- Petitioner
- St. Francis High School
- Respondent
- The Honorable Court of Appeals
- Citation
- G.R. No. 82465
- Court
- Supreme Court
- Division
- Second Division
- Ponente
- Paras, J.
- Decided
- February 25, 1991
Summary
Parents sued St. Francis High School and teachers for damages after their 13-year-old son Ferdinand drowned during a class picnic while attempting to rescue a teacher. The Regional Trial Court found teachers liable for negligence in supervision, awarding damages but dismissing claims against the school. The Court of Appeals modified the decision to include school liability under vicarious liability principles and added exemplary damages. The Supreme Court reversed both lower courts, finding no negligence as the teachers exercised proper diligence by bringing safety equipment and qualified personnel, and that parents had impliedly consented to their son's participation. The Court held Article 2180 inapplicable since teachers were not acting within their official scope during the private picnic, setting aside all damage awards and establishing important precedent on school liability for unofficial activities.