PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS RAILWAYS V. V. INTERMEDIATE I NTERMEDIATE APPELLATE APPEL LATE COURT Page 1 of 15
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS and HONORIO CABARDO, petitioners !s. INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT, and BALIWAG TRANSIT, INC., respon"ents. G.R. No. 70547 an!a"# $$, 1%%& $17 SCRA 401 MELO, J.: NATURE O' THE CASE( T#e i$p%tation of culpa on t#e part of #erein petitioners
as a res%&t of t#e 'o&&ision (et)een its train (o%n" for Mani&a fro$ La Union )it# a *a&i)ag transit (%s at t#e rai&roa" 'rossing on t#e roa" going to Hagono+ *%&a'an on A%g%st &, -/0 is t#e s%(1e't of t#e petition at (ar "ire'te" against t#e 1%"g$ent of a2r$an'e a2r$an'e ren"ere" (+ respon"ent 'o%rt t#ro%g# t#ro%g# t#e 3o%rt# Ci!i& Ci!i& Cases Di!ision 4Sison *i"in 4P5 Ve&oso 66.5 vis-a-vis t#e "e'reta& portion #an"e" "o)n (+ t#e 'o%rt of origin in7 -. Or"ering t#e "efen"ants 1oint&+ an" se!era&&+ to pa+ t#e p&ainti8 t#e a$o%nt of P-/9--.9: as a't%a& "a$ages. :. Or"ering t#e "efen"ants 1oint&+ an" se!era&&+ to pa+ t#e p&ainti8 P0;<<0:.,; as rei$(%rse$ent for t#e "a$ages pai" (+ t#e p&ainti8 to "eat# in1%r+ an" "a$age '&ai$ants. ;. Or"ering t#e "efen"ants 1oint&+ an" se!era&&+ to pa+ e=e$p&ar+ "a$ages in t#e a$o%nt of P9, ,,,.,, to t#e p&ainti8. 0. Or"ering t#e "efen"ants 1oint&+ an" se!era&&+ to pa+ t#e p&ainti8 attorne+>s fees in t#e a$o%nt of P9 ,,,.,,. 9. Or"ering t#e "efen"ants 1oint&+ an" se!era&&+ to pa+ t#e p&ainti8 interest at t#e &ega& rate on t#e a(o!e a$o%nts "%e t#e p&ainti8 fro$ A%g%st -, -/0 %nti& f%&&+ pai". <. Or"ering t#e "efen"ants to pa+ t#e 'ost of t#is s%it. /. Or"ering t#e "is$issa& of t#e "efen"ants> 'o%nter'&ai$ for &a'? of fa't%a& an" &ega& (asis. 4p. -,- Re'or" on Appea&@ p. -,;. Rollo.5 'ACTS(
A passenger e=press train of "efen"ant P#i&ippine Nationa& Rai&)a+s 4PNR5 'o$ing fro$ San 3ernan"o 3ernan"o La Union an" (o%n" for Mani&a 'o&&i"e" )it# a passenger (%s of *a&i)ag Transit Transit In'. )#i'# )as on its )a+ to Hagono+ *%&a'an fro$ Mani&a. On A%g%st -, -/0 aro%n" -7;, in t#e afternoon %pon rea'#ing t#e rai&roa" 'rossing at *arrio *a&%ngao Ca&%$pit *%&a'an sai" (%st got sta&&e" an" )as #it (+ "efen"ants e=press train 'a%sing "a$ages to p&ainti8s (%s an" its passengers.
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Cas%a&ties )ere eig#teen 4-B5 "eat#s an" ft+t#ree 49;5 )o%n"e". P&ainti8 arg%e" t#at t#e pro=i$ate 'a%se of t#e 'o&&ision )as t#e neg&igen'e an" i$pr%"en'e of "efen"ant PNR an" its &o'o$oti!e engineer Honorio Ca(ar"o (e'a%se it )as operating t#e passenger train in a (%s+ interse'tion )it#o%t an+ (ars se$ap#ores signa& &ig#ts Fag$an or s)it'#$an to )arn t#e p%(&i' of approa'#ing train t#at )o%&" pass t#ro%g# t#e 'rossingG. Wit# t#at t#e p&ainti8 &e" t#e instant a'tion for Da$ages against "efen"ants. Ho)e!er t#e "efen"ants ans)ere" t#at t#e 'o&&ision )as 'a%se" (+ t#e neg&igen'e i$pr%"en'e an" &a'? of foresig#tG of t#e (%s "ri!er Ro$eo H%g#es. On 6%ne :; -/< a pretria& )as #e&" "%ring )#i'# ti$e t#e parties agree" to state t#e fo&&o)ing fa'ts7 -. P&ainti8 is a Se'%rities an" E='#ange Co$$issionregistere" entit+ engage" in t#e (%siness of transportation an" operating p%(&i' %ti&it+ (%ses for t#e p%(&i' :. Defen"ant P#i&ippine Nationa& Rai&)a+s is a p%re&+ go!ern$ent o)ne" an" 'ontro&&e" 'orporation "%&+ registere" an" e=isting !irt%e of Presi"entia& De'ree No. /0;. On A%g%st -, -/0 at a(o%t -7:, in t#e afternoon a *a&i%ag Transit *%s )it# *o"+ No. -,<< an" P&ate No. S: PU**%&a'an >/0 )as "ri!en (+ its a%t#orie" "ri!er Ro$eo H%g#es an" PNR Train No. /; )as operate" (+ Train Engineer Honorio Ca(ar"o. At t#e rai&roa" interse'tion at *arrio *a&%ngao Ca&%$pit *%&a'an sai" passenger train No. /; #it an" (%$pe" t#e rig#t $i" portion of t#e p&ainti8>s passenger (%s No. -,<< )#i&e t#e rear portion of sai" (%s )as at t#e rai&roa" tra'? an" its "ire'tion )as to)ar"s Hagono+ *%&a'an at a(o%t -7;, o'&o'? in t#e afternoon@ 0. D%ring t#e 'o&&ision it )as "ri&ing at t#e !i'init+ of t#e s'ene of t#e a''i"ent an" t#ere )ere no (ars se$ap#ores an" signa& &ig#ts t#at )o%&" )arn t#e p%(&i' of t#e approa'#ing train t#at )as a(o%t to pass t#ro%g#. 9. T#e *a&i%ag Transit *%s )it# *o"+ No. -,<< "ri!en (+ Ro$eo H%g#es )as "a$age" an" eig#teen "ie" )it# ft+ t#ree s%8ere" p#+si'a& in1%ries <. T#e C#ief of Po&i'e of Ca&%$pit *%&a'an &e" a 'ri$ina& 'ase of Re'?&ess I$pr%"en'e Ca%sing M%&tip&e Ho$i'i"e )it# M%&tip&e P#+si'a& In1%ries an" Da$age to Propert+ against Ro$eo H%g#es + Parfan "ri!er of t#e *a&i%ag Transit (%s "o'?ete" %n"er Cri$. Case No. :;. Mean)#i&e train Engineer Honorio Ca(ar"o )as not in'&%"e" as an a''%se" in sai" 'ase a&t#o%g# #is
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train No. /; )as t#e one t#at #it an" (%$pe" t#e rig#t rear portion of t#e sai" (%s /. Ma1or Man%e& A. Ma'a$ C#ief of t#e M%ni'ipa& Po&i'e of Ca&%$pit *%&a'an toget#er )it# so$e of #is po&i'e$en 'on"%'te" an in!estigation of t#e a''i"ent B. T#ere is no rai&roa" 'rossing (ar at t#e s'ene of t#e 'ri$e. Ho)e!er "%ring t#e pre)ar "a+s t#ere )as a rai&roa" 'rossing (ar at sai" interse'tion t#at sa+s Stop Loo? an" ListenG p&a'e" on a 'on'rete s&a( . On A%g%st -/0 train no. /; stoppe" after passing t#e rai&roa" 'rossing at a "istan'e of a(o%t 9, $eters fro$ t#e sai" interse'tion after t#e 'o&&ision -,.T#e e=pe'te" ti$e of arri!a& of sai" Train No. /; in Mani&a )as :70- P.M. an" its "epart%re ti$e fro$ San 3ernan"o La Union )as 7,, A.M. an" its e=pe'te" arri!a& at Ca&%$pit *%&a'an )as -70- P.M. )it# no stop at Ca&%$pit *%&a'an. ISSUE)S(
-. W#o (et)een t#e "ri!er Ro$eo H%g#es of *a&i%ag Transit In'orporate" an" t#e train engineer Honorio Ca(ar"o a&ias Honorio Cir(a"o of t#e P#i&ippine Nationa& Rai&)a+s )as neg&igentJ :. Has t#e *a&i%ag Transit In'orporate" e=er'ise" t#e "i&igen'e of a goo" fat#er of t#e fa$i&+ in t#e se&e'tion an" s%per!ision of its e$p&o+eesJ HELD(
Defen"ants en"ea!ore" to s#o) t#at t#e pro=i$ate an" i$$e"iate 'a%se of t#e 'o&&ision )as t#e neg&igen'e of t#e (%s "ri!er (e'a%se t#e "ri!er "i" not $a?e a stop (efore as'en"ing t#e rai&tra'?@ #e "i" not #ee" t#e )arning or s#o%tings of (+stan"ers an" passengers an" pro'ee"e" in tra!ersing t#e rai&tra'? at a fast spee"@ t#at t#e (%s "ri!er )as in fa't !io&ating Se'tion 0:4"5 of R.A. 0-;< ot#er)ise ?no)n as t#e Lan" Transportation an" Tra2' Co"e for fai&%re to Kstop &oo? an" &istenK at t#e interse'tion (efore 'rossing t#e rai&tra'?@ t#at it is in'%$(ent %pon #i$ to ta?e t#e ne'essar+ pre'a%tions at t#e interse'tion (e'a%se t#e rai&roa" tra'? is in itse&f a )arning@ an" t#e (%s "ri!er ignore" s%'# a )arning an" $%st ass%$e t#e responsi(i&it+ for t#e res%&t of t#e $otion ta?en (+ #i$ 4U.S. !. Manan%i& 0: P#i&. ,5 E='ept t#e testi$on+ of t#e train engineer Ca(ar"o t#ere is no a"$issi(&e e!i"en'e to s#o) t#at in"ee" t#e (%s "ri!er "i" not ta?e t#e ne'essar+ pre'a%tion in
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS V. INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT Page 4 of 15
tra!ersing t#e tra'?. Note t#at #e rst noti'e" t#e (%s )#en it )as on&+ -9 $eters a)a+ fro$ #i$@ #e 'o%&" not #a!e possi(&+ noti'e" t#e position of t#e (%s (efore negotiating t#e tra'?. On t#e ot#er #an" it )as s#o)n (+ p&ainti8 t#at t#e (%s "ri!er Ro$eo H%g#es too? t#e ne'essar+ pre'a%tions in tra!ersing t#e tra'?. T#e (%s "ri!er #a" stoppe" (efore tra!ersing t#e tra'? an" in fa't as?e" t#e 'on"%'tor to a&ig#t an" $a"e a KLoo? an" ListenK (efore pro'ee"ing@ t#e 'on"%'tor #a" "one 1%st t#at an" $a"e a signa& to pro'ee" )#en #e "i" not see an+ on'o$ing train. 4TSN O'to(er :& -/< p. 05@ p&ainti8>s (%s "ri!ers an" 'on"%'tors are en1oine" to o(ser!e s%'# a pre'a%tionar+ $eas%re in se$inars 'on"%'te" (+ t#e 'o$pan+. 4TSN Septe$(er :; -/<. pp. :<:/5. T#e e!i"en'e "is'&ose" t#at t#e train )as r%nning fast (e'a%se (+ #is o)n testi$on+ t#e train engineer #a" testie" t#at (efore rea'#ing t#e station of Ca&%$pit t#e terrain )as "o)ngra"e an" &e!e&&e" on&+ after passing t#e Ca&%$pit (ri"ge 4TSN 6%&+ :B -/< p. -0 5@ t#e ten"en'+ of t#e train 'o$ing fro$ a #ig# point is to a''e&erate as t#e gra!it+ )i&& ne'essari&+ $a?e it so espe'ia&&+ )#en it is p%&&ing se!en 'oa'#es &oa"e" )it# goo"s an" passengers. Moreo!er %pon i$pa't t#e (%s &oa"e" )it# passengers )as "ragge" an" t#ro)n into a "it'# se!era& $eters a)a+@ t#e train #a" stoppe" on&+ after t#e engine portion )as a(o%t -, $eters a)a+ fro$ t#e fa&&en (%s@ se!era& passengers )ere in1%re" an" at &east :, "ie"@ s%'# fa'ts 'on'&%si!e&+ in"i'ate t#at t#e train )as spee"ing (e'a%se if it )ere $o!ing at $o"erate spee" it )o%&" not r%n so$e -, $eters after i$pa't an" t#ro) t#e (%s at %ite a "istan'e espe'ia&&+ so )#en it is '&ai$e" t#at t#e train>s e$ergen'+ (ra?es )ere app&ie". 3%rt#er t#e train )as an e=press train@ its "epart%re )as 7,, A.M. at San 3ernan"o La Union an" e=pe'te" in Mani&a at :70- P.M.@ t#e 'o&&ision o''%rre" at -7;, P.M. or 0 -: #o%rs after it &eft La Union@ s%re&+ t#e train 'o%&" #a!e not negotiate" s%'# a "istan'e in so s#ort a ti$e if it )ere not r%nning at fast spee". It $a+ (e arg%e" t#at a rai&roa" is not s%(1e't to t#e sa$e restri'tions to t#e spee" of its train as a $otorists 4M'?e&!e+ !. De&a)are L. an" W.R. Co. :9; App. D.V. -, ;,, NYS -:<; 5@ (%t it "oes not fo&&o) t#at a train )i&& (e per$itte" to r%n fast %n"er a&& 'on"itions at an+ rate of spee" it $a+ '#oose. It $%st reg%&ate its spee" )it# proper regar" for t#e safet+ of #%$an &ife an" propert+ 46o#nson !. So%t#ern Pa'i' Co$pan+ 4Ca&. App. :BB p. B-5 'onsi"ering t#e s%rro%n"ing 'ir'%$stan'es parti'%&ar&+ t#e nat%re of t#e &o'a&it+ 4At'#inson T. an" S3R Co. !. Ni'?s 4Arts5 -<9 p. :" -
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Ca(ar"o>s ro%te in'&%"e" t#e passage o!er t#e sai" interse'tion@ #e 'o%&" #a!e noti'e" t#at it is a !er+ (%s+ interse'tion (e'a%se t#e 'rossroa" &ea"s to t#e Ca&%$pit Po(&a'ion as )e&& as to t#e neig#(oring to)n of Hagono+@ t#ere )as a par?ing &ot (+ t#e si"e of t#e tra'? )#ereat passengers (oar" 1eepne+s for t#e neig#(oring (arrios an" to)ns@ sta&&s a(o%n" in t#e !i'init+ an" (+stan"ers 'ongregate near(+. A pr%"ent train operator $%st %n"er t#e 'ir'%$stan'es s&a'?en #is spee" a&$ost for t#e prote'tion of $otorists an" pe"estrians not on&+ )#en a 'o&&ision is ine!ita(&e (%t e!en if no #in"ran'e is apparent on t#e )a+@ Moreo!er t#ere )as an inter$ittent rain at t#e ti$e of t#e 'o&&ision 4see stip%&ation of fa'ts an" p#otograp#s5@ t#e 'on"ition of t#e )eat#er )as s%'# t#at e!en if for t#is reason a&one t#e train engineer s#o%&" #a!e foreseen t#at "anger of 'o&&ision &%r?e" (e'a%se of poor !isi(i&it+ of s&ipper+ roa"@ #e s#o%&" #a!e ta?en e=tra pre'a%tion (+ 'onsi"era(&+ s&a'?ening its spee". T#is #e fai&e" to "o e!en if t#e nat%re of #is 1o( re%ire" #i$ to o(ser!e 'are e=er'ise" (+ a pr%"ent $an. Contri(%tor+ neg&igen'e $a+ not (e as'ri(e" to t#e (%s "ri!er@ it )as e!i"ent t#at #e #a" ta?en t#e ne'essar+ pre'a%tions (efore passing o!er t#e rai&)a+ tra'?@ if t# e (%s )as #it it )as for reasons (e+on" t#e 'ontro& of t#e (%s "ri!er (e'a%se #e #a" no p&a'e to go@ t#ere )ere !e#i'&es to #is &eft )#i'# pre!ente" #i$ in s)er!ing to)ar"s t#at "ire'tion@ #is (%s sta&&e" in !ie) of t#e o(str%'tions in #is front )#ere a san" an" gra!e& tr%'? stoppe" (e'a%se of a 1eep $ane%!ering into a garage %p front. A&& t#e )#ee&s at t#e (%s #a!e a&rea"+ passe" t#e rai& portion of t#e tra'? an" on&+ t#e rear portion of t#e (%s> (o"+ o''%pie" or 'o!ere" t#e rai&tra'?. T#is )as e!i"ent (e'a%se t#e part of t#e (%s #it (+ t#e train )as t#e rear sin'e t#e (%s fe&& on a near(+ "it'#. Ot#er)ise if t#e (%s )as rea&&+ #it in $i"(o"+ t#e (%s 'o%&" #a!e (een #a&!e" into t)o (e'a%se of t#e for'e of t#e i$pa't. T#e stip%&ation of fa'ts (et)een t#e parties s#o) t#at t#ere )as no 'rossing (ar at t#e rai&roa" interse'tion at Ca&%$pit *%&a'an at t#e ti$e of 'o&&ision 4par. B Stip%&ation of 3a'ts5@ t#e p&ainti8 'onten"e" an" t#e "efen"ants "i" not "en+ t#at t#ere )ere no signa& &ig#ts se$ap#ores Fag$an or s)it'#$an t#ereat@ t#e a(sen'e of s%'# "e!i'es t#e p&ainti8 arg%es 'onstit%te neg&igen'e on t#e part of t#e P#i&ippine Nationa& Rai&)a+s. A rai&roa" is not re%ire" to #a!e a gate 4'rossing (ar5 or a Fag$an or to $aintain signa&s at e!er+ interse'tion@ on&+ at s%'# p&a'es reasona(&+ ne'essar+@ )#at is 'onsi"ere" reasona(&+ ne'essar+ )i&& "epen" on t#e a$o%nt of tra!e& %pon t#e roa" t#e fre%en'+ )it# )#i'# trains pass o!er it an" t#e !ie) )#i'# 'o%&" (e
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o(taine" of trains as t#e+ approa'# t#e 'rossing an" ot#er 'on"itions 4Pari !. Los Ange&es R+. Corporation 4Ca& A:"5 -:B p:" 9<;@ S)"+? !. In"iana Har(or *e&t R. Co. -0B 3. :" /9 an" ot#ers5. As #as (een a$p&+ "is'%sse" t#e 'rossroa" at t#e interse'tion at Ca&%$pit is one )#i'# is a (%s+ t#oro%g#fare@ it &ea"s to t#e Po(&a'ion at Ca&%$pit an" ot#er (arrios as )e&& as t#e to)n of Hagono+@ t#e !i'init+ is %ti&ie" as a par?ing an" )aiting area for passengers of 1eepne+s t#at p&+ (et)een t#e (arrios '&ear&+ t#e Fo) of !e#i'%&ar tra2' t#ereat is #%ge. It 'an (e sai" a&so t#at sin'e t#ere is no ot#er rai&tra'? going Nort# e='ept t#at one passing at Ca&%$pit trains pass o!er it fre%ent&+@ A portion of t#e interse'tion is (eing %se" as a par?ing area )it# sta&&s an" ot#er o(str%'tions present $a?ing it "i2'%&t if not i$possi(&e to see approa'#ing trains 4see p#otograp#s5. T#e fai&%re of t#e P#i&ippine Nationa& Rai&)a+s to p%t a 'ross (ar or signa& &ig#t Fag$an or s)it'#$an or se$ap#ores is e!i"en'e of neg&igen'e an" "isregar" of t#e safet+ of t#e p%(&i' e!en if t#ere is no &a) or or"inan'e re%iring it (e'a%se p%(&i' safet+ "e$an"s t#at sai" "e!i'es or e%ip$ents (e insta&&e" in t#e &ig#t of aforesai" 1%rispr%"en'e. In t#e opinion of t#is Co%rt t#e sign or t#e presen'e of KSTOP LOO LISTENK )arnings )o%&" not (e s%2'ient prote'tion of t#e $otoring p%(&i' as )e&& as t#e pe"estrians in t#e sai" interse'tion@ T#e parties &i?e)ise #a!e stip%&ate" t#at "%ring t#e pre)ar "a+s t#ere )as a rai&roa" 'rossing (ar at t#e sai" interse'tion 4ParB Stip%&ation of 3a'ts5. It appears t#at it )as a se&f i$pose" re%ire$ent )#i'# #as (een a(an"one". In a 'ase it )as #e&" t#at )#ere t#e %se of a Fag$an )as se&f i$pose" t#e a(an"on$ent t#ereof $a+ 'onstit%te neg&igen'e. 43&e$ing !. Misso%ri an" A. R+. Co. -B ARDC :, -:B S.W. :" :B< an" ot#ers@ 'ite" in Se'. -,B: SCRWART Vo&. :5. Si$i&ar&+ t#e a(an"on$ent (+ t#e PNR of t#e %se of t#e 'rossing (ar at t#e interse'tion at Ca&%$pit 'onstit%tes neg&igen'e as its insta&&ation #as (e'o$e i$perati!e (e'a%se of t#e pre!ai&ing 'ir'%$stan'es in t#e p&a'e. A rai&roa" 'o$pan+ #as (een a"1%"ge" g%i&t+ of neg&igen'e an" 'i!i&&+ &ia(&e for "a$ages )#en it fai&e" to insta&& se$ap#ores or )#ere it "oes not see to it t#at its Fag$an or s)it'#$an 'o$p&+ )it# t#eir "%ties fait#f%&&+ to $otorist in1%re" (+ a 'rossing train as &ong as #e
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS V. INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT Page 7 of 15
#a" 'rosse" )it#o%t neg&igen'e on #is part 4Li&i%s !s. MRR ; P#i&. /9B5. 4De'ision pages 0-,, R A.@ pp. B;B Rollo5. On t#e aspe't of )#et#er t#e P#i&ippine Nationa& Rai&)a+s en1o+s i$$%nit+ fro$ s%it respon"ent 'o%rt initia&&+ note" t#at an e='%&pation of t#is nat%re t#at )as raise" for t#e rst ti$e on appea& $a+ no &onger (e entertaine" in !ie) of t#e pros'ription %n"er Se'tion : R%&e of t#e Re!ise" R%&es of Co%rt apart fro$ t#e fa't t#at t#e &a)+er of petitioner agree" to stip%&ate inter alia t#at t#e rai&roa" 'o$pan+ #a" 'apa'it+ to s%e an" (e s%e". T#is (eing so respon"ent 'o%rt 'ontin%e" PNR )as perfor'e estoppe" fro$ "isa!o)ing t#e pre1%"i'ia& reper'%ssion of an a"$ission in judicio . E!en as t#e &a)s go!erning t#e 'reation an" re#a(i&itation of t#e PNR )ere entire&+ $%te on its po)er to s%e an" (e s%e" respon"ent 'o%rt nonet#e&ess opine" t#at s%'# prerogati!e )as i$p&ie" fro$ t#e genera& po)er to transa't (%siness pertinent or in"ispensa(&e to t#e attain$ent of t#e goa&s of t#e rai&roa" 'o$pan+ %n"er Se'tion 0 of Rep%(&i' A't No. 0-9< as a$en"e" (+ Rep%(&i' A't No. <;<<7 Se'. 0 enera& Po)ers Q T#e P#i&ippine Nationa& Rai&)a+s s#a&& #a!e t#e fo&&o)ing genera& po)ers7 4a5 To "o a&& s%'# ot#er t#ings an" to transa't a&& s%'# (%siness "ire't&+ or in"ire't&+ ne'essar+ in'i"enta& or 'on"%'i!e to t#e attain$ent of t#e p%rpose of t#e 'orporation@ an" 4(5 enera&&+ to e=er'ise a&& po)ers of a rai&roa" 'orporation %n"er t#e Corporation &a). in 'on1%n'tion )it# Se'tion :4(5 of Presi"entia& De'ree No. /0-7 4(5 To o)n or operate rai&roa" trans)a+s (%s &ines tr%'?&ines s%()a+s an" ot#er ?in"s of &an" transportation !esse&s an" pipe&ines for t#e p%rpose of transporting for 'onsi"eration passengers $ai& an" propert+ (et)een an+ points in t#e P#i&ippines@ T#%s respon"ent 'o%rt %ti&ie" t#e "o'trine of i$p&ie" po)ers anno%n'e" in National Airports Corporation vs. Teodoro, Sr. and Philippine Airlines, Inc . 4- P#i&. :,; -9:5 to t#e e8e't t#at t#e po)er to s%e an" (e s%e" is i$p&i'it fro$ t#e fa'%&t+ to transa't pri!ate (%siness. At an+ rate respon"ent 'o%rt '#ara'terie" t#e rai&roa" 'o$pan+ as a pri!ate entit+ 'reate" not to "is'#arge a go!ern$enta& f%n'tion (%t a$ong ot#er t#ings to operate a transport ser!i'e )#i'# is essentia&&+ a (%siness 'on'ern an" t#%s (arre" fro$ in!o?ing i$$%nit+ fro$ s%it. In (r%s#ing asi"e petitioners> asse!eration t#at t#e (%s "ri!er o%tra'e" t#e train at t#e 'rossing respon"ent 'o%rt o(ser!e" t#at t#e (%s )as # it (+ t#e train at its rear
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS V. INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT Page + of 15
portion t#en protr%"ing o!er t#e tra'?s as t#e (%s 'o%&" not $o!e (e'a%se anot#er tr%'? at its front )as e%a&&+ i$$o(i&e "%e to a 1eep $ane%!ering into a near(+ par?ing area. Un"er t#ese tig#t 'on"itions respon"ent 'o%rt (&a$e" t#e train engineer )#o a"$itte" to #a!e seen t#e $ane%!ering 1eep at a "istan'e 4TSN 6%&+ :B -/< page -B5 an" #a" t#e &ast '&ear '#an'e to app&+ t#e (ra?es ?no)ing f%&&+ )e&& t#at t#e !e#i'&es fo&&o)ing t#e 1eep 'o%&" not $o!e a)a+ fro$ t#e pat# of t#e train. Apart fro$ t#ese 'onsi"erations it )as per'ei!e" (e&o) t#at t#e train )as r%nning fast "%ring t#e entire trip sin'e t#e train stoppe" -, $eters fro$ t#e point of i$pa't an" arri!e" at Ca&%$pit *%&a'an ear&ier t#an its e=pe'te" ti$e of arri!a& t#ereat. Moreo!er respon"ent 'o%rt agree" )it# t#e 'on'&%sion rea'#e" (+ t#e tria& 'o%rt t#at t#e a(sen'e of a 'rossing (ar signa& &ig#t Fag$an or s)it'#$an to )arn t#e p%(&i' of an approa'#ing train 'onstit%tes neg&igen'e per t#e prono%n'e$ent of t#is Co%rt in Lilius vs. Manila Railroad Compan 49 P#i& /9B -;05. Con'erning t#e e=er'ise of "i&igen'e nor$a&&+ e=pe'te" of an e$p&o+er in t#e se&e'tion an" s%per!ision of its e$p&o+ees respon"ent 'o%rt e=presse" t#e !ie) t#at PNR )as re$iss on t#is s'ore sin'e it a&&o)e" Honorio Ca(ar"o )#o nis#e" on&+ pri$ar+ e"%'ation an" (e'a$e an engineer on&+ t#ro%g# s#eer e=perien'e to operate t#e &o'o$oti!e not to $ention t#e fa't t#at s%'# p&ea in a!oi"an'e )as not asserte" in t#e ans)er an" )as t#%s (e&ate"&+ raise" on appea&. Petitioner $o!e" to re'onsi"er (%t respon"ent 'o%rt )as far fro$ pers%a"e". Hen'e t#e petition (efore Us )#i'# in essen'e in'orporates si$i&ar "isp%tations anent PNR>s i$$%nit+ fro$ s%it an" t#e atte$pt to toss t#e (%r"en of neg&igen'e fro$ t#e train engineer to t#e (%s "ri!er of #erein pri!ate respon"ent. T#e (one of 'ontention for e='%&pation is pre$ise" on t#e fa$i&iar $a=i$ in po&iti'a& &a) t#at t#e State (+ !irt%e of its so!ereign nat%re an" as rea2r$e" (+ 'onstit%tiona& pre'ept is ins%&ate" fro$ s%its )it#o%t its 'onsent 4 Article !", Section #, !$%& Constitution 5. Ho)e!er e%a&&+ 'on'e"e" is t#e &ega& proposition t#at t#e
a'%ies'en'e of t#e State to (e s%e" 'an (e $anifeste" e=press&+ t#ro%g# a genera& or spe'ia& &a) or in"i'ate" i$p&i'it&+ as )#en t#e State 'o$$en'es &itigation for t#e p%rpose of asserting an a2r$ati!e re&ief or )#en it enters into a 'ontra't 4Cru',P#i&ippine Po&iti'a& La) -- e"ition page ;;@ Sinco P#i&ippine Po&iti'a& La) E&e!ent# E"ition -<: page ;05. W#en t#e State parti'ipates in a 'o!enant it is "ee$e" to #a!e "es'en"e" fro$ its s%perior position to t#e &e!e& of an or"inar+ 'itien an" t#%s !irt%a&&+ opens itse&f to 1%"i'ia& pro'ess. Of 'o%rse We
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS V. INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT Page % of 15
rea&ie t#at t#is Co%rt %a&ie" t#is for$ of 'onsent on&+ to t#ose 'ontra'ts 'on'&%"e" in a proprietar+ 'apa'it+ an" t#erefore i$$%nit+ )i&& atta'# for t#ose 'ontra'ts entere" into in a go!ern$enta& 'apa'it+ fo&&o)ing t#e r%&ing in t#e -B9 'ase of (nited States o) America vs. Rui' 4-;< SCRA 0B/ -B9@ 'ite" (+ Cru' supra at pages ;<;/5. *%t t#e restri'ti!e interpretation &ai" "o)n t#erein is of no pra'ti'a& )ort# nor 'an it gi!e rise to #erein petitioner PNR>s e=oneration sin'e t#e 'ase of Malon* vs. Philippine National Rail+as 4-;B SCRA <; -B95@ ; Padilla -B/ Constit%tion )it# Co$$ents an" Cases -- e"ition page <005 "e'i"e" t#ree $ont#s after Rui' )as pro$%&gate" )as 'ategori'a& eno%g# to spe'if+ t#at t#e P#i&ippine Nationa& Rai&)a+s Kis not perfor$ing an+ go!ern$enta& f%n'tionK 4supra at page s pre"e'essor as a 'o$$on 'arrier )as not i$$%ne fro$ s%it %n"er A't No. -9-, its '#arter. T#e PNR C#arter Rep%(&i' A't No. 0-9< as a$en"e" (+ Rep%(&i' A't No. <;<< an" Presi"entia& De'ree No. /0- pro!i"es t#at t#e PNR is a go!ern$ent instr%$enta&it+ %n"er go!ern$ent o)ners#ip "%ring its 9,+ear ter$ -<0 to :,-0. It is %n"er t#e O2'e of t#e Presi"ent of t#e P#i&ippines. Rep%(&i' A't No. <;<< pro!i"es7 Se'. -a. State$ent of po&i'+. Q T#e P#i&ippine Nationa& Rai&)a+s (eing a fa'tor for so'ioe'ono$i' "e!e&op$ent an" gro)t# s#a&& (e a part of t#e infrastr%'t%re progra$ of t#e go!ern$ent an" as s%'# s#a&& re$ain in an" %n"er go!ern$ent o)ners#ip "%ring its 'orporate e=isten'e. T#e P#i&ippine Nationa& Rai&)a+s $%st (e a"$inistere" )it# t#e !ie) of ser!ing t#e interests of t#e p%(&i' (+ pro!i"ing t#e$ t#e $a=i$%$ of ser!i'e an" )#i&e ai$ing at its greatest %ti&it+ (+ t#e p%(&i' t#e e'ono$+ of operation $%st (e ens%re" so t#at ser!i'e 'an (e ren"ere" at t#e $ini$%$ passenger an" freig#t pri'es possi(&e. T#e '#arter a&so pro!i"es7 Se'. 0. enera& po)ers. Q T#e P#i&ippine Nationa& Rai&)a+s s#a&& #a!e t#e fo&&o)ing genera& po)ers7 4a5 To "o a&& s%'# ot#er t#ings an" to transa't a&& s%'# (%siness "ire't&+ or in"ire't&+ ne'essar+ in'i"enta& or
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS V. INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT Page 10 of 15
'on"%'i!e to t#e attain$ent of t#e p%rpose of t#e 'orporation@ an" 4(5 enera&&+ to e=er'ise a&& po)ers of a rai&roa" 'orporation %n"er t#e Corporation La). 4T#is refers to Se'tions B- to -,: of t#e Corporation La) on rai&roa" 'orporations not repro"%'e" in t#e Corporation Co"e.5 Se'tion ;< of t#e Corporation Co"e pro!i"es t#at e!er+ 'orporation #as t#e po)er to s%e an" (e s%e" in its 'orporate na$e. Se'tion -;4:5 of t#e Corporation La) pro!i"es t#at e!er+ 'orporation #as t#e po)er to s%e an" (e s%e" in an+ 'o%rt. A so!ereign is e=e$pt fro$ s%it not (e'a%se of an+ for$a& 'on'eption or o(so&ete t#eor+ (%t on t#e &ogi'a& an" pra'ti'a& gro%n" t#at t#ere 'an (e no &ega& rig#t as against t#e a%t#orit+ t#at $a?es t#e &a) on )#i'# t#e rig#t "epen"s 46%sti'e Ho&$es in a)anana?oa !s. Po&+(&an? :,9 U.S. ;9; 9- L. ;" B;05. T#e p%(&i' ser!i'e )o%&" (e #in"ere" an" p%(&i' safet+ en"angere" if t#e s%pre$e a%t#orit+ 'o%&" (e s%(1e'te" to s%it at t#e instan'e of e!er+ 'itien an" 'onse%ent&+ 'ontro&&e" in t#e %se an" "isposition of t#e $eans re%ire" for t#e proper a"$inistration of t#e o!ern$ent 4T#e Siren !s. U.S. / Wa&&. -9: - L. e". -:5. 4at pp. <9<<5. To t#e pi!ota& iss%e of )#et#er t#e State a'te" in a so!ereign 'apa'it+ )#en it organie" t#e PNR for t#e p%rpose of engaging in transportation Malon* 'ontin%e" to #o&" t#at7 . . . in t#e instant 'ase t#e State "i!este" itse&f of its so!ereign 'apa'it+ )#en it organie" t#e PNR )#i'# is no "i8erent fro$ its pre"e'essor t#e Mani&a Rai&roa" Co$pan+. T#e PNR "i" not (e'o$e i$$%ne fro$ s%it. It "i" not re$o!e itse&f fro$ t#e operation of Arti'&es -/;: to -/<< of t#e Ci!i& Co"e on 'o$$on 'arriers. T#e 'orre't r%&e is t#at Knot a&& go!ern$ent entities )#et#er 'orporate or non'orporate are i$$%ne fro$ s%its. I$$%nit+ fro$ s%it is "eter$ine" (+ t#e '#ara'ter of t#e o(1e'ts for )#i'# t#e entit+ )as organie".K 4Nat. Airports Corp. !s. Teo"oro an" P#i&. Air&ines In'. P#i&. :,; :,<@ Santos !s. Santos : P#i&. :B- :B9@ Harr+ L+ons In'. !s. USA -,0 P#i&. 9;5.
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS V. INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT Page 11 of 15
S%its against State agen'ies )it# respe't to $atters in )#i'# t#e+ #a!e ass%$e" to a't in a pri!ate or nongo!ern$enta& 'apa'it+ are not s%its against t#e State 4BC.6.S. -;-5. S%its against State agen'ies )it# re&ation to $atters in )#i'# t#e+ #a!e ass%$e" to a't in a pri!ate or nongo!ern$enta& 'apa'it+ an" !ario%s s%its against 'ertain 'orporations 'reate" (+ t#e State for p%(&i' p%rposes (%t to engage in $atters parta?ing $ore of t#e nat%re of or"inar+ (%siness rat#er t#an f%n'tions of a go!ern$enta& or po&iti'a& '#ara'ter are not regar"e" as s%its against t#e State. T#e &atter is tr%e a&t#o%g# t#e State $a+ o)n t#e sto'? or propert+ of s%'# a 'orporation for (+ engaging in (%siness operations t#ro%g# a 'orporation t#e State "i!ests itse&f so far of its so!ereign '#ara'ter an" (+ i$p&i'ating 'onsents to s%its against t#e 'orporation. 4B- C.6.S. -;-5. T#e foregoing r%&e )as app&ie" to State Do'? Co$$issions 'arr+ing on (%siness re&ating to pi&ots ter$ina&s an" transportation 4Stan"ar" Oi& Co. of Ne) 6erse+ !s. U.S. :/ 3e". :n" ;/,5 an" to State Hig#)a+s Co$$issions 'reate" to (%i&" p%(&i' roa"s an" gi!en appropriations in a"!an'e to "is'#arge o(&igations in'%rre" in t#eir (e#a&f 4Ar?ansas State Hig#)a+ Co$$ission !s. Do"ge :< SW :n" B/ an" State Hig#)a+ Co$$ission of Misso%ri !s. *ates :< SW 0-B 'ite" in Nationa& Airports 'ase5. T#e point is t#at )#en t#e go!ern$ent enters into a 'o$$er'ia& (%siness it a(an"ons its so!ereign 'apa'it+ an" is to (e treate" &i?e an+ ot#er pri!ate 'orporation 4*an? of t#e U.S. !s. P&anters> *an? W#eat. ,0 < L e". :00 'ite" in Mani&a Hote& E$p&o+ees Asso'iation !s. Mani&a Hote& Co$pan+ et a&. /; P#i&. ;/0 ;BB5. T#e Mani&a Hote& 'ase a&so re&ie" on t#e fo&&o)ing r%&ings7 *+ engaging in a parti'%&ar (%siness t#ro%g# t#e instr%$enta&it+ of a 'orporation t#e go!ern$ent "i!ests itse&f pro hac vice of its so!ereign '#ara'ter so as to ren"er t#e 'orporation s%(1e't to t#e r%&es of &a) go!erning pri!ate 'orporations. W#en t#e State a'ts in its proprietar+ 'apa'it+ it is a$ena(&e to a&& t#e r%&es of &a) )#i'# (in" pri!ate in"i!i"%a&s. T#ere is not one &a) for t#e so!ereign an" anot#er for t#e s%(1e't (%t )#en t#e so!ereign engages in (%siness an" t#e 'on"%'t of (%siness enterprises an" 'ontra'ts )it# in"i!i"%a&s )#ene!er t#e 'ontra't in an+ for$ 'o$es (efore t#e 'o%rts t#e rig#ts an" o(&igation of t#e
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS V. INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT Page 1$ of 15
'ontra'ting parties $%st (e a"1%ste" %pon t#e sa$e prin'ip&es as if (ot# 'ontra'ting parties )ere pri!ate persons. *ot# stan" %pon e%a&it+ (efore t#e &a) an" t#e so!ereign is $erge" in t#e "ea&er 'ontra'tor an" s%itor 4Peop&e !s. Step#ens /- N.Y. 905. It s#o%&" (e note" t#at in P#i&ippine Nationa& Rai&)a+s !s. Union "e Ma%inistas et'. L;-0B 6%&+ :9 -/B B0 SCRA ::; it )as #e&" t#at t#e PNR f%n"s 'o%&" (e garnis#e" at t#e instan'e of a &a(or %nion. It )o%&" (e %n1%st if t#e #eirs of t#e !i'ti$ of an a&&ege" neg&igen'e of t#e PNR e$p&o+ees 'o%&" not s%e t#e PNR for "a$ages. Li?e an+ pri!ate 'o$$on 'arrier t#e PNR is s%(1e't to t#e o(&igations of persons engage" in t#at pri!ate enterprise. It is not perfor$ing an+ go!ern$enta& f%n'tion. T#%s t#e Nationa& De!e&op$ent Co$pan+ is not i$$%ne fro$ s%it. It "oes not e=er'ise so!ereign f%n'tions. It is an agen'+ for t#e perfor$an'e of p%re&+ 'orporate proprietar+ or (%siness f%n'tions 4Nationa& De!e&op$ent Co$pan+ !s. To(ias --/ P#i&. /,; /,9 an" 'ases 'ite" t#erein@ Nationa& De!e&op$ent Co$pan+ !s. NDC E$p&o+ees an" Wor?ers> Union L;:;B/ A%g%st - -/9 << SCRA -B& -B05. Ot#er go!ern$ent agen'ies not en1o+ing i$$%nit+ fro$ s%it are t#e So'ia& Se'%rit+ S+ste$ 4So'ia& Se'%rit+ S+ste$ !s. Co%rt of Appea&s L0-: 3e(r%ar+ :- -B; -:, SCRA /,/5 an" t#e P#i&ippine Nationa& *an? 4Rep%(&i' !s. P#i&ippine Nationa& *an? -:- P#i&. :<5. 4at pp. <<
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS V. INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT Page 1& of 15
W#en it is apparent or )#en in t#e e=er'ise of reasona(&e "i&igen'e 'o$$ens%rate )it# t#e s%rro%n"ings it s#o%&" (e apparent to t#e 'o$pan+ t#at a person on its tra'? or to get on its tra'? is %na)are of #is "anger or 'annot get o%t of t#e )a+ it (e'o$es t#e "%t+ of t#e 'o$pan+ to %se s%'# pre'a%tions (+ )arnings app&+ing (ra?es or ot#er)ise as $a+ (e reasona(&+ ne'essar+ to a!oi" in1%r+ to #i$. 4<9 Am. ur . Se'on" E"ition. p. <05. Li?e)ise it )as esta(&is#e" t#at t#e )eat#er 'on"ition )as '#ara'terie" )it# inter$ittent rain )#i'# s#o%&" #a!e pro$pte" t#e train engineer to e=er'ise e=tra pre'a%tion. A&so t#e train rea'#e" Ca&%$pit *%&a'an a#ea" of s'#e"%&e" arri!a& t#ereat in"i'ating t#at t#e train )as tra!e&&ing $ore t#an t#e n or$a& spee" of ;, ?i&o$eters per #o%r. If t#e train )ere rea&&+ r%nning at ;, ?i&o$eters per #o%r )#en it )as approa'#ing t#e interse'tion it )o%&" pro(a(&+ not #a!e tra!e&&e" -, $eters $ore fro$ t#e p&a'e of t#e a''i"ent 4page -, *rief for Petitioners5. A&& of t#ese fa'tors ta?en 'o&&e'ti!e&+ engen"ere" t#e 'on'rete an" +es 'orre't 'on'&%sion t#at t#e train engineer )as neg&igent )#o $oreo!er "espite t#e &ast opport%nit+ )it#in #is #an"s vis-a-vis t#e )eat#er 'on"ition in'&%"ing t#e presen'e of peop&e near t#e interse'tion 'o%&" #a!e o(!iate" t#e i$pen"ing 'o&&ision #a" #e s&a'?ene" #is spee" an" app&ie" t#e (ra?es 4Pi'art !s. S$it# ;/ P#i&. B, --B5.Wit#a& t#ese 'onsi"erations )ere a""resse" to t#e tria& 1%"ge )#o %n&i?e appe&&ate $agistrates )as in a (etter position to assign )eig#t on fa't%a& %estions. Ha!ing reso&!e" t#e %estion of neg&igen'e (et)een t#e train engineer an" t#e (%s "ri!er after 'o&&ating t#e $ass of e!i"en'e t#e 'on'&%sion rea'#e" t#ereafter t#%s 'o$$an"s great respe't espe'ia&&+ so in t#is 'ase )#ere respon"ent 'o%rt ga!e its no" of appro!a& to t#e n"ings of t#e 'o%rt of origin 4Co !s. Co%rt of Appea&s -; SCRA -B@ :,< --5@ Ami*o vs. Teves 9, O.. 9/@ Re*alado Re$e"ia& La) Co$pen"i%$ 3ift# e"ition page ;9;5. W#at e=a'er(ates against petitioners> 'ontention is t#e a%t#orit+ in t#is 1%ris"i'tion to t#e e8e't t#at t#e fai&%re of a rai&roa" 'o$pan+ to insta&& a se$ap#ore or at t#e !er+ &east to post a Fag$an or )at'#$an to )arn t#e p%(&i' of t#e passing train a$o%nts to neg&igen'e 4Li&i%s !s. Mani&a Rai&roa" Co$pan+ 9 P#i&. /9B -;05. WHERE3ORE t#e petition is #ere(+ DISMISSED an" t#e "e'ision of respon"ent 'o%rt A33IRMED. DISSENTING OPINION)S(
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS V. INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT Page 14 of 15
None
SIDE NOTES( Co$p&ete fa'ts agree" %pon (+ t#e t)o parties7
-. T#at p&ainti8 is a "%&+ 'onstit%te" 'orporation registere" )it# t#e Se'%rities an" E='#ange Co$$ission engage" in t#e (%siness of transportation an" operating p%(&i' %ti&it+ (%ses for t#e p%(&i' )it# &ines 'o!ering Mani&a Ca&oo'an Cit+ %eon Cit+ Ma&a(on Ria& *%&a'an Pa$panga an" N%e!a E'i1a an" parti'%&ar&+ fro$ Mani&a to Hagono+ *%&a'an an" ret%rn in t#e $ont# of A%g%st &/0 passing t#r% t#e to)n of Ca&%$pit *%&a'an te$porari&+ )#i&e t#e (ri"ge at Hagono+ *%&a'an )as %n"er 'onstr%'tion@ :. T#at "efen"ant P#i&ippine Nationa& Rai&)a+s is a p%re&+ go!ern$ent o)ne" an" 'ontro&&e" 'orporation "%&+ registere" an" e=isting !irt%e of Presi"entia& De'ree No. /0- )it# 'apa'it+ to s%e an" (e s%e" an" is &i?e)ise engage" in transporting passengers an" 'argoes (+ trains an" (%ses an" t#at it operates a train &ine (et)een San 3ernan"o La Union an" Mani&a parti'%&ar&+ Passenger E=press Train )it# *o"+ No. /; passing a&ong t#e interse'tion of *arrio *a&%ngao Ca&%$pit *%&a'an in going to San 3ernan"o La Union fro$ Mani&a an" ret%rn@ ;. T#at on A%g%st -, -/0 at a(o%t -7:, o>'&o'? in t#e afternoon a *a&i%ag Transit *%s )it# *o"+ No. -,<< an" P&ate No. S: PU**%&a'an >/0 )as "ri!en (+ its a%t#orie" "ri!er Ro$eo H%g#es an" PNR Train No. /; )as operate" (+ Train Engineer Honorio Ca(ar"o a&ias Honorio Cir(a"o an" at t#e rai&roa" interse'tion at *arrio *a&%ngao Ca&%$pit *%&a'an sai" passenger train No. /; #it an" (%$pe" t#e rig#t $i" portion of t#e p&ainti8>s passenger (%s No. -,<< )#i&e t#e rear portion of sai" (%s )as at t#e rai&roa" tra'? an" its "ire'tion )as to)ar"s Hagono+ *%&a'an at a(o%t -7;, o>'&o'? in t#e afternoon@ 0. T#at at t#e ti$e of t#e 'o&&ision t#ere )as a s&ig#t rainfa&& in t#e !i'init+ of t#e s'ene of t#e a''i"ent an" t#at t#ere )as at sai" interse'tion no (ars se$ap#ores an" signa& &ig#ts t#at )o%&" )arn t#e p%(&i' of t#e approa'#ing train t#at )as a(o%t to pass t#ro%g# t#e interse'tion an" &i?e)ise t#ere )as no )arning "e!i'es to passing trains s#o)ing t#at t#e+ )ere a(o%t to pass an interse'tion in going to Mani&a fro$ San 3ernan"o La Union an" (a'?@
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL RAILWAYS V. INTERMEDIATE APPELLATE COURT Page 15 of 15
9. T#at on a''o%nt of sai" 'o&&ision t#e *a&i%ag Transit *%s )it# *o"+ No. -,<< "ri!en (+ Ro$eo H%g#es )as "a$age" an" eig#teen 4-B5 of its passengers "ie" an" t#e rest )#o )ere $ore t#an ft+ t#ree 49;5 passengers s%8ere" p#+si'a& in1%ries@ <. T#at after t#e in!estigation t#e C#ief of Po&i'e of Ca&%$pit *%&a'an &e" a 'ri$ina& 'ase of Re'?&ess I$pr%"en'e Ca%sing M%&tip&e Ho$i'i"e )it# M%&tip&e P#+si'a& In1%ries an" Da$age to Propert+ against Ro$eo H%g#es + Parfan "ri!er of t#e *a&i%ag Transit (%s "o'?ete" %n"er Cri$. Case No. :;:@ )#i&e t#e train Engineer Honorio Ca(ar"o a&ias Honorio Cir(a"o )as not in'&%"e" as an a''%se" in sai" 'ase a&t#o%g# #is train No. /; )as t#e one t#at #it an" (%$pe" t#e rig#t rear portion of t#e sai" (%s@ /. T#at i$$e"iate&+ after t#e sai" a''i"ent Ma1or Man%e& A. Ma'a$ C#ief of t#e M%ni'ipa& Po&i'e of Ca&%$pit *%&a'an toget#er )it# so$e of #is po&i'e$en 'on"%'te" an in!estigation of t#e a''i"ent@ B. T#at at t#e rai&roa" 'rossing in Ca&%$pit *%&a'an )#ere t#e a''i"ent too? p&a'e t#ere is no rai&roa" 'rossing (ar #o)e!er "%ring t#e pre)ar "a+s t#ere )as a rai&roa" 'rossing (ar at sai" interse'tion@ t#at #o)e!er t#ere )as on&+ one sign of rai&roa" 'rossing KStop Loo? an" ListenK p&a'e" on a 'on'rete s&a( an" atta'#e" to a 'on'rete post e=isting at t#e approa'# of t#e rai&roa" tra'? fro$ t#e Hig#)a+ going to)ar"s Hagono+ *%&a'an an" t#at after t#e sai" rai&roa" tra'? t#ere )as a "esignate" 1eep par?ing area at t#e rig#t si"e in t#e "ire'tion fro$ t#e Hig#)a+ to Hagono+ *%&a'an@ . T#at t#e train No. /; "ri!en (+ Train Engineer Honorio Ca(ar"o a&ias Honorio Cir(a"o stoppe" after passing t#e rai&roa" 'rossing at a "istan'e of a(o%t 9, $eters fro$ t#e sai" interse'tion after t#e 'o&&ision on A%g%st -/0@ -,.T#at t#e e=pe'te" ti$e of arri!a& of sai" Train No. /; in Mani&a )as :70P.M. an" its "epart%re ti$e fro$ San 3ernan"o La Union )as 7,, A.M. an" its e=pe'te" arri!a& at Ca&%$pit *%&a'an )as -70- P.M. )it# no stop at Ca&%$pit *%&a'an.
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