Napoleon D. Senit Vs. People of the Philippines
G.R. No. 192914. January 11, 2016
G.R. No. 192914. January 11, 2016
NAPOLEON, driving Super 5 Bus, suddenly
overtook from the right side a big truck that slowed at the
intersection. The bus crashed into the right side of Mohinder Toor, Sr.’s
pick-up at a right angle. All
passengers of the pick-up were injured. The damage sustained by the
pick-up reached P106,155.0
1. Discuss NAPOLEON’S
liability.
All elements for the crime of reckless imprudence
have been established in the present case.
The elements of reckless imprudence are: (1) that
the offender does or fails to do an act; (2) that the doing or the failure to
do that act is voluntary; (3) that it be without malice; (4) that material
damage results from the reckless imprudence; and (5) that there is inexcusable
lack of precaution on the part of the offender, taking into consideration his
employment or occupation, degree of intelligence, physical condition, and other
circumstances regarding persons, time, and place.
2. NAPOLEON argued that
Toor, Sr. is the real culprit when he turned left without looking for an
incoming vehicle. Is NAPOLEON correct?
No.
Section 37 of R.A. No. 4136, as amended, mandates
all motorists to drive and operate vehicles on the right side of the road or
highway. When overtaking another, it should be made only if the highway is
clearly visible and is free from oncoming vehicle. Overtaking while approaching
a curve in the highway, where the driver's view is obstructed, is not allowed.
Corollarily, drivers of automobiles, when overtaking another
vehicle, are charged with a high degree of care and diligence to avoid
collision. The obligation rests upon him to see to it that vehicles coming from
the opposite direction are not taken unaware by his presence on the side of the
road upon which they have the right to pass.
Thus, the petitioner cannot blame Toor, Sr. for not
noticing a fast-approaching bus, as the cited law provides that the one
overtaking on the road has the obligation to let other cars in the opposite
direction know his presence and not the other way around as the petitioner
suggests.
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