FACTS:

On March 25, 1985, Pedrito Cudiamat died as a result of a vehicular accident involving a passenger bus driven by petitioner Theodore M. Lardizabal. Private respondents, the heirs of Pedrito, filed a complaint for damages against petitioners, alleging that the bus was driven in a reckless and imprudent manner, resulting in Pedrito's death. It was also alleged that the driver, instead of immediately bringing Pedrito to the nearest hospital, first brought other passengers and cargo to their respective destinations before taking Pedrito to the hospital where he eventually died. Petitioners, on the other hand, claimed that they observed the required diligence in operating their transportation company. The trial court found Pedrito negligent but ordered petitioners to pay the heirs P10,000 as a settlement offer. The Court of Appeals reversed the decision and ordered petitioners to pay the heirs indemnity for death, moral damages, and compensatory damages. Petitioners filed this petition arguing that the Court of Appeals erred in finding them negligent and liable for damages.

ISSUES:

RULING:

PRINCIPLES:

• Factual findings of the Court of Appeals are generally final and may not be reviewed on appeal, but there are exceptions when the findings are contrary to those of the trial court.

• Common carriers are required to observe extraordinary diligence in the vigilance over and for the safety of their passengers.