Palafox v. Province of Ilocos Norte, 102 Phil 1186
Palafox v. Province of Ilocos Norte, 102 Phil 1186
Facts:
Sabas Torralba
was employed as the driver of Ilocos Norte and detailed to the Office of the
District Engineer. While driving his truck, Sabas ran over Proceto Palafox
resulting to the latter’s death. Sabas was prosecuted for homicide through
reckless imprudence to which he pleaded guilty. The heirs of Palafox instituted
a civil case against him, the Province, the District Engineer and the
Provincial Treasurer.
Issue:
Whether
or not the Province of Ilocos Norte can be held liable.
Held:
NO. The
general rule is that local government units are not liable for negligent acts
of its employees while they are performing governmental functions or duties. In
this case, the driver was involved in the construction or maintenance of roads
which was a governmental duty. Therefore, the province cannot be held liable
for his negligent act. However tragic and deplorable it may be, the death of
Palafox imposed on the province no duty to pay monetary consideration.
Comments
Post a Comment