- Petitioner
- Jose B. Ledesma
- Respondent
- Hon. Court of Appeals
- Citation
- G.R. No. 54598
- Court
- Supreme Court
- Division
- Third Division
- Ponente
- Gutierrez, Jr., J.
- Decided
- April 15, 1988
Summary
School President Jose Ledesma was held civilly liable for damages under Article 27 of the Civil Code for failing to award honors to student Violeta Delmo despite a superior's directive. Delmo, treasurer of Student Leadership Club, was disciplined by Ledesma for extending loans per club resolution. The Bureau of Public Schools Director ruled that Delmo acted in good faith and should receive her honors. Despite receiving this decision and multiple telegrams, Ledesma refused to award Delmo the Magna Cum Laude honor during graduation, citing embarrassment. The Supreme Court affirmed lower courts' findings of bad faith, noting Ledesma's deliberate disobedience of lawful directives and callous disregard for the student's rights. The Court awarded moral, nominal, and exemplary damages, emphasizing that public officers must act with circumspection and due regard for individual rights. This case establishes precedent for personal civil liability of public officers who exceed authority and cause harm through wrongful acts.