Philippine teachers liable for students' harmful actions

The Philippine Supreme Court has ruled that teachers can be held liable if they do not prevent students in their care from harming others. This decision, made public on March 17, 2025, stems from a 1998 incident involving a student who caused a fatal accident. The court upheld the negligence of Gil Apolinario, principal of Barangay Palale Elementary School, in the death of Francisco de los Santos. Apolinario was ordered to pay P355,000 in damages after instructing a student to cut down a banana plant without safety precautions. The ruling clarifies that teachers are responsible for students' actions while they are under school authority, even outside regular school hours. The court emphasized that teachers must exercise reasonable supervision and take necessary precautions to ensure student safety.