Source: https://es.scribd.com/document/202133840/2-6-Heirs-of-Poe-v-Malayan-Insurance
Timestamp: 2019-04-24 09:56:45+00:00

Document:
The instant Petition for Review under Rule 451 of the Rules of Court assails the Decision2 dated 26 June 2002 of the Court of Appeals in CA-G.R. SP No. 67297, which granted the Petition for Certiorari of respondent Malayan Insurance Company, Inc. (MICI) and recalled and set aside the Order3 dated 6 September 2001 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 73, of Antipolo City, in Civil Case No. 93-2705. The RTC, in its recalled Order, denied the Notice of Appeal of MICI and granted the Motion for the Issuance of a Writ of Execution filed by petitioners Heirs of George Y. Poe. The present Petition also challenges the Resolution4 dated 29 November 2002 of the appellate court denying petitioners’ Motion for Reconsideration.
Poe was run over by a truck owned by Santos and driven by Willie. Truck was insured with MICI. His heirs ﬁled a complaint for damages against Santos and MICI.
Records show that on 26 January 1996 at about 4:45 a.m., George Y. Poe (George) while waiting for a ride to work in front of Capital Garments Corporation, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Barangay Dolores, Taytay, Rizal, was run over by a ten-wheeler Isuzu hauler truck with Plate No. PMH-858 owned by Rhoda Santos (Rhoda), and then being driven by Willie Labrador (Willie).5 The said truck was insured with respondent MICI under Policy No. CV-293-007446-8. To seek redress for George’s untimely death, his heirs and herein petitioners, namely, his widow Emercelinda, and their children Flerida and Fernando, filed with the RTC a Complaint for damages against Rhoda and respondent MICI, docketed as Civil Case No. 93-2705.6 Petitioners identified Rhoda and respondent MICI, as follows: Defendant RHODA SANTOS is likewise of legal age, Filipino and a resident of Real Street, Pamplona, Las Piñas, Metro Manila where she may be served with summons and other court processes. [Herein respondent] MALAYAN INSURANCE COMPANY, INC. (hereinafter "[MICI]" for brevity) is a corporation duly organized and existing under Philippine law with address at Yuchengco Bldg., 484 Q. Paredes Street, Binondo, Manila where it may be served with summons and other processes of this Honorable Court; Defendant Rhoda Santos, who is engaged in the business, among others, of selling gravel and sand is the registered owner of one Isuzu Truck, with Plate No.
8 Rhoda and respondent MICI made the following admissions in their Joint Answer9 : That [Rhoda and herein respondent MICI] admit the allegations in paragraphs 2.00) PESOS.000. Policy No. 10PA1-403803. [Respondent MICI] on the other hand is the insurer of Rhoda Santos under a valid and existing insurance policy duly issued by said [MICI]. Under said insurance policy. Actual damages in the total amount of THIRTY SIX THOUSAND (P36.00) PESOS for each court appearance. Moral damages in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND (P50.984.PMH-858 and is the employer of Willie Labrador the authorized driver of the aforesaid truck.00) PESOS and litigation expense in the amount of ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED (P1.000. 5. The costs of suit.000. Truck-Hauler Isuzu 10 wheeler with plate no. among others.7 And prayed that: [J]udgment issue in favor of [herein petitioners] ordering [Rhoda and herein respondent MICI] jointly and solidarily to pay the [petitioners] the following: 1. serial no. [MICI] binds itself. 3 and 4 of the complaint. Other reliefs just and equitable in the premises are likewise prayed for.00) PESOS. That [Rhoda and respondent MICI] admit the allegations in paragraph 5 of the complaint that the cargo truck is insured with [respondent] Malayan Insurance .000. Attorney’s fees in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND (P50. 6. to be liable for damages as well as any bodily injury to third persons which may be caused by the operation of the insured vehicle. 3.500. Actual damages in the amount of EIGHT HUNDRED FIVE THOUSAND NINE HUNDRED EIGHTY FOUR (P805. 2. 4.00) PESOS for funeral and burial expenses.00) PESOS as loss of earnings and financial support given by the deceased by reason of his income and employment. CV-293007446-8 over the subject vehicle owned by Rhoda Santos. PMH-858. Exemplary damages in the amount of FIFTY THOUSAND (P50. SRZ451-1928340 and motor no.
but they failed to adduce their evidence despite several postponements granted by the trial court. and d) Rhoda had always exercised the diligence of a good father of a family in the selection and supervision of her driver Willie.R. and then rested their case. upon motion of petitioners’ counsel. SP No. Thus. No.R. the hearings for the reception of the evidence of Rhoda and respondent MICI were scheduled. but it was denied by the RTC in another Order dated 11 August 1995. Petitioners introduced and offered evidence in support of their claims for damages against MICI. the said vehicle still came into contact with the victim. denying due course to the Petition in CA-G. The Court of Appeals. Mandamus. the liability of the insured company attached only if there is a judicial pronouncement that the insured and her driver are liable and moreover. and despite the latter’s effort to swerve the truck to the right. 38948. b) the liability of respondent MICI. that: a) the accident was caused by the negligent act of the victim George. who surreptitiously and unexpectedly crossed the road. [(MICI)] however. 38948. and ordering the parties to already submit their respective Memorandum within 15 days. after which.17 Entry of Judgment was made in G. This Court likewise dismissed the Petition in G. 126244. Rhoda and respondent MICI elevated the matter to the Supreme Court via a Petition for Certiorari. the RTC.16 docketed as G. the liability of the insurance company is subject to the limitations set forth in the insurance policy. the case would be deemed submitted for decision. catching the driver Willie by surprise.10 Rhoda and respondent MICI denied liability for George’s death averring.R. promulgated a Decision15 on 29 April 1996.zw+ Rhoda and respondent MICI filed a Motion for Reconsideration12 of the Order dated 9 June 1995. c) the liability of MICI should be based on the extent of the insurance coverage as embodied in Rhoda’s policy. 126244 in a Resolution dated 30 September 1996.Company. The Petition was docketed as CA-G. Inc. Rhoda and respondent MICI filed a Petition for Certiorari. assailing the Orders dated 9 June 1995 and 11 August 1995 of the RTC foreclosing their right to adduce evidence in support of their defense. during the hearing on 9 June 1995.18 .1avvphi1. No. through its Third Division. trial on the merits ensued. issued an Order11declaring that Rhoda and respondent MICI had waived their right to present evidence.R. would attach only upon a judicial pronouncement that the insured Rhoda and her driver Willie are liable. if any. 126244 on 8 November 1996. Thereafter.R. No.14 Prohibition and Injunction with Prayer for a Temporary Restraining Order and Writ of Preliminary Injunction. among other defenses. SP No. After the termination of the pre-trial proceedings.13 Consequently.
and 6. The RTC also re-computed George’s loss of earning capacity. as follows: The computation of actual damages for loss of earning capacity was determined by applying the formula adopted in the American Expectancy Table of Mortality or the actuarial of Combined Experience Table of Mortality applied in x x x Villa Rey Transit. P50. the contention of the [herein respondent MICI] as far as the solidary liability of the insurance company with the other defendant [Rhoda] is meritorious. 5.00 for attorney’s fees plus P1. While death indemnity in the amount of P50. Moral damages is awarded in accordance with Article 2206 of the New Civil Code of the Philippines. Inc.On 28 February 2000. Court of Appeals (31 SCRA 521). in computing George’s loss of earning capacity not in accord with established jurisprudence.000. the RTC rendered a Decision in Civil Case No. Resolving the Motion of respondent MICI and Rhoda. The RTC held that: After a careful evaluation of the issues at hand. and in awarding moral damages although it was not buttressed by evidence.19 Rhoda and respondent MICI received their copy of the foregoing RTC Decision on 14 March 2000. Cost of suit.984. However.00 as exemplary damages.00. [Rhoda and herein respondent MICI] are hereby ordered to pay jointly and solidarily to the [herein petitioners] the following: 1. and dismissing the case against respondent MICI. P50. the RTC issued an Order22 on 24 January 2001 modifying and amending its Decision dated 28 February 2000. the dispositive portion of which reads: Wherefore. averring therein that the RTC erred in ruling that the obligation of Rhoda and respondent MICI to petitioners was solidary or joint and several.000.000.000. 3. respondent MICI and Rhoda filed a Motion for Reconsideration21 of said Decision. v.00.00 for funeral expenses. Actual damages for loss of earning capacity amounting to P805. 2. Moral damages amounting to P100. P36. 4.00 is automatically awarded in cases .500 per court appearance. 93-2705.20 On 22 March 2000. the assailed Decision can be modified or amended to correct the same honest inadvertence without necessarily reversing it and set aside to conform with the evidence on hand.000.
Accordingly. the RTC issued an Order reinstating its Decision dated 28 February 2000. relevant portions of which state: Finding the arguments raised by the [herein petitioners] in their Motion for Reconsideration of the Order of this Court dated January 24.00 for funeral expenses. Said Decision should read as follows: "Wherefore. Notify parties herein. P36. 2. Inc. the RTC decreed: WHEREFORE.000."26 On 15 June 2001.00. in view of the foregoing consideration. The decision of this Court dated February 28.00 as death indemnity. to which respondent MICI filed a "Vigorous Opposition to the Plaintiff’s Motion for Reconsideration. Moral damages amounting to P100. the Decision of this Court dated 28 February 2000 is hereby amended or modified. Sison. defendant Rhoda Santos is hereby ordered to pay to the [herein petitioners] the following: 1. Costs of the suit. 6. 3. 4. P50.23 In the end.500.000."24 It was petitioners’ turn to file a Motion for Reconsideration25 of the 24 January 2001 Order. .27 Respondent MICI received a copy of the 15 June 2001 Order of the RTC on 27 June 2001.00.000. 2001 to be more meritorious to [herein respondent’s] Malayan Insurance Co. Actual damages for loss of earning capacity amounting to P102. 5.106. said motion is hereby granted. is hereby dismissed. Inc. The case against Malayan Insurance Company..00 per court appearance. September 14.where the victim had died (People v.000.00 for attorney’s fees plus P1. the Order under consideration is hereby reconsidered and set aside. (sic) arguments in its vigorous opposition thereto. P50. 1990 [189 SCRA 643]). 2000 is hereby reinstated.
[herein respondent] MICI’s Notice of Appeal is hereby Denied for having filed out of time making the Decision of this . 2001 is in reality a new Decision thereby giving it a fresh fifteen (15) days within which to file notice of appeal. The RTC reasoned in its Order: The records disclosed that on February 28. Rhoda did not join respondent MICI in its Notice of Appeal. Needless to say. when it received the last Order of this Court it took [respondent] MICI twelve (12) days to file the same. the RTC. The fifteen (15) day period within which to file a notice of appeal should be reckoned from the date it received the Decision on March 14. [Petitioners] contend that the Notice of Appeal was filed out of time while [respondent] MICI opposes.31 Accordingly. 2001 to which MICI filed a vigorous opposition. denied the Notice of Appeal of respondent MICI and granted petitioners’ Motion for the Issuance of Writ of Execution. Eight days after or on March 22. The latter interposed that the Order dated June 15. the RTC adjudged: WHEREFORE. in its Order dated 6 September 2001. 2000 this Court rendered a Decision in favor of the [herein petitioners] and against [Rhoda and herein respondent MICI]. premises considered. 2001 this Court granted [petitioners’] motion reinstating the Decision dated February 28. reinstated by the 15 June 2001 Resolution of the same court. 2000.29 Petitioners filed their Opposition30 to the Notice of Appeal of respondent MICI. 2000. [petitioners] filed a Motion for Reconsideration on February 21. 2000. respondent MICI filed on 9 July 2001 a Notice of Appeal28 of the 28 February 2000 Decision of the RTC. 2001 or twelve (12) days from receipt of said Order. [Respondent] MICI’s contention is not meritorious. The Decision was said to have been received by MICI on March 14. with a Motion for the Issuance of Writ of Execution. MICI filed a Notice of Appeal on July 9. From this Order. After considering the recent pleadings of the parties. However. The Court cannot countenance the argument of MICI that a resolution to a motion for a final order or judgment will have the effect of giving a fresh reglementary period. arguing otherwise. 2001. 2000. 2000. the June 15. On June 15. eight (8) days had already lapsed. This would be contrary to what was provided in the rules of procedure. According to MICI. 2001 order was received by it on June 27. MICI has remaining seven (7) days to file a notice of appeal. So that when MICI mailed its Motion for Reconsideration on March 22. MICI mailed its Motion for Reconsideration to this Court and granted the same in the Order dated January 24. 2001.Aggrieved by the latest turn of events. MICI’s Notice of Appeal was filed out of time.
Notify parties herein. Inc. the said decision was completely vacated insofar as the [respondent] Malayan is concerned when the public respondent court in its order dated 24 January 2001 dismissed the case against the former. SP No. 2000 as final and executory. The Court of Appeals granted the Petition for Certiorari of respondent MICI in a Decision dated 26 June 2000. 67297. denying the Notice of Appeal of respondent MICI and granting petitioners’ Motion for the Issuance of Writ of Execution. Lacson (104 SCRA 93). for having been rendered by the RTC with grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction. Caluag. reinstating the Decision dated 28 February 2000.Court dated February 28. relying on the case of Magdalena Estate. For all intents and purposes. is the height of absurdity because there was nothing for the [respondent] Malayan to appeal inasmuch as the public respondent court vacated the said decision in favor of the former. As earlier expostulated. the Motion for Issuance of Writ of Execution filed by [herein petitioners] is hereby Granted. the following: (1) the Order dated 6 September 2001.32 Respondent MICI filed a Petition for Certiorari33 under Rule 65 of the Rules of Court before the Court of Appeals. ratiocinating thus: Prescinding therefrom. which was docketed as CA-G. an excess of jurisdiction on the part of the public respondent court when it reckoned the [respondent] Malayan’s period to appeal on the date it received on 14 March 2000 the former’s decision dated 28 February 2000. held that where the court of origin made a thoroughly (sic) restudy of the original judgment and rendered the amended and clarified judgment only after considering all the factual and legal issues. The aforesaid conclusion finds support in Sta. 11 SCRA 334. (2) the Decision dated 28 February 2000. . and (3) the Order dated 15 June 2001. to reckon the fifteen (15) days to appeal from the day the [respondent] Malayan received the said decision on 14 March 2000. Therefore. when [respondent] Malayan filed its notice of appeal on 09 July 2001. Romana vs. The Petition assailed. holding Rhoda and respondent MICI jointly and severally liable for George’s death. where the court. the amended and clarified decision was an entirely new decision which superseded (sic). Thus. it was well within the reglementary period and should have been given due course by the public respondent court. It was therefore. Thus. we hold that the fifteen (15) day period to appeal must be reckoned from the time the [herein respondent] Malayan received the order dated 15 June 2001 reversing in toto the order of 24 January 2000 and reinstating in full the Decision dated 28 February 2000. the court concluded the trial court rendered a new judgment from which the time to appeal must be reckoned. [respondent] Malayan had until 12 July 2001 within which to file its notice of appeal. vs. Accordingly.R.
Understandably distraught. Given the rationale in the aforecited cases. Section 3 of the 1997 Rules of Court: SEC. the date that [respondent] Malayan received the order dated 15 June 2001 reversing in toto the order of 24 January 2000 and reinstating the Decision dated 28 February 2000. Period of ordinary appeal. which raise the following issues: I. The period for filing a Notice of Appeal is set by Rule 41. Public respondent court is hereby directed to approve the petitioner Malayan’s notice of appeal and to refrain from executing the writ of execution granted on 06 September 2001.35 The Court of Appeals denied petitioners’ Motion for Reconsideration in a Resolution dated 29 November 2002. The appeal shall be taken within fifteen (15) days from notice of the judgment or final order appealed from. but the total reversal thereof in the order dated 24 January 2000. in consideration of the foregoing premises.36 The Court first turns its attention to the primary issue for its resolution: whether the Notice of Appeal filed by respondent MICI before the RTC was filed out of time. the public respondent court’s order dated 06 September 2001 is hereby RECALLED and SET ASIDE. 3. petitioners come before this Court in this Petition for Review.34 (Emphasis supplied. the petition for certiorari is partially GRANTED. II. Where a record on . it is only logical that the period of appeal be counted from 27 June 2001. Accordingly.In the instant case.) The fallo of the Decision of the Court of Appeals reads: WHEREFORE. what is involved is not merely a substantial amendment or modification of the original decision. Whether or not the respondent Court of Appeals committed grave abuse of discretion when it ruled that the private respondent had filed its Notice of Appeal with the trial court within the reglementary period. Whether or not the respondent Court of Appeals committed grave abuse of discretion when it ruled that private respondent could file a Petition for Certiorari even though its Motion for Reconsideration was still pending resolution with the lower court.
No motion for extension of time to file a motion for new trial or reconsideration shall be allowed. the appellants shall file a notice of appeal and a record on appeal within thirty (30) days from notice of the judgment or final order. declares categorically what the rights and obligations of the parties are. minimize and/or rectify any error of judgment. motion for reconsideration (whether full or partial) or any final order or resolution. the Court deems it practical to allow a fresh period of 15 days within which to file the notice of appealin the Regional Trial Court.39 which the Court promulgated on 14 September 2005. In this manner. It is an adjudication on the merits which.appeal is required. this "fresh period rule" shall also apply to Rule 40 governing appeals from the Municipal Trial Courts to the Regional Trial Courts. the trial court which rendered the assailed decision is given another opportunity to review the case and. parties who availed themselves of the remedy of motion for reconsideration are now allowed to file a notice of appeal within fifteen days from the denial of that motion. leaving nothing more for the court to do with respect to it." The use of the disjunctive word "or" signifies disassociation and independence of one thing from another.) The fresh period of 15 days becomes significant when a party opts to file a motion for new trial or motion for reconsideration. It should. It is clear under the Rules that an appeal should be taken within 15 days from the notice of judgment or final order appealed from. The period of appeal shall be interrupted by a timely motion for new trial or reconsideration. to be counted from receipt of the order denying the motion for new trial. (Emphases ours.37 A final judgment or order is one that finally disposes of a case.40 With the advent of the fresh period rule. The new rule aims to regiment or make the appeal period uniform. Henceforth. considering the evidence presented at the trial.38 Propitious to petitioners is Neypes v. Court of Appeals. counted from receipt of the order dismissing a motion for a new trial or motion for reconsideration.41 The Court has accentuated that the fresh period rule is not inconsistent with Rule 41. Rule 43 on appeals from quasi-judicial agencies to the Court of Appeals and Rule 45 governing appeals by certiorari to the Supreme Court. and wherein it laid down the fresh period rule: To standardize the appeal periods provided in the Rules and to afford litigants fair opportunity to appeal their cases. be construed in the sense which it . x x x. as a rule. Rule 42 on petitions for review from the Regional Trial Courts to the Court of Appeals. Section 3 of the Rules of Court which states that the appeal shall be taken "within fifteen (15) days from notice of judgment or final order appealed from. in the process. or it may be an order or judgment that dismisses an action.
just 12 days from 27 June 2001. Inc. Ceniza. Reference may be made to Republic v. v. In De los Santos v. while the instant Petition was still pending before this Court.47 particularly. Vda de Mangubat. can be made applicable to actions pending upon its effectivity without danger of violating anyone else’s rights. Court of Appeals. would be for the Court to remand the case to the RTC so that the RTC could approve the Notice of Appeal . the Court applied the fresh period rule. 00-2-03-SC which provided that the 60-day period within which to file a petition for certiorari shall be reckoned from receipt of the order denying the motion for reconsideration. The Court notes that Neypes was promulgated on 14 September 2005. Urban Bank. the Court agrees with the Court of Appeals and holds that respondent MICI seasonably filed its Notice of Appeal with the RTC on 9 July 2001." Hence. Since the Court affirms the ruling of the Court of Appeals that respondent MICI filed its Notice of Appeal with the RTC within the reglementary period. therefore. the fresh period rule laid down in Neypes was applied by the Court in resolving the subsequent cases ofSumaway v. prescribing the manner in which the appropriate period for appeal is to be computed or determined and. the Court declared that rules of procedure "may be given retroactive effect to actions pending and undetermined at the time of their passage and this will not violate any right of a person who may feel that he is adversely affected. No. the use of "or" in the above provision supposes that the notice of appeal may be filed within 15 days from the notice of judgment or within 15 days from notice of the final order in the case.44 Elbiña v. Applying the fresh period rule. inasmuch as rules of procedure may be given retroactive effect on actions pending and undetermined at the time of their passage.42 Hence.45 First Aqua Sugar Traders. Procedural laws do not come within the legal conception of a retroactive law.. The fresh period rule may be applied to the case of respondent MICI. In said case. elucidating that procedural law refers to the adjective law which prescribes rules and forms of procedure in order that courts may be able to administer justice. under ordinary circumstances. Inc. the appropriate action.43 involving the retroactive application of A.ordinarily implies. or the general rule against the retroactive operation of statutes.46 even though the antecedent facts giving rise to said cases transpired before the promulgation of Neypes.M. The fresh period rule is irrefragably procedural. although the events which transpired concerning its Notice of Appeal took place in June and July 2001. inasmuch as there is no vested rights in rules of procedure. when it received the denial of its Motion for Reconsideration of the 15 June 2001 Resolution reinstating the 28 February 2000 Decision of the RTC. Bank of the Philippine Islands.
in consideration of the years that it had taken for the controversy therein to reach it. considering that the case at bar has been pending for almost sixteen years. resolving all interlocking issues in order to render justice to all concerned and to end the litigation once and for all. . Petitioners have already suffered from the tragic loss of a loved one.52 Such rule obtains in this case. remand is avoided in the following instances: (a) where the ends of justice would not be subserved by a remand.of respondent MICI and respondent MICI could already file its appeal with the Court of Appeals. Verily. the Court finds that the material and decisive facts are beyond dispute: George was killed when he was hit by the truck driven by Willie. the Supreme Court itself can resolve the dispute based on the records before it.53 The complete records of the present case have been elevated to this Court. or (b) where public interest demands an early disposition of the case. The Court cannot countenance such a glaring indifference to petitioners’ cry for justice.49 In Lao v.51 Where the public interest so demands. The consistent stand of the Court has always been that a case should be decided in its totality. and it then decided the said case based on the evidentiary record before it. after painstakingly going over the records. remand is no longer necessary. As a rule. and must not be made to endure more pain and uncertainty brought about by the continued pendency of their claims against those liable. and the truck is insured with respondent MICI. the court will broaden its inquiry into a case and decide the same on the merits rather than merely resolve the procedural question raised. and the Supreme Court is in a position. Jurisprudence dictates that remand of a case to a lower court does not follow if. The case has been dragging on for almost 16 years now without the petitioners having been fully compensated for their loss. or (c) where the trial court has already received all the evidence presented by both parties.50 the Supreme Court. Indeed. However. concluded that remand of the case to a lower court was no longer the more expeditious and practical route to follow. To be sure. an employee of Rhoda.48 and the records of the same are already before this Court. based upon said evidence. leaving no root or branch to bear the seed of future litigation. to decide the case on its merits. they deserve nothing less than full compensation to give effect to their substantive rights. The Court is convinced that the non-remanding of the case at bar is absolutely justified. and the pleadings and evidence therein could fully support its factual adjudication. courts should always strive to settle the entire controversy in a single proceeding. in the interest of justice. The only issue left for the Court to resolve is the extent of the liability of Rhoda and respondent MICI for George’s death and the appropriate amount of the damages to be awarded to petitioners. People.
up to the extent of the insurance coverage. A solidary or joint and several obligation is one in which each debtor is liable for the entire obligation. therefore. covering the truck involved in the accident which killed George. There is solidary liability only when the obligation expressly so states.55 while that of the insurer arises from contract. Respondent MICI does not deny that it is the insurer of the truck. Consolacion.57 In Vda. while the same cannot be said for respondent MICI herein. According to respondent MICI. petitioners would have had the option either (1) to claim the amount awarded to them from respondent MICI. the insurance policy. The insurer was able to sufficiently establish its limited liability in Vda. it asserts that its liability is limited. Following Vda. and it cannot be held solidarily liable for anything beyond that amount. the liability of the insurer is direct and such third persons can directly sue the insurer. or (2) to enforce the entire judgment against Rhoda. for this Court to ascertain . In a joint obligation. but it cannot be held solidarily liable beyond that amount. The liability of the insured carrier or vehicle owner is based on tort.58 it was ruled that an insurer in an indemnity contract for third-party liability is directly liable to the injured party up to the extent specified in the agreement. each obligor answers only for a part of the whole liability and to each obligee belongs only a part of the correlative rights. the insurance policy between Rhoda and respondent MICI. The direct liability of the insurer under indemnity contracts against third party liability does not mean. de Maglana. Well-entrenched is the rule that solidary obligation cannot lightly be inferred. subject to reimbursement from respondent MICI to the extent of the insurance coverage. however. is precluded from applying its ruling in Vda.56 Any award beyond the insurance coverage would already be the sole liability of the insured and/or the other parties at fault. de Maglana by the difference in one vital detail between the said case and the one at bar. in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Code. and the balance from Rhoda. de Maglana v. The Court. since they are being held liable under different obligations. Nevertheless. its liability as insurer of Rhoda’s truck is limited. was never presented. The Court highlights that in this case. There is no means. de Maglana. particularly. that the insurer can be held solidarily liable with the insured and/or the other parties found at fault. The third-party liability of the insurer is only up to the extent of the insurance policy and that required by law. though.The Court now turns to the issue of who is liable for damages for the death of George. when the law so provides or when the nature of the obligation so requires.54 It is settled that where the insurance contract provides for indemnity against liability to third persons. and each creditor is entitled to demand the whole obligation. and it should not be held solidarily liable with Rhoda for all the damages awarded to petitioners.
or that the uncontroverted evidence of petitioners indeed speaks of the truth. the Court cannot determine the existence of any limitation on the liability of respondent MICI under said policy. would operate to his prejudice and support the case of his adversary. supplies a most important test for judging of the comparative weight of evidence x x x If. Vol. the presumption arises that the evidence. I.59 Regrettably.60 The Court cannot rely on mere allegations of limited liability sans proof.62 Respondent MICI had all the opportunity to prove before the RTC that its liability under the insurance policy it issued to Rhoda. p. from its very nature.the supposed limited liability of respondent MICI under said policy. if he possesses the means. and he refuses to produce such evidence. on the supposition that a charge or claim is unfounded. understandably. the party against whom it is made has evidence within his reach by which he may repel that which is offered to his prejudice. and stiff opposition from it created an adverse inference that either the controverting evidence to be presented by respondent MICI would only prejudice its case. respondent MICI failed to do so. yet. As the party asserting its limited liability. Moore on Facts. except that it insists that its liability under the insurance policy is limited." (Starkie on Evidence. respondent MICI then has the burden of evidence to establish its claim. recognized and adhered to by courts in judging the weight of evidence in all kinds of proceedings. logical and practical considerations. p. It should be remembered that respondent MICI readily admits that it is the insurer of the truck that hit and killed George. 544) . and to all experience of human conduct. Without the presentation of the insurance policy. viz: The presumption that a man will do that which tends to his obvious advantage. and the extent or amount of such limitation. pervasive. to form any other conclusion. and he has it in his power to produce evidence which. must overthrow the case made against him if it is not founded on fact. is not in petitioners’ possession. the party that alleges a fact has the burden of proving it.61When the evidence tends to prove a material fact which imposes a liability on a party. his omission to do so supplies a strong presumption that the charge or claim is well founded. was limited. it would be contrary to every principle of reason. The failure of respondent MICI to present the insurance policy – which. 846. but in the custody and absolute control of respondent MICI as the insurer and/or Rhoda as the insured – gives rise to the presumption that its presentation is prejudicial to the cause of respondent MICI. respondent MICI failed to discharge this burden. Burden of proof is the duty of a party to present evidence on the facts in issue necessary to prove its claim or defense by the amount of evidence required by law. In civil cases. The failure of respondent MICI to rebut that which would have naturally invited an immediate. And such adverse inference. surely is not without basis – its rationale and effect rest on sound. if produced.
A. but additionally awarded death indemnity in the amount of P50.000. there is no more difference in the amounts of damages which petitioners can recover from Rhoda or respondent MICI. per Taft. Moore on Facts. and refuses to divulge it.00 for burial expenses. (Pittsburgh. 90 Fed. R. Article 2199 of the Civil Code provides that "[e]xcept as provided by law or by stipulation one is entitled to an adequate compensation only for such pecuniary loss suffered by him as he has duly proved x x x. Vol. for it has likewise been said that: Weak evidence becomes strong by the neglect of the party against whom it is put in. 676. I. in its Order dated 24 January 2001. cannot complain if the court puts the most unfavorable construction upon his silence. Allen. in not showing by means within the easy control of that party that the conclusion drawn from such evidence is untrue. as well as funeral expenses and attorney’s fees. petitioners can recover the said amounts in full from either of them.64 Given the admission of respondent MICI that it is the insurer of the truck involved in the accident that killed George.000. Consequently. 681. etc. 50 III. making their liabilities solidary or joint and several.. for argument's sake. Its award of moral damages and funeral expenses as well as attorney’s fees remained constant in its 28 February 2000 decision and was carried over to its 24 January 2001 Order. Vol. The Court now comes to the issue of the amounts of the damages awarded. I.00. p.106.00 for burial expenses is duly supported by receipts evidencing that petitioners did incur . Moore on Facts. Subsequently. thus.J. Callaghan." (Societe. 282.00 to P102. 817. and infers that a disclosure would have shown the fact to be as claimed by the opposing party.00. App. The Court shall now proceed to scrutinize said award of damages. and in the utter absence of proof to establish both the existence and the extent/amount of the alleged limited liability of respondent MICI as insurer. the RTC awarded petitioners moral and actual damages.000. 815. v. As regards the award of actual damages.C..63 The inference still holds even if it be assumed. 561). The award of P36. the Court could only conclude that respondent MICI had agreed to fully indemnify third-party liabilities. Rep. In its Decision dated 22 February 2000. v.xxxx The ordinary rule is that one who has knowledge peculiarly within his own control. 33 C." The RTC awarded P36. C.984. Co. that the solidary liability of respondent MICI with Rhoda is improbable. 572). the RTC reduced the amount of actual damages from P805.. etc. p.
Hence.. which it later reduced to P102. Court of Appeals68 : [The award of damages for loss of earning capacity is] concerned with the determination of the losses or damages sustained by the private respondents. the "defendant shall be liable for the loss of the earning capacity of the deceased. The petitioners held a wake for two days at their residence and another two days at the Loyola Memorial Park. and that said damages consist.this expense. but only such portion that he would have used to support his dependents or heirs. The Court explained in Villa Rey Transit v.00 in its 28 February 2000 Decision. Article 2206 of the Civil Code provides that in addition to the indemnity for death caused by a crime or quasi-delict. shall be computed by applying the formula (2/3 x [80 . i.65 The amount covered the expenses by petitioners for the wake.age of deceased at the time of death]67 Jurisprudence provides that the first factor. x x x. the Court deducts from his gross earnings the necessary expenses supposed to be used by the deceased for his own needs.00 on 24 January 2001. Life expectancy is determined in accordance with the formula: 2 / 3 x [80 . the RTC initially awarded P805. life expectancy. but of the support they received or would have received from him had he not died in consequence of the negligence of petitioner's agent. In fixing the amount of that support.66 As to compensation for loss of earning capacity. funeral and burial of George.. as dependents and intestate heirs of the deceased. we must reckon with the .e. Hence. not of the full amount of his earnings." Compensation of this nature is awarded not for loss of earnings but for loss of capacity to earn money. the total earnings less expenses necessary in the creation of such earnings or income and less living and other incidental expenses. it is proper that compensation for loss of earning capacity should be awarded to the petitioners in accordance with the formula established in decided cases for computing net earning capacity. to wit: The formula for the computation of unearned income is: Net Earning Capacity = life expectancy x (gross annual income reasonable and necessary living expenses). i.106.e.984. and the indemnity shall be paid to the heirs of the latter.age at death]) adopted in the American Expectancy Table of Mortality or the Actuarial of Combined Experience Table of Mortality. The second factor is computed by multiplying the life expectancy by the net earnings of the deceased. The loss is not equivalent to the entire earnings of the deceased.
the amount recoverable is not the loss of the entire earning.676 NEC = [2/3 (80-58)] [83.946) (12)] = P83.000. as an element of damages to one's estate for his death by wrongful act is necessarily his net earning capacity or his capacity to acquire money. the total of the earnings less expenses necessary in the creation of such earnings or income and less living and other incidental expenses. and not gross earnings are to be considered that is. In other words. With respect to moral damages.352 Reasonable/Necessary Living Expenses (R/NLE) = 50%71 of GAI = P41." Applying the aforestated jurisprudential guidelines in the computation of the amount of award for damages set out in Villa Rey.age of deceased at the time of death] 2/3 x [80 — 56] 2/3 x  FORMULA – NET EARNING CAPACITY (NEC) If: Age at time of death of George Poe = 5869 Monthly Income at time of death = P6. but rather the loss of that portion of the earnings which the beneficiary would have received.92 The RTC awarded moral damages72 in the amount of P100. it has been consistently held that earning capacity. Moral damages are designed to ."necessary expenses of his own living.94670 Gross Annual Income (GAI) = [(6.386. within the limits of the possible." which should be deducted from his earnings. only net earnings. George’s lost net earning capacity is equivalent to P611.386.00.676] = P611. the Court computes the award for the loss of George’s earning capacity as follows: Life expectancy = 2/3 x [80 .92 Therefore.676] = [14.676] = [2/3 (22)] [41. the same are awarded under the following circumstances: The award of moral damages is aimed at a restoration. Thus. "less necessary expense for his own living." Stated otherwise.67] [41. of the spiritual status quo ante.352-41.
(2) Actual damages for loss of earning capacity P611. granting the Petition for Certiorari of respondent Malayan Insurance Company. to give DUE COURSE to the present Petition and decide the same on its merits. attorney’s fees may be granted when a party is compelled to litigate or incur expenses to protect his interest by reason of an unjustified act of the other party. mental anguish. and the peculiar circumstances of the case.00.compensate and alleviate in some way the physical suffering. the RTC awarded attorneys fees to petitioners. social humiliation. besmirched reputation. SP No.00 as death indemnity is in accordance with current rulings of the Court.75 Finally. they must be proportionate to the suffering inflicted. of the Court of Appeals in CA-G. While the Court AFFIRMS the Decision.00 as death indemnity which the Court shall not disturb. Poe the following: (1) Funeral expenses P36. (3) Moral damages amounting to P100.zw+ The RTC also awarded P50.000. Inc.000.000. in consideration of the speedy administration of justice. dated 29 November 2002. In the instant case. Hence.000.76 In Metro Manila Transit Corporation v. Under Article 2008 of the Civil Code. and similar injury unjustly caused a person. Court of Appeals. The award ofP50. petitioners’ testimonies reveal the intense suffering which they continue to experience as a result of George’s death. premises considered. Although incapable of pecuniary computation.000. serious anxiety.R. moral shock. dated 26 June 2002. the Court. and . fright. the instant Petition is PARTIALLY GRANTED.00. petitioners are entitled to attorney’s fees in that amount.00 as attorney’s fees was reasonable.741avvphi1. Petitioners are entitled to attorney’s fees.000.73 It is not difficult to comprehend that the sudden and unexpected loss of a husband and father would cause mental anguish and serious anxiety in the wife and children he left behind.386. The amount of the award bears no relation whatsoever with the wealth or means of the offender. are hereby ordered to pay jointly and severally the petitioners Heirs of George Y. Rhoda Santos and respondent Malayan Insurance Company. RESOLVES. 67297. and Resolution.77 the Court held that an award of P50.92.78 WHEREFORE. nonetheless. Moral damages in the amount of P100. wounded feelings.00..00 are proper for George’s death. Inc. (4) Death indemnity P50.000.
00 plus P1.500.(5) Attorney’s fees P50. No costs.00 per court appearance. SO ORDERED. ! .000.

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