18. Romero v. PP, [G.R. NO.

167546 : July 17, 2009]

Facts:

Romero was charged with the crime of reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and multiple
serious physical injuries with damage to property for the collision of the bus he was driving and a taxi.
MTC acquitted Romero since it could not ascertain with moral certainty the wanton and reckless manner
by which Romero drove the bus. Romero was, however, held civilly liable to the heirs of the victims of the
collision. Romero contended that his acquittal should have freed him from payment of civil liability. MTC,
RTC and CA dismissed his petition.

Issue: WON Romero can be held civilly liable even if he was acquitted.

Held:
Yes, Romero can still be held civilly liable. Every person criminally liable is also civilly liable. A civil
action is instituted for the restitution of the thing, repair of the damage, and indemnification for the losses.
Acquittal of an accused of the crime charged will not necessarily extinguish his civil liability, unless the
court declares in a final judgment that the fact from which the civil liability might arise did not exist.
Romero was acquitted because the prosecution failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. However,
his civil liability for the death, injuries and damages arising from the collision due to his negligence was
established by preponderance of evidence.