'ment con2ictin' the accused 9ecame final and e>ecutor,, 9ut onl, insofar as the )enalt, in the criminal action is concerned. -he dama'es a.arded in the criminal action .as in2alid 9ecause of its effecti2e .ai2er. -he )ronouncement .as 2oid 9ecause the action for reco2er, of the ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from the crime has 9een .ai2ed in said criminal action. Cith res)ect to the issue that the a.ard of dama'es in the criminal action e>ceeded the amount of dama'es alle'ed in the amended information, the issue is de minimis. "t an, rate, the trial court erred in a.ardin' dama'es in the criminal case 9ecause 9, 2irtue of the reser2ation of the ri'ht to 9rin' a se)arate ci2il action or the filin' thereof, 1there .ould 9e no )ossi9ilit, that the em)lo,er .ould 9e held lia9le 9ecause in such a case there .ould 9e no )ronouncement as to the ci2il lia9ilit, of the accused. 45 "s a final note, .e reiterate that 1the )olic, a'ainst dou9le reco2er, re=uires that onl, one action 9e maintained for the same act or omission .hether the action is 9rou'ht a'ainst the em)lo,ee or a'ainst his em)lo,er. 45 -he in+ured )art, must choose .hich of the a2aila9le causes of action for dama'es he .ill 9rin'. 47

$arentheticall,, the trial court found the accused 1'uilt, 9e,ond reasona9le dou9t of the crime of Dou9le ?omicide -hrou'h ec(less Im)rudence .ith 2iolation of the *otor !ehicle /a. 3 e). "ct No. 484561. -here is no such nomenclature of an offense under the e2ised $enal Code. -hus, the trial court .as misled to sentence the accused 1to suffer t.o 3<6 indeterminate )enalties of four 346 months and one 386 da, of arresto ma&or, as minimum, to three 346 ,ears, si> 356 months and t.ent, 3<D6 da,s of prision correccional, as ma>imum.1 -his is erroneous 9ecause in rec(less im)rudence cases, the actual )enalt, for criminal ne'li'ence 9ears no relation to the indi2idual .illfull crime or crimes committed, 9ut is set in relation to a .hole class, or series of crimes. 48 Gnfortunatel,, .e can no lon'er correct this +ud'ment e2en if erroneous, as it is, 9ecause it has 9ecome final and e>ecutor,. Gnder "rticle 455 of the e2ised $enal Code, criminal ne'li'ence 1is treated as a mere =uasi offense, and dealt .ith se)aratel, from .illful offenses. It is not a =uestion of classification or terminolo',. In intentional crimes, the act itself is )unished@ in ne'li'ence or im)rudence, .hat is )rinci)all, )enali7ed is the mental attitude or condition 9ehind the act, the dan'erous rec(lessness, lac( of care or foresi'ht, the impr"dencia p"ni%le. *uch of the confusion has arisen from the common use of such descri)ti2e )hrase as 1homicide throu'h rec(less im)rudence1, and the li(e@ .hen the strict technical sense is, more accuratel,, 1rec(less im)rudence resultin' in homicide1@ or 1sim)le im)rudence causin' dama'es to )ro)ert,1.1 49 -here is need, therefore, to rectif, the desi'nation of the offense .ithout distur9in' the im)osed )enalt, for the 'uidance of 9ench and 9ar in strict adherence to )recedent. C?E EF& E, the Court F "N-S the )etition and SE-S "SIDE the amended decision and resolution of the Court of "))eals in C"-F. . C No. 84448, )romul'ated on #anuar, 5, 8997, and the +oint decision of the e'ional -rial Court, Isa9ela, Eranch 89, Caua,an, in Criminal Case No. Er. 89-488 and Ci2il Case No. Er. 89-4<4, dated #une 5, 899<. IN /IEG -?E E&F, the Court renders +ud'ment as follo.s0 386 In Criminal Case No. Er. 89-488, the Court declares the accused omeo Dunca , de -umol 'uilt, 9e,ond reasona9le dou9t of rec(less im)rudence resultin' in homicide and dama'e to )ro)ert,, defined and )enali7ed under "rticle 455, )ara'ra)h < of the e2ised $enal Code, .ith 2iolation of the automo9ile la. 3 .". No. 4845, as amended6, and sentences him to suffer t.o 3<6 indeterminate )enalties of four 346 months and one 386 da, of arresto ma&or, as minimum, to three 346 ,ears, si> 356 months and t.ent, 3<D6 da,s of prision correccional, as ma>imum, 4D .ithout indemnit,, and to )a, the costs, and 3<6 In Ci2il Case No. Er. 89-4<4, the Court orders the case re-o)ened to determine the lia9ilit, of the defendant afael e,es -ruc(in' Cor)oration to )laintiffs and that of )laintiffs on defendant:s counterclaim. No costs in this instance. S& & DE ED. 6ellosillo 0elo Kap"nan 6"ena Bon.aga-'e&es Cnares-Santiago and -e +eon /r. //. conc"r. -avide /r. !./. #lease see dissenting opinion. #"no /. I conc"r %"t pro hac vice. <it"g /. #lease see separate opinion. 0endo.a /. #lease see m& dissent. #angani%an /. In the res"lt. G"is"m%ing /. !onc"r in separate opinion of /. <it"g. #"risima /. I $oin in the dissent of 0r. /"stice 0endo.a. DA)$DE, JR., C.J.( dissentin' o)inion@

49

I understand that this is an a))eal 9, an em)lo,er from a decision holdin' it su9sidiaril, lia9le .ith the dri2er. -he dri2er:s a))eal from the +ud'ment of con2iction .as dismissed 9ecause the dri2er +um)ed 9ail. ?ence, the decision in the criminal case insofar as the criminal lia9ilit, is concerned is alread, firm and final. "ccordin'l,, for this reason alone .e cannot modif, the decision as to him. -he modifications introduced in the ponencia is 2er, su9stantial for it deletes the a.ard of indemnit,. "lso, the )laintiff in Ci2il Case No. Er. 89-4<4 ; the action for dama'es 9ased on q"asi-delict ; did not a))eal from the decision of the e'ional -rial Court dismissin' the case. -hat decision had lon' 9ecome final and e>ecutor,. Since there .as no a))eal from the dismissal of the ci2il case to the Court of "))eals, it lo'icall, follo.s that it .as not 9rou'ht to that Court. &92iousl,, too, it .as ne2er 9rou'ht to our +urisdiction. "ccordin'l,, there is nothin' to remand to the court of ori'in for further )roceedin's. I 9elie2e that .e cannot e2en sus)end the rules accommodate the )laintiffs in Ci2il Case No. Er. 89-4<4. Such sus)ension .ould do much 2iolence to the rules and o)en flood'ates to dan'erous )recedents. -he sim)le solution in this case is to sustain the +ud'ment of the trial court, affirmed 9, the Court of "))eals, holdin' )etitioner, as em)lo,er of the offendin' dri2er, su9sidiaril, lia9le for the dama'es ad+ud'ed. It is settled that e2er, )erson criminall, lia9le for a felon, is also ci2ill, lia9le. 3"rticle 8DD, e2ised $enal Code6. Em)lo,ers are su9sidiaril, ci2ill, lia9le for felonies committed 9, their em)lo,ees. 3"rticle 8D4, id.6. -he a''rie2ed )arties in criminal cases ma, )ursue their claims for dama'es either as delict"al dama'es, orq"asi-delict"al dama'es under "rticle <875 of the Ci2il Code, .hich the Code considers as 1entirel, distinct and se)arate from the ci2il lia9ilit, arisin' from ne'li'ence under the e2ised $enal Code.1 ?o.e2er, "rticle <877 of the Ci2il Code e>)ressl, )ro2ides that 1the )laintiffs cannot reco2er dama'es t.ice for the same act or omission of the defendant.1 -he offended )arties filed a se)arate action for dama'es under "rticle <875. It m"st, however, %e pointed o"t that,as can %e gathered from the ponencia, onl& petitioner was made as defendant in that civil case . $art of the first )ara'ra)h of )a'e three of the ponencia reads0 &n No2em9er <9, 8989, the offended )arties actuall, filed .ith the e'ional -rial Court, Isa9ela, Eranch 89, Caua,an, a com)laint a'ainst )etiitoner afael e,es -ruc(in' Cor)oration as em)lo,er of dri2er omeo Dunca , de -umol, 9ased on q"asi-delicts. &92iousl, then there .as no separate civil action for damages arising from the felon&. It .as then deemed im)liedl, instituted in the criminal action a'ainst the dri2er. -he ci2il case a'ainst )etitioner alone .as consolidated .ith the criminal case .here the ci2il as)ect arisin' from the delict .as im)liedl, instituted a'ainst the dri2er. ?ence, there .as no le'al o9stacle for the trial court to a.ard dama'es therein, such as indemnit, for the death, etc. and )ursuant to "rticle 8D4 of the e2ised $enal Code, to ma(e )etitioner su9sidiaril, lia9le for the a.ards. Considerin', ho.e2er, the a9o2estated )roscri)tion in "rticle <877 of the Ci2il Code, the trial court had dismissed the ci2il case for dama'es a'ainst )etitioner, .hich .as alread, made su9sidiaril, lia9le for the dama'es in the criminal case. -o reca)itulate, 9oth the trial court and the Court of "))eals committed no error. I 2ote to DENM the )etition. )$&4G, J.( se)arate o)inion@

"n earl, esta9lished rule under our la. is that an act or omission, e>tra- contractual in nature, causin' dama'e to another, there 9ein' fault or ne'li'ence can create t.o se)arate ci2il lia9ilities on the )art of the offender, i.e. ci2il lia9ilit, ex delicto and ci2il lia9ilit, ex q"asi delicto. Either one of these t.o )ossi9le lia9ilities ma, 9e sou'ht to 9e enforced a'ainst the offender su9+ect, ho.e2er, to the ca2eat under "rticle <877 of the Ci2il Code that the offended )art, cannot 1reco2er dama'es t.ice for the same act or omission1 or under 9oth causes.8 &utside of this )roscri)tion, the t.o ci2il lia9ilities are distinct and inde)endent of each other@ thus, and con2ersel, a'ainst the rule on dou9le reco2er,, the failure of reco2er, in one .ill not necessaril, )reclude reco2er, in the other. $rocedurall,, the e2ised ules of Criminal $rocedure, .hile reiteratin' that a ci2il action under the Ci2il Code ma, 9e 9rou'ht se)aratel, from the criminal action, )ro2ides, ne2ertheless, that the ri'ht to 9rin' it must 9e reser2ed. ule 888 reads in full0 Sec. 8. Instit"tion of criminal and civil actions. ; Chen a criminal action is instituted, the ci2il action for the reco2er, of ci2il lia9ilit, is im)liedl, instituted .ith the criminal action, unless the offended )art, .ai2es the ci2il action, reser2es his ri'ht to institute it se)aratel,, or institutes the ci2il action )rior to the criminal action. Such ci2il action includes reco2er, of indemnit, under the e2ised $enal Code, and dama'es under "rticles 4<, 44, 44 and <875 of the Ci2il Code of the $hili))ines arisin' from the same act or omission of the accused. " .ai2er of an, of the ci2il actions e>tin'uishes the others. -he institution of, or the reser2ation of the ri'ht to file, an, of said ci2il actions se)aratel, .ai2es the others. -he reser2ation of the ri'ht to institute the se)arate ci2il actions shall 9e made 9efore the )rosecution starts to )resent its e2idence and under circumstances affordin' the offended )art, a reasona9le o))ortunit, to ma(e such reser2ation. In no case ma, the offended )art, reco2er dama'es t.ice for the same act or omission of the accused. Chen the offended )art, see(s to enforce ci2il lia9ilit, a'ainst the accused 9, .a, of moral, nominal, tem)erate or e>em)lar, dama'es, the filin' fees for such ci2il action as )ro2ided in these ules shall constitute a first lien on the +ud'ment e>ce)t in an a.ard for actual dama'es. In cases .herein the amount of dama'es, other than actual, is alle'ed in the com)laint or information, the corres)ondin' filin' fees shall 9e )aid 9, the offended )art, u)on the filin' thereof in court for trial. Sec. <. Instit"tion of separate civil action. ; E>ce)t in the cases )ro2ided for in Section 4 hereof, after the criminal action has 9een commenced, the ci2il action .hich has 9een reser2ed cannot 9e instituted until final +ud'ment has 9een rendered in the criminal action. 3a6 Chene2er the offended )art, shall ha2e instituted the ci2il action as )ro2ided for in the first )ara'ra)h of Section 8 hereof 9efore the filin' of the criminal action and the criminal action is su9se=uentl, commenced, the )endin' ci2il action shall 9e sus)ended, in .hate2er sta'e 9efore final +ud'ment it ma, 9e found, until final +ud'ment in the criminal action has 9een rendered. ?o.e2er, if no final +ud'ment has 9een rendered 9, the trial court in the ci2il action, the same ma, 9e consolidated .ith the criminal action u)on a))lication .ith the court tr,in' the criminal action. If the a))lication is 'ranted, the e2idence )resented and admitted in the ci2il action shall 9e deemed automaticall, re)roduced in the criminal action, .ithout )re+udice to the

49

admission of additional e2idence that an, )art, ma, .ish to )resent. In case of consolidation, 9oth the criminal and the ci2il actions shall 9e tried and decided +ointl,. 396 E>tinction of the )enal action does not carr, .ith it e>tinction of the ci2il, unless the e>tinction )roceeds from a declaration in a final +ud'ment that the fact from .hich the ci2il mi'ht arise did not e>ist. Sec. 4. Dhen civil action ma& proceed independentl&. ; In the cases )ro2ided for in articles 4<, 44, 44, and <875 of the Ci2il Code of the $hili))ines, the inde)endent ci2il action .hich has 9een reser2ed ma, 9e 9rou'ht 9, the offended )art,, shall )roceed inde)endentl, of the criminal action, and shall re=uire onl, a )re)onderance of e2idence. In the recentl, decided case of San Ildefonso +ines, Inc. vs. !o"rt of ,ppeals et al. < the Su)reme Court has ruled that, not.ithstandin' the inde)endent nature of ci2il actions fallin' under "rticles 4<, 44, 44 and <875 of the Ci2il Code, the ri'ht to institute the action must still ha2e to 9e reser2ed. In the stern .ords of the Court0 -he 1)ast )ronouncements that 2ie. the reser2ation re=uirement as an unauthori7ed amendment to su9stanti2e la., i.e. the Ci2il Code, should no lon'er 9e controllin'.1 Essentiall,, I share this 2ie. althou'h I also understand San Ildefonso as merel, fortif,in' a )rocedural rule that unless a reser2ation is made, the court tr,in' the criminal case .ould not, for instance, 9e )recluded from ta(in' co'ni7ance of the ci2il as)ect of the liti'ation and that, u)on the other hand, the other court in the ci2il case mi'ht, mot" proprio or at the instance of a )art,, hold in a9e,ance the consideration. thereof )endin' the outcome of the criminal case. In 0aniago vs. !o"rt of ,ppeals,4 the Court has said that the re=uirement of reser2ation is not incom)ati9le .ith the distinct and se)arate character of inde)endent ci2il actions. Indeed, there is no incon'ruence 9et.een allo.in' the trial of ci2il actions to )roceed inde)endentl, of the criminal )rosecution and mandatin' that, 9efore so )roceedin', a reser2ation to do so should first 9e made. In fine ; (irst ; -he ci2il action is deemed instituted to'ether .ith the criminal case e>ce)t .hen the ci2il action is reser2ed.4 -he reser2ation should 9e made at the institution of the criminal case. 5 In inde)endent ci2il actions, not 9ein' de)endent on the criminal case, such reser2ation .ould 9e re=uired not for )reser2in' the cause of action 9ut in order to allo. the ci2il action to )roceed se)aratel, from the criminal case in interest of 'ood order and )rocedure.5 Indeed, inde)endent ci2il actions alread, filed and )endin' ma, still 9e sou'ht to 9e consolidated in the criminal case 9efore final +ud'ment is rendered in the latter case. 7 Chen no criminal )roceedin's are instituted, a se)arate ci2il action ma, 9e 9rou'ht to demand the ci2il lia9ilit,, and a )re)onderance of e2idence is sufficient to .arrant a fa2ora9le +ud'ment therefor. 8 -he same rule a))lies if the information .ere to 9e dismissed u)on motion of the fiscal. 9 Second ; -he )endenc, of the criminal case sus)ends the ci2il action, e>ce)t ; 3a6 Chen )ro)erl, reser2ed, in inde)endent ci2il actions, such as those cases 3a6 not arisin' from the act or omission com)lained of as a felon, 3e.g. cul)a contractual under "rt. 48, 8D intentional torts under "rts 4< 88 and 44, 8< and cul)a ac=uiliana under "rt. <875 84 of the Ci2il Code6@ or 396 .here the in+ured )art, is 'ranted a ri'ht to file an action inde)endent and se)arate from the criminal action 3 e.g. "rt. 44, 84 Ci2il Code6@ and 3<6 In the case of )re-+udicial =uestions .hich must 9e decided 9efore an, criminal )rosecution ma, 9e instituted or ma, )roceed 3"rt. 45, Ci2il Code6. In the a9o2e instances, the ci2il case ma, )roceed inde)endentl, and re'ardless of the outcome of the criminal case. )hird ; "n ac=uittal in the criminal case ma, 9ar an, further se)arate ci2il action, e>ce)t ; 386 In inde)endent ci2il actions, unless the com)lainant, not ha2in' reser2ed a se)arate action, has acti2el, )artici)ated and inter2ened in the criminal case. 85 Such acti2e )artici)ation and inter2ention can onl, 9e

deemed to 9e an une=ui2ocal election 9, the com)lainant to sue under ex-delict" rather than on another cause of action 3arisin' from the same act or omission com)lained of as 9ein' ex-delict"6. If, ho.e2er, the ac=uittal is )redicated on the 'round that 'uilt has not 9een )ro2en 9e,ond reasona9le dou9t, and not u)on a findin' that the 1fact from .hich the ci2il 3action6 mi'ht arise did not e>ist,1 an action for dama'es can still 9e instituted. 85 3<6 In de)endent ci2il actions .here the ac=uittal is )remised on a failure of )roof 9e,ond reasona9le dou9t, .hich the court shall so declare as its 9asis, a ci2il action for dama'es for the same act or omission ma, 9e instituted. Such action re=uires onl, a )re)onderance of e2idence. Chere ac=uittal is thus 9ased on the fact that the crime did not e>ist or that the offender did not commit the crime, and not on mere q"ant"m of )roof, a ci2il action 9ased on such ex delict" of .hich the accused is alread, ac=uitted .ould 9e im)ro)er. 87 -he 2icarious lia9ilit, of an em)lo,er for the fault or ne'li'ence of an em)lo,ee is founded on at least t.o s)ecific )ro2isions of la.. -he first is e>)ressed in "rticle <875, in relation to "rticle <88D, of the Ci2il Code .hich .ould allo. an action )redicated on =uasi-delict to 9e instituted 9, the in+ured )art, a'ainst the em)lo,er for an act or omission of the em)lo,ee and .ould necessitate onl, a )re)onderance of e2idence in order to )re2ail. ?ere, the lia9ilit, of the em)lo,er for the ne'li'ent conduct of the su9ordinate is direct and )rimar, su9+ect to the defense of due dili'ence in the selection and su)er2ision of the em)lo,ee. -he enforcement of the +ud'ment a'ainst the em)lo,er for an action 9ased on "rticle <875 does not re=uire the em)lo,ee to 9e insol2ent since the nature of the lia9ilit, of the em)lo,er .ith that of the em)lo,ee, the t.o 9ein' statutoril, considered +oint tortfeasors, is solidar,. 88 -he second, )redicated on "rticle 8D4 of the e2ised $enal Code, )ro2ides that an em)lo,er ma, 9e held su9sidiaril, lia9le for a felon, committed 9, his em)lo,ee in the dischar'e of his dut,. -his lia9ilit, attaches .hen the em)lo,ee is con2icted of a crime done in the )erformance of his .or( and is found to 9e insol2ent that renders him una9le to )ro)erl, res)ond to the ci2il lia9ilit, ad+ud'ed. 89 Normall,, the +ud'ment in the criminal case concludes the em)lo,er not onl, .ith re'ard to the ci2il lia9ilit, 9ut li(e.ise .ith re'ard to its amount since the lia9ilit, of an em)lo,er follo.s that of the em)lo,ee. <D Ne2ertheless, due )rocess demands that the em)lo,er 9e accorded full o))ortunit, to 9e heard to dis)ute the 9asic thesis u)on .hich that lia9ilit, is )remised, i.e. the e>istence of an em)lo,er-em)lo,ee relationshi), en'a'ement in an industr, 9, the em)lo,er, and commission of the felon, 9, the em)lo,ee in carr,in' on his tas(s. In hi'hl, meritorious cases, the e>tent of the lia9ilit, of the em)lo,er himself, includin' the amount of dama'es, althou'h final and conclusi2e on the accused, ma, 9e sho.n 9, the em)lo,er to 9e clearl, un.arranted or unconsciona9le to 9e a 2alid measure of his o.n su9sidiar, lia9ilit,. In such an instance, there is little e>cuse for not allo.in' the em)lo,er due )rocess and to 9e 'i2en a chance to 9e heard thereon. -he ri'ht of the em)lo,er to his o.n da, in court, in no .a,, .ould amend or nullif, the final +ud'ment rendered 9, the court .hich stands unaffected insofar as the accused himself is concerned. It 9ears stressin' that the em)lo,er ta(es no acti2e role in the criminal )roceedin's, nor entitled to ta(e such role, u) until he suddenl, finds himself o)en to a )ossi9le su9sidiar, lia9ilit, follo.in' the +ud'ment of con2iction. Finall,, it ma, not 9e amiss to re)eat that in inde)endent ci2il actions onl, a successful recourse in one .ould foreclose reco2er, in the other. I concur, therefore, .ith the ma+orit, in remandin' the case to the court a q"o for the determination and e>tent of the su9sidiar, lia9ilit, of the em)lo,er conforma9l, .ith the fore'oin' o)inion.

49