Cruz vs. Sun Holidays, Inc.

622 SCRA 389 ( 2010 ) BAYN

FACTS:

Petitioner lodged a Complaint against Sun Holidays, Inc. for damages arising from the
death of their son Ruelito who perished with his wife on board the boat M/B Coco Beach III that
capsized en route to Batangas from Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro where the couple had
stayed at Coco Beach Island Resort owned and operated by respondent.

Petitioners alleged that respondent, as a common carrier, was guilty of negligence in

allowing M/B Coco Beach III to sail notwithstanding storm warning bulletins issued by
PAGASA.

ISSUE:

          Whether or not Sun Holidays, Inc, is common carrier since by its tour package, the
transporting of its guests is an integral part of its resort business.

HELD:

Yes. The Civil Code defines “common carriers” in the following terms: “Article 1732. Common
carriers are persons, corporations, firms or associations engaged in the business of carrying or
transporting passengers or goods or both, by land, water, or air for compensation, offering their
services to the public.