- Petitioner
- China Air Lines
- Respondent
- Court of Appeals
- Citation
- G.R. No. 45985
- Court
- Supreme Court
- Division
- Second Division
- Ponente
- Regalado, J.
- Decided
- May 18, 1990
Summary
Jose Pagsibigan sued China Air Lines (CAL), Philippine Air Lines (PAL), and Roberto Espiritu for damages after missing his flight due to incorrect departure time on his ticket. PAL employee Espiritu had written 5:20 PM instead of the correct 10:20 AM departure time. The trial court found only PAL and Espiritu liable, but the Court of Appeals added CAL to the liability. The Supreme Court modified the decision, absolving CAL since no employer-employee relationship existed between CAL and PAL/Espiritu. The Court confirmed PAL and Espiritu's joint and several liability under quasi-delict principles, finding PAL failed to exercise due diligence in employee supervision. The case established important precedents on employer liability, agency relationships in aviation, and the distinction between contractual and tortious liability in transportation cases.