Five survivors of the Tanay bus tragedy filed on Tuesday a P10-million civil complaint against Best Link Colleges, Panda Coach Tours and Harana Tours for negligence and breach of contract.
Jerwin M. Abulag, Marisol Batacao, Irriz Ragua, Mark Daniel Literal, and Mark Carlo Barcelona demanded the three groups to pay P2 million each in moral and exemplary damages.
(READ: 14 QC Students Killed, Over 20 Hurt in Bus Mishap in Tanay)
Parents of the students said attendance to the field trip was made compulsory to obtain National Service Training Program (NSTP) credits.
Ariel Inton of the Lawyers for Commuters' Safety and Protection said Best Link Colleges will be held liable "for faulty or negligent acts."
"Civil case 'to dahil 'yung driver ay patay na, so we could not file a criminal case against the driver," Inton explained.
[Translation: This is a civil case now since the driver is dead and we could not file a criminal case against him."]
Meanwhile, Atty. Rolando Sibal, who is assisting victims' families in the hearing of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), said Best Link is liable for the absence of a teacher in-charge of the trip.
"Marami nang desisyon ang Supreme Court diyan 'no, na pagka walang [parent], magiging liable yung teacher in-charge kasi magiging substitute parent sa mga teacher eh," Sibal said.
[Translation: Supreme Court has made many decisions on the matter. If there is no parent, the teacher-in-charge is liable since he becomes a substitute parent, for the teachers.]
According to Sibal, a petition was filed to allow complainants to litigate without docket fees since they are students who cannot pay the fees.
Pablo Pan of Best Link Colleges said in a text message their management is looking into the matter.
Panda Coach Tours, on the other hand, did not comment on the charges.
Source: CNN Philippines
Images: ABS-CBN | CNN Philippines
Share It To Your Friends!
