R Transport Corporation v. Eduardo Pante

Summary

This Supreme Court case involves the liability of R Transport Corporation for injuries sustained by passenger Eduardo Pante in a vehicular accident on January 27, 1995. Pante was riding the company's bus when it hit a tree and house due to the driver's reckless driving, causing him to suffer fractured right humerus requiring two operations and significant medical expenses totaling over P45,000. The case progressed through three court levels over 14 years, with the bus company repeatedly failing to appear and ultimately waiving its right to present evidence. The Supreme Court affirmed lower court decisions, applying Civil Code provisions on common carrier liability, particularly the presumption of negligence for passenger injuries and strict liability for employee acts under Article 1759. The Court awarded actual, moral, and exemplary damages totaling P139,112.60 plus attorney's fees, emphasizing that common carriers cannot escape liability even by proving diligence in employee selection and supervision.