Baliwag Transit v. Court of Appeals

Summary

This case involves tort liability arising from a workplace accident where mechanic Mario Dionisio was killed when driver Juanito Fidel negligently moved a bus while Dionisio was repairing its brake system underneath. The Supreme Court applied Civil Code provisions on quasi-delict and vicarious employer liability, holding both the negligent driver and Baliwag Transit solidarily liable for damages. The Court emphasized that employer liability arises from the presumption of negligence in employee selection or supervision, rebuttable only by proving due diligence of a good father of a family. The decision corrected the damages computation, particularly for loss of earning capacity using the life expectancy formula (2/3 x [80 - age at death]), and awarded moral and exemplary damages. The case demonstrates the application of civil tort principles to workplace accidents, establishing clear liability standards for employers whose employees cause harm through negligence.