SC Orders Teacher to Pay Damages After Fatal Tree-Cutting Incident
The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered that a teacher must pay damages to the family of a man who died after being hit by a banana tree.
The tree had been cut down by a student following the teacher’s instructions. According to the Supreme Court, teachers can be held responsible for accidents caused by students under their supervision if they fail to exercise proper caution.
The ruling, written by Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando, upheld the liability of Gil Apolinario, the principal of Brgy. Palale Elementary School in Sta. Margarita, Samar, for the death of Francisco De Los Santos.
The incident happened when Apolinario instructed a 15-year-old student to cut down a banana tree near the school, which stood close to the highway. As the tree fell, it struck De Los Santos, who was passing by on a motorcycle.
The Supreme Court ordered Apolinario to pay P355,000 in damages and legal fees to De Los Santos’ heirs. The decision emphasized that teachers and school administrators are responsible for the safety of students and others affected by their instructions.
Even outside school hours, educators must ensure that tasks assigned to students do not put anyone in danger.
Under the Civil Code, individuals who cause harm due to negligence must compensate the affected party. The concept of vicarious liability also applies, meaning school officials can be held accountable for their students’ actions unless they can prove they took necessary precautions.
The court found that Apolinario failed to exercise due diligence. He did not take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the student or the people in the surrounding area, leading to a tragic and preventable accident.
In a previous report, a female teacher accused of abusing pre-kindergarten students
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