FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In the case of Exconde v. Cupuno, 101 Phil 843, the Supreme Court ruled that the 
provision of Article 2180 of the Civil Code applies only to institutions of arts and trades and, 
therefore, the teachers and the head of academic educational institution cannot be held liable for 
the negligent acts of its students. 
There is no substantial difference between institution of arts and trades and academic 
educational institutions insofar as concerns the proper supervision and vigilance over their pupils 
or students. Academic teachers are not exempt from .the duty of watching that their students do 
not commit a tort to the detriment of third persons, so long as they are in the position to exercise 
authority and supervision over their students. 
Considering the dissenting opinion of former Justice J.B.L. Reyes and the proliferation of 
not only institutions of arts and trade but also academic education institutions, there would be no 
sound reason for limiting Article 2180 of the Civil Code to teachers of arts and trades only. 
Hence, this bill seeks to include academic educational institutions under the coverage of Article 
2180.' 
* This bill was originally filed during the Thirteenth Congress, First Regular Session. 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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First Regular Session 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
AN ACT 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 386, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE CIVIL CODE, 
ARTICLE 2180, TO INCLUDE ACADEMIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Article 2180 of Republic Act No. 386, otherwise known as the Civil Code 
of the Philippines is hereby amended to read as follows: 
"Article 2180. The obligation imposed by Article 2176 is demandable not 
only for one's own acts or omissions, but also for those persons for whom one is 
responsible. 
The father, and in case of his death or incapacity, the mother is responsible 
for the damages caused by the minor children who live in their company. 
Guardians are liable for damages caused by the minors or incapacitated 
persons who are under their authority and live in their company. 
The owners and managers of an establishment or enterprise are likewise 
responsible for damages caused by their employees in the service of the branches 
in which the latter are employed or on the occasion of their function. 
Employers shall be liable for the damages caused by their employees and 
household helpers acting within the scope of their assigned tasks, even though the 
former are not engaged in any business or industry. 
The State is responsible in like manner when it acts through a special 
agent, but not when the damage has been caused by the official to whom the task 
done properly pertains, in which case, what is provided in Article 2176 shall be 
applicable. 


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Lastly, teachers or heads of establishments of arts and trades OR 
ACADEMIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS shall be liable for damages 
caused by their pupils and students or apprentices, so long as they remain in their 
custody. 
The responsibility treated of in this article shall cease when the persons 
herein mentioned prove that they observed all the diligence of a good father of a 
family to prevent damage.” 
SECTION 2. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive 
order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, or inconsistent 
with, the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly. 
SECTION 3. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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