Transportation Law San Beda Notes PDF

San Beda College of Law 54
MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW
TRANSPORTATION LAWS
CONTRACT OF TRANSPORTATION/ CARRIAGE Steamship Agency, 23 SCRA 24)

 A contract whereby a person, natural or juridical,
obligates to transport persons, goods, or both, from  TESTS WHETHER CARRIER IS COMMON OR
one place to another, by land, air or water, for a PRIVATE:
price or compensation.  The SC in First Philippine Industrial Corporation
 Classifications: vs. CA (1995) reiterated the following tests:
1. Common or Private 1. It must be engaged in the business of
2. Goods or Passengers carrying goods for others as a public
3. For a fee (for hire) or Gratuitous employment and must hold itself out as
4. Land, Water/maritime, or Air ready to engage in the transportation of
5. Domestic/inter-island/coastwise or goods generally as a business and not as
International/foreign a casual occupation;
 It is a relationship which is imbued with the 2. It must undertake to carry goods of the
public interest. kind to which its business in confined;
3. It must undertake to carry by the method
COMMON CARRIER by which his business is conducted and
 Persons, corporations, firms or associations over its established roads; and
engaged in the business of carrying or transporting 4. The transportation must be for hire.
passengers or goods or both, by land, water, or air,  In National Steel Corp. vs. CA (1997) the SC held
for compensation, offering their services to the that the true test of a common carrier is the
public (Art. 1732, Civil Code). carriage of goods or passengers provided it has
 Art. 1732 of the New Civil Code avoids any space for all who opt to avail themselves of its
distinction between one whose principal business transportation for a fee.
activity is the carrying of persons or goods or both
and one who does such carrying only as an ancillary
activity (sideline). It also avoids a distinction COMMON CARRIER PRIVATE
between a person or enterprise offering CARRIER
transportation service on a regular or scheduled 1. As to availability
basis and one offering such service on an Holds himself out for all Contracts with particular
occasional, episodic or unscheduled basis. people indiscriminately individuals or groups
Neither does the law distinguish between a only
carrier offering its services to the general public that 2. As to required diligence
is the general community or population and one Extraordinary diligence is Ordinary diligence is
who offers services or solicits business only from a required required
narrow segment of the general population.
3. As to regulation
A person or entity is a common carrier even if
Subject to State Not subject to State
he did not secure a Certificate of Public Convenience
regulation regulation
(De Guzman vs. CA, 168 SCRA 612).
 It makes no distinction as to the means of 4. Stipulation limiting liability
transporting, as long as it is by land, water or air. It Parties may not agree on Parties may limit the
does not provide that the transportation should be limiting the carrier’s carrier’s liability,
by motor vehicle. (First Philippine Industrial liability except when provided it is not
Corporation vs. CA) provided by law contrary to law, morals
 One is a common carrier even if he has no fixed or good customs
and publicly known route, maintains no terminals, 5. Exempting circumstance
and issues no tickets (Asia Lighterage Shipping, Inc. Prove extraordinary caso fortuito, Art. 1174
vs. CA). diligence and Art. 1733, NCC
 Characteristics: NCC
1. Undertakes to carry for all people indifferently 6.Presumption of negligence
and thus is liable for refusal without There is a presumption No presumption of fault
sufficient reason (Lastimoso vs. Doliente, of fault or negligence or negligence
October 20, 1961);
2. Cannot lawfully decline to accept a particular 7.Governing law
class of goods for carriage to the prejudice Law on common carriers Law on obligations and
of the traffic in these goods; contracts
3. No monopoly is favored (Batangas Trans.
vs. Orlanes, 52 PHIL 455); GOVERNING LAWS
4. Provides public convenience. A. Domestic/inter-island/coastwise
 Applicable to Land, Water, and Air transportation
PRIVATE CARRIER 1. Civil Code - primary
 One which, without being engaged in the 2. Code of Commerce (Arts. 349, 379, 573-
business of carrying as a public employment, 734, 580, 806-845) - suppletory
undertakes to deliver goods or passengers for
compensation. (Home Insurance Co. vs. American B. International/foreign/overseas (Foreign
COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

CHAIRPERSON: Garny Luisa Alegre  ASST. CHAIRPERSON:Jayson O’S Ramos EDP: Beatrix I. Ramos SUBJECT HEADS:
Marichelle De Vera (Negotiable Instruments Law); Jose Fernando Llave (Insurance); Aldrich Del Rosario (Transportation
Laws);
Shirley Mae Tabangcura, Bon Vincent Agustin (Corporation Law); Karl Steven Co (Special Laws); John Lemuel Gatdula
(Banking Laws); Robespierre CU (Law on Intellectual Property)
country to Philippines) 1. CASO FORTUITO/FORCE MAJEURE

 Applicable to Water/maritime and Air  Requisites:
transportation a. Must be the proximate and only cause of
 The law of the country of destination generally the loss
applies. b. Exercise of due diligence to prevent or
1. Civil Code - primary minimize the loss before, during or after the
2. Code of Commerce - suppletory occurrence of the disaster (Art. 1739)
3. Others - suppletory c. Carrier has not negligently incurred in
a. Water/maritime: Carriage of Goods by delay in transporting the goods (Art. 1740)
Sea Act (COGSA)  Fire is not considered a natural disaster or
b. Air: Warsaw Convention calamity as it arises almost invariably from some act
of man. (Eastern Shipping Lines Inc. vs. IAC)
I. NEW CIVIL CODE  Mechanical defects are not force majeure if the
(Arts. 1732-1766) same was discoverable by regular and adequate
inspections. (Notes and Cases on the Law on
REQUIREMENT OF EXTRAORDINARY Transportation and Public Utilities, Aquino, T. &
DILIGENCE Hernando, R.P. 2004 ed. p.120-122)
 Rendition of service with the greatest skill and
utmost foresight. (Davao Stevedore Co. v. 2. ACTS OF PUBLIC ENEMY
Fernandez)  Requisites:
 Rationale: a. Must be the proximate and only cause of
1. From the nature of the business and for the loss
reasons of public policy (Art. 1733) b. Exercise of due diligence to prevent or
2. Relationship of trust minimize the loss before, during or after the
3. Business is impressed with a special act causing the loss, deterioration or
public duty destruction of the goods (Art. 1739)
4. Possession of the goods
5. Preciousness of human life 3. NEGLIGENCE OF THE SHIPPER OR OWNER
 A common carrier is not an absolute insurer of all a. Sole and proximate cause: absolute defense
risks of travel. b. Contributory: partial defense. (Art. 1741)
COVERAGE 4. CHARACTER OF THE GOODS OR DEFECTS IN

1. Vigilance over goods (Arts. 1734-1754); and THE PACKING OR IN THE CONTAINER
2. Safety of passengers (Arts. 1755-1763).  Even if the damage should be caused by the
inherent defect/character of the goods, the common
PASSENGER carrier must exercise due diligence to forestall or
 A person who has entered into a contract of lessen the loss. (Art. 1742)
carriage, express or implied, with the carrier. They  The carrier which, knowing the fact of improper
are entitled to extraordinary diligence from the packing of the goods upon ordinary observation, still
common carrier. accepts the goods notwithstanding such condition,
 The following are not considered passengers, and is not relieved of liability or loss or injury resulting
are entitled to ordinary diligence only: therefrom. (Southern Lines, Inc. v. CA, 4 SCRA 258)
a. One who has not yet boarded any part of
a vehicle regardless of whether or not he 5. ORDER OR ACT OF PUBLIC AUTHORITY
has purchased a ticket;  Said public authority must have the power to
b. One who remains on a carrier for an issue the order (Art. 1743). Consequently, where
unreasonable length of time after he has the officer acts without legal process, the common
been afforded every safe opportunity to carrier will be held liable. (Ganzon v. CA 161 SCRA
alight; 646)
c. One who has boarded by fraud, stealth,  Diligence in the selection and supervision of
or deceit; employees under Article 2180 of the Civil Code
d. One who attempts to board a moving cannot be interposed as a defense by the common
vehicle, although he has a ticket, unless carrier because the liability of the carriers arises
the attempt be with the knowledge and from the breach of the contract of carriage. The
consent of the carrier; defense under said articles is applicable to
e. One who has boarded a wrong vehicle, negligence in quasi-delicts under Art. 2176. (Del
has been properly informed of such fact, Prado v. Manila Electric Co., 52 Phil 900)
and on alighting, is injured by the carrier;
f. Invited guests and accommodation LIABILITY OF A COMMON CARRIER FOR
passengers. (Lara vs. Valencia) DEATH OR INJURIES TO PASSENGERS DUE TO
g. One who rides any part of the vehicle ACTS OF ITS EMPLOYEES AND OTHER
which is unsuitable or dangerous or which PASSENGERS OR STRANGERS
he knows is not designed or intended for
passengers. FOR ACTS OF OTHER
FOR ACTS OF ITS PASSENGERS OR
DEFENSES OF A COMMON CARRIER IN THE EMPLOYEES STRANGERS
CARRIAGE OF GOODS

Laws);
Required diligence and defense

Extraordinary diligence Ordinary diligence  The carrier is liable when its personnel allowed a
Nature of liability passenger to drive the vehicle causing it to collide
Tort; however, Not absolute; limited with another vehicle resulting to the injuries
The employee must be by Art. 1763 suffered by the other passengers. (MRR vs.
on duty at the time of Ballesteros, 16 SCRA 641)
the act. (Maranan v.
Perez)
CARRIAGE OF GOODS CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS
Parties
1. Common carrier 1. Common carrier
2. Shipper 2. Passenger
3. Consignee
Cause of liability
Delay in delivery, loss, destruction, or deterioration of Death or injury to the passengers
the goods
Duration of liability
From the time the goods are unconditionally placed in The duty of a common carrier to provide safety to its
the possession of, and received by the carrier for passengers so obligates it not only during the course
transportation until the same are delivered actually or of the trip, but for so long as the passengers are
constructively by the carrier to the consignee or to the within its premises and where they ought to be in
person who has the right to receive them. (Art. 1736) pursuance to the contract of carriage. (LRTA v.
 It remains in full force and effect even when they Navidad, [2003])
are temporarily unloaded or stored in transit unless the  All persons who remain on the premises within a
shipper or owner has made use of the right of reasonable time after leaving the conveyance are to
stoppage in transitu. (Art. 1737) be deemed passengers, and what is a reasonable
 It continues to be operative even during the time time or a reasonable delay within this rule is to be
the goods are stored in a warehouse of the carrier at determined from all the circumstances, and includes a
the place of destination until the consignee has bee reasonable time to see after his baggage and prepare
advised of the arrival of the goods and has had for his departure. (La Mallorca v. CA, 17 SCRA 739 ;
reasonable opportunity thereafter to remove them or Abiotiz Shipping Corporation v. CA, 179 SCRA 95)
otherwise dispose of them. (Art. 1738)  It is the duty of common carriers of passengers to
 Delivery of goods to the custom authorities is not stop their conveyances a reasonable length of time in
delivery to the consignee. (Lu Do v. Binamira, 101 Phil order to afford passengers an opportunity to enter,
120) and they are liable for injuries suffered from the
sudden starting up or jerking of their conveyances
while doing so. The duty which the carrier of
passengers owes to its patrons extends to persons
boarding the cars as well as to those alighting
therefrom (Dangwa Trans Co., Inc. vs. CA 202 SCRA
574).
Presumption of negligence
Art.1735 Civil Code Art.1755 Civil Code

Reason: As to when and how goods were damaged in Reason: The contract between the passenger and the
transit is a matter peculiarly within the knowledge of carrier imposes on the latter the duty to transport the
the carrier and its employees. (Mirasol v. Dollar, 53 passenger safely; hence the burden of explaining
PHIL 124) should fall on the carrier.
Mere proof of delivery of goods to a carrier in good
order and the subsequent arrival of the same goods at
the place of destination in bad order makes for a prima
facie case against the carrier. (Coastwise Lighterage
Corp. v. CA, 245 SCRA 796)
Defenses
1. Ordinary circumstance: Exercise of 1. Exercise of extraordinary diligence (Art.

extraordinary diligence (Art. 1735) 1756)
2. Special circumstances: 2. Caso fortuito
a. Flood, storm, earthquake, lighting, or
other natural disaster or calamity (plus
force majeure)
b. Act of the public enemy in war,
whether international or civil

Laws);
c. Act or omission of the shipper or the

owner of goods
d. The character of the goods or defects
in the packing or in the containers
e. Order or act of competent public
authority (Art. 1734)
Valid stipulations
1. Reduction of degree of diligence to ordinary Stipulation limiting liability when a passenger is

diligence, provided it be: carried gratuitously, but not for willful acts or gross
a) In writing, signed by the shipper or owner; negligence. (Art. 1758)
b) Supported by a valuable consideration other
than the service rendered by the carriers;
and
c) Reasonable, just and not contrary to public
policy. (Art. 1744)
2. Fixed amount of liability: A contract fixing the sum
to be recovered by the owner or shipper for the loss,
destruction or deterioration of the goods, if it is
reasonable and just under the circumstances and has
been fairly and freely agreed upon. (Art. 1750)
3. Limited liability for delay: An agreement limiting the
common carrier’s liability for delay on account of
strikes or riots (Art. 1748)
4. Stipulation limiting liability to the value of the goods
appearing in the bill of lading, unless the shipper or
owner declares a greater value. (Art. 1749)
 The diligence required in the carriage of the goods

may be reduced by only one degree, from
extraordinary to ordinary diligence or diligence of a
good father of a family. (Art. 1744, Art. 1745, no. 4)
Void stipulations
1. That the goods are transported at the risk of the Dispensing with or lessening the extraordinary
owner or shipper; responsibility of a common carrier for the safety of
2. That carrier will not be liable for any loss, passengers imposed by law by stipulation, by posting
destruction or deterioration of the goods; of notices, by statements on tickets or otherwise.
3. That the carrier need not observe any diligence (Art. 1757)
in the custody of the goods;
4. That the carrier shall exercise a degree of
diligence less than that of a good father of a family
over the movable transported;
5. That the carrier shall not be responsible for the
acts or omissions of his or its employees;
6. That the carrier’s liability for acts committed by
thieves or robbers who do not act with grave or
irresistible threat, violence or force is dispensed with
or diminished;
7. That the carrier is not responsible for the loss,
destruction or deterioration of the goods on account
of the defective condition of the car, vehicle, ship or
other equipment used in the contract of carriage.
(Art. 1745)

Laws);
RULES ON PASSENGERS’ BAGGAGE  However, the carrier cannot limit its liability for
IN THE CUSTODY OF IN THE CUSTODY injury to, or loss of, goods shipped where such
THE PASSENGERS OF THE COMMON injury or loss was caused by its own negligence.
(HAND-CARRIED) CARRIER (Shewaram vs. PAL, 17 SCRA 606)
(CHECKED-IN)
Legal nature of the baggage SPECIAL RULES ON LIABILITES OF AIRLINE
Necessary deposit Considered as CARRIERS
“goods” 1. In case of flight diversion due to bad weather or
Required diligence by the common carrier other circumstances beyond the pilot’s control, the
Diligence of a depositary Extraordinary relation between the carrier and the passenger
(ordinary diligence) diligence continues until the latter has been landed at the
Applicable rules port of destination and has left the carrier’s
Arts. 1998 and 2000-2003 Arts. 1733-1753 premises. The carrier should necessarily exercise
extraordinary diligence in safeguarding the comfort,
convenience and safety of its stranded passengers
CONCURRING CAUSES OF ACTION ARISING
until they have reached their final destination.
FROM THE NEGLIGENT ACT OF THE COMMON
(Philippine Airlines vs. CA, 226 SCRA 423)
CARRIER
2. Even where overbooking of passengers is allowed
1. Culpa contractual (breach of contract)
as a commercial practice, the airline company would
 Only the carrier is primarily liable and not the
still be guilty of bad faith and still be liable for
driver, because there is no privity between the
damages if it did not properly inform passenger that
driver and the passenger.
it could breach the contract of carriage even if they
 Basis: Art.1759, NCC. were confirmed passengers. (Zalamea vs. CA, 228
 No defense of due diligence in the selection and
SCRA 23)
supervision of employees.
3. An open-dated ticket constitutes a complete
contract between the carrier and passenger. Hence,
2. Culpa aquiliana (quasi-delict) the airline company is liable if it refused to confirm a
 The carrier and driver are solidarily liable as joint
passenger’s flight reservation. (Singson vs. CA, 282
tortfeasors. SCRA 149)
 Basis: Art. 2180, NCC. 4. An airline company which issued a confirmed
 Defense of due diligence in the selection and ticket to a passenger covering successive trips on
supervision of employees is available. Exception: different airlines can be held liable for damages
maritime tort resulting in collision. (See notes on occasioned by “bumping off” by one of the
Collision) successive airlines. (Lufthansa German Airlines vs.
CA, 238 SCRA 290)
3. Culpa criminal (criminal negligence) 5. An airline ticket providing that carriage by
 The driver is primarily liable. The carrier is successive air carriers is to be regarded as a “single
subsidiarily liable only if the driver is convicted and operation” is to make the issuing carrier liable for
declared insolvent. the tortuous conduct of the other carrier. A printed
 Basis: Art. 100, RPC. provision in the ticket limiting liability only to its own
conduct is not enough to rebut that liability. (KLM
 In case of injury to a passenger due to the Royal Dutch Airlines vs. CA, 65 SCRA 237)
negligence of the driver of the bus on which he is
riding and of the driver of another vehicle, the II. CODE OF COMMERCE
drivers as well as the owners of the two vehicles are
jointly and severally liable for damages. It makes
no difference that the liability of the bus driver and A. OVERLAND TRANSPORTATION
owner springs from contract while that of the owner (Arts. 349-379)
and driver of the other vehicle arises from quasi-
delict. (Fabre vs. CA) Applicability
1. Domestic land and water/maritime transportation.
LIMITATIONS AS TO CARRIER’S LIABILITY (Pandect of Commercial Law and Jurisprudence,
INVALID AS BEING VALID & Justice Jose Vitug, 1997 ed.)
CONTRARY TO PUBLIC ENFORCEABLE 2. Domestic Air Transportation. (Commercial Law
POLICY Review, Cesar Villanueva, 2004 ed.)
1. One exempting the 1. One limiting the
carrier from any and all liability of the carrier to IMPORTANT CONCEPTS:
liability for loss or an agreed valuation, 1. Bill of lading
damage occasioned by its unless the shipper 2. Obligations of the carrier
own negligence. declares a higher value 3. Right of abandonment
2. An unqualified and pays a higher rate 4. Notice of damage
limitation of liability to an of freight 5. Combined carrier agreement
agreed valuation. (H.E. Heacock
Company vs. BILL OF LADING
Macondray & Company  The written acknowledgment of receipt of goods
Inc.) and agreement to transport them to a specific place
to a person named or to his order.
 Rules:

Laws);
1. It is not indispensable for the creation of a own bills.

contract of carriage. (Compania Maritima vs. 9. Custody – One wherein the goods are
Insurance Company of North America, 12 SCRA already received by the carrier but the
213) vessel indicated therein has not yet arrived
in the port.
2. Ambiguity is construed against the carrier, the 10. Port – One which is issued by the carrier to
contract being one of adhesion. whom the goods have been delivered, and
the vessel indicated in the bill of lading by
3. The consignee, although the instrument is which the goods are to be shipped is already
oftentimes drawn up only by the consignor and in the port where the goods are held for
carrier, becomes bound by all the stipulations shipment.
contained therein by making a claim for loss on the  Functions:
basis of said bill of lading. (Sea-Land Services Inc. 1. Best evidence of the existence of the
vs. IAC) contract of carriage of cargo (Art. 353)
2. Document of title
4. The right of a party to recover for loss of 3. Receipt of cargo
shipment consigned to him under a bill of lading 4. Contract to transport and deliver goods as
drawn up only by and between the shipper and the stipulated
carrier, springs from either a relation of agency 5. Symbol of the goods
between him and the shipper, or his status as
stranger in whose favor some stipulation is made in OBLIGATIONS OF THE CARRIER
said contract, and who becomes a party thereto A. Duty to accept the goods
when he demands fulfillment of that stipulation. GENERAL RULE: A common carrier cannot
(Art. 1311 (2), (Mendoza vs. PAL Inc.) ordinarily refuse to carry a particular class of goods.
EXCEPTION: For some sufficient reason the
5. Acceptance of the bill of lading without dissent discrimination against the traffic in such goods is
raises the presumption that all the terms therein reasonable and necessary. (Fisher vs. Yangco
where brought to the knowledge of the shipper and Steamship Co. 31 Phil 1).
agreed to by him and, in the absence of fraud or  Instances when the carrier may validly refuse to
mistake; he is estopped from thereafter denying accept the goods include the ff:
that he assented to such terms. (Notes and Cases 1.) Goods sought to be transported are dangerous
on the Law on Transportation and Public Utilities, objects, or substances including dynamite and other
Aquino, T. & Hernando, R.P. 2004 ed. p.261) explosives
2.) Goods are unfit for transportation
 Kinds: 3.) Acceptance would result in overloading
1. On board - issued when the goods have 4.) Contrabands or illegal goods
been actually placed aboard the ship with 5.) Goods are injurious to health
very reasonable expectation that the 6.) Goods will be exposed to untoward danger like
shipment is as good as on its way. flood, capture by enemies and the like
2. Received - one in which it is stated that the 7.) Goods like livestock will be exposed to disease
goods have been received for shipment with 8.) Strike
or without specifying the vessel by which the 9.) Failure to tender goods on time. (Notes and
goods are to be shipped. Cases on the Law on Transportation and Public
3. Negotiable - one in which it is stated that Utilities, Aquino, T. & Hernando, R.P. 2004 ed. p.68)
the goods referred to therein will be  In case of carriage by railway, the carrier is
delivered to the bearer or to the order of exempted from liability if carriage is insisted upon
any person named therein. by the shipper, provided its objections are stated in
4. Non-negotiable - One in which it is stated the bill of lading.
that the goods referred to therein will be  However, when a common carrier accepts cargo
delivered to a specified person. for shipment for valuable consideration, it takes the
5. Clean – One which does not indicate any risk of delivering it in good condition as when it was
defect in the goods. loaded. (PAL vs. CA)
6. Foul – One which contains a notation
thereon indicating that the goods covered by B. Duty to deliver the goods
it are in bad condition.  Not only to transport the goods safely but to the
person indicated in the bill of lading. The goods
7. Spent – One which covers goods that should be delivered to the consignee or any other
already have been delivered by the carrier person to whom the bill of lading was validly
without a surrender of a signed copy of the transferred or negotiated.
bill.
8. Through – One issued by the carrier who is Time of delivery
obliged to use the facilities of other carriers Stipulated in No stipulation
as well as his own facilities for the purpose Contract/Bill of
of transporting the goods from the city of Lading
the seller to the city of the buyer, which bill 1. Carrier is bound to 1. Within a reasonable
of lading is honored by the second and other fulfill the contract and is time.
interested carriers who do not issue their liable for any delay; no 2. Carrier is bound to

Laws);
matter from what cause forward them in the 1st island/coastwise overseas/foreign (from
it may have arisen. shipment of the same or transportation foreign country to
similar goods which he 2. Land, water, air Phils.)
may make to the point transportation Note: subject to the
of delivery. (ART. 358 3. Carriage of goods rule on Paramount
Code of Commerce) Clause
2. Water/maritime
Effects of delay transportation
a. Merely suspends and generally does not 3. Carriage of goods
terminate the contract of carriage Notice of damage
b. Carrier remains duty bound to exercise 1. Condition precedent 1. Not a condition
extraordinary diligence 2. 24-hour period for precedent
c. Natural disaster shall not free the carrier from claiming latent damage 2. 3-day period for
responsibility (Art.1740) claiming latent damage
d. If delay is without just cause, the contract Prescriptive period
limiting the common carrier’s liability cannot be None provided; Civil One year from the date
availed of in case of loss or deterioration of the Code applies. of delivery (delivered
goods (Art.1747) but damaged goods),
or date when the
RIGHT OF CONSIGNEE TO ABANDON GOODS vessel left port or from
 Instances: the date of delivery to
1. Partial non-delivery, where the goods are the arrastre (non-
useless without the others (Art. 363); delivery or loss).
2. Goods are rendered useless for sale or
consumption for the purposes for which they are COMBINED CARRIER AGREEMENT (ART. 373)
properly destined (Art. 365); and GENERAL RULE: In case of a contract of
3. In case of delay through the fault of the carrier transportation of several legs, each carrier is
(Art. 371). responsible for its particular leg in the contract.
EXCEPTION: A combined carrier agreement where
NOTICE OF DAMAGE (ART. 366) a carrier makes itself liable assuming the obligations
 Requisites for applicability: and acquiring as well the rights and causes of action
1. Domestic/inter-island/coastwise transportation of those which preceded it.
2. Land/water/air transportation
3. Carriage of goods
4. Goods shipped are damaged
B. MARITIME COMMERCE
(Arts. 573-869)
 Rules:
a. Patent damage: shipper must file a claim against
IMPORTANT CONCEPTS:
the carrier immediately upon delivery (it may be
1. Merchant vessel
oral or written)
2. Maritime lien and Preference of Credit
b. Latent damage: shipper should file a claim
3. Doctrine of limited liability
against the carrier within 24 hours from
4. Causes of revocation of voyage
delivery.
5. Participants in maritime commerce
Note: These rules does not apply to misdelivery of
6. Charter party
goods. (Roldan vs. Lim Ponzo)
7. Loans on bottomry and respondentia
Purpose of notice: To inform the carrier that the
8. Accidents in maritime commerce
shipment has been damaged, and it is charged with
liability therefore, and to give it an opportunity to
MARITIME/ADMIRALTY LAW
make an investigation and fix responsibility while
 It is the system of laws which particularly relates
the matter is fresh.
to the affairs and business of the sea, to ships, their
 The filing of notice of claim is a condition
crews and navigation, and to maritime conveyance
precedent for recovery.
of persons and property. (Notes and Cases on the
 Shorter period may be stipulated by the parties
Law on Transportation and Public Utilities, Aquino &
because it merely affects the shipper’s remedy and
Hernando, citing Francisco, p.254)
does not affect the liability of the carrier.
(PHILAMGEN vs. Sweetlines, Inc.)
 Maritime laws apply only to maritime trade and
Prescriptive Period
sea voyages. (Pandect of Commercial Law and
 Not provided by Article 366. Thus, in such
Jurisprudence, Justice Jose Vitug, 1997 ed.)
absence, Civil Code rules on prescription apply.
 If despite the notice of claim, the carrier refuses
 Arrastre service is not maritime in character. It
to pay, action must be filed in court.
refers to a contract for the unloading of goods from
1. No bill of lading was issued:
a vessel. (ICTSI vs. Prudential Guarantee, 320 SCRA
within 6 years
244)
2. Bill of lading was issued: within
10 years.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MARITIME
ARTICLE 366 COGSA Sec.3 (6) TRANSACTION
Applicability
1. Domestic/inter- 1. International/

Laws);
1. Real - similar to transactions over real property 2. Taxes due the allowed and costs
with respect to effectivity against third persons Philippine Government; taxed by the court and
which is done through registration. (Rubiso vs. 3. Salaries and wages taxes due to the
Rivera, 37 Phil. 72). The evidence of real nature is of the Captain and Government;
shown by: 1) the limitation of the liability of the Crew of the vessel 2. Crew’s wages;
agents to the actual value of the vessel and the during its last voyage; 3. General average;
freight money; and 2) the right to retain the cargo 4. General average or 4. Salvage, including
and embargo and detention of the vessel (Luzon salvage including contract salvage;
Stevedoring Corp v. CA, 156 SCRA 169); contract salvage, 5. Maritime liens
2. Hypothecary - the liability of the owner of the bottomry loans, and arising prior in time to
value of the vessel is limited to the vessel itself indemnity due shippers the recording of the
(Doctrine of Limited Liability). for the value of goods preferred mortgage;
transported but which 6. Damages arising out
 The real and hypothecary nature of maritime law were not delivered to of tort; and
simply means that the liability of the carrier in the consignee; 7. Preferred mortgage
connection with losses related to maritime contracts 5. Costs of repair and registered prior in time.
is confined to the vessel, which stands as the equipment of the
guaranty for their settlement. (Aboitiz Shipping vessel, and provisioning
Corp. vs. General Accident Fire and Life Assurance of food, supplies and
Corp. 217 SCRA 359). fuel during its last
voyage; and
MERCHANT VESSEL 6. Preferred mortgages
 Vessel engaged in maritime commerce, whether registered prior in time.
foreign or otherwise. (Bar Review Materials in
Commercial Law, Jorge Miravite, 2002 ed.)
 Constitutes property which may be acquired and  Effect of sale: All pre-existing claims in the vessel
are terminated. They will then be satisfied from the
transferred by any of the means recognized by law.
They shall continue to be considered as personal proceeds of the sale subject to the order of
property. (Arts. 573, 585) preference.
 They are susceptible to maritime liens such as for
DOCTRINE OF LIMITED LIABILITY
the repair, equipping and provisioning of the vessel
in the preparation of a voyage, as well as mortgage (HYPOTHECARY RULE)
 Cases where applicable:
liabilities, in satisfaction of which a vessel may be
1. Art. 587 – civil liability for indemnities to
validly arrested and sold. (Ship Mortgage Decree of
1978) third persons
2. Art. 590 – indemnities from negligent acts
of the captain (not the shipowner or ship
MARITIME LIEN
 It constitutes a present right of property in the agent)
3. Art. 837 – collision
ship, a jus in re, to be afterward enforced in
4. Art. 643 – liability for wages of the
admiralty by process in rem. (PNB vs. CA, 337 SCRA
captain and the crew and for advances
381)
 If the maritime lien arose prior to the recording made by the ship agent if the vessel is
lost by shipwreck or capture
of a preferred mortgage, it shall have priority over
the said mortgage lien. (PNB vs. CA, 337 SCRA 381)
GENERAL RULE: The liability of shipowner and
ship agent is limited to the amount of interest in
ORDER OF PREFERENCE IN CASE OF SALE OF said vessel such that where vessel is entirely lost,
VESSEL the obligation is extinguished. (Luzon Stevedoring v.
Escano, 156 SCRA 169) The interest extends to: 1)
R.A. 6106 P.D. 1521 the vessel itself; 2) equipments; 3) freightage; and
Effectivity date 4) insurance proceeds. (Chua v. IAC, 166 SCRA 183)
1969 1978 EXCEPTIONS:
Applicability 1. Claims under Workmen’s Compensation (Abueg
Overseas shipping only Both domestic and vs. San Diego 77 Phil 730);
overseas shipping 2. Injury or damage due to shipowner or to the
Kind of sale concurring negligence of the shipowner and
Judicial Judicial and the captain;
extrajudicial 3. The vessel is insured (Vasquez vs. CA 138
SCRA 553).
Order of Preference
4. Expenses for repair on vessel completed before
A preferred mortgage The preferred
loss;
shall have priority over mortgage lien shall
5. In case there is no total loss and the vessel is
all claims against the have priority over all
not abandoned;
vessel, except the claims against the
6. Collision between two negligent vessels;
following preferences in vessel, except the
the order stated: following preferences
 Abandonment of the vessel is necessary to limit
1. Judicial costs of the in the order stated:
the liability of the shipowner. The only instance
proceedings; 1. Expenses and fees
were abandonment is dispensed with is when the

Laws);
vessel is entirely lost (Luzon Stevedoring vs. CA 156 PARTICIPANTS IN MARITIME COMMERCE
SCRA 169). A. Shipowners and ship agents
B. Captains and masters of the vessel
RIGHT OF SHIPOWNER OR SHIP AGENT TO C. Officers and crew of the vessel
ABANDON VESSEL D. Supercargoes
 Instances: E. Pilot
1. In case of civil liability from indemnities to third
persons (Art. 587); A. SHIPOWNERS AND SHIP AGENTS
2. In case of leakage of at least ¾ of the contents Shipowner (proprietario)
of a cargo containing liquids (Art. 687); and  Person who has possession, control and
3. In case of constructive loss of the vessel (Sec. management of the vessel and the consequent right
138, Insurance Code). to direct her navigation and receive freight earned
and paid, while his possession continues.
RIGHT OF ABANDONMENT
Ship agent (naviero)
SHIPOWNER OR SHIP CONSIGNEE  Person entrusted with provisioning and
AGENT representing the vessel in the port in which it may
What may be abandoned be found; also includes the shipowner.
Vessel Goods shipped  Not a mere agent under civil law; he is solidarily
Instances liable with the ship owner.
1. In case of civil liability 1. Partial non-delivery,  Powers and functions:
from indemnities to third where the goods are 1. Capacity to trade;
persons (Art. 587); useless without the 2. Discharge duties of the captain, subject to
2. Sec. 138, Insurance others (Art. 363); Art.609;
Code; 2. Goods are rendered 3. Contract in the name of the owners with
3. In case of leakage of useless for sale or respect to repairs, details of equipment,
at least ¾ of the consumption for the armament, provisions of food and fuel, and
contents of a cargo purposes for which freight of the vessel, and all that relate to the
containing liquids (Art. they are properly requirements of navigation;
687) destined (Art. 365); 4. Order a new voyage, make a new charter or
and insure the vessel after obtaining authorization
3. In case of delay from the shipowner or if granted in certificate
through the fault of the of appointment.
carrier (Art. 371).
Civil Liabilities of the Shipowner And Ship
Effects
Agent
1. Transfer of ownership 1. Transfer of
1. All contracts of the captain, whether authorized
of the vessel from the ownership on the
or not, to repair, equip and provision the
shipowner to the goods from the shipper
vessel; (Art. 586)
shippers or insurer. to the carrier.
2. Loss and damage to the goods loaded on the
2. In case of (2), the 2. Carrier should pay
vessel without prejudice to their right to free
insurer must pay the the shipper the market
themselves from liability by abandoning the
insured as if there was value of the goods at
vessel to the creditors. (Art. 587)
actual total loss of the the point of
vessel. destination.
Duty of Ship Agent to Discharge the Captain
and Members of the Crew
CAUSES OF REVOCATION OF VOYAGE
 If the seamen contract is not for a definite period
1. War or interdiction of commerce;
or voyage, he may discharge them at his discretion.
2. Blockade;
(Art. 603)
3. Prohibition to receive cargo at destination;
 If for a definite period, he may not discharge
4. Embargo;
them until after the fulfillment of their contracts,
5. Inability of the vessel to navigate. (Art. 640)
except on the following grounds:
a. Insubordination in serious matters;
Terms:
b. Robbery;
1. Interdiction of commerce – A governmental
c. Theft;
prohibition of commercial intercourse intended
d. Habitual drunkenness;
to bring about an entire cessation for the time
e. Damage caused to the vessel or to its
being of all trade whatever.
cargo through malice or manifest or proven
2. Blockade – A sort of circumvallation of a place
negligence. (Art. 605)
by which all foreign connection and
correspondence is, as far as human power can
B. CAPTAINS AND MASTERS
effect it, to be cut off.
 They are the chiefs or commanders of ships.
3. Embargo – A proclamation or order of a state,
 The terms have the same meaning, but are
usually issued in time of war or threatened
particularly used in accordance with the size of the
hostilities, prohibiting the departure of ships or
vessel governed and the scope of transportation,
goods from some or all the ports of such state
i.e., large and overseas, and small and coastwise,
until further order.
respectively.

Laws);
 Nature of position (3-fold character): 2. Obligations contracted for the repair,

1. General agent of the shipowner; equipment, and provisioning of the vessel
2. Technical director of the vessel; unless he has expressly bound himself
3. Representative of the government of the personally or has signed a bill of
country under whose flag he navigates. exchange or promissory note in his name.
 Qualifications: (Art. 620)
1. Filipino citizen;
2. Legal capacity to contract; Solidary Liabilities of the Ship
3. Must have passed the required physical Agent/Shipowner for Acts Done by the
and mental examinations required for Captain towards Passengers and Cargoes
licensing him as such. (Art. 609) 1. Damages to vessel and to cargo due to
 Inherent powers: lack of skill and negligence;
1. Appoint crew in the absence of ship 2. Thefts and robberies of the crew;
agent; 3. Losses and fines for violation of laws;
2. Command the crew and direct the vessel 4. Damages due to mutinies;
to its port of destination; 5. Damages due to misuse of power;
3. Impose correctional punishment on those 6. For deviations;
who, while on board vessel, fail to comply 7. For arrivals under stress;
with his orders or are wanting in 8. Damages due to non-observance of
discipline; marine regulations. (Art. 618)
4. Make contracts for the charter of vessel in
the absence of ship agent. C. OFFICERS AND CREW
5. Supply, equip, and provision the vessel; 1. Sailing Mate/First Mate
and 2. Second Mate
6. Order repair of vessel to enable it to 3. Engineers
continue its voyage. (Art. 610) 4. Crew
 Sources of funds to comply with the inherent  No liability under the following circumstances:
powers of the captain (in successive order): 1. If, before beginning voyage, captain attempts
1. From the consignee of the vessel; to change it, or a naval war with the power to
2. From the consignee of the cargo; which the vessel was destined occurs;
3. By drawing on the ship agent; 2. If a disease breaks out and be officially
4. By a loan on bottomry; declared an epidemic in the port of destination;
5. By sale of part of the cargo. (Art. 611) 3. If the vessel should change owner or captain.
 Duties: (Art. 647)
1. Bring on board the proper certificate and
documents and a copy of the Code of Sailing Mate/First Mate
Commerce;  Second chief of the vessel who takes the place of
2. Keep a Log Book, Accounting Book and the captain in case of absence, sickness, or death
Freight Book; and shall assume all of his duties, powers and
3. Examine the ship before the voyage; responsibilities. (Art. 627)
4. Stay on board during the loading and  Duties:
unloading of the cargo; 1. Provide himself with maps and charts with
5. Be on deck while leaving or entering the astronomical tables necessary for the
port; discharge of his duties;
6. Protest arrivals under stress and in case 2. Keep the Binnacle Book;
of shipwreck; 3. Change the course of the voyage on
7. Follow instructions of and render an consultation with the captain and the
accounting to the ship agent; officers of the boat, following the decision
8. Leave the vessel last in case of wreck; of the captain in case of disagreement;
9. Hold in custody properties left by 4. Responsible for all the damages caused to
deceased passengers and crew members; the vessel and the cargo by reason of his
10. Comply with the requirements of customs, negligence. (Arts. 628 - 631)
health, etc. at the port of arrival;
11. Observe rules to avoid collision; Second Mate
12. Demand a pilot while entering or leaving a  Takes command of the vessel in case of the
port. (Art. 612) inability or disqualification of the captain and the
sailing mate, assuming in such case their powers
 A ship’s captain must be accorded a reasonable and responsibilities.
measure of discretionary authority to decide what  Third in command
the safety of the ship and of its crew and cargo  Duties:
specifically requires on a stipulated ocean voyage 1. Preserve the hull and rigging of the
(Inter-Orient Maritime Enterprises Inc. vs. CA). vessel;
2. Arrange well the cargo;
 No liability for the following: 3. Discipline the crew;
1. Damages caused to the vessel or to the 4. Assign work to crew members;
cargo by force majeure; 5. Inventory the rigging and equipment of
the vessel, if laid up. (Art. 632)

Laws);
 Does not include the passengers or the persons

Engineers whom the vessel is transporting.
 Officers of the vessel but have no authority
except in matters referring to the motor apparatus. D. SUPERCARGOES
When two or more are hired, one of them shall be  Persons who discharges administrative duties
the chief engineer. assigned to him by ship agent or shippers, keeping
 Duties: an account and record of transaction as required in
1. In charge of the motor apparatus, spare the accounting book of the captain. (Art. 649)
parts, and other instruments pertaining to
the engines; E. PILOT
2. Keep the engines and boilers in good  A person duly qualified, and licensed, to conduct
condition; a vessel into or out of ports, or in certain waters.
3. Not to change or repair the engine  The term generally connotes a person taken on
without authority of the captain; board at a particular place for the purpose of
4. Inform the captain of any damage to the conducting a ship through a river, road or channel,
motor apparatus; or from a port.
5. Keep an Engine Book;  Master pro hac vice for the time being in the
6. Supervise all personnel maintaining the command and navigation of the ship.
engine. (Art. 632)  While in exercising his functions a pilot is in sole
command of the ship and supersedes the master for
Crew the time being in the command and navigation of
 The aggregate of seamen who man a ship, or the the ship, the master does not surrender his vessel
ship’s company. to the pilot and the pilot is not the master. There
 Hired by the ship agent, where he is present and are occasions when the master may and should
in his absence, the captain hires them, preferring interfere and even displace the pilot, as when the
Filipinos, and in their absence, he may take in pilot is obviously incompetent or intoxicated (Far
foreigners, but not exceeding 1/5 of the crew. (Art. Eastern Shipping Company vs. CA).
634)  Compulsory Pilotage – States possessing harbors
have enacted laws or promulgated rules requiring
Classes of Seaman’s Contracts vessels approaching their ports to take on board
1. By the voyage; pilots licensed under the local laws. (Notes and
2. By the month; and Cases on the Law on Transportation and Public
3. By share of profits or freightage. Utilities, Aquino, T. & Hernando, R.P. 2004 ed. p.
518)
Just Causes for the Discharge of Seaman
While Contract Subsists Liablity of Pilot
1. Perpetration of a crime; GENERAL RULE: On compulsory pilotage grounds,
2. Repeated insubordination, want of discipline; the Harbor Pilot is responsible for damage to a
3. Repeated incapacity and negligence; vessel or to life or property due to his negligence.
4. Habitual drunkenness; EXCEPT:
5. Physical incapacity; 1. Accident caused by force majeure or natural
6. Desertion. (Art. 637) calamity provided the pilot exercised prudence and
extra diligence to prevent or minimize damages.
Rules in case of Death of a Seaman 2. Countermand or overrule by the master of the
 The seaman’s heirs are entitled to payment as vessel in which case the registered owner of the
follows: vessel is liable. (Sec.11, Art.III PPA Admin Order 03-
1. If death is natural: 85)
a. compensation up to time of death if
engaged on wage SPECIAL CONTRACTS OF MARITIME
b. if by voyage - half of amount if death COMMERCE
occurs on voyage out; and full, if on 1. Charter party
voyage in 2. Bill of lading
c. if by shares - none, if before departure; 3. Contract of transportation of passengers
full, if after departure on sea voyages
2. if death is due to defense of vessel - full 4. Loan on bottomry
payment; 5. Loan on respondentia
3. if captured in defense of vessel - full payment; 6. Marine insurance
4. if captured due to carelessness - wages up to
the date of the capture. (Art. 645) CHARTER PARTY
 A contract by virtue of which the owner or agent
Complement of the Vessel binds himself to transport merchandise or persons
 All persons on board, from the captain to the for a fixed price.
cabin boy, necessary for the management,  A contract by which an entire ship, or some
maneuvers, and service, thus including the crew, principal part thereof is let/leased by the owner to
the sailing mates, engineers, stokers and other another person for a specified time or use. (Planters
employees on board not having specific Products, Inc. vs. CA, 226 SCRA 476)
designations.  Parties:

Laws);
1. Ship owner or ship agent liable to others caused carrier and must answer
2. Charterer by its negligence for any breach of duty
 Classes: Charterer regarded as Charterer is not
1. Bareboat or demise – The charterer provides owner pro hac vice for regarded as owner.
crew, food and fuel. The charterer is liable as if he the voyage
were the owner, except when the cause arises from Owner of vessel The vessel owner
the unworthiness of the vessel. The shipowner relinquishes possession, retains possession,
leases to the charterer the whole vessel, command and command and
transferring to the latter the entire command, navigation to charterer navigation of the ship
possession and consequent control over the vessel’s
navigation, including the master and the crew, who
thereby become the charter’s servants. It Common carrier is Common carrier is not
transforms a common carrier into a private carrier. converted to private converted to a private
 The charterer becomes the owner of the carrier. carrier.
vessel pro hac vice, just for that one particular
purpose only. Because the charterer is treated
as owner pro hac vice, the charterer assumes
the customary rights and liabilities of the PERSONS WHO MAY MAKE A CHARTER
shipowner to third persons and is held liable 1. Owner or owners of the vessel, either in
for the expense of the voyage and the wages whole or in majority part, who have legal
of the seamen. control and possession of the vessel
2. Contract of Affreightment – A contract whereby 2. Charterer may subcharter entire vessel to
the owner of the vessel leases part or all of its 3rd person only if not prohibited in original
space to haul goods for others. charter. (Art.679)
 The shipowner retains the possession, 3. Ship agent if authorized by the owner/s or
command and navigation of the ship, the given such power in the certificate of
charterer merely having use of the space in the appointment. (Art.598)
vessel in return for his payment of the charter 4. Captain in the absence of the ship agent
hired. or consignee and only if he acts in
 Kinds: accordance with the instructions of the
a. Time charter – vessel is chartered for a agent or owner and protects the latter’s
fixed period of time or duration of voyage. interests. (Art.609)
b. Voyage or trip charter – the vessel is
leased for one or series of voyages REQUISITES OF A VALID CHARTER PARTY
usually for purposes of transporting goods 1. Consent of the contracting parties
for charterer. 2. Existing vessel which should be placed at
the disposition of the shipper
LEASE CHARTER PARTY 3. Freight
If for a definite period, Charterer may rescind 4. Compliance with Art. 652 of the Code of
lessee cannot give up charter party by paying Commerce
the lease by paying a half of the freightage
portion of the amount agreed upon.
agreed upon.
If the leased property is The new owner is not
sold to one who knows compelled to respect the Clauses Which May Be Included In a Charter
of the existence of the charter party so long as Party
lease, the new owner he can load the vessel
must respect the lease. with his own cargo. (Art. Jason clause Clause paramount or
689) paramount clause
Civil law concept Commercial law concept
CHARTER PARTY BILL OF LADING

An entire or complete More like a private
contract. receipt which the
captain gives to accredit
goods received from
persons
Consensual contract Real contract
BAREBOAT OR CONTRACT OF
DEMISE CHARTER AFFREIGHTMENT
(TIME OR VOYAGE
CHARTER)
Charterer becomes Owner remains liable as

Laws);
A stipulation in a charter A clause in a charter vessel at the vessel before the vessel to
party that in case of a party providing that the charterer’s loading by the navigate.
maritime accident for COGSA shall apply, even disposal; charterer;
which the shipowner is though the 4. Return of
not responsible by law, transportation is the vessel due
contract or otherwise, domestic, subject to the to pirates,
the cargo shippers, extent that any term of enemies or bad
consignees or owners the bill of lading is weather;
shall contribute with the repugnant to the COGSA 5. Arrival at a
shipowner in general or applicable law, then port for
average. (Pandect of to the extent thereof the repairs.
Commercial Law and provision of the bill of
Jurisprudence, Justice lading is void. (Pandect Terms:
Jose Vitug, 1997 ed.) of Commercial Law and 1. Primage - bonus to be paid to the captain after
Jurisprudence, Justice the successful voyage.
Jose Vitug, 1997 ed.) 2. Demurrage – the sum fixed in the charter party
as a remuneration to the owner of the ship for
the detention of his vessel beyond the number
of days allowed by the charter party for loading
or unloading or for sailing.
3. Deadfreight – the amount paid by or
recoverable from a charterer of a ship for the
Rights and Obligations of Parties portion of the ship’s capacity the latter
contracted for but failed to occupy.
SHIPOWNER OR CHARTERER 4. Lay Days - days allowed to charter parties for
SHIP AGENT loading and unloading the cargo.
1. If the vessel is 1. To pay the agreed 5. Extra Lay Days – days which follow after the
chartered wholly, not to charter price; lay days have elapsed.
accept cargo from 2. To pay freightage
others; on unboarded cargo; USUAL FORMS OF CONSUMMATING
2. To observe 3. To pay losses to CONTRACTS
represented capacity; others for loading 1. C.I.F. – cost, insurance and freight;
3. To unload cargo uncontracted cargo and 2. F.O.B. - free on board;
clandestinely placed illicit cargo; 3. F.A.S. - free alongside ship; and
4. To substitute 4. To wait if the 4. C. & F. - cost and freight.
another vessel if load is vessel needs repair;
less than 3/5 of 5. To pay expenses TRANSSHIPMENT OF GOODS
capacity; for deviation. (Arts.  The act of taking cargo out of one ship and
5. To leave the port if 679-687) loading it in another, or the transfer of goods from
the charterer does not the vessel stipulated in the contract of affreightment
bring the cargo within to another vessel before the place of destination
the lay days and extra named in the contract has been reached, or the
lay days allowed; transfer for further transportation from one ship or
6. To place in a vessel conveyance to another.
in a condition to  It is not dependent on the ownership of the
navigate; transporting ships or in the change of carriers, but
7. to bring cargo to rather on the fact of actual physical transfer of
nearest neutral port in cargo from one vessel to another.
case of war or blockade.  If done without legal excuse, however competent
(Arts. 669-678) and safe the vessel into which the transfer is made,
is a violation of contract and infringement of right of
shipper and subjects carrier to liability if freight is
Rescission of a Charter Party lost event by cause otherwise excepted. (Magellan
Manufacturing vs. CA, 201 SCRA 102)
At charterer’s At Fortuitous
request shipowner’s causes
LOAN ON BOTTOMRY AND RESPONDENTIA
(Art 688) request (Art. 690)
 A real, unilateral, aleatory contract, by virtue of
(Art. 689)
which one person lends to another a certain amount
1. By 1. If the extra 1. War or
of money or goods on things exposed to maritime
abandoning lay days interdiction of
risks, which amount, with its earnings, is to be
the charter and terminate commerce;
returned if the things are safely transported, and
paying half of without the 2. Blockade;
which is lost if the latter are lost.
the freightage; cargo being 3. Prohibition
2. Error in placed to receive
tonnage or alongside the cargo;
flag; vessel; 4. Embargo; LOAN ON LOAN ON
3. Failure to 2. Sale by the and BOTTOMRY RESPONDENTIA
place the owner of the 5. Inability of Definition

Laws);
Loan made by Loan taken on security Note: Under existing laws, the parties to a loan,
shipowner or ship of the cargo laden on a whether ordinary or maritime, may agree on any
agent guaranteed by vessel, and repayable rate of interest. (CB Circular 905)
vessel itself and upon safe arrival of
repayable upon arrival cargo at destination.
of vessel at (Art. 719) MARINE INSURANCE LOAN ON
destination. (Art. 719) BOTTOMRY OR
RESPONDENTIA
Who may contract Indemnity is paid after the Indemnity is paid in
loss has occurred advance by way of
Shipowner or ship Only the owner of the
a loan
agent. Outside of the cargo.
residence of the In case of loss of the vessel In case of loss of
owners - the captain. due to a risk insured the vessel due to a
against, the obligation of marine peril, the
Common elements: the insurer becomes obligation of the
1. Exposure of security to marine peril; absolute borrower to pay is
2. Obligation of the debtor conditioned only extinguished
upon safe arrival of the security at the point Consensual contract Real contract
of destination.
Forms: Hypothecary Nature of Bottomry/
1. Public instrument Respondentia
2. Policy signed by the contracting parties and GENERAL RULE: The obligation of the borrower to
the broker taking part therein pay the loan is extinguished if the goods given as
3. Private instrument (Art. 720) security are absolutely lost by reason of an accident
Contents: of the sea, during the voyage designated, and if it is
1. Kind, name and registry of the vessel; proven that the goods were on board.
2. Name, surname and domicile of the captain; EXCEPTIONS:
3. Names, surnames and domiciles of the 1. Loss due to inherent defect;
borrower and the lender; 2. Loss due to the barratry on the part of the
4. Amount of the loan and the premium captain;
stipulated; 3. Loss due to the fault or malice of the borrower;
5. Time for repayment; 4. The vessel was engaged in contraband; and
6. Goods pledged to secure repayment; 5. The cargo loaded on the vessel be different in
7. Voyage during which the risk is run (Art.721) from that agreed upon.
Concurrence of Marine Insurance and Loan on

BOTTOMRY/ ORDINARY LOAN Bottomry/Respondentia
RESPONDENTIA (MUTUUM) 1. The insurable interest of the owner of a
ship hypothecated by bottomry is only the
Not subject to Usury Subject to Usury Law excess of the value over the amount
Law secured by bottomry. (Sec. 101,
Insurance Code)
Liability of the Not subject to any
2. The value of what may be saved in case
borrower is contingent contingency (absolute
of shipwreck shall be divided between the
on the safe arrival of liability) lender and the insurer in proportion to the
the vessel or cargo at
interest of each one. (Art. 735)
destination
Note: If a vessel is hypothecated by bottomry only
The last lender is a The first lender is a the excess is insurable, since a loan on bottomry
preferred creditor preferred creditor partakes of the nature likewise of an insurance
coverage to the extent of the loan accommodation.
The same rule would apply to the hypothecation of
WHEN LOAN ON BOTTOMRY OR the cargo by respondentia. (Pandect of Commercial
RESPONDENTIA REGARDED AS SIMPLE LOAN Law and Jurisprudence, Justice Jose Vitug, 1997
1. Lender loaned an amount larger than the ed.)
value of the object due to fraudulent
means employed by the borrower. ACCIDENTS IN MARITIME COMMERCE
(ART.726) 1. Averages
2. Full amount of the loan is not used for the 2. Arrival Under Stress
cargo or given on the goods if all of them 3. Collision
could not have been loaded, the balance 4. Shipwreck
will be considered a simple loan.
(ART.727) AVERAGE
3. If the effects on which the money is taken  An extraordinary or accidental expense incurred
is not subjected to any risk. (ART.729) during the voyage in order to preserve the cargo,
vessel or both, and all damages or deterioration
suffered by the vessel from departure to the port of

Laws);
destination, and to the cargo from the port of Procedure for recovery
loading to the port of consignment. (Art. 806) 1. Assembly and
 The person whose property has been saved must deliberation
contribute to reimburse the damage caused or 2. Resolution of the
expense incurred if the situation constitutes general captain
average. 3. Entry of the
 Classes: resolution in the
1. Particular or Simple Average logbook
2. Gross or General Average 4. Detailed minutes
 Where both vessel and cargo are saved, it is 5. Delivery of the
general average; where only the vessel or only the minutes to the
cargo is saved, it is particular average. maritime judicial
 Expenses incurred to refloat a vessel, which authority of the first
accidentally ran aground, in order to continue its port, within 24 hours
voyage, do not constitute general average. Not only from arrival,
is there absence of a marine peril, common safety 6. Ratification by
factor, and deliberateness. It is the safety of the captain under oath.
property, and not the voyage, which constitutes the (Arts. 813-814)
true foundation of general average. (A. Magsaysay,
Inc. vs. Agan, G.R.No. L-6393, Jan. 31, 1955) GOODS NOT COVERED BY GENERAL AVERAGE
EVEN IF SACRIFICED
1. Goods carried on deck. (ART.855)
PARTICULAR OR GROSS OR GENERAL 2. Goods not recorded in the books or
SIMPLE records of the vessel. (ART.855 (2))
Definition 3. Fuel for the vessel if there is more than
Damages or expenses Damages or expenses sufficient fuel for the voyage. (Rule IX,
caused to the vessel or deliberately caused in York-Antwerp Rule)
cargo that did not inure order to save the
to the common benefit, vessel, its cargo or Jettison
and borne by respective both from real and  Act of throwing cargo overboard in order to
owners. (Art. 809) known risk. (Art. 811) lighten the vessel.
Requisites  Order of goods to be cast overboard:
1. common danger; 1. Those which are on the deck, preferring
2. deliberate the heaviest one with the least utility and
sacrifice; value;
3. success; 2. Those which are below the upper deck,
4. proper formalities beginning with the one with greatest
and legal steps. weight and smallest value. (Art. 815)
Liability
The owner of the goods All the persons having  Jettisoned goods are not res nullius nor deemed
which gave rise to the an interest in the “abandoned” within the meaning of civil law so as to
expense or suffered the vessel and the cargo be the object of occupation by salvage. (Pandect of
damage shall bear this therein at the time of Commercial Law and Jurisprudence, Justice Jose
average. (Art. 810) the occurrence of the Vitug, 1997 ed.)
average shall  In order that the jettisoned goods may be
contribute to satisfy included in the gross or general average, the
this average. (Art. 812) existence of the cargo on board should be proven
 The insurers by means of the bill of lading. (Art. 816)
(Art.859) and lenders
on bottomry and York-Antwerp (Y-A) Rules on Determining
respondentia shall Liability for Averages With Regard To Deck
likewise contribute. Cargo
(Art.732). 1. Deck cargo is allowed only in
Number of interests involved domestic/coastwise/inter-island shipping, and is
Only one interest Several interests prohibited in international/overseas/foreign
involved involved shipping.
Share in the damage or expense 2. If deck cargo is loaded with the consent of the
100% share In proportion to the shipper on overseas trade, it must always contribute
to general average, but should the same be
value of the owner’s
jettisoned, it would not be entitled to
property saved
reimbursement because there is violation of the Y-A
Right to recover
Rules.
No reimbursement There may be
3. If deck cargo is loaded with the consent of the
reimbursement
shipper on coastwise shipping, it must always
Kinds (not exclusive) contribute to general average and if jettisoned
Art. 809 Art. 811 would be entitled to reimbursement.
 Reason: In domestic shipping, voyages are

Laws);
usually short and the seas are generally not rough. COLLISION
In overseas shipping, the vessel is exposed for  Impact of two vessels both of which are moving.
many days to perils of the sea.
Allision
DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL  Impact between a moving vessel and a stationary
Deck cargo is allowed Deck cargo is not one.
allowed
With shipper’s consent Nautical Rules to Determine Negligence
General average Particular average 1. When two vessels are about to enter a port,
Without shipper’s consent the farther one must allow the nearer to enter
first; if they collide, the fault is presumed to be
Captain is liable Captain is liable
imputable to the one who arrived later, unless
it can be proved that there was no fault on its
ARRIVAL UNDER STRESS (ARRIBADA)
part.
 The arrival of a vessel at the nearest and most
2. When two vessels meet, the smaller should
convenient port instead of the port of destination, if
give the right of way to the larger one.
during the voyage the vessel cannot continue the
3. A vessel leaving port should leave the way
trip to the port of destination.
clear for another which may be entering the
same port.
When lawful When Who bears 4. The vessel which leaves later is presumed to
unlawful expenses: have collided against one which has left earlier.
5. There is a presumption against the vessel
The inability to 1. Lack of The shipowner which sets sail in the night.
continue provisions due or ship agent 6. There is a presumption against the vessel with
voyage is due to negligence to is liable in case spread sails which collides with another which
to lack of carry according of unlawful is at anchor and cannot move, even when the
provisions, to usage and arrival under crew of the latter has received word to lift
well-founded customs; stress. But anchor, when there was not sufficient time to
fear of seizure, 2. Risk of they shall not do so or there was fear of a greater damage or
privateers, enemy not well be liable for other legitimate reason.
pirates, or known or the damages 7. There is a presumption against an improperly
accidents of manifest caused by moored vessel.
the sea 3. Defect of reason of a 8. There is a presumption against a vessel which
disabling it to vessel due to lawful arrival. has no buoys to indicate the location of its
navigate. (Art. improper (Art. 821) anchors to prevent damage to vessels which
819) repair; and may approach it.
4. Malice, 9. Vessels must have “proper look-outs” or
negligence, lack persons trained as such and who have no
of foresight or other duty aside therefrom. (Smith Bell v. CA)
skill of captain.
(Art. 820) Nautical Rules as to Sailing Vessel and
Steamship
 It is the duty of the captain to continue the 1. Where a steamship and a sailing vessel are
voyage without delay after the cause of the arrival approaching each other from opposite
under stress has ceased failing in such duty renders directions, or on intersecting lines, the
him liable. However, in case the cause has been risk steamship from the moment the sailing vessel
of enemies, there must first be an assembly before is seen, shall watch with the highest diligence
departure. (Art. 825) her course and movements so as to be able to
 Steps: adopt such timely means of precaution as will
1. Captain should determine during the necessarily prevent the two boats from coming
voyage if there is well founded fear of in contact.
seizure, privateers and other valid 2. The sailing vessel is required to keep her
grounds; course unless the circumstances require
2. Captain shall assemble the officers and otherwise.
summon the persons interested in the
cargo who may attend the meeting but Zones of Time in the Collision of Vessels
without a right to vote; 1. First zone – all time up to the moment when risk
3. The officers shall determine and agree if of collision begins.
there is well-founded reason after  No rule is as yet applicable for none is necessary.
examining the circumstances. The 2. Second zone – time between moment when risk
captain shall have the deciding vote; of collision begins and moment it becomes a
4. The agreement shall be drafted and the practical certainty.
proper minutes shall be signed and  It is in this period where conduct of the vessels is
entered in the log book; primordial. It is in this zone that vessels must
5. Objections and protests shall likewise be strictly observe nautical rules, unless a departure
entered in the minutes. therefrom becomes necessary to avoid imminent
danger.

Laws);
3. Third zone – time when collision is certain and recovering losses and damages.
time of impact.  Excuses for not filing protest: 1) where the
 An error in this zone would no longer be legally interested person is not on board the vessel; and 2)
consequential. on collision time, need not be protested. (Art. 836)
 Error in Extremis - sudden movement made by a  Cases applicable:
faultless vessel during the third zone of collision 1. Collision (Art. 835);
with another vessel which is at fault during the 2nd 2. Arrival under stress (Art. 612(8));
zone. Even if such sudden movement is wrong, no 3. Shipwrecks (Arts. 612(15), 843);
responsibility will fall on said faultless vessel. 4. Where the vessel has gone through a
(Urrutia and Co. v. Baco River Plantation Co., 26 hurricane or when the captain believes
PHIL 632) that the cargo has suffered damages or
averages (Art. 624).
Cases Covered By Collision and Allision  Who makes: Captain
1. One vessel at fault  When made: within 24 hours from the time the
 Vessel at fault is liable for damage caused to collision took place.
innocent vessel as well as damages suffered by the  Before whom made: competent authority at the
owners of cargo of both vessels. (Art. 826) point of collision or at the first port of arrival, if in
2. Both vessels at fault the Philippines and to the Philippine consul, if the
 Each vessel must bear its own loss, but the collision took place abroad. (Art. 835)
shippers of both vessels may go against the
shipowners who will be solidarily liable. (Art. 827) SHIPWRECK
3. Vessel at fault not known  It is the loss of the vessel at sea as a
 Each vessel must bear its own loss, but the consequence of its grounding, or running against an
shippers of both vessels may go against the object in sea or on the coast. It occurs when the
shipowners who will be solidarily liable. (Art. 828) vessel sustains injuries due to a marine peril
 Doctrine of Inscrutable Fault – In case of rendering her incapable of navigation.
collision where it cannot be determined which  If the wreck was due to malice, negligence or
between the two vessels was at fault, both lack of skill of the captain, the owner of the vessel
vessels bear their respective damage, but both may demand indemnity from said captain. (Art. 841)
should be solidarily liable for damage to the  The rules on collision or allision, as may be
cargo of both vessels. pertinent, can equally apply to shipwrecks.
4. Third vessel at fault
 The third vessel will be liable for losses and SPECIAL CONCEPTS
damages. (Art. 831) ARRASTRE SERVICE
5. Fortuitous event/force majeure  A contract for the unloading of goods from a
 No liability. Each bears its own loss. (Art. 830) vessel.
 Applicability: Overseas trade only. (Commercial
 The doctrine of res ipsa loquitur applies in case a Law Review, C. Villanueva, 2004 ed.)
moving vessel strikes a stationary object, such as a  Significance: When a person brings in cargo
bridge post, dock, or navigational aid. (Far Eastern from abroad, he cannot unload and deliver the
Shipping v. CA, Luzon Stevedoring vs. CA) cargo by himself. The unloading must be done by
the arrastre operator, which will then deliver the
 Even if the cause of action against the common cargo to the importer. (Commercial Law Review, C.
carrier is based on quasi-delict, the defense of due Villanueva, 2004 ed.)
diligence in the selection and supervision of  Nature of business: It is a public utility,
employees is unavailing in case of a maritime tort discharging functions which are heavily invested
resulting in collision. It is not a civil tort governed by with public interest.
the Civil Code but a maritime one governed by Arts.  Liability:
826-839 of the Code of Commerce. (Manila 1. Similar to a warehouseman (Lua Kian v. Manila
Steamship vs. Insa Abdulhaman) Railroad)
2. Similar to a common carrier (Northern Motors
 Doctrine of Last Clear Chance and Rule on v. Prince Line)
Contributory Negligence cannot be applied in 3. Solidary liability with the common carrier
collision cases because of Art.827 of the Code of
Commerce. (Notes and Cases on the Law on Note: In order that the arrastre operator may be
Transportation and Public Utilities, Aquino, T. & held liable, the consignee must prove that the
Hernando, R.P. 2004 ed.) damage was due to the negligence and while the
goods are in the custody of the arrastre operator.
MARITIME PROTEST (Hartford Fire Insurance v. E. Razon, Inc.)
 Condition precedent or prerequisite to recovery
of damages arising from collisions and other STEVEDORING SERVICE
maritime accidents.  The carriage of goods from the warehouse or
 It is a written statement made under oath by the pier to the holds of the vessel. (Chief of Staff vs.
captain of a vessel after the occurrence of an CIR)
accident or disaster in which the vessel or cargo is  As understood in the port business, the term
lost or damaged, with respect to the circumstances consists of the handling of cargo from the hold of
attending such occurrence, for the purpose of the ship to the dock, in case of pier-side unloading;

Laws);
or to a barge, in case of unloading at sea. (Anglo-Fil brought within one year after:
Trading Corp. vs. Lazaro) a. Delivery of the goods (delivered but
 The loading on the ship of outgoing cargo is also damaged goods); or
part of stevedoring work. (Ibid.) b. The date when the goods should have
been delivered (non-delivery). (Sec. 3[6])
CONTAINERIZATION/ “SAID-TO-CONTAIN”/
“SHIPPER’S LOAD AND COUNT” SYSTEM  “Loss or Damage” as applied to the COGSA
 System whereby the shipper loads his cargoes in contemplates a situation where no delivery at all
a specially designed container, seals the container was made by the shipper of the goods because the
and delivers it to the carrier for transportation. The same had perished, gone out of commerce, or
carrier does not participate in the counting of the disappeared in such a way that their existence is
merchandise for loading into the container, the unknown or they cannot be recovered. Thus, it is
actual loading, and the sealing of the container. (US inapplicable in case of misdelivery or conversion.
Lines v. Comm. Of Customs, ICTSI v. Prudential (Ang vs. American Steamship Agencies Inc.) and
Guarantee) damage arising from delay or late delivery (Mitsui
 The matter of quantity, description and O.S.K. Lines Ltd. vs. CA). In such instance the, Civil
conditions of the cargo inside the container is the Code rules on prescription shall apply.
sole responsibility of the shipper, unless there is
stipulation to the contrary. (US Lines vs. Comm. Of  The one-year prescriptive period is suspended
Customs, Reyma Brokerage v. Phil. Home by:
Assurance) 1. The express agreement of the parties
(Universal Shipping Lines, Inc. vs. IAC,
Note: In order to attribute to the carrier any 188 SCRA 170)
damage to the shipment that may be found, 2. The filing of an action in court until it is
inspection of the goods should be done at pier-side. dismissed. (Stevens & Co. vs.
(Bankers vs. CA) Nordeutscher Lloyd, 6 SCRA 180)
III. CARRIAGE OF GOODS BY SEA ACT/COGSA  The one-year period shall run from delivery of
(C.A. No. 65) the last package and is not suspended by
extrajudicial demand. (Dole Phils.,Inc. vs. Maritime
APPLICABILITY Co.,148 SCRA 118)
 The transportation must be:
1. Water/maritime transportation;  The one-year period shall run from delivery to
2. for the carriage of goods; and the arrastre operator and not to the consignee.
3. overseas/international/foreign (from (Union Carbide Phils, Inc. vs. Manila Railroad
foreign port to Philippine port). Co.,SCRA 359)
 It can be applied in domestic sea transportation if
agreed upon by the parties. (Clause paramount or  The insurer exercising its right of subrogation is
paramount clause) bound by the one-year prescriptive period.
However, it does not apply to the claim against the
IMPORTANT FEATURES: insurer for the insurance proceeds. (Fil. Merchants
1. Amount of carrier’s liability Ins. Co. vs. Alejandro; Mayer Steel Pipe Corp. vs.
2. Notice of damage CA)
3. Prescriptive period
IV. WARSAW CONVENTION OF 1929 (WC)
AMOUNT OF CARRIER’S LIABILITY
 Under the Sec. 4(5), the liability limit is set at PURPOSE: To protect the emerging air
$500 per package or customary freight unit unless transportation industry and to secure the uniformity
the nature and value of such goods is declared by of recovery by the passengers.
the shipper. This is deemed incorporated in the bill APPLICABILITY
of lading even if not mentioned in it. (Eastern  The transportation must be:
Shipping vs. IAC, 150 SCRA 463) 1. International transportation;
 Note that Art. 1749, NCC applies to 2. Air transportation; and
domestic/inter-island/coastwise trade. 3. Carriage of passengers, baggage or
goods.
NOTICE OF DAMAGE (SEC. 3(6))  The WC shall also apply to fortuitous
 Rules: transportation by aircraft performed by an air
a. Patent damage: shipper should file a claim with transportation enterprise.
the carrier immediately upon delivery
b. Latent damage: shipper should file a claim with  International transportation - any transportation
the carrier within three days from delivery. in which the place of departure and the place of
destination are situated either:
Note: The filing of a notice of claim is not a 1. Within the territories of two High
condition precedent. Contracting Parties regardless of whether or
not there be a break in the transportation or
PRESCRIPTIVE PERIOD transshipment, or
 Action for loss or damage to the cargo should be 2. Within the territory of a single High

Laws);
Contracting Party, if there is an agreed

stopping place within a territory subject to the LIMIT OF LIABILITY (Art. 22, as amended by
sovereignty, mandate or authority of another Guatemala Protocol, 1971; Alitalia vs. IAC)
power, even though that power is not a party 1. Passengers
to the Convention. (“round trip”, Am. Jur.) GENERAL RULE: $100,000 per passenger
EXCEPTION: Agreement to a higher limit
 Transportation to be performed by several
successive air carriers shall be deemed to be one
undivided transportation, if it has been regarded by
the parties as a single operation, whether it has 2. Checked-in baggage
been agreed upon under the form of a single GENERAL RULE: $20 per kilogram
contract or of a series of contracts, and it shall not EXCEPTION: In case of special declaration of
lose its international character merely because one value and payment of a supplementary sum by
contract or a series of contracts is to be performed consignor, carrier is liable to not more than the
entirely within a territory subject to the sovereignty, declared sum unless it proves the sum is greater
suzerainty, mandate, or authority of the same High than actual value.
Contracting Party. (Art. 1 Sec.3) 3. Hand-carried baggage
 $1000/passenger
WHEN INAPPLICABLE 4. Goods to be shipped
1. When public policy is contradicted; GENERAL RULE: $20 per kilogram
2. If the requirements under the Convention EXCEPTION: In case of special declaration of
are not complied with. value and payment of a supplementary sum by
consignor, carrier is liable to not more than the
IMPORTANT CONCEPTS: declared sum unless it proves the sum is greater
1. Transportation documents than actual value.
a. Passenger ticket
b. Baggage check  An agreement relieving the carrier from liability
c. Air way bill or fixing a lower limit is null and void. (Art. 23)
2. Liability of the carrier for damages  Carrier is not entitled to the foregoing limit if the
a. Death or injury to passengers damage is caused by willful misconduct or default
b. Loss or damage to baggage or goods on its part. (Art. 25)
c. Delay
3. Successive carrier agreement  Thus, the WC does not operate as an exclusive
4. Jurisdiction enumeration of the instances of an absolute limit of
5. Combined transportation agreement the extent of liability. It does not preclude the
application of the Civil Code and other pertinent
PASSENGER BAGGAGE AIR local laws. It does not regulate or exclude liability
TICKET CHECK WAYBILL for other breaches of contract by the carrier, or
Passenger Checked-in Goods to be misconduct of its employees, or for some particular
baggage shipped or exceptional type of damage. (Alitalia vs. CA)
LIABILITY OF CARRIER FOR DAMAGES  In PanAm v. IAC, the WC was applied as regards
1. Death or injury of a passenger if the accident the limitation on the carrier’s liability, there being a
causing it took place on board the aircraft or in the simple loss of baggage without any improper
course of its operations of embarking or conduct on the part of the officials or employees of
disembarking; (Art. 17) the airline or other special injury sustained by the
2. Destruction, loss or damage to any baggage or passenger.
goods, if it took place during the “transportation by
air”; (Art. 18) and  In KLM Royal v. Tuller, the WC has invariably
 Transportation by air – The period during which been held inapplicable, or as not restrictive of the
the baggage or goods are in the charge of the carrier’s liability, where there was satisfactory
carrier, whether in an airport or on board an evidence of malice or bad faith attributable to its
aircraft, or, in case of a landing outside an airport, officers and employees. (Alitalia vs. IAC)
in any place whatsoever.
It includes any transportation by land or water
outside an airport if such takes place in the
performance of a contract for transportation by air, ACTION FOR DAMAGES
for the purpose of loading, delivery, or 1. Notice of claim
transshipment.  A written complaint must me made within:
3. Delay in the transportation of passengers, a. 3 days from receipt of baggage
baggage or goods. (Art. 19) b. 7 days from receipt of goods
c. In case of delay, 14 days from receipt of
Note: The Hague Protocol amended the WC by baggage/goods
removing the provision that if the airline took all  The complaint is a condition precedent. Without
necessary steps to avoid the damage, it could the complaint, the action is barred except in case of
exculpate itself completely (Art. 20(1)). (Alitalia vs. fraud on the part of the carrier. (Art. 26)
IAC, 192 SCRA 9)

Laws);
2. Prescriptive period V. SALVAGE LAW (Act No. 2616)

 Action must be filed within 2 years from:
a. date of arrival at the destination SALVAGE
b. date of expected arrival  Two concepts:
c. date on which the transportation stopped. 1. Services one person renders to the owner of a
(Art. 29) ship or goods, by his own labor, preserving the
goods or the ship which the owner or those
 In United Airlines vs. Uy the two-year prescriptive entrusted with the care of them have either
period was not applied where the airline employed abandoned in distress at sea, or are unable to
delaying tactics. protect or secure.
2. Compensation allowed to persons by whose
RULE IN CASE OF VARIOUS SUCCESSIVE voluntary assistance a ship at sea or her cargo or
CARRIERS both have been saved in whole or in part from
1. Carriage of passengers impending sea peril, or such property recovered
GENERAL RULE: Action is filed only against the from actual peril or loss, as in cases of shipwreck,
carrier in which the accident or delay occurred. derelict or recapture.
EXCEPTION: Agreement or contract whereby the  Requisites:
first carrier assumed liability for the whole journey. 1. Valid object of salvage;
2. Carriage of baggage or goods 2. Object must have been exposed to marine
a. Passenger or consignor can file an action peril (not perils of the ship);
against the first carrier and the carrier in 3. Services rendered voluntarily (neither an
which the damage occurred existing duty nor out of a pre-existing
b. Passenger or consignee can file an action contract);
against the last carrier and the carrier in 4. Services are successful, total or partial.
which the damage occurred.  Subjects of Salvage:
 These carriers are jointly and severally 1. Ship itself;
liable. (Art. 30) 2. Jetsam – goods which are cast into the sea, and
there sink and remain under water;
 A contract of international carriage by air, 3. Floatsam or Flotsam – goods which float upon
although performed by different carriers under a the sea when cast overboard;
series of airline tickets constitutes a single 4. Ligan or Lagan – goods cast into the sea tied to a
operation. Members of the International Air buoy, so that they may be found again by the
Transportation Association (IATA) are under a owners (p.173, Judge Diaz).
general pool partnership agreement wherein they  Persons who have no right to a reward for
act as agent of each other in the issuance of tickets salvage:
to contracted passengers to boost ticket sales 1. Crew of the vessel saved;
worldwide and at the same time provide passengers 2. Person who commenced Salvage in spite of
easy access to airlines which are otherwise opposition of the Captain or his representative;
inaccessible in some parts of the world. (American 3. In accordance with Sec. 3 of the Salvage Law,
Airlines vs. CA) a person who fails to deliver a salvaged vessel or
cargo to the Collector of Customs.
 Under a general pool partnership agreement, the
ticket-issuing airline is the principal in a contract of  Derelict – a ship or her cargo which is
carriage while the endorsee-airline is the agent. abandoned and deserted at sea by those who are in
The obligation of the former remained and did not charge of it, without any hope of recovering it, or
cease even when the breach occurred not on its without any intention of returning to it.
own flight but on that of another airline which had
undertaken to carry the passengers to one of their  The intention of those in charge must be
destinations. (China Airlines vs. Chiok) ascertained. If those in charge left with the
intention of returning, or of procuring assistance,
JURISDICTION the property is not derelict, but if they quitted the
 At the option of the plaintiff, the action for property with the intention of finally leaving it, it is
damages may be filed in the: derelict and a change of their intention and an
a. Court of domicile of the carrier; attempt to return will not change its nature
b. Court of its principal place of business; (Erlanger & Galinger vs. Swedish East Asiatic Co.
c. Court where it has a place of business Ltd.).
through which the contract has been
made; or  If it is clear that the intention to return is slight,
d. Court of the place of destination. (Art. the salvage which was done thereafter is considered
28(1)) valid. (Notes and Cases on the Law on
NOTE: It is the passenger’s “ultimate destination” Transportation and Public Utilities, Aquino, T. &
not “an agreed stopping place” that determines the Hernando, R.P. 2004 ed. p. 616)
country where suit is to be filed.
 The forum of action provided in Art. 28(1) is a CONTRACT OF TOWAGE
matter of jurisdiction rather than of venue. (Santos  A contract whereby one vessel, usually
III vs. Northwest; 2A C.J.S.) motorized, pulls another, whether loaded or not
with merchandise, from one place to another, for a

Laws);
compensation. It is a contract for services rather GENERAL RULE: No public service shall operate
than a contract of carriage. without having been issued a certificate of public
convenience or a certificate of public convenience
and necessity.
SALVAGE TOWAGE EXCEPTIONS:
1. Warehouses;
Governed by special Governed by Civil Code
2. Animal drawn vehicles and bancas moved
law (Act No. 2616) on contract of lease
by oar or sail;
3. Airships, except for the fixing of maximum
Requires success, Success is not required rates for fare and freight;
otherwise no payment 4. Radio companies, except for rates fixing;
5. Public services owned or operated by the
Must be done with the Only the consent of government, except as to rates fixing;
consent of the the tugboat owner is 6. Ice plants; and
captain/crewmen needed 7. Public markets.
Vessel must be Vessel need not be
involved in an accident involved in an accident PUBLIC SERVICE
 A person who owns, operates, manages or
controls in the Philippines for hire or compensation,
Fees distributed Fees belong to the with general or limited clientele, whether
among crewmen tugboat owner permanent, occasional or accidental, and done for
general business purposes, any common carrier or
RULES ON SALVAGE REWARD public utility, ice plants, power and water supplies,
1. The reward is fixed by the RTC judge in the communication and similar public services. (Sec.
absence of agreement or where the latter is 13b, CA 146)
excessive. (Sec. 9)  A casual or incidental service devoid of public
2. The reward should constitute a sufficient character and interest is not brought within the
compensation for the outlay and effort of the category. The question depends on such factors as
salvors and should be liberal enough to offer the extent of services, whether such person or
an inducement to others to render services in company has held himself or itself out as ready to
similar emergencies in the future. serve the public or a portion of the public generally.
3. If sold (no claim being made within 3 months (Luzon Stevedoring vs. PSC)
from publication), the proceeds, after
deducting expenses and the salvage claim, NOTE: The Public Service Commission created
shall go to the owner; if the latter does not under the Public Service Law has already been
claim it within 3 years, 50% of the said abolished under P.D. No. 1 and other issuances. It
proceeds shall go to the salvors, who shall has been replaced by the following government
divide it equitably, and the other half to the agencies: LTO; LTFRB; ATO; BOE; NTC; NEA; ERB;
government. (Secs. 11-12) NWRC; CAB; and MIA.
4. If a vessel is the salvor, the reward shall be
distributed as follows:
a. 50% to the shipowner; CERTIFICATE OF CERTIFICATE OF
b. 25% to the captain; and PUBLIC PUBLIC
CONVENIENCE CONVENIENCE AND
(CPC) NECESSITY (CPCN)
c. 25% to the officers and crew in
proportion to their salaries. (Sec. 13)
An authorization An authorization
 Taking passengers from a sinking ship, without issued by the issued by the
rendering any service in rescuing the vessel, is not a appropriate appropriate
salvage service, being a duty of humanity and not government agency for government agency for
for reward. the operation of public the operation of public
services for which no service for which a
VI. PUBLIC SERVICE ACT franchise, either prior franchise is
(C.A. No. 146) municipal or required by law; e.g.
legislative, is required telephone and other
PURPOSES: by law, e.g., common services.
1. To secure adequate, sustained service for carriers.
the public at the least possible cost;
2. To protect the public against
unreasonable charges and poor,
inefficient service;  A CPC or a CPCN constitutes neither a franchise
3. To protect and secure investments in nor a contract, confers no property right, and is a
public services; mere license or a privilege. The holder of said
4. To prevent ruinous competition. certificate does not acquire a property right in the
route covered thereby. Nor does it confer upon the
AUTHORITY TO OPERATE PUBLIC SERVICES holder any proprietary right or interest or franchise

Laws);
in the public highways. Revocation of this certificate UNLAWFUL ACTS OF PUBLIC UTILITY
deprives him of no vested right. New and additional COMPANIES
burdens, alteration of the certificate, or even 1. Engagement in public service business without
revocation or annulment thereof is reserved to the first securing the proper certificate;
State. (Luque vs. Villegas, 30 SCRA 408) 2. Providing or maintaining unsafe, improper or
inadequate service as determined by the
 It is a “property” and has a considerable value proper authority;
and can be the subject of sale or attachment. 3. Committing any act of unreasonable and unjust
(Cogeo-Cubao Operators and Drivers Assn. vs. CA, preferential treatment to any particular person,
207 SCRA 343, Raymundo vs. Luneta Motor Co.) corporation or entity as determined by the
proper authority;
REQUREMENTS FOR GRANTING CPC OR CPCN 4. Refusing or neglecting to carry public mail
1. Applicant must be a citizen of the Philippines or upon request. (Secs. 18 and 19)
a corporation or entity 60% of the capital of
which is owned by such citizens; ACTS REQUIRING PRIOR APPROVAL
2. Applicant must prove public necessity; 1. Establish and maintain individual or joint rates;
3. Applicant must prove that the operation of the 2. Establish and operate new units;
public service proposed and the authorization 3. Issue free tickets;
to do business will promote the public interest 4. Issue any stock or stock certificates
on a proper and suitable manner; representing an increase of capital;
4. Applicant must have sufficient financial 5. Capitalize any franchise in excess of the
capability to undertake the proposed services amount actually paid to the Government;
and meeting the responsibilities incident to its 6. Sell, alienate, mortgage or lease property,
operation. certificates or franchise.
 Under Sec. 20(g) of C.A. No. 146, the sale, etc.

POWERS POWERS may be negotiated and completed before the
REQUIRING PRIOR EXERCISABLE approval by the proper authority. Its approval is not
NOTICE AND WITHOUT PRIOR a condition precedent to the validity of the contract.
HEARING NOTICE AND The approval is necessary only to protect public
HEARING interest.
1. Issuance of CPC 1. Investigation any PRIOR OPERATOR/OLD OPERATOR RULE

or CPCN; matter concerning  The rule allowing an existing franchised operator
2. Fixing of rates, public service; to invoke a preferential right within the authorized
tolls, and charges; 2. Requiring territory as long as he renders satisfactory and
3. Setting up of operators to furnish economical service.
standards and safe, adequate, and  The policy is not to issue a certificate to a second
classifications; proper service; operator to cover the same field and in competition
4. Establishment of 3. Requiring public with a first operator who is rendering sufficient,
rules to secure services to pay adequate and satisfactory service. The prior
accuracy of all meters expenses of operator must first be given an opportunity to
and all measuring investigation; improve its service, if inadequate or deficient.
appliances; 4. Valuation of  Purpose: To prevent ruinous and wasteful
5. Issuance of properties of public competition in order that the interests of the public
orders requiring utilities; would be conserved and preserved.
establishment or 5. Examination and
maintenance of test of measuring  It subordinates the prior applicant rule which
extension of facilities; appliances; gives the first applicant priority only if things and
6. Revocation, or 6. Grant of special circumstances are equal.
modification of CPC or permits to make extra
CPCN; or special trips in  Where the operator either fails or neglects to
7. Suspension of CPC territories specified in make the improvement or effect the increase in
or CPCN, except when the certificate; services, especially when given the opportunity, new
it is necessary to 7. Uniform operators should be given the chance to give the
avoid serious and accounting system and services needed by the public.
irreparable damage or furnishing of annual
inconvenience to the reports; PRIOR APPLICANT RULE
public or private 8. Compelling  Presupposes a situation when two interested
interest, in which compliance with the persons apply for a certificate to operate a public
case, a suspension laws and regulations. utility in the same community over which no person
not more than 30 has as yet granted any certificate. If it turns out,
days may be ordered, after the hearing, that the circumstances between
prior to the hearing. the two applicants are more or less equal, then the
(Soriano v. Medina, applicant who applied ahead of the other, will be
164 SCRA 36) granted the certificate.

Laws);
RATE-FIXING POWER 2. The registered owner is primarily liable for all

 The rate to be fixed must be just, founded upon the consequences flowing from the operations
conditions which are fair and reasonable to both the of the carrier.
owner and the public.  The public has the right to assume that the
 A rate is just and reasonable if it conforms to the registered owner is the actual or lawful owner
following requirements: thereof. It would be very difficult and often
1. One which yields to the carrier a fair impossible, as a practical matter, for the public
return upon the value of the property to enforce their rights of action that they may
employed in performing the service; and have for injuries inflicted by the vehicle if they
2. One which is fair to the public for the should be required to prove who the actual
service rendered. owner is. (Benedicto vs. IAC, 187 SCRA 547)
3. The thrust of the law in enjoining the kabit
REGISTERED OWNER RULE system is to identify the person upon whom
 The registered owner of a certificate of public responsibility may be fixed with the end in view
convenience is liable to the public for the injuries or of protecting the riding public (Lim vs. CA 373
damages suffered by third persons caused by the SCRA 394).
operation of said vehicle, even though the same had 4. The registered owner cannot recover from the
been transferred to a third person. actual owner and the latter cannot obtain
 The registered owner is not allowed to escape transfer of the vehicle to himself, both being in
responsibility by proving that a third person is the pari delicto. (Teja Marketing vs. IAC)
actual and real owner Reason: It would be easy for 5. For the better protection of the public, both the
him, by collusion with others or otherwise, to registered owner and the actual owner are
transfer the responsibility to an indefinite person, or jointly and severally liable with the driver.
to one who possesses no property with which to (Zamboanga Transportation Co. vs. CA)
respond financially for the damage or injury done.
(Erezo, et al. vs. Jepte 102 Phil 103).
KABIT SYSTEM
 A system whereby a person who has been
granted a certificate of public convenience allows
other persons who own motor vehicles to operate
under such license, for a fee or percentage of such
earnings. It is void and inexistent under Art. 1409,
Civil Code.
 Effects:
1. The transfer, sale, lease or assignment of the
privilege granted is valid between the
contracting parties but not upon the public or
third persons. (Gelisan vs. Alday, 154 SCRA
388)

Laws);

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San Beda College of Law 54

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

CONTRACT OF TRANSPORTATION/ CARRIAGE Steamship Agency, 23 SCRA 24)

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

country to Philippines) 1. CASO FORTUITO/FORCE MAJEURE

COVERAGE 4. CHARACTER OF THE GOODS OR DEFECTS IN

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

Required diligence and defense

CARRIAGE OF GOODS CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS

Art.1735 Civil Code Art.1755 Civil Code

1. Ordinary circumstance: Exercise of 1. Exercise of extraordinary diligence (Art.

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

c. Act or omission of the shipper or the

1. Reduction of degree of diligence to ordinary Stipulation limiting liability when a passenger is

 The diligence required in the carriage of the goods

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

1. It is not indispensable for the creation of a own bills.

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

 Nature of position (3-fold character): 2. Obligations contracted for the repair,

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

 Does not include the passengers or the persons

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

CHARTER PARTY BILL OF LADING

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

Concurrence of Marine Insurance and Loan on

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

Contracting Party, if there is an agreed

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

2. Prescriptive period V. SALVAGE LAW (Act No. 2616)

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

COMMERCIAL LAW COMMITTEE

MEMORY AID IN COMMERCIAL LAW

 Under Sec. 20(g) of C.A. No. 146, the sale, etc.

1. Issuance of CPC 1. Investigation any PRIOR OPERATOR/OLD OPERATOR RULE