Travel & Tours Advisers v. Alberto Cruz, Sr.

Summary

This case involves a vehicular accident between a bus owned by Travel & Tours Advisers, Inc. and a jeepney, resulting in death and injuries. The Supreme Court affirmed the lower courts' finding that the bus company and its driver were liable for negligence, but modified the damages due to contributory negligence by the jeepney driver who was operating outside his authorized route. The Court applied Article 2180 of the Civil Code, holding the employer liable for its employee's negligent acts due to failure to exercise proper diligence in selection and supervision. However, recognizing the jeepney driver's contributory negligence under Article 2179, the Court reduced the damages by 50%, requiring both the bus company and jeepney driver to bear equal responsibility for the victims' losses. The decision emphasizes the importance of proper employee supervision and the application of contributory negligence principles in tort cases.