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Ang Batas, Sa Simpleng Salita — your rights, finally explained.

Article 2180

RA 386 · Civil Code of the PhilippinesKey provision

ELI5— what this means for you

Vicarious liability: employers are liable for damages caused by their employees acting within the scope of their work — even if the employer was not personally negligent. Parents are liable for minor children. Schools are liable for students during school hours.

Key point

Your employer can be sued for damages if you harm someone while doing your job.

Official text — RA 386

The obligation imposed by article 2176 is demandable not only for one's own acts or omissions, but also for those of persons for whom one is responsible.

The father and, in case of his death or incapacity, the mother, are 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 functions.

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.

Lastly, teachers or heads of establishments of arts and trades 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. (1903a)

Source: lawphil.net (RA 386 as amended)

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