- Petitioner
- George Manantan
- Respondent
- Court of Appeals
- Citation
- G.R. No. 107125
- Court
- Supreme Court
- Division
- Second Division
- Ponente
- Quisumbing, J.
- Decided
- January 29, 2001
Civil liability arising from vehicular accident after acquittal from criminal charge of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide
Summary
George Manantan was acquitted of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide after a vehicular accident that killed passenger Ruben Nicolas. Despite the criminal acquittal, the Court of Appeals held Manantan civilly liable, finding he violated traffic laws by driving while intoxicated. The Supreme Court affirmed, establishing that acquittal based on reasonable doubt does not preclude civil liability under Article 29 of the Civil Code. The case clarifies the distinction between two types of acquittal: one based on the accused not being the author of the act (which bars civil liability) and one based on reasonable doubt (which allows civil action). It also addresses procedural issues regarding filing fees and jurisdiction in implied civil actions accompanying criminal cases.